IC Markets vs FXTM

IC Markets or FXTM – which is better for UK traders 2024? Compare IC Markets and FXTM in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.

IC Markets vs FXTM Comparison Table 2024
IC Markets FXTM
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4.8
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4
IC Markets is ranked #5 among CFD brokers. FXTM is ranked #88 among CFD brokers.
IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries. FXTM is a forex and CFD broker established in 2011 and operating across four continents. The company is secure and regulated by leading authorities, including the FCA. Offering 1,000+ markets and three account types, they cater to all levels of trader.
Pros
  • IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for traders.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
  • You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
  • FXTM’s UK entity offers excellent client protections, notably industry beating coverage up to $1 million per client and segregated accounts, enhancing security for traders with large balances.
  • FXTM emerges as a top MetaTrader broker with custom MT4 add-ons, including a Pivot Point Indicator, Pip Value Calculator, and Spread Indicator, for more precise trading.
  • The introduction of FXTM Invest allows traders to follow top strategies with detailed performance stats and risk scores. This feature benefits newer traders by providing clear metrics to match their preferred risk levels.
  • FXTM supports a terrific range of payment methods, especially local options in Africa and Asia like M-Pesa and TC Pay Wallet. And with e-wallet withdrawals processed in as little as 30 minutes, this suits traders who require quick access to funds.
  • FXTM’s Advantage and Advantage Plus accounts offer tight spreads (from 0.0 pips) and low or no commissions, designed for short-term traders looking to minimize costs.
Cons
  • While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
  • The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
  • There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
  • Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
  • FXTM’s strong UK regulation doesn’t extend globally, so despite negative balance protection, non-British traders may have limited recourse options in case of disputes.
  • FXTM's educational offerings have come a long way, notably its informative e-books, but they are often tailored to beginners, making them less appealing to experienced traders.
  • FXTM only offers MetaTrader 4/5 for desktop trading, with no proprietary platform like eToro for a customized trading experience. MT4/5 is feeling increasingly outdated for active traders.
  • FXTM focuses on CFDs and a modest collection of stocks but lacks ETFs, options, and futures, which can limit diversification for traders seeking more asset types to capitalize on different markets.
  • FXTM charges a $10 inactivity fee after only three months of no trading - shorter than many brokers, which can be frustrating for those who don’t trade continuously.
Awards
  • Best MT4/MT5 Broker 2023 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Forex Broker 2022 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Overall Broker 2020 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Trading App 2020 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Trading Experience 2021 - World Finance Awards
  • Best Online Leveraged Trading Services 2021 - Global Business Awards
  • Best Forex Education Partner Nigeria 2021 - World Business Outlook
  • Best Trading Experience 2020 - World Finance Awards
  • Best ECN Broker 2020 - DayTrading.com
FCA Regulated
No

List of FCA Regulated Brokers

Yes
Instruments
CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Stocks, Crypto
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$200 $200
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots
Regulator
ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA FCA, FSC, CMA
Mobile Apps
iOS & Android iOS & Android
Trading App

IC Markets deliver mobile apps for their cTrader, MT4, MT5 and TradingView  platforms. They have been developed on Android and iOS separately, taking full advantage of the functionality available on each. With raw pricing, and spreads from 0.0, the apps deliver an excellent trading tool for all levels of trader. Yet what really stands out is how they’ve managed to maintain the lightning-fast execution speed IC Markets is known for, right within the apps. It’s a seamless trading experience that feels both professional and highly responsive.

FXTM deliver a great mobile trading experience. Fast, secure and easy-to-use, the broker also supports both MetaTrader 4 and 5 and delivers real time quotes, all trading execution types and full account maintenance. The charting facilities are also among the best of any mobile app. Download it today.

iOS App Rating
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3.1
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4.8
Android App Rating
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4.2
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4.4
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5
Yes Yes
cTrader
Yes No
AlgoTrader
No No
OmniTrader
No No
TradingView
Yes No
Autochartist
No No
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
Yes No
STP Account
No Yes
ECN Account
Yes Yes
DMA Account
Yes No
MAM Account
Yes Yes
PAMM Account
Yes Yes
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
No No
Negative Balance Protection
Yes Yes
Market Maker
No Yes
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
Yes Yes
Auto Trading
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader
Copy Trading
Yes Yes
Copy Trading Platform
Launched in February 2023, the IC Social app offers an intuitive way to learn, share, and mirror the positions of other traders with just a few clicks. Additionally, the app features risk management tools and supports dedicated trading groups. Alternatively, IC Markets grants access to Signal Start, along with well-known third-party copy trading platforms including ZuluTrade and cTrader Copy. A great addition to market, the FXTM Invest app is easy to use and provides detailed performance stats and risk scores for Strategy Managers, plus a really handy video guide to help new copy traders understand key concepts like risk, drawdown, and returns.
Social Trading
Yes No
Trade Signals
Signal Start Yes
VPS Hosting
Yes Yes
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No No
Ethical Investing
No No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
$0 $10
Islamic Account
Yes Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • NGN
Commodities
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Orange Juice
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Corn
  • Soybeans
  • Sugar
  • Wheat
  • Natural Gas
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Natural Gas
  • Oil
  • Precious Metals
CFD
You gain access to over 2,250 CFDs, available for trading 24/5 across popular markets such as forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and bonds. Utilizing deep liquidity and advanced bridge technology, IC Markets ensures optimal conditions for scalpers, hedgers, and algo traders alike. FXTM’s CFD offering spans 600+ forex, stocks, commodities and indices, plus crypto (location dependent), with spreads lowered in recent years. Advanced traders can also get industry-topping leverage up to 1:3000 through Exinity Ltd, amplifying results but necessitating strict risk management.
Leverage
1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) 1:30
FTSE Spread
1.0 0.8
GBPUSD Spread<
0.23 0.1
Oil Spread
0.03 5.0
Stocks Spread
0.02 0.1
Forex
IC Markets maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot. FXTM stands out with a strong selection of over 60 currency pairs, surpassing many competitors like AvaTrade. It also stands out with its six currency indices for traders aiming to diversify their forex portfolios, while the ECN account offers ultra-competitive spreads starting at 0 pips on majors, along with low commissions of just $3.50 per lot.
Assets
75 60+
GBPUSD Spread
0.23 0.1
EURUSD Spread
0.02 0.0
EURGBP Spread
0.27 0.0
Currency Indices
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • JPY
  • AUD
  • NZD
Cryptocurrency
IC Markets offers 20+ cryptocurrencies which are tradable via CFDs, including lesser-known tokens such as Avalanche, Kusama and Uniswap. Commission-free trading is available, and experienced crypto traders can access high leverage up to 1:200 in the MetaTrader platforms. Trade cryptocurrency CFDs on 11 popular digital tokens, including Bitcoin, Avalanche, and Dogecoin. Enjoy competitive floating spreads and accessible minimum lot sizes starting at just 0.01, perfect for aspiring crypto traders and experienced investors.
Spread
BTC 42.036 Variable
Coins
  • BTC
  • BCH
  • DOT
  • DSH
  • EMC
  • EOS
  • ETH
  • LNK
  • LTC
  • NMC
  • PPC
  • XLM
  • XRP
  • ADA
  • BNB
  • DOG
  • UNI
  • XTZ
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • LTC
  • XRP
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
IC Markets FXTM
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