Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IC Markets vs Vantage, 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.
IC Markets and Vantage are both well-established online brokers, with IC Markets founded in 2007 and Vantage in 2009. Neither company is publicly traded or operates as a bank, focusing solely on brokerage services. When it comes to licensing, both hold two Tier-1 licenses, which are considered highly trusted. Vantage holds an additional Tier-2 license, adding to its credibility, while IC Markets does not hold any Tier-2 licenses.
Looking at their Trust Scores as rated by ForexBrokers.com, Vantage edges out IC Markets with a score of 90, categorizing it as highly trusted. IC Markets follows closely with a respectable score of 84, marking it as trusted. These scores reflect their regulatory standings and can be helpful for those choosing between these two brokers.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 2 |
When it comes to trading costs, IC Markets stands out for its competitive pricing, making it a contender among the top low-cost forex brokers. With a range of account options, including the commission-free Standard account and the commission-based Raw Spread and cTrader Raw Spread accounts, traders benefit from flexibility and cost efficiency. IC Markets offers various regulatory entities, including European, Australian, and offshore entities. The broker's effective spreads are highly attractive, with the cTrader account averaging an all-in cost of 0.62 pips on the EUR/USD pair, which is slightly more cost-effective than its MetaTrader counterpart. IC Markets is praised for its affordability, earning a 5-star rating and claiming the #5 spot for Commissions and Fees out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
Vantage, on the other hand, provides a variety of accounts with pricing in line with industry averages. Its Standard STP account offers typical spreads of 1.30 pips on the EUR/USD, while the commission-based RAW ECN account offers lower spreads at 0.15 pips, with a combined cost of 0.75 pips after commission. For more competitive pricing, the PRO ECN account features lower commissions of $4 per round turn, but comes with specific eligibility and funding requirements depending on the regulatory entity chosen. Vantage's active trader program provides rebates based on trading volume and account equity, though it's limited to the Standard account. Vantage holds a 4.5-star rating and ranks #18 for Commissions and Fees among 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
Overall, both IC Markets and Vantage offer notable options for traders, each catering to different preferences when it comes to cost structures. IC Markets shines with lower overall costs and a flexible account structure, while Vantage offers distinct account types that align with typical industry pricing. Active traders can find appealing aspects in each broker, depending on their trading volume and account preferences.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 1.30 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 0.75 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IC Markets and Vantage are both popular choices for online trading, offering a range of investment options suitable for various trading strategies. Both offer forex trading through both CFD and spot contracts, making them accessible for forex enthusiasts. However, IC Markets has an edge with 3,583 tradeable symbols compared to Vantage's 1,000. When it comes to forex pairs, IC Markets also surpasses Vantage with 61 pairs to their 57. Notably, IC Markets allows trading of exchange-listed securities on international exchanges such as the London Stock Exchange, whereas Vantage does not provide this option, which might be a consideration for traders interested in global markets.
Both platforms support copy trading, allowing users to mimic successful strategies. Neither broker offers the ability to buy actual cryptocurrencies, but they do provide options to trade cryptocurrency derivatives. When assessed for their range of investments, IC Markets is rated 4.5 stars, outperforming Vantage's 3.5 stars. Additionally, IC Markets is ranked 25th out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, demonstrating a stronger offering compared to Vantage, which is ranked 50th. Overall, while both brokers offer solid trading options, IC Markets stands out with a broader range and higher rankings in the investment category.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 57 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools offered by IC Markets and Vantage, both brokers provide several features that cater to different trading preferences. IC Markets and Vantage both provide free virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to practice and refine their strategies without financial risk. While IC Markets does not have a proprietary platform, Vantage does offer its own unique trading platform developed in-house. Both brokers support MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, popular choices among traders, and have Windows-based desktop and web-based platforms available for convenient access. Additionally, they both offer copy trading and support for ZuluTrade, although only Vantage supports DupliTrade.
