Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IC Markets vs Trading 212, 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 2007, IC Markets and established in 2004, Trading 212, are both online brokers that cater to traders seeking reliable platforms. Neither of these brokers is publicly traded or operates as a bank. In terms of trustworthiness, IC Markets boasts two Tier-1 licenses, indicating a high level of safety, while Trading 212 holds three of these reputable licenses. This suggests that both are reputable, with Trading 212 having a slight edge in regulatory strength.
When evaluated by ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets received a Trust Score rating of 84 out of 99, reflecting a trusted status in the industry. Trading 212, on the other hand, scored an 80, aligning it closely with its competitor. While both brokers are considered dependable, IC Markets holds a slightly higher Trust Score, signaling a marginally more favorable perception among traders looking for secure trading options. Overall, both brokers rank well within the trusted bracket, offering a solid foundation for conducting online trading activities.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2004 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 3 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
IC Markets is a highly competitive choice for traders looking for low commissions and fees, receiving a perfect five-star rating in this category. Ranked #5 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, it offers a range of account types, including commission-free and commission-based options. Traders can select their preferred platform with either cTrader or MetaTrader (MT4 or MT5), both featuring distinct commission structures. With average effective spreads as low as 0.62 pips for the EUR/USD, IC Markets caters to both casual and active traders, even offering discounts for those who exceed trading 100 standard lots per month.
On the other hand, Trading 212 provides commission-free trading but requires users to pay spreads when trading CFDs and forex. Although accessible with a low minimum deposit, its average spread for the EUR/USD pair is notably higher at 2.7 pips compared to the industry standard. With a slightly lower rating of four stars in the commissions and fees category, Trading 212 is ranked #49 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. Despite recent steps towards increased pricing transparency, such as publishing average spread data, Trading 212 trails competitors in offering cost-effective trading to its users.
Ultimately, IC Markets stands out as the more favorable option for traders prioritizing low trading costs. With a variety of account options and competitive spreads, it offers a more attractive package for traders looking to minimize fees. In contrast, Trading 212's higher spreads indicate a less preferable choice in terms of cost, despite its user-friendly low deposit requirement.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | €1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 2.7 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 2.7 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When exploring online brokers, IC Markets and Trading 212 each present compelling options depending on your trading needs. IC Markets offers a wide range of investment opportunities with 3,583 tradeable symbols, which includes 61 forex pairs and a strong focus on CFDs and international securities. They provide added flexibility through features like copy trading and the use of cryptocurrency derivatives, although they don't offer direct investment in U.S. exchange-traded securities.
In contrast, Trading 212 stands out with a larger selection of 7,868 tradeable symbols. They provide access to 146 forex pairs, and unlike IC Markets, Trading 212 allows users to buy direct stocks on U.S. exchanges, making them a versatile choice for those interested in both domestic and international securities. However, while both brokers offer cryptocurrency derivatives, neither provides the option to buy actual cryptocurrency. Trading 212's broad range of investment options earns it a 5-star rating for Range of Investments, ranking it at #15 according to ForexBrokers.com, compared to IC Markets' 4.5-star rating and #25 ranking.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 7868 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 146 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | 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.
When comparing IC Markets and Trading 212, both online brokers provide a strong offering for trading platforms and tools. IC Markets excels with its wide range of platforms, including compatibility with MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, which are popular among traders for their advanced features. Additionally, IC Markets supports copy trading and offers a Windows-based desktop platform, catering well to experienced traders who need comprehensive tools. Both brokers offer free virtual demo accounts and web-based platforms, making it easy for beginners to dip their toes into trading without the need for a hefty investment up front.
