Begin Capital Markets
IC Markets
Begin Capital Markets vs IC Markets
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Begin Capital Markets and IC Markets are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Begin Capital Markets, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, is regulated by CySEC (formerly) and offers spreads starting from N/A with a minimum deposit of $0. IC Markets, established in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, FSA with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $200 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, IC Markets scored 8.8/10 overall compared to Begin Capital Markets's 5/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Begin Capital Markets holds its own with overall value, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
IC Markets scores 8.8/10 overall vs 5/10 for Begin Capital Markets — a 3.8-point difference.
- 💵
Begin Capital Markets requires just $0 to start, while IC Markets needs $200 — Begin Capital Markets is 200x more accessible.
- 🛡️
IC Markets holds Tier 1 regulation (ASIC, CySEC, FSA) offering stronger investor protection than Begin Capital Markets's Unrated status.
- 📈
IC Markets offers 2,200+ instruments vs 0+ at Begin Capital Markets — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Begin Capital Markets runs on N/A, while IC Markets uses MT4, MT5, cTrader — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: IC Markets scores 9.5 vs 5.0 for Begin Capital Markets — a 4.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
Begin Capital Markets
Score: 5.0/10 · Wins 0 categories- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
- You prefer Begin Capital Markets's trading environment overall
IC Markets
Score: 8.8/10 · Wins 8 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
IC Markets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.8/10 compared to 5/10, winning in 8 out of 8 scoring categories. IC Markets stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Begin Capital Markets remains a solid alternative.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, IC Markets comes out ahead with a 8.8/10 overall rating, winning 8 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Trading Costs where it scores 9.5/10. IC Markets holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. Begin Capital Markets is not without merit — it scores 5/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (5.5/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full IC Markets review and Begin Capital Markets review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
IC Markets wins by 4.5 points
IC Markets wins by 4.0 points
IC Markets wins by 3.5 points
IC Markets wins by 2.0 points
IC Markets wins by 3.0 points
IC Markets wins by 2.5 points
IC Markets wins by 3.5 points
IC Markets wins by 3.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 5.0/10 | 8.8/10 ✓ |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $0 ✓ | $200 |
| Max Leverage | N/A | 1:500 |
| Spreads From | N/A | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | N/A | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Regulation | CySEC (formerly) | ASIC, CySEC, FSA |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2015 | 2007 ✓ |
| Markets | 0+ | 2,200+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, IC Markets has the edge with a score of 9.5/10 versus 5/10 for Begin Capital Markets. Begin Capital Markets offers spreads starting from N/A, while IC Markets starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Begin Capital Markets is $0, compared to $200 at IC Markets. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
IC Markets scores 9/10 for platforms compared to 5/10 for Begin Capital Markets. Begin Capital Markets provides N/A, while IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Begin Capital Markets is regulated by CySEC (formerly) (Unrated), while IC Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Tier 1). Begin Capital Markets scores 5.5/10 and IC Markets scores 9/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, IC Markets leads with 7/10 compared to 5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Begin Capital Markets and IC Markets both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
Begin Capital Markets offers No longer operational and scores 5/10, while IC Markets provides 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Begin Capital Markets scores 5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while IC Markets scores 8.5/10. Begin Capital Markets accepts N/A, and IC Markets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Begin Capital Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $200 for IC Markets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Begin Capital Markets if you...
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
- You prefer Begin Capital Markets's trading environment overall
Choose IC Markets if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Begin Capital Markets better than IC Markets?
IC Markets scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 5/10), winning 8 of 8 categories. However, Begin Capital Markets remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Begin Capital Markets or IC Markets?
IC Markets scores higher for trading costs. Begin Capital Markets offers spreads from N/A with a $0 minimum deposit, while IC Markets starts from 0.0 pips with $200 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Begin Capital Markets safe to trade with?
Begin Capital Markets is regulated by CySEC (formerly) and scores 5.5/10 for regulation. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA with a score of 9/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Begin Capital Markets or IC Markets?
IC Markets scores 9/10 for platforms. Begin Capital Markets offers N/A, while IC Markets provides MT4, MT5, cTrader. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Begin Capital Markets vs IC Markets?
Begin Capital Markets requires a minimum deposit of $0, while IC Markets requires $200. Begin Capital Markets has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.