Exness vs IC Markets
Can't decide between Exness 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
Exness and IC Markets are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. Exness scores 93/100 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). Exness supports MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal while IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader.
For regulation, Exness holds licenses from FCA, CySEC, FSA, FSCA 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 Exness (93/100), 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 $10, Exness is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Exness | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 93/100 | 97/100 ✓ |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.1 pips | 0.0 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.6 pips | 0.02 pips ✓ |
| Commission | $0 (Pro) | $7.00/lot |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 32ms | 18ms |
| Max Leverage | Unlimited | 1:500 |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 ✓ | $200 |
| Instruments | 200+ | 2,250+ |
| Account Types | Standard, Standard Cent, Pro, Raw Spread, Zero | Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader Raw |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, Exness Terminal | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Top Regulators | FCA, CySEC, FSA, FSCA | ASIC, CySEC, FSA |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | Instant (Automated 24/7) | 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 Exness if...
- ✓You want to start with a very low minimum deposit
- ✓You are a beginner and value education and simplicity
- ✓You want instant withdrawal processing
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
Exness Overview
Advantages
- ✓ AI-powered instant withdrawals (processed in seconds, 24/7)
- ✓ Swap-free trading by default on most instruments
- ✓ 0% stop-out level gives trades maximum breathing room
- ✓ Pro account offers $6/lot all-in cost (cheaper than most ECNs)
- ✓ Transparent monthly financial and volume reports
Drawbacks
- × Pro account uses instant execution (requotes are possible)
- × Instrument range is limited compared to IG or IC Markets
- × Unlimited leverage can be extremely dangerous for beginners
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: Sep 2026🛡️ Safety & Regulation
Tier-1 Licenses
💸 Pricing Economics
⚡ Technical Capabilities & Execution
Platform Support
- MT4✓✓
- MT5✓✓
- cTrader✗✓
- TradingView✗✗
Exness Execution
You'll be trading on MT4 or MT5. They have a proprietary web terminal, but if you're serious, you'll ignore it and stick to MetaTrader. What really stood out was their 0% stop-out level, meaning your equity can literally drop to zero before you get margin called. It's incredibly forgiving during extreme volatility.
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: Exness vs IC Markets
- ✓ Instant Withdrawals
- ✓ Swap-Free Trading
- ✓ High Leverage
- ✓ Crypto CFDs
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($10)
- ✓ 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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