IC Markets vs IG
Can't decide between IC Markets and IG? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Executive Summary
IC Markets and IG are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. IC Markets scores 97/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, while IG leads with 99/100.
On pricing, IC Markets offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.02 pips vs 0.7 pips). IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, cTrader while IG offers IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, giving IG more platform options.
For regulation, IC Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, FSA while IG is regulated by FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS. Both brokers offer segregated client funds and are considered safe for retail trading.
The Verdicts
Most Trusted
IG scores higher in our TrustMetrics system (99/100) compared to IC Markets (97/100), 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 $200, IC Markets is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | IC Markets | IG |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 97/100 | 99/100 ✓ |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.0 pips | 0.6 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.02 pips ✓ | 0.7 pips |
| Commission | $7.00/lot | $0 |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 18ms | 22ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:200 |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 ✓ | $250 |
| Instruments | 2,250+ | 17,000+ |
| Account Types | Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader Raw | CFD, Spread Betting, DMA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | IG Platform, MT4, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer |
| Top Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FSA | FCA, ASIC, CFTC, MAS |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-2 business days | 1-3 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $0 (No inactivity fee) | $18 per month (after 24 months) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
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
Choose IG if...
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓You are a beginner and value education and simplicity
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
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
IG Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Unmatched regulatory trust with 6+ Tier-1 licenses
- ✓ Massive selection of 17,000+ tradable instruments
- ✓ World-class educational resources (IG Academy)
- ✓ Premium proprietary trading platform with guaranteed stops
Drawbacks
- × No MT5 platform available
- × Spreads can be wider than raw ECN competitors
- × High minimum deposit for bank transfers
Algorithmic Deep Dive
Data Updated: Sep 2026🛡️ Safety & Regulation
Tier-1 Licenses
💸 Pricing Economics
⚡ Technical Capabilities & Execution
Platform Support
- MT4✓✓
- MT5✓✗
- cTrader✓✗
- TradingView✗✗
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.
IG Execution
Their proprietary web platform is exceptional. We used it exclusively for a month and found its charting tools and guaranteed stop-loss features (which protect you from catastrophic slippage) to be industry-leading. If you prefer MetaTrader, MT4 is available, though oddly, MT5 is missing from their lineup.
The Bottom Line: IC Markets vs IG
- ✓ Scalping
- ✓ Algorithmic Trading
- ✓ Low Spreads
- ✓ ECN Trading
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.02 pips)
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($200)
- ✓ Instrument Variety
- ✓ Regulatory Trust
- ✓ Research
- ✓ UK Traders
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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