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IG vs IC Markets 2025

ForexBrokers.com

Written by ForexBrokers.com

February 05, 2025

In this head to head comparison of IG vs IC Markets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

IG
5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: £250.00
  • Trust Score: 99
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 19537
IC Markets
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $200
  • Trust Score: 84
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 3583

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Regulation

Founded in 1974, IG stands as a seasoned player in the online brokerage arena. It is publicly traded and holds the status of a bank. With a top-tier Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, IG is considered highly trusted. This is backed by its impressive acquisition of 8 Tier-1 licenses, reflecting a strong regulatory standing worldwide. Additionally, IG has 2 Tier-2 licenses that further enhance its credibility in providing secure investment services.

IC Markets, established in 2007, operates as a private entity and does not hold bank status. Its ForexBrokers.com Trust Score is 84, earning it a classification of "trusted". While newer to the scene compared to IG, IC Markets maintains credibility with its 2 Tier-1 licenses. However, the firm holds no Tier-2 licenses, which might be a consideration for those prioritizing extensive regulatory oversight.

Feature IG logoIG
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Year Founded info 1974 2007
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes No
Bank info Yes No
Tier-1 Licenses info 8 2
Tier-2 Licenses info 2 0
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 1 3

Fees

When comparing IG and IC Markets, both brokers boast excellent ratings, each earning a perfect score of 5 stars for their commissions and fees. However, they cater to different trader preferences and offer varied account features. IG, ranked #8 in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com, is well-regarded for its scalable execution options and active trader pricing through its Forex Direct accounts. With IG, average spreads on the main Forex Direct account hover around 0.62 pips, culminating in an all-in cost of 0.82 pips after including commission. For high-volume traders, IG offers attractive rebates, which can see spreads reduced significantly for eligible traders.

In contrast, IC Markets, ranked higher at #5 by ForexBrokers.com, is celebrated for its low trading costs across its three account types: Standard, Raw Spread, and cTrader Raw Spread. Known for its competitive pricing, IC Markets lists its average spread for the EUR/USD pair at 0.02 pips on the Raw Spread account. Adding cTrader commissions, the effective cost totals 0.62 pips. The Standard account offers a commission-free spread averaging 0.62 pips, making it an enticing option for cost-conscious traders, while traders using the MT4 or MT5 platforms may experience slightly higher costs due to different commission rates.

Both brokers offer premium programs and discounts for active traders, but they serve different needs. IG excels in providing scalable execution and rebates for high-volume traders, while IC Markets shines with some of the lowest effective spreads and flexible account options. The choice between them ultimately depends on a trader’s specific priorities, such as platform preference and trading volume expectations.

Feature IG logoIG
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Minimum Deposit info £250.00 $200
Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard info 0.98 info 0.62 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.82 info 0.62 info
Active Trader or VIP Discounts info Yes Yes
ACH or SEPA Transfers info Yes No
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info No Yes
Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) info Yes Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.

Featured Offers


Range of investments

IG and IC Markets both offer a wide range of investment opportunities, particularly in forex trading, where they provide both CFD and spot contract options. IG stands out with an impressive 19,537 tradeable symbols, including 97 forex pairs, giving traders a vast array of choices. In contrast, IC Markets provides a selection of 3,583 tradeable symbols, comprising 61 forex pairs. While both brokers allow for cryptocurrency derivative trading, neither offers the purchase of actual cryptocurrency.

When it comes to exchange-traded securities, IG allows its clients to buy shares on U.S. exchanges, like Apple, as well as on international exchanges, such as Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange. However, IC Markets restricts this option to international exchanges only. Additionally, IC Markets supports copy trading, which is not available with IG. In terms of market rankings, IG is rated with 5 stars and is positioned as the 4th broker for range of investments by ForexBrokers.com, whereas IC Markets receives 4.5 stars and holds the 25th spot among 62 brokers.

Feature IG logoIG
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 19537 3583
Forex Pairs (Total) info 97 61
U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes No
Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info No Yes
Cryptocurrency (Physical) info No No
Cryptocurrency (Derivative) info Yes Yes
Disclaimers Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients).

Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.

