IC Markets vs Kraken
Can't decide between IC Markets and Kraken? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Executive Summary
IC Markets and Kraken are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. IC Markets scores 97/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, edging ahead of Kraken's 94/100.
On pricing, Kraken offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0 pips vs 0.02 pips). IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, cTrader while Kraken offers Kraken Pro, Kraken App, Web.
For regulation, IC Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, FSA while Kraken is regulated by FinCEN, FCA. 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 Kraken (94/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
Kraken offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0 pips, beating the 0.02 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $10, Kraken is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | IC Markets | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 97/100 ✓ | 94/100 |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips (Crypto) |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.02 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Commission | $7.00/lot | 0.16% / 0.26% |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 18ms | Fast |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $10 ✓ |
| Instruments | 2,250+ | 200+ |
| Account Types | Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader Raw | Starter, Intermediate, Pro |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | Kraken Pro, Kraken App, Web |
| Top Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FSA | FinCEN, FCA |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-2 business days | 0-1 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $0 (No inactivity fee) | $0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/7 Live Chat, Email |
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 Kraken if...
- ✓You want to start with a very low minimum deposit
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You value crypto trading and staking
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
Kraken Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Extremely deep liquidity for major cryptocurrencies
- ✓ Kraken Pro offers very low maker/taker fees
- ✓ Industry-leading security with never having been fully hacked
- ✓ Staking rewards available for various assets
Drawbacks
- × No traditional forex or stock CFDs
- × Not compatible with MetaTrader or cTrader
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.
Kraken Execution
Kraken Pro provides a robust, professional trading interface with TradingView charts.
The Bottom Line: IC Markets vs Kraken
- ✓ Scalping
- ✓ Algorithmic Trading
- ✓ Low Spreads
- ✓ ECN Trading
- ✓ Crypto Trading
- ✓ Staking
- ✓ High Liquidity
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0 pips)
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($10)
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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