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.
IG vs IC Markets: IG was founded in 1974, is publicly traded, and is a bank. IC Markets launched in 2007, is not publicly traded, and is not a bank. On regulation, IG holds eight Tier-1 licenses (the highest level) and two Tier-2 licenses, while IC Markets holds two Tier-1 licenses and no Tier-2 licenses.
ForexBrokers.com Trust Score scale: 90–99 highly trusted, 80–89 trusted, 70–79 average risk, 60–69 high risk, under 59 not trusted. IG scores 99 (highly trusted); IC Markets scores 83 (trusted). Both are regulated, but IG carries more top-tier oversight and the higher Trust Score.
| 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 are both strong choices for traders who want low trading costs, but they do it in slightly different ways. IG is not a discount broker, yet it offers competitive pricing for active traders, especially through its Forex Direct DMA account and volume-based rebate programs. Its Forex Direct pricing can work out to about 0.82 pips all-in on EUR/USD, while its CFD account averaged 0.69 pips during the main trading session in July 2023. IG is rated 5 stars for commissions and fees and ranks #7 out of 36 brokers.
IC Markets is especially appealing for traders focused on tight spreads and commission-based pricing. It offers a commission-free Standard account, plus Raw Spread and cTrader Raw Spread accounts with low commissions and very small effective spreads. On its cTrader Raw Spread account, the all-in cost on EUR/USD can come to about 0.62 pips, while the MetaTrader Raw Spread account is around 0.72 pips. IC Markets also gives discounts to higher-volume traders. It is rated 5 stars for commissions and fees and ranks #5 out of 36 brokers.
Overall, both brokers are very competitive, but IC Markets has a slight edge for pure price-sensitive trading thanks to its lower all-in costs and stronger ranking in the commissions and fees category. IG still stands out for active traders who want flexible execution, large-order handling, and rebate options that can bring costs down further at higher volumes.
| Feature |
IG
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £1 | $200 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Spread-only account | 0.91 | 0.8 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Raw spread account | 0.82 | 0.72 |
| Non-wire bank transfer (Deposit/Withdraw) | 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 a wider range of investments than IC Markets, making it a stronger choice for traders who want more ways to diversify. IG supports forex trading as both CFDs and spot contracts, with 97 forex pairs and 19,537 tradeable symbols overall. It also lets clients buy real shares on both U.S. and international exchanges, plus actual cryptocurrency and crypto CFDs. By comparison, IC Markets also offers forex as CFDs or spot contracts, but it has fewer tradeable symbols overall at 7,435 and 61 forex pairs. It does not offer direct share trading or the option to buy actual cryptocurrency.
One area where IC Markets stands out is copy trading, which IG does not provide. However, for range of investments, IG has the clear edge, backed by a 5-star rating and a #4 ranking out of 36 brokers from ForexBrokers.com. IC Markets is rated 4.5 stars and ranked #22 in the same category, while still offering crypto CFDs alongside its forex and copy trading features.
| Feature |
IG
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 19537 | 7435 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 61 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | No |
| 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.
IG and IC Markets both give traders a strong range of platform choices, including free demo accounts, Windows desktop software, web-based trading, MetaTrader 4, and MetaTrader 5. Each also lets users place trades straight from a chart, which is helpful for active traders who want to react quickly to price moves. IG stands out by offering its own in-house platform, giving it an extra option that IC Markets does not provide.
When it comes to extra tools, IC Markets has copy trading, while IG does not. IG also comes out ahead overall in this category, earning 5 out of 5 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools and ranking #1 out of 36 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. IC Markets is still competitive, but it is rated 4 out of 5 stars and ranked #17, making IG the better choice for traders who want the widest platform selection and top-rated tools.
| 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) | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 32 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
IG and IC Markets both give traders iPhone and Android apps, along with price alerts, trendline drawing, and auto-saving chart drawings, so each platform covers the basic needs for trading on the move. IG edges ahead on charting with 33 technical studies in its mobile app, compared with 32 at IC Markets. One key difference is watchlist syncing: IG lets your mobile watchlists sync with your online account, while IC Markets does not.
In overall mobile trading app quality, IG comes out on top. ForexBrokers.com rates IG 5 stars for mobile trading apps and ranks it #1 out of 36 brokers, while IC Markets earns 4 stars and is ranked #22. For traders who want smoother watchlist syncing and slightly better app ratings, IG has the advantage, though IC Markets still offers a solid mobile trading experience.
| 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 | 32 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research, IG has a slight edge over IC Markets. Both brokers provide daily market commentary, news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, a sentiment tool, TipRanks research, and an economic calendar that tracks key global events. That means either choice gives traders plenty of ways to follow the markets and stay informed.
The main difference is in the extra research tools. IG includes Autochartist and Acuity Trading, while IC Markets offers Trading Central instead. IG also stands out with a higher research score, earning 5 stars and ranking #2 out of 36 brokers for Research, compared with IC Markets’ 4 stars and #21 ranking. If research quality is a top priority, IG has the stronger overall offering.
| Feature |
IG
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central | No | Yes |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | Yes |
| Acuity Trading | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to beginner-friendly learning, both IG and IC Markets give new traders plenty to work with. Each broker offers forex and CFD education with at least 10 learning pieces, plus online educational webinars at least once a month. They also both provide at least 10 beginner videos and at least 10 advanced videos, so traders can keep learning as their skills grow. For someone just starting out, either platform offers a solid mix of lessons, videos, and live sessions.
That said, IG has the edge in overall education quality. It is rated 5 stars for Education and ranks #7 out of 36 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, while IC Markets is rated 4 stars and ranks #16. In simple terms, both brokers support beginners well, but IG stands out as the stronger choice for educational content and learning support.
| 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 #21.
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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|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 99 | 83 |
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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 | 83 | |
| 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 | 83 | |
| 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 (FSA 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 CMA 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 | 7435 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 97 | 61 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | No | |
| 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) - Spread-only account | 0.91 | 0.8 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Raw spread account | 0.82 | 0.72 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | £1 | $200 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer (Deposit/Withdraw) | 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) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | IG | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 33 | 32 | |
| 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 | 32 | |
| 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 | No | |
| Trading Central | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | 83 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IG Review | IC Markets Review |
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