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CMC Markets vs IC Markets 2026

ForexBrokers.com

Written by ForexBrokers.com

February 05, 2025

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

CMC Markets
5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Trust Score: 99
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 12029
IC Markets
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $200
  • Trust Score: 84
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 3583

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

Founded in 1989, CMC Markets stands out in the online brokerage world for its high level of trust and transparency. With a Trust Score of 99 out of 99, CMC Markets is considered highly trusted according to ForexBrokers.com. The company is publicly traded on a stock exchange and holds six Tier-1 licenses, which are recognized as highly trusted. In addition to its strong regulatory standing, CMC Markets also possesses a Tier-2 license, contributing to its credibility and reliability as a financial service provider.

In contrast, IC Markets, established in 2007, offers a commendable level of trust but falls short when compared to CMC Markets. With a Trust Score of 84, IC Markets is rated as trusted by ForexBrokers.com. Although not publicly traded, IC Markets maintains two Tier-1 licenses, aligning them with a moderate level of trust within the industry. The lack of Tier-2 licenses does create a differentiation, as potential traders might consider the comprehensive regulatory structure a lower-scoring competitor offers.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Year Founded info 1989 2007
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes No
Bank info No No
Tier-1 Licenses info 6 2
Tier-2 Licenses info 1 0
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 0 3

Fees

Comparing commissions and fees, both CMC Markets and IC Markets earn 5 stars for pricing, with CMC Markets ranked #4 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com and IC Markets ranked #5. Each delivers tight spreads with options for commission-free and commission-based pricing. On EUR/USD, CMC Markets’ FX Active plan charges $2.50 per side with minimum spreads from 0.0, creating an all-in cost around 0.5 pips. IC Markets’ Raw accounts charge $3.0 per side on cTrader or $3.5 per side on MetaTrader, translating to about 0.62–0.72 pips all-in on EUR/USD depending on platform, while its Standard account averages roughly 0.62 pips with no commission.

CMC Markets focuses on low, consistent spreads across account types. Typical spreads are about 0.61 pips on EUR/USD (August 2023), and with FX Active the all-in cost on several major pairs can fall to about 0.5 pips. Its Price Plus Scheme rewards high-volume traders with spread discounts based on Trading Points; for example, reaching Tier 4’s 20% discount would require 1,250 standard lots in a month. CMC’s averages have historically stayed close to its advertised minimums, helping it maintain sharp pricing. CMC Markets: 5 stars; ranked #4/63 for Commissions & Fees.

IC Markets tailors costs by platform and account. You can choose commission-free Standard pricing (average EUR/USD around 0.62 pips) or go for Raw pricing: cTrader at $3.0 per side or MetaTrader at $3.5 per side per standard lot. Using IC Markets’ historical averages, the effective all-in EUR/USD cost works out to about 0.62 pips on cTrader and 0.72 pips on MetaTrader (August 2022). Spreads can vary by the IC Markets entity (EU, Australia, or Seychelles), and active traders who exceed 100 lots per month may qualify for discounts. IC Markets: 5 stars; ranked #5/63 for Commissions & Fees.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Minimum Deposit info $0 $200
Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account info 1.3 info 0.62 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.65 info 0.62 info
Non-wire bank transfer info Yes No
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info No Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.

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Range of investments

CMC Markets delivers a larger range of investments than IC Markets. It lists 12,029 tradeable symbols versus 3,583 at IC Markets, and 141 forex pairs versus 61. Both brokers support forex trading (CFD/spot), offer copy trading, and let you trade cryptocurrencies via CFDs; neither lets you buy actual crypto.

Stock access is another divider. CMC Markets lets you buy exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, while IC Markets offers exchange-traded shares on international exchanges only, not the U.S. Reflecting this breadth, CMC Markets holds a 5-star Range of Investments rating and ranks #9 out of 63 brokers, compared with IC Markets’ 4.5 stars and #22 ranking.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 12029 3583
Forex Pairs (Total) info 141 61
U.S. Stocks (Shares) info Yes No
Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) info Yes Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
Cryptocurrency (Underlying) info No No
Cryptocurrency (CFDs) 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

Comparing CMC Markets and IC Markets for trading platforms and tools, both brokers check core boxes: free demo (paper) trading, web-based and Windows desktop platforms, copy trading, and the ability to place trades directly from charts. Each supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5). A key difference is that CMC Markets also offers a proprietary, in-house platform, while IC Markets relies on third-party platforms.

Ratings tilt the scales toward CMC Markets: it earns 5 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools and ranks #6 out of 63 brokers with ForexBrokers.com, compared with IC Markets at 4 stars and #17. If you want an in-house platform experience alongside MT4/MT5, CMC Markets stands out. If you prefer to stick with familiar third-party platforms, IC Markets remains a solid option with web and desktop access, copy trading, and chart-based trading.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform info Yes No
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 73 30
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes

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

Forex trading apps

Both CMC Markets and IC Markets offer full-featured mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android. You’ll get price alerts on both, along with the ability to draw trendlines and have your chart drawings auto-save. One key difference is watchlists: CMC Markets syncs your watchlists between the mobile app and your online account, while IC Markets does not.

For charting tools, IC Markets lists 30 technical studies in its mobile app, edging out CMC Markets with 29. However, CMC Markets earns higher marks overall: it’s rated 5 stars for Mobile Trading Apps and ranked #5 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, compared with IC Markets at 4 stars and #22. If seamless watchlist syncing and top-tier ratings matter most, CMC Markets stands out. If you want slightly more built-in indicators, IC Markets has a small advantage.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Price Alerts info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlists - Syncing info Yes No
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 29 30
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.

