IC Markets vs FXTM

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

IC Markets vs FXTM Comparison Table 2025
IC Markets FXTM
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4.8
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4
IC Markets is ranked #5 among CFD brokers. FXTM is ranked #69 among CFD brokers.
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. FXTM, founded in 2011, is a forex and CFD broker operating worldwide. Regulated by top authorities such as the FCA, it provides a secure trading environment. With over 1,000 markets and three account types, FXTM accommodates traders of all experience levels.
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.
  • FXTM’s UK division provides exceptional client safeguards, including top-tier coverage of up to $1 million per client and segregated accounts, reinforcing security for traders with substantial balances.
  • FXTM stands out as a leading MetaTrader brokerage, offering custom MT4 tools like a Pivot Point Indicator, Pip Value Calculator, and Spread Indicator for more accurate trading.
  • FXTM offers an impressive selection of payment options, with a focus on local solutions in Africa and Asia such as M-Pesa and TC Pay Wallet. E-wallet withdrawals are processed rapidly, often within 30 minutes, accommodating traders needing swift fund access.
  • FXTM’s Advantage and Advantage Plus accounts provide tight spreads starting at 0.0 pips and charge low or zero commissions, tailored for traders aiming to reduce expenses.
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.
  • FXTM is well-regulated in the UK, but this coverage isn't global. Therefore, although negative balance protection is available, traders outside the UK might face limited options for resolving disputes.
  • FXTM's educational resources, including its insightful e-books, have significantly improved. However, these materials are predominantly aimed at novices, which may not attract seasoned traders.
  • FXTM provides only MetaTrader 4/5 for desktop trading, lacking a bespoke platform such as eToro's for a tailored experience. MetaTrader 4/5 is becoming outdated for active traders.
  • FXTM specialises in CFDs and a select range of stocks but does not offer ETFs, options, or futures. This may restrict diversification for traders aiming to explore various market opportunities.
  • FXTM imposes a $10 inactivity fee following just three months without trading. This is shorter than the period many brokers offer and might frustrate those who do not trade regularly.
  • FXTM Invest, a user-friendly copy trading app, offered comprehensive performance statistics and risk assessments for Strategy Managers. However, it was discontinued in 2024, restricting passive traders' options.
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
  • Best Trading Experience 2021 - World Finance Awards
  • Best Online Leveraged Trading Services 2021 - Global Business Awards
  • Best Forex Education Partner Nigeria 2021 - World Business Outlook
  • Best Trading Experience 2020 - World Finance Awards
  • Best ECN Broker 2020 - DayTrading.com
FCA Regulated
No

List of FCA Regulated Brokers

Yes
Instruments
CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto CFDs, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Stocks, Crypto
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$200 $200
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots
Regulator
ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA FCA, FSC, CMA
Mobile Apps
iOS & Android iOS & 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.

FXTM deliver a great mobile trading experience. Fast, secure and easy-to-use, the broker also supports both MetaTrader 4 and 5 and delivers real time quotes, all trading execution types and full account maintenance. The charting facilities are also among the best of any mobile app. Download it today.

iOS App Rating
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3.1
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4.8
Android App Rating
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4.2
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4.4
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5
Yes Yes
cTrader
Yes No
AlgoTrader
No No
OmniTrader
No No
TradingView
Yes No
Autochartist
No No
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
Yes No
STP Account
No Yes
ECN Account
Yes Yes
DMA Account
Yes No
MAM Account
Yes Yes
PAMM Account
Yes 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 Yes
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
Yes Yes
Auto Trading
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader
Copy Trading
Yes No
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.
Social Trading
Yes No
Trade Signals
Signal Start Yes
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 $10
Islamic Account
Yes Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • NGN
Commodities
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Orange Juice
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Corn
  • Soybeans
  • Sugar
  • Wheat
  • Natural Gas
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Natural Gas
  • Oil
  • Precious Metals
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. FXTM provides CFDs in over 600 instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, and location-dependent crypto, with recently reduced spreads. Experienced traders can access industry-leading leverage of up to 1:3000 via Exinity Ltd, enhancing potential returns but requiring careful risk management.
Leverage
1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) 1:30
FTSE Spread
1.0 0.8
GBPUSD Spread<
0.23 0.1
Oil Spread
0.03 5.0
Stocks Spread
0.02 0.1
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. FXTM excels with a robust offering of more than 60 currency pairs, outperforming rivals such as AvaTrade. Its six currency indices provide traders with excellent options for forex diversification. Additionally, the ECN account delivers ultra-competitive spreads from 0 pips on major currencies and features attractively low commission rates of only $3.50 per lot.
Assets
75 60+
GBPUSD Spread
0.23 0.1
EURUSD Spread
0.02 0.0
EURGBP Spread
0.27 0.0
Currency Indices
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • JPY
  • AUD
  • NZD
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 cryptocurrency CFDs on 11 popular digital tokens like Bitcoin, Avalanche, and Dogecoin. Benefit from competitive floating spreads and low minimum lot sizes starting at 0.01, ideal for both new traders and seasoned investors.
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
  • XRP
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
IC Markets FXTM
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