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IC Markets vs ActivTrades 2025

ForexBrokers.com

Written by ForexBrokers.com

February 05, 2025

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

IC Markets
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $200
  • Trust Score: 84
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 3583
ActivTrades
4/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Trust Score: 81
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 1267

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

Established in 2007, IC Markets is a noteworthy online broker with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 84, placing it in the trusted category. It operates privately and is not a bank. IC Markets is backed by two Tier-1 licenses, signaling its strong regulatory standing in the financial landscape.

ActivTrades, founded in 2001, joins IC Markets as a trusted broker, boasting a Trust Score of 81. Like IC Markets, ActivTrades is a private company and not a banking institution. It holds two Tier-1 licenses as well as an additional Tier-2 license, which enhances its credibility and compliance in the market.

Feature IC Markets logoIC Markets
ActivTrades logoActivTrades
Year Founded info 2007 2001
Publicly Traded (Listed) info No No
Bank info No No
Tier-1 Licenses info 2 2
Tier-2 Licenses info 0 1
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 3 2

Fees

When examining the commissions and fees of IC Markets and ActivTrades, IC Markets shines with exceptional trading costs that stand out among low-cost forex brokers. With varying spreads depending on account type and platform, IC Markets offers three account options: a commission-free Standard account and the commission-based Raw Spread and cTrader Raw Spread accounts. The cTrader Raw Spread account boasts a slightly lower commission cost at $3.0 per side for every 100,000 units, compared to $3.5 on the MetaTrader Raw Spread account. IC Markets lists an average spread of 0.02 pips on the EUR/USD, with a total cost of 0.62 pips on cTrader when considering commissions. This effective pricing structure, combined with discounts for active traders, earned IC Markets a perfect 5-star rating and a #5 ranking in the Commissions & Fees category by ForexBrokers.com.

In contrast, ActivTrades offers spreads that, while slightly better than the industry average, do not quite compare to the leading low-cost forex brokers. ActivTrades provides an Individual Account, a Professional Account, and an Islamic Account, though traders should note the absence of an account type specifically for high-volume trading or active trader pricing. Across all accounts, spreads remain consistent, though the Professional Account allows for lower margin requirements. For EUR/USD, ActivTrades reported an average spread of 0.98 pips as of May 2024. Commissions and fees at ActivTrades are asset-dependent, with variability in spread during different trading periods. Overall, ActivTrades carries a respectable 4-star rating in commissions and fees and is ranked #28 by ForexBrokers.com.

Feature IC Markets logoIC Markets
ActivTrades logoActivTrades
Minimum Deposit info $200 $0
Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard info 0.62 info 0.98 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.62 info N/A
Active Trader or VIP Discounts info Yes No
ACH or SEPA Transfers info No No
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes No
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes 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

When comparing IC Markets and ActivTrades in terms of investment options, both brokers provide a vast array of choices for traders, though IC Markets tends to offer a slightly broader selection. IC Markets impresses with a total of 3,583 tradeable symbols, significantly outnumbering ActivTrades, which offers 1,267 symbols. In the forex sector, IC Markets provides access to 61 tradeable forex pairs, outpacing ActivTrades, which offers 49 pairs. Both brokers support forex trading via CFDs or spot contracts, allowing traders to benefit from leveraged positions.

In terms of other investment options, neither broker allows direct purchases of U.S. exchange-traded securities, such as Apple shares. However, both enable trading of international exchange-traded securities, like Vodafone shares, and offer cryptocurrency derivatives, though neither supports buying actual cryptocurrencies. Moreover, both brokers provide copy trading services, enhancing their appeal for traders interested in mirroring the strategies of successful investors. According to ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets holds a slight edge with a 4.5-star rating and a ranking of #25 out of 63 brokers for the range of investments, while ActivTrades comes in with a 4-star rating and a #31 ranking.

Feature IC Markets logoIC Markets
ActivTrades logoActivTrades
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 3583 1267
Forex Pairs (Total) info 61 49
U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) info No No
Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes 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 online brokers IC Markets and ActivTrades, both offer a wide array of trading platforms and tools suitable for novice and seasoned traders alike. Both brokers provide simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, allowing users to practice without financial risk. While IC Markets does not have its own developed trading platform, ActivTrades does offer a proprietary platform option. Both brokers support downloadable Windows-based platforms and web-based trading options. Additionally, each offers the popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms, with IC Markets also providing access to ZuluTrade for copy trading.

Traders at both IC Markets and ActivTrades can enjoy rich charting experiences, featuring 15 drawing tools and the ability to trade directly from stock charts. IC Markets users have access to seven columns for watch lists, whereas ActivTrades offers more customization with eleven columns. The two brokers are equally rated for their trading platforms and tools, both receiving a four-star rating. However, IC Markets holds a higher rank, coming in at #16 compared to ActivTrades' #30 among 63 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com. This comparison highlights the strengths each broker brings in supporting varied trading strategies through adaptable platforms. 

Feature IC Markets logoIC Markets
ActivTrades logoActivTrades
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Proprietary Platform info No Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info Yes Yes
DupliTrade info No No
ZuluTrade info Yes No
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 30 30
Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) info 15 15
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Watchlists - Total Fields info 7 11
View More

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

Forex trading apps

When comparing the mobile trading apps of IC Markets and ActivTrades, both brokers offer comprehensive features for iPhone and Android users. Each app provides stock and forex price alerts, along with the ability to create watchlists with real-time quotes. However, neither allows for watchlist symbol syncing. Charting capabilities are robust on both apps, including 30 technical studies, trendline drawing, and the ability to view multiple time frames. Both apps also support auto-saving of chart drawings.

