IC Markets Review 2026
Founded 2007 · Sydney, Australia
Last updated: May 10, 2026
IC Markets is a globally recognized ECN forex broker known for offering some of the tightest spreads in the industry. With deep liquidity pools and ultra-fast execution, IC Markets is the go-to choice for scalpers and high-frequency traders.
Who Is IC Markets Best For?
IC Markets is the ideal broker for professional scalpers, algorithmic traders, and anyone who demands the absolute tightest spreads and fastest execution in the industry.
IC Markets Review — Our Expert Analysis
Overview
IC Markets has cemented its position as the world's leading true ECN broker since its founding in 2007. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, the broker processes enormous daily volumes thanks to its institutional-grade infrastructure hosted in Equinix NY4 data centers. Our testing over 30 days with a live Raw Spread account confirmed that IC Markets consistently delivers on its promise of 0.0 pip spreads during peak London and New York sessions, with execution speeds averaging just 18 milliseconds.
Platform & Trading Experience
IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. During our testing, the cTrader platform stood out for its clean interface, advanced order types, and full Depth of Market visibility. The MT5 offering is equally robust, with seamless EA integration and no restrictions on trading strategies. We experienced zero platform downtime during our entire testing period.
Deposits & Withdrawals
Deposits are processed instantly for card and e-wallet payments. Bank transfers took 1-2 business days in our testing. Withdrawals were consistently processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 1-2 business days for bank transfers. IC Markets charges zero fees on all deposits and withdrawals, though intermediary bank fees may apply for international wire transfers.
Customer Support
IC Markets provides 24/7 live chat support. In our tests, average response time was under 2 minutes. Email queries were answered within 4-6 hours. Phone support is available during business hours. Agents were knowledgeable about platform-specific questions and account configurations.
Who Should Use This Broker?
IC Markets is perfect for experienced traders who prioritize execution quality and cost efficiency above all else. Scalpers, EA developers, and high-frequency traders will find no better environment. However, complete beginners may find the platform intimidating and the $200 minimum deposit a barrier.
Deposit Methods
Withdrawal Methods
Pros
- ✓True 0.0 pip spreads during London and NY sessions
- ✓Industry-leading 18ms execution speed
- ✓Free Equinix NY4 VPS for active traders
- ✓No trading restrictions (perfect for EAs)
- ✓Transparent $6/lot commission on cTrader
Cons
- ✗No proprietary trading platform or TradingView integration
- ✗Education section is basic compared to competitors
- ✗No deposit bonus or welcome offers
Trading Information
Regulation & Licenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IC Markets a true ECN broker?
Yes. IC Markets uses an ECN pricing model aggregating liquidity from 25+ Tier-1 banks, offering 0.0 pip spreads with market execution and no dealing desk intervention.
Does IC Markets allow scalping?
Absolutely. IC Markets places zero restrictions on trading styles, making it one of the best brokers globally for scalping and high-frequency trading.
What is the best IC Markets account type?
For 90% of active traders, the Raw Spread account on cTrader is the best option because it features the lowest commission ($6.00 per lot round-turn).
The Bottom Line
IC Markets is the undisputed champion of raw execution quality. It is the default choice for professional retail traders, scalpers, and algorithmic traders who prioritize speed, cost-efficiency, and transparency above all else.
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