Written by ForexBrokers.com
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.
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.
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
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
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
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $200 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.98 | 0.62 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.62 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
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
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 3583 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 61 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | 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.
IG and IC Markets both stand out as top choices for online trading, each offering unique strengths in their platforms and tools. IG provides a well-rounded experience with a free virtual demo account, an in-house developed proprietary platform, and compatibility with Windows-based desktop downloads and web-based platforms. While IG impresses with a five-star rating for its trading platforms and tools, it does not support copy trading or ZuluTrade, which might limit options for traders interested in those features. However, IG shines with its user-friendly charting tools, offering 20 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from stock charts. With fewer fields for watch lists compared to IC Markets, IG still ranks highly at number #2 out of 62 brokers, showcasing its strong reputation in the trading community.
IC Markets, on the other hand, appeals to traders seeking a broader range of platform choices, such as MetaTrader 5 and ZuluTrade, making it ideal for enthusiasts of copy trading and advanced trading strategies. Like IG, IC Markets also offers a virtual demo account and supports both Windows-based and web-based trading platforms, but it lacks a proprietary solution. With 15 drawing tools and direct chart-based trading, IC Markets ensures efficient trading execution. Furthermore, IC Markets stands out with more watch list fields, allowing customization for tracking various assets. Although ranked #17 by ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets holds a solid four-star rating, affirming its appeal to traders who value versatility and specialized trading features.
| Feature |
IG
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
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
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research tools and services, both IG and IC Markets stand out as strong contenders with several offerings. Both platforms provide daily market commentary and forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones. They are equipped with technical analysis tools from Autochartist, offering in-depth insights into market trends. Additionally, each broker includes sentiment analysis tools that reveal the long or short trading positions across different currency pairs.
However, there are some differences that set these brokers apart. IG does not provide research tools from Trading Central but excels with features from TipRanks and Acuity Trading, adding a layer of depth to their research offerings. In contrast, IC Markets provides access to Trading Central but lacks resources from TipRanks and Acuity Trading. Both brokers include an economic calendar, but when ratings are considered, IG takes the lead with a 5-star rating and a #2 ranking for research out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while IC Markets follows with a 4-star rating and a #22 ranking.
| Feature |
IG
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
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
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
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
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 84 |
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Neither IG nor IC Markets offers the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency; however, both brokers do provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
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.
Please 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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0 of 5| Overall Rating | IG | IC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 84 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | IC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | IC Markets | |
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| Regulation | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 84 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 3583 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 61 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | 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 | 0.98 | 0.62 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.62 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $200 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 5 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 20 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 33 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | IG Review | IC Markets Review |
| Overall | IG | IC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 84 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | IC Markets Review |
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