IC Markets Review 2025

Regulations: CySEC, FSA, ASIC

Instruments: Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Bonds, Cryptocurrency, Futures

IC Markets offers a variety of account types designed to suit different trading styles and experience levels. From the beginner-friendly Standard Account with commission-free trading and straightforward spreads, to the Raw Spread Accounts and cTrader Raw Spread Account tailored for active traders and scalpers seeking low spreads and fast execution, each option provides distinct features to match traders’ needs. For those requiring Sharia-compliant trading, the Islamic Account offers swap-free conditions without limiting access to all trading tools. Additionally, IC Markets provides flexible leverage options, which can go up to 1:500 on selected instruments depending on the regulatory entity, allowing traders to scale their positions while emphasizing careful risk and margin management.

IC MarketsStandard Account

The Standard Account is commission-free, with spreads starting from around 0.8 pips. It is simple and straightforward, making it suitable for beginners or traders who prefer trading without additional commission costs. It is available on MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms.

IC Markets Raw Spread Account (MT4/MT5)

The Raw Spread Account offers raw interbank spreads starting from 0.0 pips, with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side ($7 round-turn). It is designed for active traders and scalpers who want low spreads and fast execution. Available on both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, it is ideal for automated trading strategies.

IC Markets cTrader Raw Spread Account

Occasionally marketed for larger-scale deposits or consistently high turnover, a Pro or VIP arrangement can deliver improved fee levels, personalized care, or other extras. The criteria usually involve a substantial balance and steadier trade volume. Prospective enrollees can verify specifics with IC Markets to see if they qualify for these advanced benefits.

IC Markets Islamic Account (Swap-Free)

Islamic Accounts are swap-free and comply with Sharia law. They are available on Standard, Raw Spread (MT4/MT5), and cTrader accounts. These accounts remove overnight interest charges while still providing access to all trading features, making them suitable for traders who need Sharia-compliant trading.

IC Markets Leverage

In some instances, IC Markets may offer leverage up to 1:500 on chosen pairs, although actual caps depend on which regulatory branch supervises the account. While higher leverage magnifies returns, it equally augments potential drawdowns, emphasizing the importance of stringent margin management. Monitoring margin levels is crucial, notably during pivotal economic announcements known to spur abrupt market shifts. Certain locales impose tighter leverage constraints to shield less seasoned traders from substantial losses.

Catering to a world-spanning user base, IC Markets accommodates an array of deposit and withdrawal channels, spanning from bank wires, credit and debit cards, and PayPal to e-wallets like Skrill, plus various localized solutions. This ensures that traders in different regions can fund accounts or withdraw proceeds with relative ease. Also, the broker’s minimum deposit tends to stay modest, suitable for beginners and advanced operators alike.

Transaction times differ among methods: e-wallet and card transfers are usually resolved quickly, whereas bank wires can stretch across multiple working days, contingent on interbank processes. In every scenario, IC Markets applies high-level encryption and compliance procedures to protect users. Meeting AML and KYC norms, the company may request identification or proof of address prior to clearing larger withdrawals, strengthening the platform’s security layer.

IC Markets Deposit Options and Fees

Deposits submitted to IC Markets usually proceed swiftly, particularly when using major e-wallets or cards. The broker itself often refrains from deposit fees, although external banks or service providers might enforce charges outside IC Markets’ control. Whenever the account base currency differs from the one deposited, conversions come into play, potentially incurring costs that some traders avoid by choosing a matching currency.

Before transferring sizable sums, traders should confirm all verification requirements—commonly a government-issued ID plus a proof of residency—are in order. By satisfying these steps, one meets official obligations while ensuring only rightful account users handle future deposits and withdrawals.

IC Markets Withdrawals Options and Fees

Withdrawals at IC Markets are reputedly smooth, with a same-day turnaround if submissions precede the daily cut-off. Actual arrival spans hinge on the withdrawal channel: e-wallets or card refunds can be immediate or take a few hours, whereas bank wires might go on for two to five business days.

• Minimal or no withdrawal charges across many services
• Same-day processing if requests beat the cut-off
• Credit/Debit cards: Up to five days for completion
• Bank wires: Typically two-to-five days, reliant on intermediary steps

To comply with anti-fraud measures, withdrawals normally return to the original funding pathway until that sum is reimbursed. This keeps a clear financial record and certifies that only authorized owners retrieve funds. Any remainder can be requested through another route within the broker’s AML framework.

A central draw for many is IC Markets’ cost-effective orientation, emphasizing minimal spreads and moderate commissions. Regardless of whether one conducts short-term trades or employs a multi-day stance, cost-effectiveness profoundly influences net profitability. IC Markets caters to differing pricing preferences by offering varied account schemes, each shaped around distinct fee priorities.

On top of spreads and commissions, the broker publicizes other incidental costs, like charges for inactivity, processing fees, or currency conversion. By curbing hidden or unnecessary fees, IC Markets highlights its devotion to openness. This structure particularly favors traders who engage in frequent transactions, in addition to those retaining positions for lengthier periods.