Trading 212, on the other hand, shines with its proprietary platform developed in-house, which is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, especially for those new to the trading world. Although it lacks the Windows-based desktop platform and copy trading features that IC Markets provides, Trading 212 offers a greater number of drawing tools (20 compared to IC Markets' 15) and the ability to trade directly from stock charts, adding to its appeal. Despite differences, both platforms receive a solid four-star rating from users in terms of trading platforms and tools, with IC Markets slightly ahead in rankings among peers, taking the 16th spot, while Trading 212 ranks 20th according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 54 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 20 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 5 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of IC Markets and Trading 212, both platforms are available on iPhone and Android, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience. For traders seeking real-time alerts and updates, both apps provide stock and forex price alerts, along with the capability to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on charts. A distinguishing factor is Trading 212's ability to sync watchlists across devices, allowing users to maintain consistent information whether on a phone or desktop, a feature not present in the IC Markets app. Both platforms offer real-time watchlists, but Trading 212 stands out with a variety of technical studies, offering 104 compared to IC Markets' 30.
As for chart drawings, both apps conveniently auto-save user inputs, preventing any loss of annotations or technical lines. In terms of user satisfaction, each has been rated four out of five stars for their mobile trading experience, indicating a generally positive reception. However, when evaluated among 63 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category by ForexBrokers.com, Trading 212 ranks slightly higher at #17, compared to IC Markets at #22, suggesting a slight preference for Trading 212 among a competitive field. Ultimately, your choice might hinge on the importance of watchlist syncing and the extensive array of technical studies offered by Trading 212.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 104 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When considering an online broker for market research, IC Markets and Trading 212 offer distinct features that cater to varying investor needs. IC Markets stands out with daily market commentary and provides forex news from prestigious sources like Bloomberg and Reuters. It also includes advanced research tools from Autochartist and Trading Central, offering technical and fundamental analysis aids. Moreover, IC Markets delivers a sentiment-based trading tool to help investors gauge market sentiment across currency pairs, alongside an economic calendar for tracking global news events. These features contribute to IC Markets' high rating of 4 stars for research, ranking it 23rd out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, Trading 212 offers timely forex news from top-tier sources, similar to IC Markets, and also provides a sentiment-based trading tool and an economic calendar. However, it lacks the daily market commentary and does not feature research tools from Autochartist or Trading Central. Despite these limitations, Trading 212 remains competitive with a research rating of 3.5 stars, placing it 44th among 63 brokers. While both brokers offer valuable insights and tools, IC Markets provides a more comprehensive suite of research features tailored for those seeking in-depth market analysis.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When looking at educational resources for beginners between IC Markets and Trading 212, both platforms offer a foundational suite of learning materials on forex and CFDs, each with at least 10 pieces like articles and videos. IC Markets and Trading 212 also provide a rich collection of beginner and advanced videos to guide new and seasoned traders alike. However, IC Markets stands out with its monthly educational webinars, a feature Trading 212 lacks, though both have archives of past webinars for easy access.
Both brokers include an investor dictionary with over 50 terms to clarify investing jargon for their users. In terms of overall education ratings, IC Markets edges out Trading 212 with a rating of 4 stars against 3.5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets ranks 16th out of 63 brokers in the education category, surpassing Trading 212, which ranks 20th. These differences highlight IC Markets' slightly stronger emphasis on continuing education and accessibility, making it a preferred choice for those prioritizing a rich educational experience in trading.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IC Markets is better than Trading 212. IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20, while Trading 212 finished with an overall rank of #31.
IC Markets’ competitive pricing and scalable execution make it an excellent option for algorithmic traders. Though it supports an impressive range of third-party tools and plugins, IC Markets’ research and education offerings are not as impressive as those offered by industry leaders.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Trading 212
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 80 |
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Both IC Markets and Trading 212 provide the option to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives but do not offer the capability to buy actual, delivered cryptocurrencies.
When comparing online brokers, IC Markets and Trading 212 both support PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires for depositing or withdrawing account funds, but IC Markets stands out with Skrill support while Trading 212 offers ACH and SEPA transfers instead.
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 | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 80 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Trading 212 Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
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| Regulation | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 84 | 80 | |
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2004 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 3 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| 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) | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 7868 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 146 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | 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 | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 2.7 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 2.7 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | €1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | Yes |
| Trading Platforms | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 5 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 54 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 20 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 104 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | No | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | IC Markets Review | Trading 212 Review |
| Overall | IC Markets | Trading 212 | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 80 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Trading 212 Review |
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