eToro vs IC Markets

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

eToro vs IC Markets Comparison Table 2024
eToro IC Markets
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4.1
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4.8
eToro is ranked #14 among CFD brokers. IC Markets is ranked #9 among CFD brokers.
eToro is a top-rated multi-asset platform which offers trading services in thousands of CFDs, stocks and cryptoassets. Launched in 2007, the brand has millions of active traders globally and is authorized by tier one regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. The brand is particularly popular for its comprehensive social trading platform. Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in the UK and some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. 76% of retail CFD accounts lose money. 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.
76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading with this provider. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
Pros
  • The copy trading app facilitates a best-in-class social environment, with an engaging social feed and community chat
  • The broker's services are great for beginners, with commission-free stock trading, a low minimum deposit and an unlimited demo
  • Charts are powered by TradingView and offer strong technical analysis features, including 9 chart types and over 100 indicators
  • There's a comprehensive online training academy with accessible resources, from bitesize articles to comprehensive courses
  • eToro has bolstered its investment offering, most recently with new crypto assets, now offering over 90 digital currencies
  • The web platform and mobile app perform better in user reviews and app rankings than top competitors, including AvaTrade
  • Top copy traders can receive annual payments up to 1.5% of assets under copy in the broker's Popular Investor Program
  • Exciting investment portfolios are available covering traditional market trends as well as tech, crypto and more
  • eToro is a world-renowned brand with top-tier global regulation and a 25M+ user community
  • 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
  • The lack of additional charting platforms like MT4 will reduce the appeal for seasoned traders accustomed to using third-party software
  • There are no guaranteed stop loss orders which would be a useful risk management feature for beginners
  • There is a $30 minimum withdrawal amount and a $5 fee, which will affect novices with low capital
  • Traders will face currency conversion fees for account denominations other than USD
  • There are limited contact methods aside from the in-platform live chat
  • 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 Cryptocurrency Trading Platform 2022 - Finder
  • Education Materials/Program 2022 - Investment Trends
  • Best Copy Trading Platform 2021 - Ultimate Fintech Awards
  • Best Multi-Asset Trading Platform 2021 - Ultimate Fintech Awards
  • Best Stockbroker 2021 - Ultimate Fintech Awards
  • Best Social Trading Platform 2019 - ADVFN International Financial Awards
  • 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
Yes No

List of FCA Regulated Brokers

Instruments
CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$50 $200
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
$10 0.01 Lots
Regulator
FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA ASIC, CySEC, FSA
Mobile Apps
iOS & Android iOS & Android
Trading App

eToro bring their social trading platform to your mobile, enabling you to copy trades, manage your account and invest via Android or iOS. Trade the key forex pairs from the palm of your hand.

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
rating empty
rating full
4
rating empty
rating full
4.2
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
Margin Rate
1%
MetaTrader 4
No Yes
MetaTrader 5
No Yes
cTrader
No Yes
AlgoTrader
No No
OmniTrader
No No
TradingView
No Yes
Autochartist
No No
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
Yes Yes
STP Account
Yes No
ECN Account
No Yes
DMA Account
No Yes
MAM Account
No Yes
PAMM Account
No Yes
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
Yes No
Robo Advisor
No No
Negative Balance Protection
Yes Yes
Market Maker
Yes No
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
Yes Yes
Auto Trading
Automate your trades via CopyTrader - follow profitable traders. Open and close trades automatically when they do. Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade
Copy Trading
Yes Yes
Copy Trading Platform
eToro continues to deliver one of the best proprietary copy trading platforms on the market, at no additional cost for eToro clients. The web-based platform features a user-friendly and interactive layout and also comes with a community chat, making it a stand-out choice for beginners. 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
No Yes
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No No
Ethical Investing
Yes No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
$10 $0
Islamic Account
Yes Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
Commodities
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Oil
  • Copper
  • Cotton
  • Coffee
  • Livestock
  • Wheat
  • Precious Metals
  • Platinum
  • Gasoline
  • Cocoa
  • Sugar
  • Palladium
  • Corn
  • Aluminium
  • Soybeans
  • Nickel
  • Lead
  • Iron
  • Lithium
  • Cannabis
  • Natural Gas
  • Orange Juice
  • Zinc
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Orange Juice
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Corn
  • Soybeans
  • Sugar
  • Wheat
  • Natural Gas
CFD
You can trade CFDs on over 3,000 assets and access rich market data through the integrated TradingView charts. There are also comprehensive free learning tools available for beginners via the eToro Academy, including dedicated CFD trading courses and guides. 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 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
FTSE Spread
1.5 1.0
GBPUSD Spread<
1.9 0.23
Oil Spread
0.05 0.03
Stocks Spread
0.57 (Apple) 0.02
Forex
An above-average selection of 55 currencies are available with reasonable spreads averaging 0.9 pips on EUR/USD during peak hours. Aspiring traders can continuously hone their forex strategies by switching between demo mode and their live account any time, with full access to the broker's 100+ technical indicators. 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
55 75
GBPUSD Spread
1.9 0.23
EURUSD Spread
0.9 0.02
EURGBP Spread
1.3 0.27
Currency Indices
  • USD
Cryptocurrency
eToro leads the way in cryptocurrency trading, offering competitive spreads and a fixed 1% commission, plus their own wallet service. The broker offers a vast list of 95+ tokens which is continually being updated. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more 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
BTC 1% BTC 42.036
Coins
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • BCH
  • XRP
  • DASH
  • LTC
  • ETC
  • API3
  • CRO
  • SKL
  • IMX
  • ADA
  • MIOTA
  • XLM
  • EOS
  • NEO
  • TRX
  • ZEC
  • BNB
  • XTZ
  • DOT
  • MKR
  • COMP
  • LINK
  • UNI
  • YFI
  • DOGE
  • AAVE
  • FIL
  • ALGO
  • ATOM
  • MANA
  • APE
  • LRC
  • ENJ
  • BICO
  • BAT
  • BNT
  • OGN
  • MATIC
  • FLR
  • GALA
  • ALICE
  • CHZ
  • HBAR
  • DYDX
  • SOL
  • THETA
  • FTM
  • GRT
  • 1INCH
  • CRV
  • ANKR
  • OXT
  • REN
  • SNX
  • STORJ
  • ZRX
  • CELO
  • SUSHI
  • QNT
  • BAL
  • FET
  • SHIBxM
  • AMP
  • AXS
  • SGB
  • CTSI
  • ENS
  • UMA
  • LUNC
  • FTT
  • SRM
  • LPT
  • KNC
  • ARB
  • RNDR
  • OP
  • LDO
  • 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
Yes No
Auto Market Maker
No No
eToro IC Markets
76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading with this provider. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
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