IC Markets
Forex.com
IC Markets vs Forex.com
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
IC Markets and Forex.com are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. IC Markets, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $200. Forex.com, established in 2001 in Warren, New Jersey, USA, holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, CySEC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, IC Markets scored 8.8/10 overall compared to Forex.com's 8.5/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Forex.com holds its own with stronger regulation and superior education resources, 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 8.5/10 for Forex.com — a 0.3-point difference.
- 💵
Forex.com requires just $100 to start, while IC Markets needs $200 — Forex.com is 2x more accessible.
- 📈
Forex.com offers 5,000+ instruments vs 2,200+ at IC Markets — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
IC Markets runs on MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Forex.com uses MT4, MT5, Forex.com Platform — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Trading Costs: IC Markets scores 9.5 vs 8.0 for Forex.com — a 1.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
IC Markets
Score: 8.8/10 · Wins 3 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
Forex.com
Score: 8.5/10 · Wins 3 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
IC Markets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.8/10 compared to 8.5/10, winning in 3 out of 8 scoring categories. IC Markets stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Forex.com fights back with stronger regulation and superior education resources.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, IC Markets comes out ahead with a 8.8/10 overall rating, winning 3 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. Forex.com is not without merit — it scores 8.5/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.5/10), winning 3 categories. Traders who value stronger regulation or superior education resources may find Forex.com the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full IC Markets review and Forex.com review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
IC Markets wins by 1.5 points
IC Markets wins by 0.5 points
Forex.com wins by 0.5 points
Forex.com wins by 1.0 points
Forex.com wins by 1.0 points
IC Markets wins by 0.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 ✓ | 8.5/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $200 | $100 ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:200 |
| Spreads From | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | MT4, MT5, Forex.com Platform |
| Regulation | ASIC, CySEC, FSA | FCA, ASIC, CySEC |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 2007 | 2001 ✓ |
| Markets | 2,200+ | 5,000+ ✓ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, IC Markets has the edge with a score of 9.5/10 versus 8/10 for Forex.com. IC Markets offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while Forex.com starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at IC Markets is $200, compared to $100 at Forex.com. 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 8.5/10 for Forex.com. IC Markets provides MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Forex.com offers MT4, MT5, Forex.com Platform. 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. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Tier 1), while Forex.com holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, CySEC (Tier 1). IC Markets scores 9/10 and Forex.com scores 9.5/10 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, Forex.com leads with 8/10 compared to 7/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. IC Markets and Forex.com 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
IC Markets offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, while Forex.com provides 24/5 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
IC Markets scores 8.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Forex.com scores 8/10. IC Markets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay, and Forex.com supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 versus $100 for Forex.com. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose IC Markets if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- You need advanced trading platforms and tools
- Fast and flexible deposits & withdrawals are important
Choose Forex.com if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
- You prefer a low minimum deposit ($100)
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is IC Markets better than Forex.com?
IC Markets scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 8.5/10), winning 3 of 8 categories. However, Forex.com is stronger in stronger regulation and superior education resources. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, IC Markets or Forex.com?
IC Markets scores higher for trading costs. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $200 minimum deposit, while Forex.com starts from 0.0 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is IC Markets safe to trade with?
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA and scores 9/10 for regulation. Forex.com is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CySEC with a score of 9.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, IC Markets or Forex.com?
IC Markets scores 9/10 for platforms. IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Forex.com provides MT4, MT5, Forex.com Platform. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for IC Markets vs Forex.com?
IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, while Forex.com requires $100. Forex.com has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
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