FP Markets vs IC Markets
Can't decide between FP Markets 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
FP Markets and IC Markets are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. FP Markets scores 92/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, while IC Markets leads with 97/100.
On pricing, IC Markets offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.02 pips vs 0.1 pips). FP Markets supports MT4, MT5, cTrader, Iress, TradingView while IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, giving FP Markets an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, FP Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, FSA 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 FP Markets (92/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
IC Markets offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.02 pips, beating the 0.1 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $100, FP Markets is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 92/100 | 97/100 ✓ |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.1 pips | 0.02 pips ✓ |
| Commission | $6.00/lot | $7.00/lot |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 30ms | 18ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 ✓ | $200 |
| Instruments | 10,000+ | 2,250+ |
| Account Types | Standard, Raw, Iress | Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader Raw |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, Iress, TradingView | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Top Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FSA | ASIC, CySEC, FSA |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-2 business days | 1-2 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $0 | $0 (No inactivity fee) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose FP Markets if...
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You want to trade directly from TradingView charts
- ✓You prefer cTrader's advanced order management
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓You are a scalper or algorithmic trader
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
FP Markets Overview
Advantages
- ✓ True ECN pricing with 0.0 pips on majors frequently
- ✓ Very competitive $6.00/lot round-turn commission
- ✓ Access to 10,000+ global stocks via the Iress platform
- ✓ Full suite of platforms: MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView
Drawbacks
- × Iress platform requires a higher minimum deposit ($1,000) and has platform fees
- × Educational content is decent but not industry-leading
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✓✗
FP Markets Execution
Our testing of FP Markets'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
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: FP Markets vs IC Markets
- ✓ ECN Trading
- ✓ Low Commissions
- ✓ Stock CFDs
- ✓ cTrader
- ✓ 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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