IC Markets vs FXCM

IC Markets or FXCM – which is better for UK traders 2025? Compare IC Markets and FXCM in this detailed breakdown of their platforms, features and fees.

IC Markets vs FXCM Comparison Table 2025
IC Markets FXCM
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4.8
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4
IC Markets is ranked #5 among CFD brokers. FXCM is ranked #25 among CFD brokers.
Review
Review
IC Markets is an internationally acclaimed forex and CFD broker, admired for its competitive pricing, diverse trading instruments, and superior technology. Established in 2007 and based in Australia, the firm is under the regulation of ASIC, CySEC, and FSA. It has successfully drawn over 180,000 clients from more than 200 nations. FXCM, a reputable forex and CFD broker founded in 1999, is headquartered in the UK. It has garnered multiple accolades and operates in several regions, including the UK and Australia. Offering more than 400 assets and comprehensive analysis tools without any commission charges, FXCM is a favoured option among traders. The broker is also under the regulation of leading bodies such as the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, and BaFin.
Pros
  • IC Markets provides some of the industry's narrowest spreads, offering 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs. This makes it an extremely cost-effective choice for traders.
  • As a well-regulated and reputable broker, IC Markets focuses on client safety and transparency to provide a dependable global trading experience.
  • In 2025, IC Markets earned DayTrading.com's accolade for 'Best MT4/MT5 Broker' due to its top-tier MetaTrader integration. This achievement highlights the broker's continuous refinement over the years to enhance the platform experience.
  • IC Markets provides reliable 24/5 support, especially for account and funding queries, drawing from direct experience.
  • Access over 2,250 CFDs across diverse markets like forex, commodities, indices, shares, bonds, and cryptocurrencies. This variety enables traders to employ diversified strategies.
  • In addition to its four charting platforms, FXCM provides a superior selection of specialist software for seasoned traders, featuring QuantConnect, AgenaTrader, and Sierra Chart.
  • The proprietary Trading Station platform is an excellent option for traders seeking a comprehensive tool for their short-term and automated strategies.
  • Traders have access to premium tools such as a market scanner, forex signals, and research from the third-party site eFXPlus.
  • FXCM boasts a strong international reputation, holding licences from the FCA, ASIC, CySEC, and FSCA. With two decades of experience, it commands respect in the trading industry.
  • A variety of funding options, such as bank cards, Apple Pay, and PayPal, are available with immediate processing.
  • The broker provides reduced spreads and additional benefits for seasoned traders through the Active Trader account.
  • FXCM has broadened its range of trading opportunities by offering 24/7 stock CFDs via MetaTrader 4.
Cons
  • IC Markets provides metals and cryptocurrencies for trading through CFDs, though the selection is narrower compared to brokers such as eToro. This limits opportunities for traders focused on these asset classes.
  • The tutorials, webinars, and educational resources require enhancement, lagging behind competitors such as CMC Markets, which diminishes their appeal to novice traders.
  • Certain withdrawal methods incur fees, including a $20 charge for wire transfers. These costs can reduce profits, particularly with frequent withdrawals.
  • Although there are four top-tier third-party platforms available, the absence of in-house software or a trading app tailored for novice traders is notable.
  • Interest is not paid on idle cash, a feature gaining popularity with alternatives such as Interactive Brokers.
  • While FXCM primarily caters to seasoned traders, the absence of managed accounts is unfortunate.
  • There are no retail account options available for traders, and Cent/Micro account alternatives are also absent.
  • The live chat support is often sluggish and inconsistent when compared to leading competitors.
Awards
  • Best MT4/MT5 Broker 2025 - DayTrading.com
  • 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

List of FCA Regulated Brokers

Yes
Instruments
CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto Forex, Stock CFDs, Commodities CFDs, Crypto CFDs
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$200 $50
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots Variable
Regulator
ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA FCA, CySEC, ASIC, FSCA, BaFin, CIRO
Mobile Apps
iOS & Android iOS and Android
Trading App

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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3.1
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3.1
Android App Rating
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4.2
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4.5
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5
Yes No
cTrader
Yes No
AlgoTrader
No No
OmniTrader
No No
TradingView
Yes Yes
Autochartist
No No
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
Yes No
STP Account
No No
ECN Account
Yes No
DMA Account
Yes No
MAM Account
Yes Yes
PAMM Account
Yes No
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 Yes
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
Yes No
Auto Trading
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade
Copy Trading
Yes Yes
Copy Trading Platform
Introduced in February 2023, the IC Social app provides an easy platform for learning, sharing, and replicating the trades of other traders with minimal effort. The app also includes risk management features and supports specialised trading groups. Alternatively, IC Markets offers access to Signal Start and popular third-party copy trading platforms like ZuluTrade and cTrader Copy. FXCM provides social and copy trading options for forex, CFDs, and cryptocurrencies via the widely-used ZuluTrade platform. Registration is swift, and you can monitor your trading outcomes instantly.
Social Trading
Yes Yes
Trade Signals
Signal Start
VPS Hosting
Yes No
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No Yes
Ethical Investing
No No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
$0
Islamic Account
Yes Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • AUD
Commodities
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Orange Juice
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Corn
  • Soybeans
  • Sugar
  • Wheat
  • Natural Gas
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Cannabis
CFD
Trade over 2,250 CFDs anytime from Monday to Friday across key markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and bonds. IC Markets leverages deep liquidity and cutting-edge bridge technology to offer ideal trading conditions for scalpers, hedgers, and algorithmic traders. You can engage in trading various CFD instruments, such as forex, shares, indices, and commodities. Traders have access to a superb choice of platforms, including TradingView and MT4. Additionally, advanced trading tools like API solutions cater to experienced algorithmic traders.
Leverage
1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) 1:400
FTSE Spread
1.0 1.18 pts var*
GBPUSD Spread<
0.23 0.5 pips*
Oil Spread
0.03 0.05 (var)*
Stocks Spread
0.02 0.2% Var*
Forex
IC Markets remains dedicated to offering tight 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs like EUR/USD, ensuring outstanding execution with an average speed of 35 milliseconds. Ideal for traders seeking high performance, those dealing in large volumes can also enjoy rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot. FXCM provides a selection of over 40 currency pairs. There are no commission charges, and spreads are competitive, starting at 0.78 pips for EUR/USD. Additionally, the broker features three forex baskets, focusing on USD, Yen, and emerging market benchmarks.
Assets
75 40
GBPUSD Spread
0.23 0.5 pips var*
EURUSD Spread
0.02 0.2 pips var*
EURGBP Spread
0.27 0.5 pips var*
Currency Indices
  • JPY
Cryptocurrency
IC Markets provides a range of over 20 cryptocurrencies for trading through CFDs, featuring less common tokens like Avalanche, Kusama, and Uniswap. Traders can enjoy commission-free transactions and experienced individuals can utilise high leverage up to 1:200 via the MetaTrader platforms. Trade popular digital currencies with no commission and leverage. FXCM offers a crypto basket, providing exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash in a single trade.
Spread
BTC 42.036 Variable
Coins
  • BTC
  • BCH
  • DOT
  • DSH
  • EMC
  • EOS
  • ETH
  • LNK
  • LTC
  • NMC
  • PPC
  • XLM
  • XRP
  • ADA
  • BNB
  • DOG
  • UNI
  • XTZ
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • LTC
  • BTC
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
IC Markets FXCM
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