SimpleFX vs IC Markets

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

SimpleFX vs IC Markets Comparison Table 2024
SimpleFX IC Markets
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4.2
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4.8
SimpleFX is ranked #61 among CFD brokers. IC Markets is ranked #9 among CFD brokers.
SimpleFX is an online broker specializing in CFD and cryptocurrency trading, with multi-currency accounts, STP execution, low pricing and no minimum deposit. Bringing innovation and gaining recognition at numerous industry events since 2014, SimpleFX now caters to retail traders from over 190 countries, boasting a client base exceeding 200,000 active users. 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
  • SimpleFX’s proprietary WebTrader - powered by TradingView - delivers a stable trading environment with a user-friendly interface that’s accessible even to novice traders.
  • With MT4 support, experienced traders can access sophisticated charting tools, advanced technical indicators, customizable algorithms, and expert advisors (EAs) for automated strategies.
  • SimpleFX underwent a revamp in 2021, now sporting a slicker client area with faster load times and a social trading community where you can exchange ideas.
  • With leverage up to 1:1000, traders have the potential to amplify their positions significantly, allowing for greater exposure to market movements and magnified returns (as well as losses).
  • The range of cryptocurrencies available for trading is broad, encompassing well-known selections such as ADA, BTC, and ETH, as well as more specialized options like YFI, YFII, and ZEC.
  • 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
  • SimpleFX operates with weak regulatory oversight, allowing it to offer high leverage, but meaning it faces less stringent supervision from authorities compared to brokers like IG which operate in tightly regulated jurisdictions.
  • While the Bloomberg TV news feed and economic calendar are valuable resources, the lack of research tools like Autochartist and Trading Central is a serious disadvantage for traders wanting support in identifying opportunities.
  • The educational tools are okay but not great. The ‘Opinion’ section needs updating more frequently while video tutorials covering market analysis and risk management would be valuable additions for beginners.
  • The availability of only a few non-crypto funding methods is a downside for traders seeking more diverse and convenient options for managing their accounts.
  • 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 Support 2023, Crypto Expo Europe
  • The Best Trading Platform Cryptocurrency, World Expo 2022 - Warsaw
  • Best Mobile App 2020 - Rankia Awards
  • The Best Trading Platform, Finance World Expo 2019 - Zug
  • Best Cryptocurrency Trading Platform, Cryptocurrency World Expo 2018 - Berlin
  • 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

No

List of FCA Regulated Brokers

Instruments
CFDs, Forex, Indices, Stocks, Commodities, Cryptos CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$0 $200
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots
Regulator
FSC ASIC, CySEC, FSA
Mobile Apps
iOS, Android + WebTrader iOS & Android
Trading App

SimpleFX provides a proprietary app for both Apple and Android mobile devices. The application boasts a user-friendly design, facilitating easy opening and closing of trades with access to the broker’s 220+ tradable assets. However, occasional unresponsiveness during testing, alongside an average charting package, means it won’t meet the needs of highly active traders.

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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4.4
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3.1
Android App Rating
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3.8
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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
No No
eSignal
No No
Trading Central
No 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
Yes 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
No Yes
Copy Trading Platform
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
No No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
3% $0
Islamic Account
No Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
Commodities
  • Copper
  • Palladium
  • Platinum
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Oil
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Cotton
  • Corn
  • Natural Gas
  • Soybeans
  • Sugar
  • Wheat
  • Gold
  • Oil
  • Silver
  • Orange Juice
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Corn
  • Soybeans
  • Sugar
  • Wheat
  • Natural Gas
CFD
SimpleFX stands out with highly leveraged trading options up to 1:1000 covering popular asset classes, including stocks, indices, currencies and commodities. Additionally, the social community serves as an excellent resource for gathering CFD strategy tips and short-term trading ideas. 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
1:1000 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
FTSE Spread
1.3 1.0
GBPUSD Spread<
1.2 0.23
Oil Spread
0.04 0.03
Stocks Spread
Variable 0.02
Forex
SimpleFX provides a comprehensive selection of around 60 currency pairs, from majors like GBP/USD to exotics like CHF/PLN. Forex trading fees are competitive, averaging 0.9 pips on EUR/USD during testing, while MetaTrader 4, available on desktop, web and mobile, was built specifically for trading currencies online. 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
57 75
GBPUSD Spread
1.2 0.23
EURUSD Spread
0.9 0.02
EURGBP Spread
1.0 0.27
Cryptocurrency
SimpleFX’s strongest offering is its crypto trading environment, with a growing range of tokens, including Bitcoin and Ethereum paired with the USD. Its crypto-based accounts also ensure a smooth trading experience for crypto enthusiasts, while the bespoke staking service allows capital to be utilized for margin trading. 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
45.57 BTC 42.036
Coins
  • ADA
  • APE
  • ARB
  • AVA
  • BCH
  • BNB
  • DASH
  • DOT
  • EOS
  • ETC
  • ETH
  • FET
  • FIL
  • INJ
  • LNK
  • LTC
  • MATIC
  • NEO
  • SOL
  • TIA
  • WAVE
  • XTZ
  • YFI
  • ZEC
  • 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
SimpleFX IC Markets
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