AvaTrade vs IC Markets
Can't decide between AvaTrade and IC Markets? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Executive Summary
AvaTrade and IC Markets are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. AvaTrade scores 94/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, while IC Markets leads with 97/100.
On pricing, IC Markets offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.02 pips vs 0.9 pips). AvaTrade supports MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, WebTrader while IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, giving AvaTrade an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, AvaTrade holds licenses from CBI, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CySEC while IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA. Both brokers offer segregated client funds and are considered safe for retail trading.
The Verdicts
Most Trusted
IC Markets scores higher in our TrustMetrics system (97/100) compared to AvaTrade (94/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
IC Markets offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.02 pips, beating the 0.9 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $100, AvaTrade is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | AvaTrade | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 94/100 | 97/100 ✓ |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.9 pips | 0.0 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.9 pips | 0.02 pips ✓ |
| Commission | $0 | $7.00/lot |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 45ms | 18ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:500 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 ✓ | $200 |
| Instruments | 1,250+ | 2,250+ |
| Account Types | Standard, Options | Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader Raw |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, WebTrader | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Top Regulators | CBI, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CySEC | ASIC, CySEC, FSA |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-3 business days | 1-2 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $50 per quarter (after 3 months of inactivity) | $0 (No inactivity fee) |
| Customer Support | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose AvaTrade if...
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
- ✓You value regulatory safety and options trading
Choose IC Markets if...
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You prefer cTrader's advanced order management
- ✓You are a scalper or algorithmic trader
AvaTrade Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Incredible regulatory security across 5 continents
- ✓ AvaProtect allows you to insure specific trades against losses
- ✓ Offers vanilla forex options trading (AvaOptions)
- ✓ Fixed spread options available
Drawbacks
- × Spreads are wider than the industry average
- × High inactivity fees ($50 after 3 months)
- × Execution speed is slightly slower than ECN competitors
IC Markets Overview
Advantages
- ✓ 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
Drawbacks
- × No proprietary trading platform or TradingView integration
- × Education section is basic compared to competitors
- × No deposit bonus or welcome offers
Algorithmic Deep Dive
Data Updated: Aug 2026🛡️ Safety & Regulation
Tier-1 Licenses
💸 Pricing Economics
⚡ Technical Capabilities & Execution
Platform Support
- MT4✓✓
- MT5✓✓
- cTrader✗✓
- TradingView✗✗
AvaTrade Execution
Our testing of AvaTrade's platform offerings confirmed stable performance with reliable execution speeds. The available platforms provide a good balance of analytical tools and ease of use, suitable for both manual and algorithmic trading strategies.
IC Markets Execution
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.
The Bottom Line: AvaTrade vs IC Markets
- ✓ Regulatory Safety
- ✓ Options Trading
- ✓ AvaProtect
- ✓ Fixed Spreads
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($100)
- ✓ Scalping
- ✓ Algorithmic Trading
- ✓ Low Spreads
- ✓ ECN Trading
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.02 pips)
Both brokers are featured in our top broker rankings. Your choice should depend on your specific trading style, preferred platform, and geographical location.
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