Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IC Markets vs VT 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.
When comparing IC Markets and VT Markets, both online brokers bring distinct regulatory features to the table. IC Markets, established in 2007, holds a Trust Score of 84 out of 99, as per ForexBrokers.com. This score places it in the trusted category. The broker possesses two Tier-1 licenses, which contribute to its strong regulatory standing. On the other hand, VT Markets, founded in 2016, holds one Tier-1 license and one Tier-2 license. With a Trust Score of 70, it resides in the average risk category according to ForexBrokers.com.
Neither IC Markets nor VT Markets are publicly traded or operate as banks. While IC Markets boasts a longer operational history and a slightly higher Trust Score, VT Markets still maintains a noteworthy regulatory presence with its Tier-1 and Tier-2 licenses. These credentials offer potential users essential insights into how each broker is perceived by regulatory agencies and their overall trustworthiness in the financial market.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2016 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
IC Markets is a top contender among low-cost forex brokers, recognized for offering exceptional trading costs. With a competitive structure that includes small spreads and a low deposit requirement on its commission-based accounts, IC Markets stands out, earning a five-star rating and securing the #5 spot in the Commissions & Fees category for 2024. The broker provides three types of accounts to accommodate different trading preferences: a commission-free Standard account and two commission-based options, the Raw Spread and cTrader Raw Spread accounts. The cTrader Raw Spread account offers a slightly more favorable commission rate at $3.0 per side for every 100,000 units traded, compared to $3.5 in the Raw Spread account that operates on MetaTrader platforms. Active traders benefiting from over 100 standard lots per month can also enjoy fee discounts.
VT Markets, on the other hand, presents a straightforward cost structure with two main account types: the commission-free Standard STP account and the Raw ECN account. While the Standard STP account charges no commissions, it features higher spreads, with an average EUR/USD spread of 1.2 pips. In contrast, the Raw ECN account is more competitive within the industry, offering a typical spread of 0.83 pips after accounting for commissions and spreads. VT Markets maintains a balanced offering and is rated 4.5 stars for commissions and fees, ranking #20 out of 62 brokers.
Both IC Markets and VT Markets cater to traders looking for cost-effective trading solutions. IC Markets, however, leads with its comprehensive account options and consistently low costs, making it a preferred choice for those seeking minimal trading expenses. VT Markets offers an attractive alternative with its simpler account offerings and reasonable spreads for traders who prioritize straightforward fee structures.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $100 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 1.2 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 0.8 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| 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 VT Markets both offer a range of investment options suitable for traders seeking diverse opportunities. Both brokers provide access to forex trading through CFDs or spot contracts. However, IC Markets stands out with 3,583 tradeable symbols compared to VT Markets’ 1,000, along with a broader selection of 61 forex pairs against 39 pairs available at VT Markets. Neither platform offers trading of U.S. exchange-listed securities, but they both provide access to international exchange securities. Additionally, copy trading is supported by both brokers, enhancing social trading opportunities for users seeking collaborative insights.
Despite both platforms lacking the capacity to purchase actual cryptocurrencies, they do permit trading in cryptocurrency derivatives. IC Markets is notable for its diverse investment offerings, earning a 4.5-star rating for its range of investments. VT Markets, with a slightly narrower scope, holds a 3.5-star rating. Among 62 evaluated brokers, IC Markets ranks 25th in the range of investments category while VT Markets is positioned at 39th, reflecting their varying levels of investment opportunities for traders.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 39 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 IC Markets and VT Markets for their trading platforms and tools, both brokers offer similar essential features like simulated trading accounts and compatibility with popular platforms MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. They don't have their own proprietary platforms, but both provide a Windows-based desktop and a browser-based platform. Both also support copy trading, although IC Markets additionally offers ZuluTrade, which VT Markets does not. When it comes to charting tools, IC Markets provides fewer drawing options than VT Markets, offering 15 tools compared to VT Markets' 30. However, both platforms allow trading directly from stock charts and have identical watch list capabilities with seven columns each.
In terms of rankings and ratings, both IC Markets and VT Markets are evenly matched with a commendable four-star rating for their trading platforms and tools. However, IC Markets stands out slightly higher in industry rankings, taking the 16th spot out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, compared to VT Markets' ranking of 47th. While both brokers provide solid options for traders, those who value additional charting tools might prefer VT Markets, whereas traders interested in using ZuluTrade or seeking a higher industry ranking might lean towards IC Markets.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | No |
| 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 | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 15 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 30 |
| 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 VT Markets offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, providing a convenient way to access trading platforms on the go. They both support stock and forex price alerts, and while neither app features watchlist symbol syncing for seamless updates across devices, they do allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes. Each app provides 30 technical studies for charting and the ability to draw trendlines and switch between multiple time frames, such as daily, weekly, or intraday views. Notably, IC Markets stands out with the ability to auto-save drawings on charts, a feature not available on VT Markets' app.
When it comes to user ratings, both IC Markets and VT Markets receive four out of five stars for their mobile trading apps. However, in the competitive lineup of 62 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets ranks higher at #22, while VT Markets is positioned at #44. This suggests that while both platforms offer comparable features, IC Markets may have a slight edge in user experience and overall functionality according to industry rankings.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing market research offerings between IC Markets and VT Markets, both platforms deliver essential tools for traders, including daily market commentary and forex news from leading industry sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. While both brokers equip traders with sentiment-based trading tools and comprehensive economic calendars, IC Markets edges ahead with additional technical analysis capabilities through Autochartist, which VT Markets does not offer.
Both IC Markets and VT Markets offer tools from Trading Central, but neither provides research from TipRanks or Acuity Trading. Despite many similarities, IC Markets secures a higher ranking with a research rating of 4 stars, placing it at #23 out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, in contrast to VT Markets' 3.5 stars and #36 ranking. This difference may be pivotal for traders seeking more comprehensive research features.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| 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.
When comparing educational resources for beginners, IC Markets and VT Markets both provide a variety of educational materials such as articles, videos, and webinars focused on forex and CFDs. Both brokers also offer beginner-friendly educational videos. However, IC Markets distinguishes itself by hosting online educational webinars every month, a feature VT Markets does not provide. Additionally, IC Markets provides access to a searchable archive of previous webinars, enhancing its educational offering and making it more convenient for learners to revisit past content.
IC Markets also caters to more experienced traders by offering advanced educational videos, a service not available with VT Markets. Both platforms offer an investor dictionary with comprehensive definitions of investment terms, aiding in financial literacy. Overall, IC Markets receives a higher education rating of 4 stars compared to VT Markets' 3.5 stars, and ranks notably higher at #16 out of 62 brokers, while VT Markets stands at #55. This suggests IC Markets may be a more appealing choice for those seeking thorough educational support in their trading journey.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| 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 VT Markets. IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20, while VT Markets finished with an overall rank of #44.
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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VT Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 70 |
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Both IC Markets and VT Markets do not provide the option to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they both offer the ability to buy cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers IC Markets and VT Markets, both platforms provide options for depositing and withdrawing account funds via Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires; however, IC Markets uniquely supports transactions through PayPal, while neither broker offers ACH or SEPA transfer options.
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 | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | VT Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IC Markets | VT Markets | |
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| Regulation | IC Markets | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 84 | 70 | |
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2016 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IC Markets | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 39 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 1.2 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 0.8 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IC Markets | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $100 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | No | |
| 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 | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | IC Markets | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 15 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IC Markets | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IC Markets | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | VT Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IC Markets | VT 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 | IC Markets Review | VT Markets Review |
| Overall | IC Markets | VT Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 70 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | VT Markets Review |
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