IC Markets vs Plus500
Can't decide between IC Markets and Plus500? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Executive Summary
IC Markets and Plus500 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 Plus500's 90/100.
On pricing, IC Markets offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.02 pips vs 0.8 pips). IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, cTrader while Plus500 offers Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 Mobile, giving IC Markets an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, IC Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, FSA while Plus500 is regulated by FCA, CySEC, ASIC, MAS. 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 Plus500 (90/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
IC Markets offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.02 pips, beating the 0.8 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $100, Plus500 is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | IC Markets | Plus500 |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 97/100 ✓ | 90/100 |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.0 pips | 0.8 pips |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.02 pips ✓ | 0.8 pips |
| Commission | $7.00/lot | $0 (spread only) |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 18ms | < 30ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:300 |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $100 ✓ |
| Instruments | 2,250+ | 2,800+ |
| Account Types | Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader Raw | Standard |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 Mobile |
| Top Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FSA | FCA, CySEC, ASIC, 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) | $10/month after 3 months |
| 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 Plus500 if...
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
- ✓You value simplicity and beginner-friendly
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
Plus500 Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Listed on London Stock Exchange (LSE: PLUS) — strong financial transparency
- ✓ Clean, intuitive proprietary platform — zero learning curve
- ✓ Guaranteed stop-loss orders available (at wider spreads)
- ✓ 24/7 customer support via live chat
- ✓ Wide range of payment methods including PayPal and Skrill
Drawbacks
- × No MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or cTrader
- × Spread-only model can be expensive for active traders
- × Very limited educational content and research tools
- × No copy/social trading features
- × No API or algorithmic trading support
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.
Plus500 Execution
The Plus500 platform is beautifully minimal. The design is clean and uncluttered, with clear buy/sell buttons, a simple watchlist, and basic charts that load instantly. Trade execution is straightforward — select an instrument, choose your size, set your stop loss and take profit, and click trade. The mobile app mirrors the web experience perfectly, which is rare. However, charting capabilities are basic — there are only a handful of indicators, limited drawing tools, and no multi-timeframe analysis. The guaranteed stop-loss order (GSLO) feature is the platform's standout innovation, providing absolute price certainty even during gaps.
The Bottom Line: IC Markets vs Plus500
- ✓ Scalping
- ✓ Algorithmic Trading
- ✓ Low Spreads
- ✓ ECN Trading
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.02 pips)
- ✓ Simplicity
- ✓ Beginner-Friendly
- ✓ Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders
- ✓ Casual & Part-Time Traders
- ✓ Risk-Averse Beginners
- ✓ Lower minimum deposit ($100)
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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