IC Markets vs. ForexTime
Comparison: IC Markets vs. ForexTime – Which broker is better? A quick comparison based on the trading platform, fees, deposit or withdrawal options, and regulation in 2026.
Winner of this comparison: IC Markets with an overall rating of 60%
Basic information
| Basic information |  IC Markets |  ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | 200 EUR/USD | 200 EUR/USD |
| Spreads | 0.5 EUR/USD | 1.5 EUR/USD |
| Established | 2007 | 2011 |
| Currency Pairs (Total Forex pairs) | 90 | 35 |
| Country | UK | Cyprus |
| Regulation | FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), Cysec | FCA (UK), Cysec |
| Trading app | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), cTrader, MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) |
| Number of CFD asset classes | 6 | 6 |
| Broker type | MM | ECN, STP |
| Support | Phone, Mail, Chat | Phone, Mail, Chat |
| Funding methods | * Some of the payment methods may not be available in your country. Skrill, Qiwi, FasaPay, PayPal, Poli, Visa/Mastercard, Bank Wire | * Some of the payment methods may not be available in your country. Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, Bank Wire, WebMoney |
| Real Stocks and ETFs | Yes | Yes |
*The value is indicative from the broker's website. The spread amount is variable.
72.52% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
Comparison Result
In terms of overall rating, both brokers are equal – both have 60%. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of 200 EUR/USD, while ForexTime sets it at 200 EUR/USD. The entry amount is the same for both. For IC Markets, the spread is 0.5 EUR/USD, while for ForexTime it is 1.5 EUR/USD. Tighter spreads make IC Markets a more advantageous choice. IC Markets offers 90 forex pairs, while ForexTime provides 35. A wider selection gives IC Markets the advantage. IC Markets was founded in 2007, while ForexTime has been operating since 2011. The longer tradition of IC Markets means greater experience. Unfortunately, neither of them offers this option. IC Markets is overseen by 3 regulatory bodies, while ForexTime has 2. More regulations at IC Markets enhance its trustworthiness. IC Markets supports 3 platforms, while ForexTime offers 2. A greater choice of platforms gives IC Markets the lead.
60%
IC Markets
46%
ForexTime
Key Strengths
IC Markets
- Competitive spreads and low commissions: Low variable spreads, from 0 pips.
- Wide range of trading instruments: Trading with over 2250 instruments.
- Support for all trading methods: Scalping, HFT, and automated trading.
ForexTime
- Strong educational materials: FXTM provides a wide range of educational materials that can help traders improve their skills and understanding of the markets.
- Flexible account types: The platform offers various account types, allowing traders to choose the right option according to their needs and preferences.
- Dedicated account representative: FXTM provides each client with a dedicated account representative who can assist with any questions or issues.
Comparison by Categories
Comprehensive Comparison: IC Markets vs ForexTime
IC Markets ForexTime Investments
75 % 75 %| Investments | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| Currency Pairs (Total Forex pairs) | 90 | 35 |
| CFDs – Total Offered | 300+ | 250+ |
| Options CFD | No | No |
| Share CFDs | Yes | Yes |
| Forex CFD | Yes | Yes |
| Commodities CFD | Yes | Yes |
| ETF CFD | Yes | Yes |
| Indicies CFD | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency traded as actual | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency traded as CFD | Yes | Yes |
Cost
80 % 80 %| Cost | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD *The value is indicative from the broker's website. The spread amount is variable. | 0.5 | 1.5 |
| Deposit from | 200 | 200 |
| Account fee | No | No |
| Inactivity fee | Yes | Yes |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | No |
| Withdrawal fees | No | No |
| Deposit fees | No | No |
Trading app
43 % 29 %| Trading app | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | No |
| Web Platform | No | No |
| Social Trading / Copy-Trading | No | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| Currenex | No | No |
| cTrader | Yes | No |
Trading Tools
100 % 90 %| Trading Tools | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| Financial leverage | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Alerts – Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Charting – Indicators / Studies (Total) | Yes | Yes |
| Charting – Drawing Tools (Total) | Yes | Yes |
| Charting – Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Stop-Loss | Yes | Yes |
| Finacial Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Daily financial news | Yes | Yes |
| Order Type – Trailing Stop | Yes | No |
Research
100 % 50 %| Research | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | Yes |
| Weekly Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Social Sentiment – Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | Yes | No |
Education
100 % 67 %| Education | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| Has Education – Forex | Yes | Yes |
| Has Education – CFDs | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | Yes |
| Videos – Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | No |
| Education | Yes | Yes |
Forex
100 % 100 %| Forex | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes |
Commodities
91 % 55 %| Commodities | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | No | Yes |
| Silver | Yes | Yes |
| WIT Oil | Yes | Yes |
| Brent Oil | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee | Yes | No |
| Cocoa | Yes | No |
| Soybeans | Yes | No |
| Rice | Yes | No |
| Corn | Yes | No |
| Platinum | Yes | Yes |
| Palladium | Yes | Yes |
Indicies
100 % 100 %| Indicies | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| DAX 40 | Yes | Yes |
| S&P 500 | Yes | Yes |
| Nasdaq | Yes | Yes |
| Dow Jones | Yes | Yes |
| Nikkei | Yes | Yes |
Cryptocurrencies
50 % 30 %| Cryptocurrencies | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | Yes | Yes |
| Litecoin | Yes | Yes |
| Ethereum | Yes | Yes |
| Ripple | Yes | No |
| Neo | No | No |
| Stellar | No | No |
| Cardano | No | No |
| Tron | No | No |
| Monero | No | No |
| EOS | Yes | No |
Regulations
50 % 33 %| Regulations | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| Cysec | Yes | Yes |
| ASIC (Australia) | Yes | No |
| FCA (UK) | Yes | Yes |
| Authorised in the European Union (EU) | No | No |
| CFTC Registered (USA) | No | No |
| FINMA (Switzerland) | No | No |
Support
100 % 100 %| Support | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|---|---|
| Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes |
Overall
60 % 46 %| Overall | IC Markets | ForexTime |
|---|
Our Recommendations
Best for IC Markets
Thanks to comprehensive educational materials and a user-friendly platform, IC Markets is an ideal choice for new traders.
Best Platform IC Markets
The trading platform of broker IC Markets offers an intuitive interface and advanced features for efficient trading.
Lowest Costs
Both brokers have comparable fee structures and spreads.
IC Markets ForexTime