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FP Markets vs IC Markets (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare FP Markets against IC Markets across spreads, regulations, platforms, and trading costs. Read our algorithmic breakdown and expert verdict to find out which broker suits your trading style in 2026.
Which is better: FP Markets or IC Markets?
Both FP Markets and IC Markets offer exceptional trading environments with distinct strengths. FP Markets is ideal for ecn traders, scalpers & australian clients, while IC Markets excels for scalpers, ea traders & low-latency algorithmic trading. Your choice should depend entirely on whether you prioritize true ecn pricing from 0.0 pips or consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0).
Verdict: It's a Tie
Both FP Markets and IC Markets offer exceptional trading environments with distinct strengths. FP Markets is ideal for ecn traders, scalpers & australian clients, while IC Markets excels for scalpers, ea traders & low-latency algorithmic trading. Your choice should depend entirely on whether you prioritize true ecn pricing from 0.0 pips or consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0).
FP Markets vs IC Markets: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2005 | 2007 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5/5.0 | 4.6/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $200 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:500 | 1:1000 (Global) | 1:30 (Retail) |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | Yes | Yes |
| TradingView | No | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Forex Pairs | 70+ | 61 |
| Deposit Methods | Card, Bank, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto | Card, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Wire, Broker-to-Broker |
| Withdrawal Speed | Same day to 1 business day | 24-48 hours |
| Execution Type | ECN / DMA | True ECN |
FP Markets vs IC Markets: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between FP Markets and IC Markets, it's essential to look beyond just the advertised spreads. We must factor in commissions, swap rates, and non-trading fees like deposit or inactivity charges. FP Markets offers pricing characterized by $3/lot (Raw) alongside 0.0 pips (Raw) spreads. In contrast, IC Markets utilizes a model with $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) and 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, either broker provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) |
| Commission Defaults | $3/lot (Raw) | $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) |
| Execution Model | ECN / DMA | True ECN |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | Same day to 1 business day | 24-48 hours |
Safety & Regulation: Is FP Markets or IC Markets Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both FP Markets and IC Markets are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. FP Markets is armed with 2 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2005. IC Markets, licensed since 2007, counters with 2 Tier-1 regulatory bodies overseeing its operations. They are evenly matched in terms of top-tier trust metrics. Both brokers employ strict client fund segregation.
FP Markets
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)CySEC (Cyprus)SVG FSA
- Investor Protection: Segregated client funds / €20,000 ICF
- Licensed Since: 2005
IC Markets
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)CySEC (Cyprus)Seychelles FSASCB (Bahamas)
- Investor Protection: ASIC client money rules & European ICF
- Licensed Since: 2007
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. FP Markets equips its clients with MT4, MT5, cTrader, IRESS. IC Markets, on the other hand, grants access to MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | FP Markets | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (IRESS) | |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: FP Markets vs IC Markets
FP Markets
Pros
- True ECN pricing from 0.0 pips
- ASIC and CySEC regulated
- cTrader and IRESS platforms
- Over 10,000 tradable instruments
- Excellent execution speeds
Cons
- $100 minimum deposit
- IRESS platform has additional fees
- Limited educational content
IC Markets
Pros
- Consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0)
- Servers located in NY4 & LD5 datacenters for <40ms latency
- No restrictions on scalping, hedging, or EAs
- Excellent support for cTrader and TradingView
- Massive global trading volume
Cons
- Customer service can be slower during peak times
- Protection and leverage depend heavily on your account entity
- Basic research and educational material
Expert Verdict: FP Markets vs IC Markets
When we place FP Markets and IC Markets side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. FP Markets, licensed since 2005, has carved out a massive niche focusing on ecn traders, scalpers & australian clients. Their execution model heavily leans into ECN / DMA, and their platform environment highlights MT4.
Conversely, IC Markets, operational out of Sydney, Australia, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for scalpers, ea traders & low-latency algorithmic trading. Their $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) commission structure combined with 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is true ecn pricing from 0.0 pips, and you intend to start with a minimum of $100, FP Markets is the logical path forward. If, however, you value consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0) and require MT4, IC Markets edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
FP Markets vs IC Markets: Frequently Asked Questions
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Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves significant risk of loss. 68–80% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.|Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation from the brokers listed on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews, which are based on independent analysis.
Comparison data updated February 2026. Broker terms, spreads, and conditions vary by region and account type. See our methodology | Editorial Policy | Data Sources | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy