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IC Markets vs Vantage (2026): Which Broker Is Actually Better?
We compare IC Markets against Vantage 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.
Verdict: It's a Tie
Both IC Markets and Vantage offer exceptional trading environments with distinct strengths. IC Markets is ideal for scalpers, ea traders & low-latency algorithmic trading, while Vantage excels for raw spread traders & australian forex enthusiasts. Your choice should depend entirely on whether you prioritize consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0) or raw ecn spreads from 0.0 pips.
IC Markets vs Vantage: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2009 |
| Overall Rating | 4.6/5.0 | 4.4/5.0 |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $50 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) | 0.0 pips (Raw ECN) |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:500 | 1:500 |
| MetaTrader 4 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 | Yes | Yes |
| cTrader | Yes | No |
| TradingView | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Forex Pairs | 61 | 44+ |
| Deposit Methods | Card, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Wire, Broker-to-Broker | Card, Bank, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24-48 hours | 1-2 business days |
| Execution Type | True ECN | ECN / STP |
IC Markets vs Vantage: Fee Breakdown
When comparing the trading costs between IC Markets and Vantage, 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. IC Markets offers pricing characterized by $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) alongside 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) spreads. In contrast, Vantage utilizes a model with $3/lot (Raw ECN) and 0.0 pips (Raw ECN) spreads. For active, high-volume traders, either broker provides the superior cost-efficiency curve.
| Fee Type | IC Markets | Vantage |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw) | 0.8 pips (Standard) | 0.0 pips (Raw ECN) |
| Commission Defaults | $3.50/lot (Raw Spread) | $3/lot (Raw ECN) |
| Execution Model | True ECN | ECN / STP |
| Deposit Fees | None | None |
| Withdrawal Speed | 24-48 hours | 1-2 business days |
Safety & Regulation: Is IC Markets or Vantage Safer?
Trust is paramount in forex trading. Both IC Markets and Vantage are highly regulated entities, but their jurisdictional footprints differ. IC Markets is armed with 2 Tier-1 licenses and has been securing client funds since 2007. Vantage, licensed since 2009, 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.
IC Markets
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)CySEC (Cyprus)Seychelles FSASCB (Bahamas)
- Investor Protection: ASIC client money rules & European ICF
- Licensed Since: 2007
Vantage
Tier 1- Regulators:ASIC (Australia)FCA (UK)CIMA (Cayman)VFSC (Vanuatu)
- Investor Protection: Segregated client funds
- Licensed Since: 2009
Platform & Tools Comparison
The software you trade on dictates your execution speed and analytical depth. Both brokers provide industry stalwarts, but divergencies exist. IC Markets equips its clients with MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView. Vantage, on the other hand, grants access to MT4, MT5, Vantage App, TradingView. If you rely on third-party EA automation, this section heavily dictates your broker choice.
| Feature | IC Markets | Vantage |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 | ||
| MetaTrader 5 | ||
| cTrader | ||
| TradingView | ||
| Proprietary Environment | Yes (Vantage App) | |
| Copy Trading Network |
Pros & Cons: IC Markets vs Vantage
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
- $200 minimum deposit is slightly higher than competitors
- Basic research and educational material
Vantage
Pros
- Raw ECN spreads from 0.0 pips
- ASIC and FCA regulated
- ProTrader with TradingView built in
- Fast execution speeds
- Active Trader rebates
Cons
- $50 minimum deposit for standard account
- Customer support can be slow during peak
- Limited educational resources
Expert Verdict: IC Markets vs Vantage
When we place IC Markets and Vantage side-by-side, we observe two distinct philosophies in client servicing. IC Markets, licensed since 2007, has carved out a massive niche focusing on scalpers, ea traders & low-latency algorithmic trading. Their execution model heavily leans into True ECN, and their platform environment highlights MT4.
Conversely, Vantage, operational out of Sydney, Australia, has architected its infrastructure predominantly for raw spread traders & australian forex enthusiasts. Their $3/lot (Raw ECN) commission structure combined with 0.0 pips (Raw ECN) spreads makes them a formidable competitor.
The Bottom Line: If your primary directive is consistently deepest liquidity and tightest raw spreads (0.0), and you intend to start with a minimum of $200, IC Markets is the logical path forward. If, however, you value raw ecn spreads from 0.0 pips and require MT4, Vantage edges out the competition and earns our recommendation.
IC Markets vs Vantage: 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 | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy