Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of AvaTrade 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.
AvaTrade, founded in 2006, and IC Markets, established in 2007, are both prominent online brokers, although neither is publicly traded nor operates as a bank. When examining their regulatory standing, AvaTrade holds an advantage with four Tier-1 licenses, indicative of high trust, compared to IC Markets' two Tier-1 licenses. In addition, AvaTrade has secured three Tier-2 licenses, denoting trust, whereas IC Markets has not obtained any Tier-2 licenses. This robust regulatory framework contributes to AvaTrade's strong Trust Score of 94 out of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com.
In comparison, IC Markets holds a Trust Score of 84, placing them in the trusted category but slightly below AvaTrade's rating. These scores reflect a comprehensive evaluation of each broker's reliability and safety, with AvaTrade emerging as the more trusted choice, partly due to its more extensive licensing portfolio. Both brokers offer significant experience and stability in the online trading space, but AvaTrade's extra layer of regulatory trust might provide added peace of mind for cautious investors.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2006 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
When comparing the commissions and fees between AvaTrade and IC Markets, AvaTrade offers spreads that hover just below industry standards, around 0.9 pips as of June 2024. This is slightly higher than entry-level accounts from competitors such as CMC Markets and Tickmill. However, professional traders eligible to open a Professional account with AvaTrade can benefit from competitive spreads of 0.6 pips, on par with brokers like FP Markets. AvaTrade is rated 4.5 stars for commissions and fees and ranks #12 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, IC Markets stands out for cost-effectiveness, boasting some of the lowest trading costs in the industry. With three types of accounts—Standard, Raw Spread, and cTrader Raw Spread—traders can choose based on their platform preference and trading needs. IC Markets earns high marks for its extremely low spreads, as low as 0.02 pips on EUR/USD, and competitive commission structures depending on platform choice. The broker offers significant value for cost-conscious traders, earning it a 5-star rating and a #5 ranking in Commissions & Fees on ForexBrokers.com.
In summary, while AvaTrade provides solid options with competitive spreads for professional traders, IC Markets excels in offering low trading costs and multiple account types, catering to both budget-conscious beginners and seasoned traders. IC Markets also provides active traders with discounts when trading over 100 standard lots per month, further enhancing its appeal for frequent traders. The ability to choose between cTrader and MetaTrader, coupled with low effective spreads, continues to differentiate IC Markets in the forex trading market.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $200 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.93 | 0.62 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.61 | 0.62 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| 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.
When comparing AvaTrade to IC Markets, both brokers offer forex trading through CFDs, allowing investors exposure to currency pairs. AvaTrade provides access to 1,260 tradeable symbols, while IC Markets surpasses this with a substantial selection of 3,583 symbols. In terms of forex pairs, you can trade 53 with AvaTrade and 61 with IC Markets. Neither of the brokers offers direct access to U.S. exchange-traded securities like Apple shares, but IC Markets stands out by allowing trading on international exchanges, unlike AvaTrade. Both platforms support copy trading and trading of cryptocurrency derivatives rather than actual cryptocurrencies.
While AvaTrade offers a commendable range of investment options, earning it a 4-star rating out of five, IC Markets edges ahead with a 4.5-star rating. This higher rating reflects its broader range of tradable assets and inclusion of international exchange tradeability. According to ForexBrokers.com, AvaTrade ranks 32nd in the Range of Investments category among 63 brokers, highlighting its solid yet improvable offering. In contrast, IC Markets positions itself higher at rank 25, attesting to its more extensive options and wider market access for traders.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1260 | 3583 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 53 | 61 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 AvaTrade and IC Markets, it's clear that both online brokers are equipped with a wide range of trading platforms and tools to suit various trader needs. AvaTrade offers a proprietary platform in addition to popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, while IC Markets does not have a proprietary platform but also supports MT4 and MT5. Both brokers provide convenient access with web-based and Windows desktop platforms, along with the inclusion of copy trading options. For those who prefer simulated trading, each broker offers a free virtual demo account, allowing prospective traders to hone their skills risk-free.