IC Markets Trading Fees

IC Markets categorizes trading fees into spreads and commissions. The precise arrangement depends on which account model is preferred. The Raw Spread option, for instance, may present spreads starting as low as 0.0 pips on key currency sets, combined with a commission typically around USD 3.5 per lot, per side. Conversely, the Standard account incorporates the broker’s margin within marginally higher spreads, commonly initiating around 1.0 pip for EUR/USD, while excluding any explicit commission.

• Raw Spread Account Commission: Generally USD 3.5 per lot on each side.
• Standard Account Commission: No separate commission, but slightly larger spreads.
• Volume Incentives: Possible benefits for extensive trading volume.

Clients drawn to micro spreads for scalping or fleeting strategies might elect the Raw Spread plan. Others who desire easier cost calculations might lean toward the Standard structure. In either scenario, IC Markets’ flexible framework ensures the fee mechanism can be adapted to a wide range of trading styles and tolerance thresholds.

IC Markets Spreads

One of the more notable aspects of IC Markets is its reliably slim spreads, particularly in Raw Spread accounts. During periods of active market liquidity, major pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/USD frequently exhibit spreads in a 0.0–0.2 pip window. Additional pairs, as well as CFDs, stay comparatively competitive thanks to the broker’s aggregated liquidity from prime institutions.

Keeping such slim spreads regularly appeals to cost-conscious traders, particularly those reliant on precise entries. Nevertheless, as with any broker, spreads can broaden amid severe volatility or insufficient liquidity. Traders are thus advised to remain alert to shifting conditions and impose sound risk controls—such as limit orders and mindful leverage—when markets turn turbulent.

IC Markets Non-Trading Fees

As far as non-trading fees are concerned, IC Markets takes a relatively mild approach. The broker rarely imposes account holding fees, and depositing via major credit cards, e-wallets, or bank wires typically bears no direct charge. A handful of withdrawal channels, though, could trigger minimal costs, primarily determined by local guidelines or intermediary banks.

• No continuous account or platform fees
• No deposit charges for widely used payment corridors
• Occasional small withdrawal costs
• Potential currency exchange fees if deposit currency mismatches the base currency

Furthermore, IC Markets generally avoids inactivity surcharges, which suits individuals who either trade episodically or maintain positions over prolonged spans. Still, confirming the latest policies remains prudent, given the potential for regulatory updates or internal revisions affecting fee structures.

Unlike some brokers that routinely spotlight high-profile incentives, IC Markets predominantly champions fine trading conditions over elaborate bonus deals. Nonetheless, it occasionally presents programs, including referral bonuses or deposit-based credits. These usually feature minimum trade volume or holding criteria to ensure actual usage and keep alignment with regulations.

Because promotional guidelines fluctuate by region—some regulators limit or forbid such inducements—the exact offerings hinge on the user’s location and the relevant IC Markets entity. Checking the official website or sending a request to the support crew yields the most reliable, up-to-date promotional information.

Referral Bonus

IC Markets occasionally implements referral plans that reward both existing clients and newly introduced participants. This can entail deposit-driven credits or trading credits launched after the newcomer hits specified deposit or volume prerequisites. The objective is to spur genuine account growth while verifying the newly referred individuals maintain active trading.

Trading Credit Bonus

At intervals, IC Markets extends trading credit connected to deposits. While this bolsters available margin, the release of that credit itself generally hinges on meeting certain volume requirements. It’s vital to carefully understand the provisions if incorporating such a bonus into one’s overall account management approach.

To complement its thorough service lineup, IC Markets invests in comprehensive trader education. This includes guides clarifying platform usage, essential breakdowns for Forex novices, and deeper dives into technical signals or event-based trading. By distributing these resources, the broker helps reduce mistakes and backs methodical activity in rapidly shifting markets.

Also, IC Markets provides a demo account option for individuals to train on real-time quotes without risking tangible funds. Live seminars, whether online or in person, allow direct exposure to the ways experienced participants respond to market-moving developments, such as major announcements, or test novel automated scripts. Further bulletins, blog posts, and a calendar of economic dates keep traders apprised of prospective catalysts that can redirect price action. Altogether, these offerings steer clients toward sounder conclusions and steady refinements to their approaches on the IC Markets platform.

Before registering with IC Markets, individuals should verify their country’s eligibility, since IC Markets operates across regions in Asia, Europe, Oceania, and segments of Africa. Even so, certain jurisdictions (e.g., the U.S., Canada, and Iran) bar citizens from enrolling. As these rules may evolve without warning, the broker recommends reviewing local directives or directly contacting support to ensure compliance.

Owing to its multi-entity licensing, IC Markets tends to assign each applicant to the division conforming best with that person’s location. Prospective traders must research relevant caps on leverage, domestic regulatory demands, and other conditions impacting their accounts. This method blends international compliance with the global marketplace access that IC Markets provides.