Charting capabilities are comparably robust, with each broker offering 15 drawing tools. Traders can execute trades directly from charts with both IC Markets and Vantage, ensuring ease of use. Watch lists come with seven customizable columns for tailored monitoring of market trends. In terms of recognition, IC Markets is rated 4 stars for its trading platforms and tools, ranking 17th among 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. Vantage shares a similar star rating but is ranked slightly higher, at 15th position. Both appeal to traders looking for well-rounded, versatile trading environments, with the choice between them coming down to specific feature preferences like proprietary platforms or third-party integrations.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | Yes |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both IC Markets and Vantage offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android users, providing traders with a convenient way to manage their investments on the go. Each app includes features like stock and forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines, and multiple time frame views for detailed chart analysis. Additionally, both apps support creating watchlists with real-time quotes, but they do not sync watchlist symbols between mobile and online accounts. This means any changes made on one platform won't automatically reflect on the other.
When it comes to technical capabilities, both IC Markets and Vantage apps offer 30 technical studies for charting analysis, providing insights for traders. They both also have the autosave feature for drawings on charts, ensuring any analytical work is preserved for future reference. Rated at 4 stars for their mobile trading apps, both IC Markets and Vantage clearly prove their mettle in user satisfaction. However, IC Markets holds a slight edge in the industry rankings by ForexBrokers.com, coming in at 22 out of 62 brokers, compared to Vantage's rank at 26, indicating a modest but noteworthy distinction in this competitive space.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 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, both IC Markets and Vantage provide traders with daily market commentary and access to forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. They also offer sentiment tools that indicate the ratio of long or short positions across different currency pairs. While both brokers integrate technical analysis tools from Trading Central, IC Markets further distinguishes itself by offering resources from Autochartist, a feature not available with Vantage. Both platforms lack research tools from companies like TipRanks and Acuity Trading.
In terms of tools that help track global economic events, both IC Markets and Vantage include comprehensive economic calendars. Each platform receives a solid four-star rating for market research according to industry standards. However, IC Markets holds a slight edge, ranking 22nd in the Research category on ForexBrokers.com, while Vantage follows closely behind at 24th. For traders who value in-depth research tools, IC Markets may offer a slight advantage thanks to its integration with additional analysis tools like Autochartist.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
IC Markets and Vantage both provide a comprehensive suite of educational resources for forex and CFD trading, making them solid choices for beginners looking to expand their knowledge. Both brokers offer at least ten educational pieces, such as articles and videos, as well as monthly online webinars for clients. In addition, these webinars are archived and searchable, allowing users to revisit past sessions easily. For those just starting out, both platforms also supply ten beginner-focused videos, covering essential trading topics to help newcomers get accustomed to the trading world.
Advanced traders are not left behind either, as both IC Markets and Vantage offer at least ten educational videos catering to more experienced traders. An investor dictionary with definitions of over fifty investing terms is also part of their educational resources. In terms of education quality, both brokers have been rated four out of five stars. However, when ranked among 62 brokers, IC Markets holds the #16 spot, slightly ahead of Vantage, which is ranked #27 according to ForexBrokers.com. This subtle difference might give IC Markets a slight edge for those focusing primarily on educational resources.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 IC Markets is better than Vantage. IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20, while Vantage finished with an overall rank of #26.
IC Markets’ competitive pricing and scalable execution make it an excellent option for algorithmic traders. Though it supports an impressive range of third-party tools and plugins, IC Markets’ research and education offerings are not as impressive as those offered by industry leaders.
| Feature |
IC Markets
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Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 90 |
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Neither IC Markets nor Vantage offers the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but both platforms provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both IC Markets and Vantage provide several options for depositing or withdrawing account funds, including PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, although neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers.
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 | IC Markets | Vantage | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 90 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Vantage Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IC Markets | Vantage | |
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| Regulation | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 84 | 90 | |
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 2 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 57 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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 | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 1.30 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 0.75 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | Yes | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Tools | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 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 | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IC Markets Review | Vantage Review |
| Overall | IC Markets | Vantage | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 90 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Vantage Review |
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