In terms of additional trading features, AvaTrade edges slightly ahead by offering DupliTrade alongside ZuluTrade, whereas IC Markets integrates ZuluTrade but lacks DupliTrade. On the charting front, IC Markets offers a slight advantage with 15 drawing tools compared to AvaTrade’s 13. Both brokers are equal when it comes to executing trades directly from charts and providing comprehensive watch lists, each with seven fields. AvaTrade receives a slightly higher professional rating, garnering 4.5 stars for its trading platforms and tools and ranking 13th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. IC Markets closely follows with a 4-star rating and a ranking of 16th, making both brokers strong contenders for traders seeking reliable trading solutions.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | 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 | Yes | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 80 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 13 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
AvaTrade and IC Markets both offer feature-rich mobile apps for iPhone and Android users, providing traders with convenient ways to manage their investments on the go. Both platforms alert users with stock or forex price notifications and have tools for drawing trendlines and viewing multiple time frames on charts. AvaTrade, however, stands out with its ability to sync watchlist symbols across devices, something IC Markets lacks. AvaTrade also excels in charting capabilities, offering 73 technical studies compared to IC Markets’ 30. Despite this, IC Markets offers automatic saving of chart drawings, which AvaTrade does not.
Both apps allow users to create watchlists with real-time quotes, enabling quick access to key market information. AvaTrade’s mobile app has earned a rating of 4.5 stars and is ranked 13th out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, underscoring its effectiveness in mobile trading. Meanwhile, IC Markets holds a solid 4-star rating and is ranked 22nd, reflecting its respectable performance in the mobile trading space. While both platforms cater well to mobile traders, AvaTrade's advanced features and slightly higher rankings make it the stronger choice for those prioritizing seamless device integration and detailed technical analysis.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
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 | 73 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
AvaTrade and IC Markets both provide a wealth of market research tools, making them attractive choices for traders who value informed decision-making. AvaTrade delivers essential forex news from reputable sources like Bloomberg and Reuters and offers insights using Trading Central's tools, complemented by sentiment analysis tools to gauge market sentiment. They also grant access to a comprehensive economic calendar that helps traders stay informed about global news events. However, AvaTrade does not provide daily market commentary or tools from Autochartist, which may limit some traders seeking more frequent updates or diverse analytical resources.
On the other hand, IC Markets stands out by offering daily market commentaries, alongside access to top-tier forex news sources similar to AvaTrade. They further augment research capabilities with Autochartist tools, providing additional technical and fundamental analysis. Like AvaTrade, IC Markets users benefit from Trading Central tools and a sentiment-based trading tool, as well as a detailed economic calendar. Both brokers are rated four stars for research, though IC Markets holds a higher ranking in the research category by ForexBrokers.com at #23 compared to AvaTrade's #34, indicating a slight edge in research offerings.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| 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 it comes to educational resources for those just starting in forex or CFDs trading, both AvaTrade and IC Markets offer extensive materials to facilitate learning. Both platforms provide over ten pieces of educational content, including articles, videos, and archived webinars specifically targeting forex and CFDs. Beginners can benefit from at least ten videos on basic trading topics from each broker. For those seeking further insight, both AvaTrade and IC Markets host monthly webinars and provide easy access to a rich archive of past sessions. Furthermore, they each offer an investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms clearly defined.
While both AvaTrade and IC Markets achieve a commendable four-star rating for education, AvaTrade stands out with a higher rank of #2 in the education category by ForexBrokers.com, compared to IC Markets, which holds the 16th position. Moreover, AvaTrade and IC Markets both support advanced traders with ten educational videos each, covering complex trading topics. These brokers ensure that educational content remains accessible and comprehensive, catering to the continuous learning needs of traders at all stages.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
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 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that AvaTrade is better than IC Markets. AvaTrade finished with an overall rank of #13, while IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20.
AvaTrade is a trusted global brand best known for offering an extensive selection of trading platforms for forex and CFD traders, as well as exceptional educational content that helped it nab Best in Class honors for Beginners in the ForexBrokers.com 2025 Annual Awards.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 94 | 84 |
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Both AvaTrade and IC Markets do not offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but they do provide the option to invest in cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both AvaTrade and IC Markets do not support ACH or SEPA transfers for account funding, but they both offer versatile options including PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires for deposits and withdrawals, making them comparable in terms of financial transaction flexibility for online trading.
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 | AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 94 | 84 | |
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| Review | AvaTrade Review | IC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
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| Regulation | AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 94 | 84 | |
| Year Founded | 2006 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | 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 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | 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 | AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1260 | 3583 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 53 | 61 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | 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 | AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.93 | 0.62 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.61 | 0.62 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $200 | |
| 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 | AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | 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 | No | Yes | |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Tools | AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 80 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 13 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | AvaTrade | 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 | 73 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | AvaTrade | 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 | AvaTrade | 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 | AvaTrade Review | IC Markets Review |
| Overall | AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 94 | 84 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | AvaTrade Review | IC Markets Review |
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