IC Markets vs IG Markets Broker Comparison
IC Markets is a primary location for scalpers and high-frequency traders. It maintains an excellent low-cost trading environment optimized for algorithmic traders with maximum leverage of 1:500. IC Markets continuously expands its asset selection and offers traders the MT4, MT5, and cTrader trading platforms. It upgrades the core MT4 trading platform with 20 unique plugins, elevating the sub-standard version into a cutting-edge trading solution.
Publicly listed broker IG remains the leading CFD broker industry-wide with an unmatched asset selection and the ability to write new CFDs. IG Markets offers its proprietary web-based trading platform, ProRealTime, MT4, and L2 Dealer. It also upgrades the core MT4 with 18 add-ons plus the Autochartist plugin, creating a superior MT4 trading experience.
We have conducted an in-depth review of IC Markets and IG to determine which one presents the better overall choice and which traders will benefit the most at either broker.
- Features and Platforms
- Available Markets
- Typical Spreads and Fees
- Security and Trust
- IC Markets vs. IG - Verdict
Australia United Kingdom ASIC, CySEC, FSA FCA 2010 1974 ECN/STP Market Maker $200 300€ N/A MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader MetaTrader 4, Proprietary platform 0.0 pips ($0.00) 0.9 pips 0.0 pips ($0.00) 1.4 pip $0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $0.30 N/A Undisclosed N/A Not applicable N/A 0.8 pips N/A Commission-free Get Started Get Started
Features and Platforms
N/A N/A Get Started Get Started
Noteworthy:
Both brokers present a highly competitive trading environment with nearly identical core trading conditions.
Available Markets
N/A Get Started Get Started
The asset selection at IG, including options and DMA share dealing, remains industry leading. Advanced traders and asset managers get a distinct competitive advantage amid the breadth of investment and trading choices. IC Markets maintains a well-balanced asset selection, with the bulk consisting of 1,650+ equity CFDs and 61 currency pairs.
Typical Spreads and Fees
0.0 pips ($0.00) 0.9 pips 0.0 pips ($0.00) 1.4 pip $0.03 $0.03 $0.05 $0.30 $12.47 $90 N/A Not applicable N/A 0.8 pips N/A Commission-free N/A N/A N/A $12 per month after 24 months Get Started Get Started
IG has one of the most competitive commission-free Forex pricing environments, while IC Markets counters with a low-cost commission-based alternative. Trading costs for MT4 traders are moderately cheaper at IG, and both brokers maintain reasonably low equity CFD trading costs.
Security and Trust
Australia, The Bahamas, Cyprus, Seychelles Australia, Bermuda, Switzerland, Cyprus, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, United States ASIC, CySEC, FSA FCA 335692, SD018, SIA-F214, 362/18 195355, 378/19, 10148759, confirmed, but no regulaary license number, F001780, 41393, 1489, unconfirmed, 220440, 18923, 0509630, 54814 1, 4, 4, 1 N/A Get Started Get Started
Traders at both brokers get negative balance protection, and IC Markets and IG Markets segregate client deposits from corporate funds. Select jurisdictions have an investor compensation fund, and both maintain an exceptional regulatory record. IC Market and IG remain industry leaders from a security and trust perspective.
IC Markets vs IG – Verdict
IC Markets
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent choice of trading platforms consisting of MT4/MT5, and cTrader | Minimum deposit slightly higher but within a reasonable range |
| Market-leading MT4 upgrade package, MAM/PAMM accounts, and VPS hosting | |
| Social trading support via Myfxbook, MetaTrader Signals, and ZuluTrade | |
| Leverage of up to 1:500, deep liquidity, and superb trade execution |
IG
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent choice of trading platforms and superior asset selection | Limited deposit and withdrawal methods |
| Competitive trading costs with a volume-based cash rebate program | Higher minimum deposit requirement, but within a reasonable demand |
| Outstanding trading environment for algorithmic trading, including API support | |
| Comprehensive educational tools for beginner traders |
The trading environment at IC Markets and IG is excellent, with many similarities in the core trading environment. Both brokers offer an upgraded MT4, but IG has more specialty platforms. Beginner traders get a quality educational offering at IC Markets and IG alike, complemented by a competent research section. IG takes a marginal lead due to its breadth of services and its competitive commission-free cost structure.
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FAQs
Is IC Markets a good broker?
IC Markets ranks among the top brokers globally, with a trading environment tailored towards algorithmic traders. The asset selection, trade execution, and upgrades to the MT4 trading platform remain among the most competitive.
Is IG Markets any good?
IG Markets is an industry leader and maintains one of the most competitive trading environments.
Is IG an ECN or a market maker?
IG is a market maker.