AAAFx vs IC Markets

AAAFx or IC Markets – which is better for UK traders 2024? Compare AAAFx and IC Markets in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.

AAAFx vs IC Markets Comparison Table 2024
AAAFx IC Markets
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3.9
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4.8
AAAFx is ranked #97 among CFD brokers. IC Markets is ranked #9 among CFD brokers.
AAAFx has closed or no longer accepts UK clients.
AAAFx is a forex and CFD broker, established in 2007 and headquartered in Greece. The company is regulated by the HCMC and FSCA and supports a selection of ECN accounts with low spreads, fast order executions and convenient deposits.
IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.
Pros
  • There are sophisticated MT4 and MT5 charting platforms for advanced traders, featuring a huge selection of indicators, drawing tools, chart types, and analysis features.
  • You get fast execution speeds from 10 milliseconds with no restrictions on strategies, creating a flexible environment for traders.
  • AAAFx supports a wide range of payment methods with near-instant funding and zero transfer fees, ensuring convenient deposits.
  • Fast and dependable 24/5 support is available following hands-on testing across live chat, telephone and email.
  • The minimum deposit is low and opening an account is fast, taking less than 5 minutes.
  • IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for traders.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
  • With ultra-fast execution speeds averaging 35 milliseconds and deep liquidity, IC Markets provides an optimal trading environment for scalpers, hedgers, and algorithmic traders.
  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
  • You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
Cons
  • By discontinuing ActTrader and lacking a proprietary platform, traders are limited to MetaTrader, which is outdated and less ideal for newcomers.
  • You can’t make deposits and manage your AAAFx account through an app, meaning you have to sign in to the website, dampening the mobile trading experience.
  • The selection of currencies is strong but AAAFx lacks depth in its stocks, indices, commodities and cryptos, limiting the range of trading opportunities.
  • There are no proprietary educational tools, relying on ZuluTrade, making AAAFx less attractive to beginners compared to brokers like eToro.
  • While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
  • The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
  • There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
  • Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
Awards
  • Best CFD Broker - Forex Expo Dubai 2023
  • Best FX Service Provider - Forex Expo Dubai 2022
  • Most Transparent Broker - Ultimate Fintech Awards 2022
  • Best MT4/MT5 Broker 2023 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Forex Broker 2022 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Overall Broker 2020 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Trading App 2020 - DayTrading.com
FCA Regulated
No No

List of FCA Regulated Brokers

Instruments
CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Cryptos CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
Bonus
100% Deposit bonus available for Global clients
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$10 $200
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots
Regulator
HCMC, FSCA ASIC, CySEC, FSA
Mobile Apps
iOS & Android iOS & Android
Trading App

AAAFx does not offer its own app, but you can trade forex, stocks, indices, commodities and crypto on the MT4 and MT5 platforms. The apps offer a reliable environment for experienced mobile traders with robust charting tools. However, clients of AAAFx can’t manage their accounts, so you still have to log into the client area online to make deposits and withdrawals, making for a less complete mobile trading experience.

IC Markets deliver mobile apps for their cTrader, MT4, MT5 and TradingView  platforms. They have been developed on Android and iOS separately, taking full advantage of the functionality available on each. With raw pricing, and spreads from 0.0, the apps deliver an excellent trading tool for all levels of trader. Yet what really stands out is how they’ve managed to maintain the lightning-fast execution speed IC Markets is known for, right within the apps. It’s a seamless trading experience that feels both professional and highly responsive.

iOS App Rating
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4.8
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3.1
Android App Rating
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4.5
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4.2
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5
Yes Yes
cTrader
No Yes
AlgoTrader
No No
OmniTrader
No No
TradingView
No Yes
Autochartist
No No
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
No Yes
STP Account
No No
ECN Account
Yes Yes
DMA Account
No Yes
MAM Account
No Yes
PAMM Account
No Yes
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
No No
Negative Balance Protection
Yes Yes
Market Maker
No No
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
No Yes
Auto Trading
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade
Copy Trading
Yes Yes
Copy Trading Platform
AAAFx offers automated copy trading through ZuluTrade, one of the largest social investment networks globally. More than 90,000 strategy providers can be followed with helpful performance metrics and graphs to help you find a trader that matches your objectives and risk tolerance. However, with no formal vetting process, manually weeding out traders can be time-consuming. Launched in February 2023, the IC Social app offers an intuitive way to learn, share, and mirror the positions of other traders with just a few clicks. Additionally, the app features risk management tools and supports dedicated trading groups. Alternatively, IC Markets grants access to Signal Start, along with well-known third-party copy trading platforms including ZuluTrade and cTrader Copy.
Social Trading
Yes Yes
Trade Signals
Yes Signal Start
VPS Hosting
Yes Yes
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No No
Ethical Investing
No No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
$0 $0
Islamic Account
Yes Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
Commodities
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Orange Juice
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Corn
  • Soybeans
  • Sugar
  • Wheat
  • Natural Gas
CFD
AAAFx provides CFDs on forex, stocks, indices and cryptocurrencies through the MT4 and MT5 desktop, web and mobile platforms. Leverage up to 1:30 is available in the EU and up to 1:500 for global clients. You gain access to over 2,250 CFDs, available for trading 24/5 across popular markets such as forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and bonds. Utilizing deep liquidity and advanced bridge technology, IC Markets ensures optimal conditions for scalpers, hedgers, and algo traders alike.
Leverage
1:30 (EU), 1:500 (Global) 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
FTSE Spread
1.0 1.0
GBPUSD Spread<
0.1 0.23
Oil Spread
3.5 0.03
Stocks Spread
Variable 0.02
Forex
AAAFx shines for its forex offering with over 70 currency pairs and spreads from 0.1 pips and low commissions from $0.99. Forex traders also get access to MetaTrader 4, alongside impressive execution speeds, a free VPS and zero restrictions on trading strategies. IC Markets maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot.
Assets
70+ 75
GBPUSD Spread
0.1 0.23
EURUSD Spread
0.1 0.02
EURGBP Spread
0.1 0.27
Cryptocurrency
AAAFx provides just 6 crypto CFDs, covering BTC and other major digital currencies paired with USD. Yet despite competitive and transparent spreads, there are no opportunities on up-and-coming digital currencies. IC Markets offers 20+ cryptocurrencies which are tradable via CFDs, including lesser-known tokens such as Avalanche, Kusama and Uniswap. Commission-free trading is available, and experienced crypto traders can access high leverage up to 1:200 in the MetaTrader platforms.
Spread
0.1 BTC 42.036
Coins
  • BTC
  • LTC
  • ETH
  • EOS
  • BCH
  • XLM
  • BTC
  • BCH
  • DOT
  • DSH
  • EMC
  • EOS
  • ETH
  • LNK
  • LTC
  • NMC
  • PPC
  • XLM
  • XRP
  • ADA
  • BNB
  • DOG
  • UNI
  • XTZ
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
AAAFx IC Markets
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