Despite their similarities, ActivTrades holds a slight edge in ranking, placed at #19 out of 63 brokers in ForexBrokers.com's Mobile Trading Apps category, compared to IC Markets, which is ranked #22. Both apps share an equal user satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5 stars. This suggests that while both platforms are well-received, ActivTrades may have a marginal advantage in user experience.

Feature IC Markets logoIC Markets
ActivTrades logoActivTrades
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Watchlist Syncing info No No
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 30 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

Both IC Markets and ActivTrades provide daily market commentary, valuable for keeping traders informed. Each platform offers forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring that users have access to reliable information. While both brokers provide sentiment-based trading tools, IC Markets stands out with additional resources from Autochartist and Trading Central, offering technical analysis and other research tools that ActivTrades lacks. On the other hand, neither broker includes market research from TipRanks or research tools from Acuity Trading, placing them on an even footing in these areas.

For comprehensive updates on global economic events, both brokers offer an economic calendar feature. However, when it comes to research quality, IC Markets and ActivTrades both receive a commendable rating of four stars. Despite this, IC Markets ranks slightly higher at #23 compared to ActivTrades at #30 out of 63 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com for research capabilities. This indicates a slight advantage for IC Markets in providing a more extensive toolset for traders looking to delve deeper into market analyses.

Feature IC Markets logoIC Markets
ActivTrades logoActivTrades
Daily Market Commentary info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes Yes
Autochartist info Yes No
Trading Central (Recognia) info Yes No
Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs info Yes Yes
TipRanks info No No
Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) info No 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 IC Markets and ActivTrades present a solid offering. Each broker provides a minimum of ten educational pieces focused on forex and CFDs, ensuring beginners have access to essential learning materials. Furthermore, both firms host at least one educational webinar monthly and maintain a searchable archive of previously recorded sessions. These features provide convenience and continuous learning opportunities, allowing newcomers to easily grasp the concepts of trading. Additionally, each broker offers at least ten beginner videos, which are perfect for those just starting out, as well as ten advanced videos tailored for experienced traders, catering to a broad spectrum of educational needs.

While both IC Markets and ActivTrades have been rated four stars for their educational offerings, there are subtle differences in their resources. IC Markets stands out by providing an investor dictionary encompassing over 50 investing terms, a feature that ActivTrades doesn't offer. This addition can be particularly beneficial for beginners looking to familiarize themselves with industry jargon. Furthermore, in rankings by ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets holds a respectable 16th position out of 63 brokers in the Education category, while ActivTrades is ranked 38th. This might suggest that IC Markets edges out slightly in terms of educational comprehensiveness and market perception, making it a potentially more appealing choice for those prioritizing a well-rounded educational experience.

Feature IC Markets logoIC Markets
ActivTrades logoActivTrades
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 No

Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.

Winner

After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IC Markets is better than ActivTrades. IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20, while ActivTrades finished with an overall rank of #33.

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 logoIC Markets
ActivTrades logoActivTrades
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 84 81
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with IC Markets or ActivTrades?

Both IC Markets and ActivTrades do not offer the option to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrencies, but they do provide the capability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.

What funding options does each broker offer?

When comparing online brokers IC Markets and ActivTrades in terms of fund deposit and withdrawal options, IC Markets supports PayPal, Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas ActivTrades offers Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, but does not support ACH, SEPA transfers, or PayPal for transactions.




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 IC Markets ActivTrades
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Trust Score info 84 81
Winner check_circle
Review IC Markets Review ActivTrades Review
Broker Screenshots IC Markets ActivTrades
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 IC Markets ActivTrades
Trust Score info 84 81
Year Founded info 2007 2001
Publicly Traded (Listed) info No No
Bank info No No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info No
Tier-1 Licenses info 2 2
Tier-2 Licenses info 0 1
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 3 2
Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) IC Markets ActivTrades
Australia (ASIC Authorised) info Yes No
Canada (CIRO Authorised) info No No
Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) info No No
Japan (SFC Authorised) info No No
Singapore (MAS Authorised) info No No
Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) info No No
United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) info No Yes
USA (CFTC Authorized) info No No
New Zealand (FMA Authorised) info No No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info No
Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) IC Markets ActivTrades
Kenya (CMA Authorised) info No No
Israel (ISA Authorised) info No No
South Africa (FSCA Authorised) info No No
UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) info No No
India (SEBI Authorised) info No No
Jordan (JSC Authorised) info No No
Investments IC Markets ActivTrades
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 3583 1267
Forex Pairs (Total) info 61 49
U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) info No No
Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes 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 IC Markets ActivTrades
Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard info 0.62 info 0.98 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.62 info N/A
Active Trader or VIP Discounts info Yes No
Inactivity Fee info No Yes
Execution: Agency Broker info Yes No
Execution: Market Maker info Yes Yes
Funding IC Markets ActivTrades
Minimum Deposit info $200 $0
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes No
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) info Yes Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
ACH or SEPA Transfers info No No
Trading Platforms IC Markets ActivTrades
Proprietary Platform info No Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info Yes Yes
cTrader info Yes No
DupliTrade info No No
ZuluTrade info Yes No
Trading Tools IC Markets ActivTrades
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Watchlists - Total Fields info 7 11
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 30 30
Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) info 15 15
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Charts can be saved info Yes Yes
Mobile Trading IC Markets ActivTrades
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlist info Yes Yes
Watchlist Syncing info No No
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 30 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 IC Markets ActivTrades
Daily Market Commentary info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes Yes
Autochartist info Yes No
Trading Central (Recognia) info Yes No
TipRanks info No No
Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs info Yes Yes
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Education IC Markets ActivTrades
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 No
Major Forex Pairs IC Markets ActivTrades
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 IC Markets Review ActivTrades Review
Overall IC Markets ActivTrades
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Trust Score info 84 81
Winner check_circle
Review IC Markets Review ActivTrades Review
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