IronFX vs IC Markets

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

IronFX vs IC Markets Comparison Table 2024
IronFX IC Markets
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3.8
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4.8
IronFX is ranked #41 among CFD brokers. IC Markets is ranked #9 among CFD brokers.
IronFX is a multi-regulated forex and CFD broker founded in 2010. This award-winning firm offers 500+ markets to over 1.5 million clients across 180 countries. Traders can access various account types with competitive pricing on the MT4 platform, as well as 24/5 customer support in 30 languages. 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
  • Alongside MT4, the broker continues to offer several additional services, including copy trading, a VPS solution, and PAMM/MAM accounts
  • Fixed and floating spread accounts are available, making IronFX a good choice for both beginners and experienced traders
  • Traders get access to the popular Trading Central research tool, which offers automated AI analytics and 24/7 support
  • IronFX is an established firm and is regulated by several reputable bodies, including the CySEC, FCA and FSCA
  • The broker frequently offers trading competitions with cash prizes, as well as welcome bonuses for new clients
  • The IronFX Academy delivers some excellent educational tools for beginners through to advanced traders
  • 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
  • It’s a shame that the broker doesn’t offer any additional software such as MT5 or TradingView to give experienced traders more choice
  • Commissions start from $13.50 per lot in the zero-spread accounts, nearly double the industry average
  • Compared to the leading brokers, IronFX offers a relatively small selection of share CFDs
  • 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 Online Trading Platform (2019)
  • Best Broker of the Year (2019)
  • Most Trustworthy Forex Broker Global (2019)
  • Best Online Trading & Financial Services Company (2020)
  • Best Online Forex Trading Platform (2021)
  • International Online Currency Trading Platform of the Year (2021)
  • Most Outstanding Online Trading Partners Program (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
Yes No

List of FCA Regulated Brokers

Instruments
Forex, Indices, Shares, Futures, Commodities, Metals (all CFDs) CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$100 $200
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots
Regulator
CySEC, FCA, FSCA, BMA / Bermuda ASIC, CySEC, FSA
Mobile Apps
Android, iOS, WebTrader 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.

iOS App Rating
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3.1
Android App Rating
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4.2
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4
Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5
No Yes
cTrader
No Yes
AlgoTrader
No No
OmniTrader
No No
TradingView
No Yes
Autochartist
Yes No
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
Yes Yes
STP Account
Yes No
ECN Account
Yes Yes
DMA Account
No Yes
MAM Account
Yes Yes
PAMM Account
Yes Yes
LAMM Account
Yes No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
No No
Negative Balance Protection
Yes Yes
Market Maker
Yes No
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
Yes 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
The TradeCopier service allows aspiring investors to copy the strategies of top traders in real-time. The tool is a great way for beginners to learn from more experienced investors, whilst strategy providers can earn performance fees. 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
Yes No
Demo Competitions
No No
Ethical Investing
No No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
3% $0
Islamic Account
Yes Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • AUD
  • JPY
  • PLN
  • CZK
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
Commodities
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Copper
  • Corn
  • Cotton
  • Soybeans
  • Sugar
  • Oil
  • Wheat
  • Natural Gas
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Platinum
  • Palladium
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Orange Juice
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Corn
  • Soybeans
  • Sugar
  • Wheat
  • Natural Gas
CFD
IronFX’s asset list of 300+ instruments covers forex, stocks, commodities and index CFDs. Maximum leverage from 1:30 to 1:1000 is available depending on account location. Traders can access superb technical analysis features, including 30 pre-integrated indicators and 9 charting time frames. 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 (FCA), 1:30 (CySEC), 1:500 (FSCA), 1:1000 (BM) 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
FTSE Spread
140 1.0
GBPUSD Spread<
0.8 0.23
Oil Spread
3 0.03
Stocks Spread
Variable 0.02
Forex
IronFX continues to offer a strong selection of 80 currency pairs. You can trade through the market-leading MT4 platform with a range of forex market research tools. That said, commission charges in the zero-spread accounts are high, starting from $13.50 per lot. 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
80+ 75
GBPUSD Spread
0.8 0.23
EURUSD Spread
0.7 0.02
EURGBP Spread
0.9 0.27
Cryptocurrency
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 42.036
Coins
  • 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
IronFX IC Markets
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