IC Markets review
Introduction of the broker IC Markets
IC Markets, based in Australia and the Seychelles, was founded in 2007 and has built a strong reputation as a reliable broker over more than a decade. Regulated by the Australian ASIC and holding a CySEC license for the EU, IC Markets offers a high level of credibility and security for its clients. Trade execution is carried out through ECN technology, ensuring fast and efficient connectivity with liquidity providers. The broker offers very competitive spreads starting from 0 pips and leverage up to 1:30.
Trading Offer and Regulation
The minimum deposit is $200, which might be a higher entry barrier for some traders. Deposit and withdrawal methods include a wide range of options such as bank transfer, credit and debit cards, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, and more, ensuring flexibility for clients from various parts of the world.
Clients can trade a variety of financial instruments, including CFDs, energies, exotic currencies, major and minor currency pairs, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, oil, gold, and silver. IC Markets supports popular trading platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, including mobile versions and webtrader, providing extensive options for different trading strategies.
The main advantages of IC Markets include low spreads from 0.1 pip on EURUSD, ASIC regulation, high liquidity, and leverage up to 1:30. The broker also provides client support through training, webinars, and various tools. On the downside, there are issues with order delays during major fundamental news releases and a higher minimum deposit requirement.
IC Markets holds two Tier-1 licenses. The company is not publicly traded nor a banking institution, but its strong regulatory background provides traders with confidence. The broker offers a wide range of educational materials, including webinars (live and recorded), videos for beginners and advanced traders, and an investor glossary. Daily market commentary, forex news from leading sources, and tools like Autochartist and Trading Central are also available.
Mobile and Desktop Platforms
The broker offers robust mobile applications for Android and iOS, which include basic mobile alerts, seven fields for watchlists, and advanced charting features with 30 indicators and 15 drawing tools. The mobile apps also support trend line drawing and multiple time frame views. On desktop, MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms are available, as well as a web platform.
IC Markets supports social trading and copy trading through ZuluTrade, allowing traders to follow and copy successful trading strategies of other traders. The broker supports various payment methods for deposits, including PayPal, Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank transfers. Unfortunately, ACH or SEPA transfers are not supported.
User Ratings and Reviews of IC Markets
IC Markets has generally very positive reviews across various platforms. On Trustpilot, it has an excellent rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 30,000 reviews. Some negative reviews concern withdrawal issues, which can typically be resolved through customer support. Overall, IC Markets is considered a reliable broker with excellent trading conditions, a wide range of trading instruments, and quality customer support, making it a popular choice among traders worldwide.
Is IC Markets a Scam or a Safe Broker?
IC Markets is generally considered a safe broker with a long history and a solid reputation. It has positive ratings from users who appreciate the user-friendly trading platforms, competitive spreads, and a wide range of educational resources. IC Markets is regulated by major financial authorities, contributing to its credibility and safety for traders.
Risk warning CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71.79% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Basic information | |
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Regulations |
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Number of CFD asset classes | 6 |
Broker type | MM |
Customer support |
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Deposit from | 200 EUR/USD |
Spreads | 0.5 EUR/USD *The value is indicative from the broker's website. The spread amount is variable. |
Real Stocks and ETFs | |
Platforms |
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Instruments CFD | Commodities, Share CFDs, Forex, ETF, Cryptocurrency traded as CFD, Indicies |
Established | 2007 |
Country | UK |
Last update: |
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- Higher minimum deposit: Minimum deposit of 200 USD.
- Slippage issues: Frequent negative slippage.
- Not available for USA: Does not accept USA customers.
Licences and regulation
The regulations of the broker IC Markets include the following permits and registrations:
- Raw Trading Ltd - FSA (Seychelles) registration no 8419879-2
- IC Markets (EU) Ltd - CySEC (Cyprus) registration no 362/18
- International Capital Markets Pty Ltd - ASIC (Australia) registration no ACN 123 289 109, AFSL 335692