Trading platforms and tools

When comparing IG and IC Markets for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer free virtual demo accounts which are excellent for practicing trading without any financial risk. IG stands out with its proprietary platform tailored for seamless integration across devices, including a Windows desktop version. Meanwhile, IC Markets relies on third-party platforms but still offers robust access through a Windows desktop download. Both brokers provide web-based platforms, making it easy to trade from any browser. If you prefer MetaTrader 4 (MT4), both platforms offer it, but only IC Markets offers the upgraded MetaTrader 5 (MT5). When it comes to copy trading, IC Markets has the edge, allowing users to mirror trades from successful traders via ZuluTrade. In contrast, IG does not support copy trading features.

For charting tools, both IG and IC Markets allow trading directly from stock charts, enhancing the convenience of real-time trading decisions. IG offers more drawing tools with 20 options compared to IC Markets' 15, although IC Markets has more flexible watchlist options with 7 columns compared to IG’s 5. Despite these differences, IG receives a higher platform rating of 5 stars versus IC Markets' 4 stars, according to ForexBrokers.com rankings. IG is particularly distinguished, positioned as the second best out of 62 brokers in trading platforms and tools, while IC Markets ranks 16th. This makes IG a superior choice for traders seeking advanced tools and higher user ratings.

Feature IG logoIG
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Proprietary Platform info Yes No
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info No Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info No Yes
DupliTrade info No No
ZuluTrade info No Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 33 30
Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) info 20 15
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Watchlists - Total Fields info 5 7
View More

Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.

Forex trading apps

When comparing the mobile trading apps of IG and IC Markets, both brokers provide apps for iPhone and Android users, offering essential features like stock or forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. However, IG sets itself apart by offering watchlist symbol syncing, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your mobile app watchlists with your online account, a feature not available with IC Markets. In terms of technical studies, IG edges out with 33 options compared to IC Markets' 30. Both platforms allow users to view multiple time frames and auto-save chart drawings, providing flexibility for diverse trading strategies.

IG outperforms IC Markets in user ratings and industry rankings for their mobile trading apps. IG boasts a five-star rating and holds the top spot in the Mobile Trading Apps category according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, IC Markets receives four stars and is ranked 22nd out of 62 brokers. Both platforms allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, but IG's higher ranking and rating suggest a more satisfying user experience overall. For those seeking a comprehensive and highly rated mobile trading experience, IG appears to be the superior choice.

Feature IG logoIG
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Android App info Yes info Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Watchlist Syncing info Yes No
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 33 30
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlist info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.

Market research

When comparing IG and IC Markets for their market research offerings, both brokers provide daily market commentary and access to forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. They each incorporate tools from Autochartist for technical or fundamental analysis and supply their users with sentiment-based trading tools. However, a distinction arises with IC Markets offering tools from Trading Central, which IG does not. In contrast, IG presents research tools from Acuity Trading and market insights from TipRanks, which are not provided by IC Markets. Both brokers feature an economic calendar to keep traders informed about global news events.

In terms of overall research quality, IG shines with a perfect five-star rating and secures the #2 spot for research out of 62 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com. IC Markets, on the other hand, holds a four-star rating and is ranked #23 in the same category. This data reflects how IG offers a more comprehensive research suite, which may appeal to traders seeking deeper insights and a range of research tools.

Feature IG logoIG
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Daily Market Commentary info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes Yes
Autochartist info Yes Yes
Trading Central (Recognia) info No Yes
Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs info Yes Yes
TipRanks info Yes No
Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) info Yes No
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.

Beginners and education

When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both IG and IC Markets are well-equipped to guide newcomers in forex and CFD trading. Each offers an abundance of over 10 educational materials that include articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on these trading avenues. For those eager to learn through live interaction, both brokers provide online webinars at least once a month, coupled with a searchable archive of recorded sessions to revisit any time. Beginners can further benefit from more than 10 videos dedicated entirely to introductory trading concepts offered by both brokers.

