Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Swissquote 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.
Swissquote, founded in 1996, stands as a publicly traded entity with banking status, which contributes to its high level of trust and reliability. Holding five Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses, Swissquote is strongly regulated, resulting in an impressive Trust Score of 99 out of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com. This positions Swissquote as not just a broker but also a financial institution that is highly trusted by its users, offering a sense of security for those seeking to invest with confidence.
Founded in 2007, IC Markets is known for its competitive offerings but isn't publicly traded and doesn't hold a banking license. While IC Markets holds two Tier-1 licenses, it lacks any Tier-2 licenses, which results in a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 84 out of 99. This score places IC Markets within the "trusted" category, offering a bit more risk than Swissquote, yet still maintaining a solid framework for those engaging in online brokerage activities.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2007 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
Comparing commissions and fees, IC Markets is the cheaper choice while Swissquote tends to cost more. IC Markets earns 5 out of 5 stars and ranks #5 of 63 for Commissions & Fees, thanks to very low effective spreads and competitive commission pricing. Swissquote earns 3.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #54 of 63; its pricing reflects the appeal of a Swiss banking brand, but it’s not aimed at bargain hunters.
Swissquote’s costs vary by entity. In the U.K., active traders who deposit at least $10,000 can use the Elite account with a $5 per round turn commission and lower spreads; the Professional account is similar but with a different stop-out level. The U.K. Standard account starts at 1.3 pips on EUR/USD, while the Prime account advertises minimum spreads from 0.6 pips (note: minimums aren’t averages). In Luxembourg, minimum spreads range from 1.5 pips (Standard, $1,000 minimum) to 0.8 pips (Prime, $50,000 minimum). In Switzerland, forex accounts start at 1.7 pips (Standard, $1,000), drop to 1.4 pips (Premium, $10,000), and 1.1 pips for Prime ($50,000), with custom pricing negotiable for high volume traders.
IC Markets offers three account types across its EU, Australia, and Seychelles entities. The commission-free Standard account averages about 0.62 pips on EUR/USD. The Raw Spread accounts charge commissions but often deliver lower all-in costs: cTrader is $3.00 per side ($6 RT) and MetaTrader is $3.50 per side ($7 RT). With listed average spreads near 0.02 pips on EUR/USD, total costs work out to roughly 0.62 pips on cTrader (about 0.72 on MetaTrader). Active traders who clear 100+ lots per month can qualify for discounts, reinforcing IC Markets’ low-cost edge over Swissquote.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1000 | $200 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | N/A | 0.62 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 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.
Swissquote vs IC Markets: which has the wider range of investments? IC Markets lists 3,583 tradeable symbols versus 472 at Swissquote, while Swissquote offers more forex pairs (80 vs 61). Both brokers support forex trading as CFDs or spot (depending on account and platform).
For stocks, Swissquote lets you buy exchange-traded shares on both U.S. and international exchanges, while IC Markets offers exchange-traded shares on international markets but not on U.S. exchanges. For crypto, Swissquote supports both real (delivered) coins and crypto CFDs; IC Markets offers crypto CFDs only. Both provide copy trading. In ForexBrokers.com’s Range of Investments ratings, Swissquote scores 5 stars and ranks #2 out of 63 brokers, while IC Markets earns 4.5 stars and ranks #26.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 472 | 3583 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 61 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | 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.
Swissquote and IC Markets both check key boxes for traders: free demo (paper) accounts, web-based and Windows desktop platforms, copy trading, and the popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Each also lets you place orders directly from charts. A key difference is that Swissquote offers its own proprietary platform built in-house, while IC Markets relies on third-party options.
