Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IC Markets vs Vantage, 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.
IC Markets and Vantage are both well-established online brokers, with IC Markets founded in 2007 and Vantage in 2009. Neither company is publicly traded or operates as a bank, focusing solely on brokerage services. When it comes to licensing, both hold two Tier-1 licenses, which are considered highly trusted. Vantage holds an additional Tier-2 license, adding to its credibility, while IC Markets does not hold any Tier-2 licenses.
Looking at their Trust Scores as rated by ForexBrokers.com, Vantage edges out IC Markets with a score of 90, categorizing it as highly trusted. IC Markets follows closely with a respectable score of 84, marking it as trusted. These scores reflect their regulatory standings and can be helpful for those choosing between these two brokers.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2009 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 3 |
When comparing online brokers, IC Markets stands out for its excellent commissions and fees structure. With a 5-star rating and a commendable rank of #5 by ForexBrokers.com for the Commissions and Fees category, IC Markets offers competitive trading costs comparable to top forex brokers like IG and CMC Markets. It provides three account types: the commission-free Standard account and the commission-based Raw Spread and cTrader Raw Spread accounts. While the Raw Spread accounts connected to MetaTrader 4 or 5 charge $7.00 per round turn for 100,000 units, the cTrader Raw Spread accounts offer slightly lower fees with a $6.00 round turn. The Standard account also remains attractive with its 0.62 pips spread and no commission, offering a low-cost entry point for new traders.
Vantage, with a 4.5-star rating and positioned at #19, offers a balanced pricing structure, though it doesn't quite match the leaders in low-cost trading. Vantage provides three types of accounts: the spread-only Standard STP, along with the commission-based RAW ECN, and PRO ECN accounts. Despite typical spreads of 1.30 pips on its Standard account, the RAW ECN reduces trading costs with a 0.15 pip average spread plus $6 per round turn. The PRO ECN account is more enticing with just $4 per round turn, but specific criteria must be met to qualify, such as being categorized as a wholesale client or maintaining a $10,000 balance in certain regions.
While Vantage offers an active trader program that provides rebates based on trading volume, IC Markets offers similar incentives for traders handling more than 100 standard lots monthly. In essence, IC Markets appears to edge out Vantage in terms of fees and commissions, driven by its consistency in low trading costs across various account options and platforms.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $50 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 1.30 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 0.75 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing IC Markets and Vantage, both brokers offer forex trading as both CFDs and spot contracts. IC Markets, however, provides investors with a significantly larger selection of tradeable symbols, totaling 3,583 compared to Vantage's 1,000. Both platforms offer an identical selection of 61 forex pairs. Neither broker allows for the purchase of exchange-traded securities on U.S. stock exchanges, such as buying Apple shares, but IC Markets does stand out by giving users the opportunity to invest in foreign exchange traded securities like Vodafone shares on the London Stock Exchange, a feature not available with Vantage. In terms of cryptocurrency options, both brokers facilitate trading in cryptocurrency derivatives rather than the actual cryptocurrencies themselves.
Both IC Markets and Vantage support copy trading, allowing investors to mirror the trades of others. Despite shared offerings in forex trading and copy trading, IC Markets earns a higher rating of 4.5 stars for its range of investments, compared to Vantage, which is rated at 3.5 stars. When evaluated amongst 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets ranks 25th for range of investment options, while Vantage comes in at 50th. This ranking and the availability of international exchange-traded securities give IC Markets an edge for those prioritizing a wider range of investment opportunities.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 1000 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 61 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| 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.
IC Markets and Vantage both provide excellent platforms and tools for traders at all levels. Both brokers offer a simulated trading experience with free virtual demo accounts, and they also support MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. While IC Markets does not provide a proprietary platform, Vantage has developed its own, giving traders a unique interface option. Both brokers are available on Windows desktop and web-based browsers, enabling flexible trading experiences. IC Markets is well-regarded for including ZuluTrade for social and copy trading, whereas Vantage supports DupliTrade. Copy trading is available on both platforms, offering further versatility to users.
