Capital.com vs IC Markets
Can't decide between Capital.com and IC Markets? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Executive Summary
Capital.com and IC Markets are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. Capital.com scores 88/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, while IC Markets leads with 97/100.
On pricing, IC Markets offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.02 pips vs 0.6 pips). Capital.com supports Capital.com Web, Capital.com Mobile, MT4, TradingView while IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, giving Capital.com an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, Capital.com holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, ASIC, SCB 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 Capital.com (88/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
IC Markets offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.02 pips, beating the 0.6 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $20, Capital.com is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Capital.com | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 88/100 | 97/100 ✓ |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.6 pips | 0.0 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.6 pips | 0.02 pips ✓ |
| Commission | $0 (spread only) | $7.00/lot |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | < 20ms | 18ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Minimum Deposit | $20 ✓ | $200 |
| Instruments | 6,400+ | 2,250+ |
| Account Types | Standard | Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader Raw |
| Platforms | Capital.com Web, Capital.com Mobile, MT4, TradingView | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Top Regulators | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, SCB | 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. | $0 (No inactivity fee) | $0 (No inactivity fee) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose Capital.com if...
- ✓You want to trade directly from TradingView charts
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
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
Capital.com Overview
Advantages
- ✓ AI-powered trading insights analyze your behavior and suggest improvements
- ✓ 6,400+ instruments with zero commissions
- ✓ TradingView integration for advanced charting
- ✓ Low $20 minimum deposit — very accessible
- ✓ Modern, award-winning mobile app
Drawbacks
- × Offshore entity (SCB) for some regions with weaker protection
- × No cTrader support
- × Limited advanced order types compared to IBKR or Saxo
- × Research content is improving but still behind leaders
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✓✗
Capital.com Execution
Capital.com offers four platform paths: its proprietary web and mobile apps (which include the AI overlay), MetaTrader 4, and TradingView integration. The proprietary app is where Capital.com truly shines — it's fast, beautifully designed, and packed with features that feel modern rather than legacy. The TradingView integration is seamless — you can place and manage orders directly from TradingView charts, which is a massive advantage for the millions of traders who already use TradingView for analysis. MT4 is available for those who need EA support. During testing, order execution averaged under 20ms, which is competitive though not quite matching the sub-15ms of IC Markets or Pepperstone.
IC Markets Execution
You get the standard suite: MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Our recommendation? Skip MetaTrader and use cTrader. The Level 2 pricing depth and advanced order management are vastly superior for scalping. We ran automated EAs 24/5 on MT5 without a single dropped connection or rejected order.
The Bottom Line: Capital.com vs IC Markets
- ✓ AI Trading Insights
- ✓ Mobile Trading
- ✓ TradingView Integration
- ✓ Low Minimum Deposit
- ✓ Crypto CFDs
- ✓ Behavioral Analytics
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($20)
- ✓ 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.
Related Content
IC Markets vs Pepperstone: The Ultimate Comparison 2026
Choosing between the two biggest brokers? We compare IC Markets and Pepperstone across spreads, execution speed, platforms, and regulation.
IC Markets Review 2026 — The World's Largest ECN Broker Tested
We tested IC Markets for 30 days with a live Raw Spread account. Full analysis of 0.0 pip spreads, 18ms execution, cTrader vs MT4, and server infrastructure.
IC Markets Review: The Absolute Best True ECN Broker?
If you are trading with a standard B-Book broker, you are trading against the house. We break down why institutional traders only use True ECN brokers like IC Markets.
Broker Match Quiz
Find the perfect forex broker based on your trading style and preferences.