IC Markets

IC Markets

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.8
/ 10
vs
Global Prime

Global Prime

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.9
/ 10

IC Markets vs Global Prime

A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.

IC Markets and Global Prime 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. Global Prime, established in 2010 in Melbourne, Australia, holds licenses from ASIC, VFSC with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $0 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, IC Markets scored 8.8/10 overall compared to Global Prime's 7.9/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Global Prime 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 7.9/10 for Global Prime — a 0.9-point difference.

  • 💵

    Global Prime requires just $0 to start, while IC Markets needs $200 — Global Prime is 200x more accessible.

  • 📈

    IC Markets offers 2,200+ instruments vs 150+ at Global Prime — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

    IC Markets runs on MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Global Prime uses MT4, cTrader — different ecosystems for different trading styles.

  • The biggest gap is in Product Range: IC Markets scores 8.5 vs 6.5 for Global Prime — a 2.0-point difference.

Our Verdict

🏆 WINNER
IC Markets

IC Markets

Score: 8.8/10 · Wins 7 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
Global Prime

Global Prime

Score: 7.9/10 · Wins 0 categories
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
  • You prefer Global Prime's trading environment overall

IC Markets takes the lead with an overall score of 8.8/10 compared to 7.9/10, winning in 7 out of 8 scoring categories. IC Markets stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Global Prime 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 7 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. Global Prime is not without merit — it scores 7.9/10 overall and excels in Trading Costs (9.0/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full IC Markets review and Global Prime review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

IC Markets
Global Prime
Trading Costs
9.5 9.0

IC Markets wins by 0.5 points

Platforms & Tools
9.0 7.5

IC Markets wins by 1.5 points

Regulation & Trust
9.0 7.5

IC Markets wins by 1.5 points

Education
7.0 6.0

IC Markets wins by 1.0 points

Customer Service
8.0 8.0
Research & Analysis
7.5 6.5

IC Markets wins by 1.0 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
8.5 8.0

IC Markets wins by 0.5 points

Product Range
8.5 6.5

IC Markets wins by 2.0 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
8.8/10
7.9/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$200
$0
Max Leverage
1:500
1:500
Spreads From
0.0 pips
0.0 pips
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader
MT4, cTrader
Regulation
ASIC, CySEC, FSA
ASIC, VFSC
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2007
2010
Markets
2,200+
150+
IC Markets: 1 Global Prime: 0
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: IC Markets (9.5 vs 9.0)

When it comes to trading costs, IC Markets has the edge with a score of 9.5/10 versus 9/10 for Global Prime. IC Markets offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while Global Prime starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at IC Markets is $200, compared to $0 at Global Prime. 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.

IC Markets
9.5
Global Prime
9.0
IC Markets: 2 Global Prime: 0
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: IC Markets (9.0 vs 7.5)

IC Markets scores 9/10 for platforms compared to 7.5/10 for Global Prime. IC Markets provides MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Global Prime offers MT4, 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.

IC Markets
9.0
Global Prime
7.5
IC Markets: 3 Global Prime: 0
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: IC Markets (9.0 vs 7.5)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Tier 1), while Global Prime holds licenses from ASIC, VFSC (Tier 1). IC Markets scores 9/10 and Global Prime scores 7.5/10 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.

IC Markets
9.0
Global Prime
7.5
IC Markets: 4 Global Prime: 0
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: IC Markets (7.0 vs 6.0)

For learning resources, IC Markets leads with 7/10 compared to 6/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. IC Markets and Global Prime 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.

IC Markets
7.0
Global Prime
6.0
IC Markets: 4 Global Prime: 0
🎧

Customer Support

IC Markets offers 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 8/10, while Global Prime 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.

IC Markets
8.0
Global Prime
8.0
IC Markets: 5 Global Prime: 0
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: IC Markets (8.5 vs 8.0)

IC Markets scores 8.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while Global Prime scores 8/10. IC Markets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay, and Global Prime supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 versus $0 for Global Prime. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

IC Markets
8.5
Global Prime
8.0

Which Broker Is Right for You?

IC Markets

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
Visit IC Markets
Global Prime

Choose Global Prime if you...

  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($0)
  • You prefer Global Prime's trading environment overall
Visit Global Prime

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IC Markets better than Global Prime?

IC Markets scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 7.9/10), winning 7 of 8 categories. However, Global Prime remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, IC Markets or Global Prime?

IC Markets scores higher for trading costs. IC Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $200 minimum deposit, while Global Prime starts from 0.0 pips with $0 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. Global Prime is regulated by ASIC, VFSC with a score of 7.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.

Which has better trading platforms, IC Markets or Global Prime?

IC Markets scores 9/10 for platforms. IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, while Global Prime provides MT4, cTrader. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.

What's the minimum deposit for IC Markets vs Global Prime?

IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, while Global Prime requires $0. Global Prime 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.

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