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 built for low trading costs. Its commission-based Raw Spread accounts list average EUR/USD spreads near 0.02 pips (Aug 2022); once you add commissions, the all‑in cost works out to about 0.62 pips on cTrader ($3.00 per side per 100k, $6.00 round turn) or 0.72 pips on MT4/MT5 ($3.50 per side, $7.00 round turn). The Standard account is commission‑free with an average EUR/USD spread around 0.62 pips. Spreads vary by platform, account type, and which global entity you use (EU, Australia, or Seychelles). Active traders who exceed 100 standard lots a month can qualify for discounts. In ForexBrokers.com’s Commissions & Fees category, IC Markets earns 5 out of 5 stars and ranks #5 out of 63.
Trading 212 keeps things simple with two accounts: Invest (shares) and CFD. Minimum deposits are low (1 euro for Invest, 10 euros for CFD). While it advertises zero‑commission trading, CFD and forex trades pay the spread. For April 2025, Trading 212’s average EUR/USD spread was 2.7 pips, which is above the industry average. Publishing average spreads is a helpful step for transparency, but the pricing still trails cheaper forex and CFD brokers. In ForexBrokers.com’s Commissions & Fees category, Trading 212 earns 4 out of 5 stars and ranks #50 out of 63.
Bottom line on costs: IC Markets generally delivers lower all‑in pricing for active forex and CFD traders, thanks to tight effective spreads on its Raw Spread accounts and available volume discounts. Trading 212 offers very low entry barriers and straightforward pricing, but its average spreads—especially on major pairs like EUR/USD—are higher, making it less cost‑competitive for frequent traders focused on spreads and commissions.
| 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.
IC Markets vs Trading 212: for sheer market access, Trading 212 takes the lead with 7,868 tradeable symbols and 146 forex pairs, compared with IC Markets’ 3,583 symbols and 61 pairs. Both brokers support forex trading (via CFDs or spot, depending on the product), and both let you trade international exchange‑listed shares; however, only Trading 212 offers direct access to U.S. stocks like Apple (AAPL). Each broker provides cryptocurrency derivatives, but neither lets you buy actual crypto. A key difference: IC Markets offers copy trading, while Trading 212 does not.
Independent ratings reflect the breadth of choice: ForexBrokers.com rates Trading 212 at 5 stars for Range of Investments and ranks it #16 out of 63 brokers, while IC Markets earns 4.5 stars and ranks #26. Pick Trading 212 if you want the widest selection and direct U.S. share dealing, or choose IC Markets if copy trading is a must alongside a large set of markets.
| 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.
Comparing market research at IC Markets and Trading 212, IC Markets comes out ahead for built-in tools and daily insights. IC Markets provides daily market commentary, plus forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones. It also includes Autochartist and Trading Central for technical and fundamental analysis, along with a sentiment tool and an economic calendar. Trading 212 also offers premium forex news, a sentiment tool, and an economic calendar, but it does not include Autochartist or Trading Central. Neither broker offers TipRanks or Acuity Trading tools.
For overall research, IC Markets holds a 4-star rating and ranks #23 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while Trading 212 earns 3.5 stars and ranks #45. In short, choose IC Markets if you want daily commentary and advanced analysis tools; pick Trading 212 if you’re satisfied with news, sentiment data, and a clear calendar without extra add-ons.
| 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.
IC Markets and Trading 212 both deliver solid education for beginner traders. Each broker offers at least 10 pieces of forex and CFD learning content, plus dedicated video libraries for beginners and for advanced topics. You’ll also find a searchable archive of recorded webinars at both, along with an investor dictionary that defines 50 or more trading terms. The key difference is live sessions: IC Markets hosts client webinars at least once a month, while Trading 212 does not offer ongoing live educational webinars.
In independent ratings, IC Markets earns 4 stars for Education and ranks #16 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com. Trading 212 scores 3.5 stars and ranks #21. For beginners who value live coaching and a clearer learning path, IC Markets has the edge. If you prefer self-paced lessons with on-demand videos and glossaries, both platforms can work well, but Trading 212’s lack of regular live webinars may be a drawback for learners who want real-time guidance.
| 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) | |||
| 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) | |||
| 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) |
| 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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