IC Markets Review 2026
High-volume ECN broker popular with scalpers and algo traders.
IC Markets is a strongly regulated broker founded in 2007, operating under ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus) and FSA (Seychelles). Its headline draw is high-volume ecn broker popular with scalpers and algo traders — backed by a 0.1 pip average EUR/USD spread, a real minimum deposit of €200 and instant / same day withdrawals. In our neutral, data-only ranking it scores 4.3/5 and places #6 of 148 brokers we track, with its strongest area being withdrawal speed. This review breaks down its regulation, fees, platforms, account terms and withdrawals so you can decide whether it fits your needs.
Pros of IC Markets
- ✔Strong regulatory footprint (ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSA (Seychelles)), scoring 4/5 on our safety scale
- ✔Tight 0.1 pip average EUR/USD spread — among the lowest in our set
- ✔Instant / same day withdrawals — cash back quickly
- ✔Broad platform choice: MT4, MT5, cTrader
- ✔Wide market coverage across 6 asset classes
- ✔High 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating from 24,000 reviews
- ✔Negative balance protection and segregated client funds
- ✔Free unlimited demo account to practise first
Cons of IC Markets
- –Higher $7 per-lot commission adds to round-turn cost
- –Higher real minimum deposit of €200
- –Very high 500:1 leverage available, which magnifies losses as well as gains
IC Markets at a glance
| Minimum deposit (real) | €200 |
| Avg EUR/USD spread | 0.1 pips |
| Commission / lot | $7 |
| Max leverage | 1:500 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Asset classes | Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto, Bonds |
| Regulators | ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSA (Seychelles) |
| Withdrawal time | Instant / same day |
| Trustpilot | 4.6/5 (24,000 reviews) |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Demo account | Yes |
| Negative balance protection | Yes |
| Segregated funds | Yes |
Last verified: 2026-08-04. The €500 figure shown near the button is our recommended starting budget, not a real minimum — the true minimum deposit is €200.
Regulation & safety
IC Markets operates under ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSA (Seychelles) and scores 4/5 on our regulation and safety scale. That is a strong result, giving clients meaningful oversight and recourse. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and negative balance protection is in place.
Fees & spreads
The typical EUR/USD spread at IC Markets is 0.1 pips, and commission is $7 per standard lot. That puts its raw trading cost among the lowest brokers we track. Round-turn cost is the spread plus roughly $14 in commission per lot, so factor both in.
Platforms
IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader across 6 asset classes (Forex, Indices, Commodities, Stocks, Crypto, Bonds). That is a broad line-up, covering both the MetaTrader ecosystem and additional options for different trading styles. Maximum retail leverage is 1:500, which is high and should be used with care.
Account & minimum deposit
The real minimum first deposit at IC Markets is €200, a little higher than the cheapest brokers we track. A free demo account is available. While you can open with the minimum, we suggest budgeting around €500 so you have room to manage risk sensibly rather than trading a tiny, easily-wiped balance.
Deposits & withdrawals
IC Markets typically processes withdrawals in Instant / same day — among the fastest in our set, which matters if you withdraw often. Actual arrival depends on your payment method and bank. Its 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating across 24,000 reviews gives a rough external read on how smoothly customers say payouts and support work.
Who IC Markets is for
IC Markets suits cost-sensitive, active traders, especially with instant / same day withdrawals and a €200 entry point. Traders who need the absolute lowest costs or the broadest platform choice should still compare it against our top-ranked alternatives.
Neutral score breakdown
Sub-scores are computed only from objective data — affiliation and bonuses are never inputs. See our methodology.
IC Markets review FAQ
Is IC Markets regulated?
Yes. IC Markets is authorised by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSA (Seychelles), and we rate its regulation 4/5 on our safety scale. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
What is the minimum deposit at IC Markets?
The real minimum first deposit at IC Markets is €200. For a comfortable start with room to manage risk, we suggest budgeting around €500 rather than the bare minimum.
How long do IC Markets withdrawals take?
IC Markets processes withdrawals in instant / same day, among the fastest in our set. Actual arrival can vary with your payment method and bank.
Is IC Markets good for beginners?
Yes — a free demo account lets beginners practise first, and the €200 minimum deposit keeps the barrier to entry low. Its strong regulation adds a layer of protection newcomers should value.
Does IC Markets offer a demo account?
Yes, IC Markets offers a free demo account so you can test its MT4 and MT5 and cTrader platform(s) with virtual funds before depositing real money.
IC Markets isn't in our current top picks
We cover IC Markets for completeness and because many traders search for it — but we have no affiliate relationship with them and they are not one of the brokers we currently recommend. That means there is no "open account" link on this page: we only place those on brokers we've vetted and stand behind. The facts above are here so you can compare IC Markets fairly against our top-rated options.
Our current top pick: FxPro
FxPro is our top-rated broker on objective, published criteria — regulation, fees and withdrawals. If you're weighing up IC Markets, compare it against FxPro first.
The information on Trding.io is for general information only and is not investment advice.