Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FXCM 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.
FXCM vs IC Markets: FXCM was founded in 1999 and is publicly traded, while IC Markets began in 2007 and is not publicly traded. Neither broker is a bank. According to ForexBrokers.com, FXCM has a Trust Score of 95/99 (highly trusted), and IC Markets scores 83/99 (trusted), based on a scale where 90–99 is highly trusted and 80–89 is trusted.
Regulation and licenses: FXCM holds 4 Tier-1 licenses and 2 Tier-2 licenses, compared to IC Markets with 2 Tier-1 licenses and no Tier-2 licenses. Tier-1 regulators are considered highly trusted and Tier-2 trusted by ForexBrokers.com, indicating FXCM has broader top-tier oversight than IC Markets.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
For commissions and fees, IC Markets generally undercuts FXCM. IC Markets earns 5/5 stars and ranks #5 of 63 for this category, while FXCM earns 4.5/5 stars and ranks #17 of 63. Actual costs depend on your account type, platform, and the broker entity you use.
FXCM’s pricing is slightly above the industry average. On a Standard (spread-only) account, average EUR/USD spreads were 0.78 pips in the EU, U.K., and Australia during May 2024, and 1.38 pips via its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity. Its commission-based pricing showed a low core spread around 0.28 pips in May 2024; after adding commissions, the all-in cost typically lands near 0.74 pips. FXCM’s Active Trader Rebate Program (not offered in the U.K. or EU) can return $5–$25 per million traded; as an example, in the U.K. a $25,000 balance with roughly $50 million in monthly volume can reduce the commission to $2.50 per side ($5 round turn). Note that spreads can widen during rollover or volatile market conditions.
IC Markets offers three accounts: Standard (spread-only), Raw Spread (MT4/MT5), and cTrader Raw Spread. The cTrader Raw Spread account averages about 0.02 pips on EUR/USD (historical listing, Aug 2022); after the $3.00-per-side commission ($6 round turn), the all-in cost is about 0.62 pips. The MT4/MT5 Raw Spread account charges $3.50 per side ($7 round turn), putting the all-in near 0.72 pips. The commission-free Standard account lists an average spread of about 0.62 pips. IC Markets also offers discounts for traders who exceed 100 standard lots per month. Overall, IC Markets’ all-in pricing tends to be lower than FXCM’s, especially on its cTrader Raw Spread account.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $200 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.9 | 0.62 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 0.62 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Comparing FXCM vs IC Markets for range of investments: both brokers support forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts and offer copy trading. IC Markets lists far more tradable symbols overall (3,583 vs 440) and more forex pairs (61 vs 46), giving currency traders and multi‑asset users a wider menu.
Outside of forex, neither broker lets you buy actual U.S.-listed shares, and neither offers delivered cryptocurrency; both do offer cryptocurrency CFDs. IC Markets does provide exchange‑traded international shares, while FXCM does not. Both earn 4.5 stars for Range of Investments; on ForexBrokers.com, FXCM ranks #21 of 63 and IC Markets ranks #22. If you want the largest selection and access to international shares, IC Markets has the edge. If you don’t need thousands of symbols, FXCM remains a strong, well‑rated choice.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 3583 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 61 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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.
FXCM and IC Markets both offer free demo accounts for paper trading, plus desktop (Windows) and web platforms. FXCM also provides its own in-house platform, while IC Markets does not. Both support MetaTrader 4 and copy trading; only IC Markets adds MetaTrader 5. Each broker lets you place trades directly from charts, with access to a range of indicators and customizable watchlists.
For Trading Platforms and Tools, ForexBrokers.com rates FXCM at 5 stars and ranks it #4 out of 63 brokers, while IC Markets earns 4 stars and ranks #17. If you want an in-house platform alongside MT4 and chart trading, FXCM is a strong fit; if MT5 is a priority and you prefer third-party platforms, IC Markets stands out. Both deliver web and desktop access along with a free demo to practice.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Comparing FXCM vs IC Markets for mobile trading, both offer iPhone and Android apps with price alerts, trendline drawing, and auto‑saved chart annotations. The biggest differences are in charting depth and watchlists: FXCM includes 59 technical studies and syncs watchlists with your online account so changes carry across devices, while IC Markets offers 30 technical studies and does not support watchlist syncing between mobile and web.
For ratings, FXCM’s mobile app scores 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #16 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com. IC Markets earns 4 stars and ranks #22. Choose FXCM if you want more indicators and seamless watchlist syncing; pick IC Markets if you mainly need alerts and drawing tools in a straightforward mobile app.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
FXCM and IC Markets both check the key boxes for market research. Each offers daily market commentary, forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones, Trading Central tools, sentiment gauges that show long vs. short positioning, and an economic calendar. Neither broker includes Acuity Trading’s Signal Centre. The main differences are in extras: IC Markets provides Autochartist for chart pattern ideas, while FXCM does not; FXCM integrates TipRanks research, which IC Markets doesn’t offer.
On quality scores, FXCM comes out ahead with a 4.5/5 Research rating and a #11 placement out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com. IC Markets holds a 4/5 rating and ranks #21. Consider FXCM if TipRanks and broad built-in research matter most, or choose IC Markets if Autochartist’s pattern recognition is a priority.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central | Yes | Yes |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Acuity Trading | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
FXCM and IC Markets both provide forex and CFD education that meets a high standard, with 10 or more learning pieces such as articles, videos, and archived webinars. Each broker also runs ongoing online educational webinars at least once a month. For new traders, both brokers offer 10+ beginner-friendly videos that explain core trading concepts, platform basics, and risk management in plain language.
As you progress, you’ll find more to learn at both brokers, with 10+ advanced videos available from each. If education quality is your deciding factor, FXCM holds a slight edge: it’s rated 4.5 out of 5 stars for Education and ranks #13 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, compared with IC Markets at 4 stars and #16. In short, beginners will find solid education with both FXCM and IC Markets, with FXCM earning the higher marks overall.
| Feature |
FXCM
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that FXCM is better than IC Markets. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #10, while IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #21.
For traders who appreciate advanced trading tools and quality market research, FXCM is a winner, especially for algorithmic trading. Its range of tradeable markets is fairly narrow, however, and the pricing at FXCM is just average.
| Feature |
FXCM
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IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 95 | 83 |
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FXCM vs IC Markets: neither broker offers the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but both support trading cryptocurrency CFDs (not the underlying asset).
FXCM vs IC Markets: For deposit and withdrawal methods, FXCM supports ACH/SEPA while IC Markets does not, both brokers accept PayPal, Skrill, and bank wire transfers, and Visa/Mastercard availability is not specified for either.
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 | FXCM | IC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 83 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | IC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FXCM | IC Markets | |
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| Regulation | FXCM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 95 | 83 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FXCM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (FSA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | |||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | 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) | FXCM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | FXCM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 440 | 3583 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 46 | 61 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | No | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | No | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 | FXCM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.9 | 0.62 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 0.62 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FXCM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | Starts from $50 | $200 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | FXCM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | FXCM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 115 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FXCM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 59 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | FXCM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FXCM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | FXCM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | FXCM Review | IC Markets Review |
| Overall | FXCM | IC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 95 | 83 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FXCM Review | IC Markets Review |
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