CMC Markets vs IC Markets
Can't decide between CMC Markets 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
CMC Markets and IC Markets are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. CMC Markets 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 0.7 pips). CMC Markets supports Next Generation, MT4 while IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, giving IC Markets more platform options.
For regulation, CMC Markets holds licenses from FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS 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 CMC Markets (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 0.7 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $0, CMC Markets is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | CMC Markets | 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. | 0.7 pips | 0.0 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.7 pips | 0.02 pips ✓ |
| Commission | $0 (spread only) | $7.00/lot |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | < 15ms | 18ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 ✓ | $200 |
| Instruments | 12,000+ | 2,250+ |
| Account Types | CFD Account, Spread Betting Account | Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader Raw |
| Platforms | Next Generation, MT4 | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Top Regulators | FCA, ASIC, BaFin, MAS | 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. | $10/month after 12 months | $0 (No inactivity fee) |
| Customer Support | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose CMC Markets if...
- ✓You want to start with a very low minimum deposit
- ✓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
CMC Markets Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Proprietary Next Generation platform with 115+ technical indicators and pattern recognition
- ✓ 12,000+ instruments including niche indices and treasuries
- ✓ Tax-free spread betting available for UK/Ireland clients
- ✓ Listed on London Stock Exchange (CMCX) — full transparency
- ✓ No minimum deposit requirement
Drawbacks
- × Spreads are wider than raw/ECN competitors on forex
- × No cTrader or MT5 support
- × Limited educational content compared to XM or eToro
- × No copy/social trading features
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✗✗
CMC Markets Execution
The Next Generation platform is CMC's crown jewel and the primary reason to choose this broker. It features 115+ technical indicators (more than MT4's default 30), 70+ automatically detected chart patterns with price targets, 12 chart types including Renko and Heikin Ashi, and a unique module linking system that syncs charts, watchlists, and order tickets. The built-in Reuters news feed provides real-time fundamental context. During testing, we found the platform responsive and stable with zero crashes. Order execution averaged under 15ms. The mobile app mirrors the web experience almost perfectly, which is rare for proprietary platforms.
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: CMC Markets vs IC Markets
- ✓ Advanced Charting
- ✓ Spread Betting (UK)
- ✓ Pattern Recognition
- ✓ UK & European Traders
- ✓ Technical Analysis
- ✓ No minimum deposit
- ✓ 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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