Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IG 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.
Founded in 1974, IG stands as a seasoned player in the online brokerage arena. It is publicly traded and holds the status of a bank. With a top-tier Trust Score of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, IG is considered highly trusted. This is backed by its impressive acquisition of 8 Tier-1 licenses, reflecting a strong regulatory standing worldwide. Additionally, IG has 2 Tier-2 licenses that further enhance its credibility in providing secure investment services.
IC Markets, established in 2007, operates as a private entity and does not hold bank status. Its ForexBrokers.com Trust Score is 84, earning it a classification of "trusted". While newer to the scene compared to IG, IC Markets maintains credibility with its 2 Tier-1 licenses. However, the firm holds no Tier-2 licenses, which might be a consideration for those prioritizing extensive regulatory oversight.
| Feature |
IG
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
IG and IC Markets both hold strong reputations in the world of online forex trading, receiving high ratings for commissions and fees. IG shines with its five-star rating, offering a variety of execution methods and tools such as Forex Direct accounts to support both active and large order traders. IG's spreads are close to the industry average, with Forex Direct spins averaging 0.62 during July 2023, resulting in an all-in cost of 0.82 pips. For CFDs, IG offers competitive average spreads of 0.69 pips during main trading hours. Moreover, IG uses a three-tier active trader rebate program offering up to 20% spread rebates for high-volume traders who qualify as professionals.
IC Markets is also highly regarded, earning a five-star rating and the Best in Class for Commissions & Fees. Its offerings include the Standard account, which is commission-free with an average spread of 0.62 pips, and commission-based accounts such as the Raw Spread and cTrader Raw Spread accounts. IC Markets' average spread on the EUR/USD is an impressive 0.02 pips, with an all-in cost of 0.62 pips when commission is considered for cTrader accounts. The Raw Spread account using MetaTrader charges slightly different commission rates, contributing to an overall cost of 0.72 pips. For traders executing over 100 standard lots monthly, IC Markets offers attractive discounts.
Both brokers are top contenders, but IC Markets outranks IG, landing the number five spot out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com, compared to IG’s eighth-place ranking. Each firm provides its set of advantages, allowing traders to select the platform that best meets their trading style and volume needs.
| Feature |
IG
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $200 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.98 | 0.62 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.62 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
IG offers one of the widest ranges of markets, with 19,537 tradeable symbols and 97 forex pairs, compared with IC Markets’ 3,583 symbols and 61 forex pairs. Both brokers support forex trading via CFDs and spot-style contracts, but IG’s broader product list gives it more choice across asset classes and strategies.
For traditional share dealing, IG lets clients buy exchange-traded shares on both U.S. and international exchanges, while IC Markets does not offer U.S.-listed shares but does provide access to certain international exchanges. IC Markets stands out for copy trading (IG does not). For crypto, IG offers both actual coins and CFDs, whereas IC Markets offers crypto only as CFDs. In ForexBrokers.com’s Range of Investments ratings, IG earns 5 stars and ranks #4 of 63 brokers, while IC Markets earns 4.5 stars and ranks #26.
| Feature |
IG
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 3583 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 61 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | 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.
Comparing IG vs IC Markets for trading platforms and tools: both brokers offer free demo (paper) accounts, web platforms, and Windows desktop platforms, plus the ability to place trades directly from charts. IG provides its own proprietary platform alongside MetaTrader 4 (MT4), but not MetaTrader 5 (MT5). IC Markets does not have a proprietary platform, yet supports both MT4 and MT5. Copy trading is available at IC Markets, while IG does not offer it. Both brokers include charting and watch lists, though the exact counts of indicators and watch list fields aren’t specified here.
For quality and recognition, ForexBrokers.com rates IG 5 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools, ranking it #2 out of 63 brokers, while IC Markets earns 4 stars and ranks #16. In short: choose IG if you want a strong in-house platform experience; pick IC Markets if you need MT5 or copy trading. Since both offer free demos, it’s easy to test-drive each and see which interface and tools you prefer.
| Feature |
IG
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Choosing between IG and IC Markets for mobile trading? Both brokers offer iPhone and Android apps, along with price alerts to keep you on top of market moves. Charting tools are strong on both: you can draw trendlines and your drawings auto-save. IG provides 33 technical studies in its app, while IC Markets lists 30. One standout difference is watchlists: IG syncs symbols between the mobile app and your online account, so changes carry over automatically; IC Markets does not offer cross-device watchlist syncing.
When it comes to recognition, IG leads the pack with a 5-star Mobile Trading Apps rating and a #1 ranking out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com. IC Markets earns 4 stars and ranks #22. If seamless watchlist syncing and slightly deeper charting matter to you, IG has the edge. If you’re already with IC Markets, its app still covers the essentials for on-the-go trading.
| Feature |
IG
|
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 | 33 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research, both IG and IC Markets provide valuable resources for traders. Each platform offers daily market commentary and access to forex news from renowned sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. They both also deliver technical analysis tools from Autochartist and have sentiment-based trading tools to gauge market trends. Additionally, the two platforms feature economic calendars that highlight key global news events, assisting traders in making informed decisions.
Amidst these similarities, there are key differences that set IG apart in research offerings. Unlike IC Markets, IG includes market research from TipRanks and tools from Acuity Trading, enhancing its service. While IC Markets offers resources from Trading Central, IG does not, but this doesn't overshadow IG's comprehensive suite of research tools which has earned it a perfect 5-star rating. In the competitive landscape of 63 brokers, IG holds the impressive rank of #2 for research, in contrast to IC Markets, which stands at #23 with a 4-star research rating.
| Feature |
IG
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central | No | Yes |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Acuity Trading | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
IG and IC Markets both give beginners plenty to learn from. Each broker offers forex and CFD education with at least ten pieces of content, runs ongoing client webinars (at least monthly), and provides at least ten beginner-focused videos, plus advanced videos you can grow into. For beginners comparing IG vs IC Markets on education, IG stands out: it earns 5 stars for Education and ranks #1 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while IC Markets earns 4 stars and ranks #16.
If you want the most highly rated learning path with frequent webinars and a large video library, IG is the stronger pick for newcomers. IC Markets still delivers a strong lineup of webinars and beginner videos, making it a good choice if you want accessible forex and CFD education alongside its trading platforms.
| Feature |
IG
|
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 IG is better than IC Markets. IG finished with an overall rank of #1, while IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20.
IG offers the ultimate comprehensive trading package, featuring excellent trading and research tools, industry-leading education, and an extensive range of tradeable markets.
| Feature |
IG
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IC Markets
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|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 84 |
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IG vs IC Markets: IG lets you buy both actual (delivered) cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency CFDs, while IC Markets offers crypto CFDs only and does not support purchasing the underlying coins.
Comparing online brokers IG vs. IC Markets for deposit and withdrawal methods: IG supports ACH/SEPA, PayPal, and bank wires but not Skrill, while IC Markets supports PayPal, Skrill, and bank wires but not ACH/SEPA.
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 | IG | IC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 84 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | IC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IG | IC Markets | |
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| Regulation | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 84 | |
| Year Founded | 1974 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 8 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | Yes | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 3583 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 61 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | Yes | 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 | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 0.98 | 0.62 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.82 | 0.62 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £250.00 | $200 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | No | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IG | 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 | 33 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IG | 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 | IG Review | IC Markets Review |
| Overall | IG | IC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 84 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | IC Markets Review |
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