When it comes to charting tools, both IC Markets and Vantage offer 15 drawing tools, and users can trade directly from stock charts, enhancing their trading workflows. Each also offers 7 customizable columns for creating detailed watch lists. Ranked #16 by ForexBrokers.com, IC Markets has a slight edge over Vantage's #21 position, although both received solid ratings of 4 stars out of 5 for their trading platforms and tools. This comparison highlights the strengths of both brokers and suggests that personal preference might guide the final choice between these closely competitive options.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | Yes |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When it comes to mobile trading, both IC Markets and Vantage offer comprehensive apps for iPhone and Android, featuring a variety of tools to enhance trading experiences. Users can receive stock and forex price alerts on both platforms. However, one missing feature is the ability to sync watchlist symbols between the mobile app and online account. Charting is a strength for both brokers as they provide 30 technical studies, and users can draw trendlines and view different time frames, such as daily, weekly, or intraday on charts. Drawings on charts are automatically saved in both apps, and users can create watchlists with real-time quotes.
When rated for their mobile trading offerings, IC Markets and Vantage both score a solid 4 out of 5 stars. However, they slightly differ in their ranking among 63 brokers, with IC Markets securing the 22nd spot, while Vantage is ranked at 28th by ForexBrokers.com. In summary, while both apps deliver a range of essential features for traders on the go, IC Markets edges out Vantage in the overall broker rankings for their mobile trading platform.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| 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.
IC Markets and Vantage both deliver daily market commentary and provide forex news from top-notch sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, keeping traders informed with reliable information. They each offer technical and fundamental research tools from Autochartist and Trading Central, and both brokers have sentiment-based tools that display the ratio of long and short positions across various currency pairs. Additionally, both IC Markets and Vantage provide an economic calendar to track essential global news events that could impact trading.
Neither broker offers market research from TipRanks or additional tools from Acuity Trading, such as the Signal Centre. Despite these shared features, their research services receive the same rating of 4 stars out of 5. However, Vantage holds a slightly better position, ranked 21st among 63 brokers for research by ForexBrokers.com, while IC Markets is placed at 23rd. Ultimately, both brokers cater well to traders seeking comprehensive market analysis and tools to assist their trading decisions.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes |
| 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 comparing the educational resources available for beginners at IC Markets and Vantage, both platforms offer a wealth of material to jumpstart your trading journey. Each broker provides over ten educational pieces focused on forex or CFDs, ensuring you have access to quality content like articles, videos, and archived webinars. Both IC Markets and Vantage host regular monthly webinars and maintain searchable archives for past webinars, perfect for those who want to learn on their own schedule. They also offer dedicated beginner educational videos, which can help demystify trading concepts for new investors.
Beyond beginner resources, IC Markets and Vantage cater to experienced traders with at least ten advanced educational videos. Both platforms provide an investor dictionary featuring over 50 investing terms, making complex jargon easier to understand. In terms of educational quality, each broker earns a commendable four-star rating. Despite their similarities, IC Markets holds a slight edge in ranking, being placed 16th compared to Vantage's 24th position in the Education category by ForexBrokers.com. This differentiation might be worth considering depending on your learning preferences and needs.
| Feature |
IC Markets
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| 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 Vantage. IC Markets finished with an overall rank of #20, while Vantage finished with an overall rank of #26.
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
|
Vantage
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 90 |
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Neither IC Markets nor Vantage offers the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but both platforms provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both IC Markets and Vantage provide several options for depositing or withdrawing account funds, including PayPal, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, although neither offers ACH or SEPA transfers.
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 | Vantage | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 90 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Vantage Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IC Markets | Vantage | |
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| Regulation | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 84 | 90 | |
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2009 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 2 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 3 | 3 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 3583 | 1000 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 61 | 61 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.62 | 1.30 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.62 | 0.75 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $50 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | Yes | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes | |
| Autochartist | Yes | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | Yes | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IC Markets | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes | |
| 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 | Vantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Vantage Review |
| Overall | IC Markets | Vantage | |
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| Trust Score | 84 | 90 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | IC Markets Review | Vantage Review |
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