When it comes to platform quality and tools, Swissquote is rated 4.5 stars and ranks #12 out of 63 brokers in ForexBrokers.com’s Trading Platforms and Tools category, while IC Markets earns 4 stars and ranks #16. If you want an in-house platform alongside MetaTrader, Swissquote may have the edge. If you prefer sticking with industry-standard platforms and still want features like chart trading, copy trading, and a free demo, IC Markets is a strong alternative.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
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) | Yes | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 86 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Comparing Swissquote and IC Markets for mobile trading, both brokers check the key boxes: iPhone and Android apps, price alerts for stocks and forex, and capable charting. Each app includes 30 technical studies, lets you draw trendlines, and auto-saves your drawings. One limitation to note is that neither broker syncs watchlists between the mobile app and your online account, so edits won’t carry over across devices.
When it comes to ratings, Swissquote edges ahead with 4.5 out of 5 stars and a #12 ranking out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps, while IC Markets holds 4 stars and a #22 ranking (source: ForexBrokers.com). If you want a higher-rated mobile experience with the same core charting tools and alerts, Swissquote has the advantage. IC Markets still offers a capable app for traders who primarily need alerts, indicators, and drawing tools on the go.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Both Swissquote and IC Markets excel in providing traders with a range of insightful market research tools, each offering daily market commentary and access to top-tier forex news from sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. Users of both platforms benefit from the sophisticated functionalities of Autochartist, ensuring access to valuable technical and fundamental research tools. However, IC Markets adds an extra layer with its inclusion of Trading Central tools and a sentiment-based trading tool, which Swissquote does not offer.
When it comes to additional research capabilities, neither Swissquote nor IC Markets provides market research from TipRanks or tools from Acuity Trading. Both platforms feature economic calendars to keep investors aware of global economic events. Each broker holds a strong research rating of 4 stars, but in rankings, Swissquote is placed higher at #16 compared to IC Markets at #23 according to ForexBrokers.com. This subtle difference can guide traders in selecting the most suitable platform for their research needs.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
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 | No | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Acuity Trading | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
For beginners comparing education at Swissquote and IC Markets, both brokers check the key boxes. Each offers forex and CFD education well beyond the basic 10-piece benchmark, spanning articles, videos, and archived webinars. They both run client webinars at least once a month and provide at least 10 beginner-focused videos that explain trading essentials in plain language, making it easier to get started and build confidence.
As you progress, both brokers also supply at least 10 advanced videos, so you won’t outgrow their libraries quickly. According to ForexBrokers.com, education quality is rated 4 out of 5 stars for both, with IC Markets ranked #16 and Swissquote #20 out of 63 brokers. That slight edge suggests IC Markets may offer a bit more depth overall, while Swissquote remains a close, solid option for newcomers who value regular webinars and a sizable set of beginner lessons.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
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 Swissquote is better than IC Markets. Swissquote finished with an overall rank of #11, while IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20.
Traders choose Swissquote for its quality research and vast multi-asset offering – as long as they are willing to pay a premium to have their brokerage account held with a Swiss bank.
| Feature |
Swissquote
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IC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 84 |
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Swissquote allows investors to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency and trade cryptocurrency CFDs, whereas IC Markets offers only cryptocurrency CFDs and does not provide access to real, delivered coins.
Compared with IC Markets, Swissquote stands out by supporting ACH/SEPA transfers, while both brokers accept PayPal, Skrill, and bank wires; 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 | Swissquote | IC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 84 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Swissquote Review | IC Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Swissquote | IC Markets | |
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| Regulation | Swissquote | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 84 | |
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2007 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Swissquote | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| 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) | Swissquote | 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 | Swissquote | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 472 | 3583 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 61 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | Yes | 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 | Swissquote | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | N/A | 0.62 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 0.62 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Swissquote | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1000 | $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 | Swissquote | 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) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | Yes |
| Trading Tools | Swissquote | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 86 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Swissquote | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Swissquote | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central | No | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Client sentiment data | No | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Swissquote | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Swissquote | 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 | Swissquote Review | IC Markets Review |
| Overall | Swissquote | IC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 84 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Swissquote Review | IC Markets Review |
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