Tio Markets

Tio Markets

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
7.4
/ 10
vs
IC Markets

IC Markets

🟢 Tier 1 Regulated
8.8
/ 10

Tio Markets vs IC Markets

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

Tio Markets and IC Markets are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Tio Markets, founded in 2018 and headquartered in London, UK, is regulated by FCA, CySEC and offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a minimum deposit of $50. 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 Tio Markets's 7.4/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, Tio 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 7.4/10 for Tio Markets — a 1.4-point difference.

  • 💵

    Tio Markets requires just $50 to start, while IC Markets needs $200 — Tio Markets is 4x more accessible.

  • 📈

    IC Markets offers 2,200+ instruments vs 300+ at Tio Markets — a massive gap in market coverage.

  • 🖥️

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

  • The biggest gap is in Platforms & Tools: IC Markets scores 9.0 vs 7.0 for Tio Markets — a 2.0-point difference.

Our Verdict

Tio Markets

Tio Markets

Score: 7.4/10 · Wins 0 categories
  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($50)
  • You prefer Tio Markets's trading environment overall
🏆 WINNER
IC Markets

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 7.4/10, winning in 8 out of 8 scoring categories. IC Markets stands out for lower trading costs and better trading platforms, while Tio 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. Tio Markets is not without merit — it scores 7.4/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (8.5/10). For a complete breakdown, read our full IC Markets review and Tio Markets review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.

Score Breakdown

Tio Markets
IC Markets
Trading Costs
8.0 9.5

IC Markets wins by 1.5 points

Platforms & Tools
7.0 9.0

IC Markets wins by 2.0 points

Regulation & Trust
8.5 9.0

IC Markets wins by 0.5 points

Education
6.5 7.0

IC Markets wins by 0.5 points

Customer Service
7.5 8.0

IC Markets wins by 0.5 points

Research & Analysis
6.5 7.5

IC Markets wins by 1.0 points

Deposit & Withdrawal
7.5 8.5

IC Markets wins by 1.0 points

Product Range
6.5 8.5

IC Markets wins by 2.0 points

Full Feature Comparison

Structured broker facts pulled from the shared broker dataset.
Feature
Overall Score
7.4/10
8.8/10
Min Deposit
Lower is better
$50
$200
Max Leverage
1:500
1:500
Spreads From
0.0 pips
0.0 pips
Platforms
MT4
MT4, MT5, cTrader
Regulation
FCA, CySEC
ASIC, CySEC, FSA
Founded
Older track record highlighted
2018
2007
Markets
300+
2,200+
Tio Markets: 0 IC Markets: 1
💰

Fees & Costs

🏅 Section Winner: IC Markets (8.0 vs 9.5)

When it comes to trading costs, IC Markets has the edge with a score of 9.5/10 versus 8/10 for Tio Markets. Tio Markets offers spreads starting from 0.0 pips, while IC Markets starts from 0.0 pips. The minimum deposit at Tio Markets is $50, 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.

Tio Markets
8.0
IC Markets
9.5
Tio Markets: 0 IC Markets: 2
🖥️

Trading Platforms

🏅 Section Winner: IC Markets (7.0 vs 9.0)

IC Markets scores 9/10 for platforms compared to 7/10 for Tio Markets. Tio Markets provides MT4, 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.

Tio Markets
7.0
IC Markets
9.0
Tio Markets: 0 IC Markets: 3
🛡️

Regulation & Safety

🏅 Section Winner: IC Markets (8.5 vs 9.0)

Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Tio Markets is regulated by FCA, CySEC (Tier 1), while IC Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Tier 1). Tio Markets scores 8.5/10 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.

Tio Markets
8.5
IC Markets
9.0
Tio Markets: 0 IC Markets: 4
📚

Education & Research

🏅 Section Winner: IC Markets (6.5 vs 7.0)

For learning resources, IC Markets leads with 7/10 compared to 6.5/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Tio 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.

Tio Markets
6.5
IC Markets
7.0
Tio Markets: 0 IC Markets: 5
🎧

Customer Support

🏅 Section Winner: IC Markets (7.5 vs 8.0)

Tio Markets offers 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, 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.

Tio Markets
7.5
IC Markets
8.0
Tio Markets: 0 IC Markets: 6
💳

Deposit & Withdrawal

🏅 Section Winner: IC Markets (7.5 vs 8.5)

Tio Markets scores 7.5/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while IC Markets scores 8.5/10. Tio Markets accepts Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto, and IC Markets supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Tio Markets requires a minimum deposit of $50 versus $200 for IC Markets. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.

Tio Markets
7.5
IC Markets
8.5

Which Broker Is Right for You?

Tio Markets

Choose Tio Markets if you...

  • You prefer a low minimum deposit ($50)
  • You prefer Tio Markets's trading environment overall
Visit Tio Markets
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

🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?

Cast your vote — see what other traders think

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tio Markets better than IC Markets?

IC Markets scores higher overall (8.8/10 vs 7.4/10), winning 8 of 8 categories. However, Tio Markets remains competitive. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.

Which has lower fees, Tio Markets or IC Markets?

IC Markets scores higher for trading costs. Tio Markets offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $50 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 Tio Markets safe to trade with?

Tio Markets is regulated by FCA, CySEC and scores 8.5/10 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, Tio Markets or IC Markets?

IC Markets scores 9/10 for platforms. Tio Markets offers MT4, 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 Tio Markets vs IC Markets?

Tio Markets requires a minimum deposit of $50, while IC Markets requires $200. Tio 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.

← Back to Compare Tool