Market research

CMC Markets vs IC Markets for market research: both brokers deliver daily market commentary, real-time forex news from top-tier sources (such as Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones), Autochartist-powered analysis, sentiment tools that show long/short positioning, and an economic calendar. Neither integrates TipRanks or Acuity Trading (Signal Centre). The standout difference is Trading Central: IC Markets includes Trading Central research, while CMC Markets does not.

On performance, CMC Markets earns a higher Research rating (5/5) and a stronger category ranking (#6 of 63) on ForexBrokers.com, while IC Markets scores 4/5 and ranks #21. Pick IC Markets if Trading Central is a must-have alongside Autochartist and institutional news. Choose CMC Markets if you want a higher-rated research lineup with daily commentary, premium news, sentiment insights, and an economic calendar.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Daily Market Commentary (Articles) info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes Yes
Autochartist info Yes Yes
Trading Central info No Yes
Client sentiment data info Yes Yes
TipRanks info No No
Acuity Trading info No No
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.

Beginners and education

For beginner traders comparing CMC Markets vs IC Markets, both brokers deliver forex and CFD education that clears the “at least 10 pieces” bar with room to spare. Each has 10+ beginner videos as well as 10+ advanced videos, letting you build from the basics to more complex strategies at your own pace.

A key difference is live training: IC Markets hosts educational webinars at least once a month, while CMC Markets does not. In overall quality, CMC Markets earns 5 out of 5 stars for Education and ranks #10 of 63 on ForexBrokers.com; IC Markets scores 4 out of 5 stars and ranks #16. Choose IC Markets if live webinars are important to you, or CMC Markets if you want a higher-rated on-demand learning library.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Webinars info No Yes
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.

Winner

After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that CMC Markets is better than IC Markets. CMC Markets finished with an overall rank of #5, while IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #21.

CMC Markets is well-trusted across the globe, and delivers a terrific trading experience thanks to its excellent pricing and selection of over 12,000 tradeable instruments.

Feature CMC Markets logoCMC Markets
IC Markets logoIC Markets
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 84
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Fees 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Trading Platforms 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with CMC Markets or IC Markets?

CMC Markets and IC Markets do not allow buying actual (delivered) cryptocurrencies, but both brokers offer cryptocurrency CFD trading for price exposure without owning the underlying asset.

What funding options does each broker offer?

In a funding-options comparison of online brokers CMC Markets vs IC Markets, CMC Markets supports ACH/SEPA, PayPal, and bank wire deposits/withdrawals but not Skrill, whereas IC Markets lacks ACH/SEPA, supports PayPal and Skrill, and offers bank wires.

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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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Overall Rating CMC Markets IC Markets
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Fees 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Platforms 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 84
Winner check_circle
Review CMC Markets Review IC Markets Review
Broker Screenshots CMC Markets IC Markets
Broker Gallery (click to expand) info
CMC Markets Next Generation mobile trade ticket order. CMC Markets Next Generation web platform layout light theme CMC Markets research weekly outlook detail. CMC Markets OPTO Podcast.
IC Markets cTrader mobile app charting IC Markets EU cTrader desktop trading platform layout IC Markets webinar IC Your Trade YouTube video series. IC Markets Educational content blog articles.
Regulation CMC Markets IC Markets
Trust Score info 99 84
Year Founded info 1989 2007
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes No
Bank info No No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info Yes info
Tier-1 Licenses info 6 2
Tier-2 Licenses info 1 0
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 0 3
Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) CMC Markets IC Markets
Australia (ASIC Authorised) info Yes Yes
Canada (CIRO Authorised) info Yes No
Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) info No No
Japan (FSA Authorised) info No No
Singapore (MAS Authorised) info Yes No
Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) info
United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) info Yes No
USA (CFTC Authorized) info No No
New Zealand (FMA Authorised) info Yes No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info Yes info
Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) CMC Markets IC Markets
Kenya (CMA Authorised) info
Israel (ISA Authorised) info No No
South Africa (FSCA Authorised) info No No
UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) info Yes No
India (SEBI Authorised) info No No
Jordan (JSC Authorised) info
Investments CMC Markets IC Markets
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 12029 3583
Forex Pairs (Total) info 141 61
U.S. Stocks (Shares) info Yes No
Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) info Yes Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
Cryptocurrency (Underlying) info No No
Cryptocurrency (CFDs) 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 CMC Markets IC Markets
Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account info 1.3 info 0.62 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.65 info 0.62 info
Inactivity Fee info Yes No
Order execution: Agency info No Yes
Order execution: Market Maker info Yes Yes
Funding CMC Markets IC Markets
Minimum Deposit info $0 $200
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info No Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Non-wire bank transfer info Yes No
Trading Platforms CMC Markets IC Markets
Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform info Yes No
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info Yes Yes
cTrader info No Yes
Trading Tools CMC Markets IC Markets
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Price Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 73 30
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Charts can be saved info Yes Yes
Mobile Trading CMC Markets IC Markets
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Price Alerts info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] info
Mobile Watchlists - Syncing info Yes No
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 29 30
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave info Yes Yes
Mobile Research - Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Research CMC Markets IC Markets
Daily Market Commentary (Articles) info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes Yes
Autochartist info Yes Yes
Trading Central info No Yes
TipRanks info No No
Client sentiment data info Yes Yes
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Education CMC Markets IC Markets
Webinars info No Yes
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Major Forex Pairs CMC Markets IC Markets
GBP/USD [DELETED] info
USD/JPY [DELETED] info
EUR/USD info Yes Yes
USD/CHF [DELETED] info
USD/CAD [DELETED] info
NZD/USD [DELETED] info
AUD/USD [DELETED] info
Review CMC Markets Review IC Markets Review
Overall CMC Markets IC Markets
Overall Rating info 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Fees 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Range of Investments 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Trading Platforms 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 99 84
Winner check_circle
Review CMC Markets Review IC Markets Review
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