For those looking to deepen their expertise, IG and IC Markets both provide over 10 advanced educational videos tailored for seasoned traders. Additionally, they offer investor dictionaries with definitions for over 50 investing terms to help demystify trading jargon. While both brokers excel in delivering educational support, IG edges ahead with a perfect 5-star rating in education and ranks as the top broker in this category as per ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, IC Markets holds a 4-star rating and ranks as the 16th in the education category among 62 brokers. Whether you choose IG or IC Markets, you'll find a wealth of educational resources to build and enhance your trading knowledge.

Feature IG logoIG
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Education (Forex or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Client Webinars info Yes Yes
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes Yes
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Investor Dictionary (Glossary) info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.

Winner

After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IG is better than IC Markets. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20.

IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.

Feature IG logoIG
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 84
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Platform & Tools 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with IG or IC Markets?

Neither IG nor IC Markets offers the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency; however, both brokers do provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.

What funding options does each broker offer?

When comparing online brokers IG and IC Markets, IG provides ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire options for depositing or withdrawing funds, whereas IC Markets offers PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wire options but lacks ACH or SEPA transfer capabilities.




announcementPlease note:

We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.

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Compare

0 of 5
Overall Rating IG IC Markets
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Platform & Tools 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 84
Winner check_circle
Review IG Review IC Markets Review
Broker Screenshots IG IC Markets
Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) info
Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) info
Research Gallery (click to expand) info
Education Gallery (click to expand) info
Regulation IG IC Markets
Trust Score info 99 84
Year Founded info 1974 2007
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes No
Bank info Yes No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info Yes info
Tier-1 Licenses info 8 2
Tier-2 Licenses info 2 0
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 1 3
Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) IG IC Markets
Australia (ASIC Authorised) info Yes Yes
Canada (CIRO Authorised) info No No
Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) info No No
Japan (SFC Authorised) info Yes No
Singapore (MAS Authorised) info Yes No
Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) info Yes No
United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) info Yes No
USA (CFTC Authorized) info Yes No
New Zealand (FMA Authorised) info Yes No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info Yes info
Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) IG IC Markets
Kenya (CMA Authorised) info No No
Israel (ISA Authorised) info No No
South Africa (FSCA Authorised) info Yes No
UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) info Yes No
India (SEBI Authorised) info No No
Jordan (JSC Authorised) info No No
Investments IG IC Markets
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 19537 3583
Forex Pairs (Total) info 97 61
U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes No
Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info No Yes
Cryptocurrency (Physical) info No No
Cryptocurrency (Derivative) info Yes Yes
Disclaimers Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients).
Cost IG IC Markets
Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard info 0.98 info 0.62 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.82 info 0.62 info
Active Trader or VIP Discounts info Yes Yes
Inactivity Fee info Yes No
Execution: Agency Broker info Yes Yes
Execution: Market Maker info Yes Yes
Funding IG IC Markets
Minimum Deposit info £250.00 $200
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info No Yes
Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) info Yes Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
ACH or SEPA Transfers info Yes No
Trading Platforms IG IC Markets
Proprietary Platform info Yes No
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info No Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info No Yes
cTrader info No Yes
DupliTrade info No No
ZuluTrade info No Yes
Trading Tools IG IC Markets
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Watchlists - Total Fields info 5 7
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 33 30
Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) info 20 15
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Charts can be saved info Yes Yes
Mobile Trading IG IC Markets
Android App info Yes info Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlist info Yes Yes
Watchlist Syncing info Yes No
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 33 30
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave info Yes Yes
Mobile Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Research IG IC Markets
Daily Market Commentary info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes Yes
Autochartist info Yes Yes
Trading Central (Recognia) info No Yes
TipRanks info Yes No
Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs info Yes Yes
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Education IG IC Markets
Education (Forex or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Client Webinars info Yes Yes
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes Yes
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Investor Dictionary (Glossary) info Yes Yes
Major Forex Pairs IG IC Markets
GBP/USD info Yes Yes
USD/JPY info Yes Yes
EUR/USD info Yes Yes
USD/CHF info Yes Yes
USD/CAD info Yes Yes
NZD/USD info Yes Yes
AUD/USD info Yes Yes
Review IG Review IC Markets Review
Overall IG IC Markets
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Platform & Tools 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 84
Winner check_circle
Review IG Review IC Markets Review
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