IC Markets is a major online broker based in Australia. The firm offers a competitive range of products, with CFDs on futures, bonds, cryptos and more. Four registered entities are also positioned around the globe to provide competitive trading conditions regardless of client location. This 2024 IC Markets review will explore the platform’s 1,700+ instruments, spreads and fees, plus the pros and cons of opening an account.
What Is IC Markets?
Company Details
IC Markets, or International Capital Markets, is a popular retail trading broker. The company focuses on offering CFDs at competitive spreads across forex, commodities, equities and crypto markets. The firm’s head office is in Sydney, though it has multiple office locations around the world. The ASIC, CySEC and other reputable agencies regulate the broker’s activities.
History
Andrew Budzinski founded IC Markets in Australia in 2007. The firm is one of the world’s largest forex brokers by trading volume, boasting more than 180,000 active clients. Built to bridge the gap between institutional and retail investors, the company offers trading conditions once exclusive to investment banks and high-net-worth individuals.
Markets
IC Markets offers traders plenty of CFD classes, outlined below:
- Forex – 61 currency pairs
- Futures – 4 global futures
- Bonds – more than 11 bonds
- Stocks – over 1,600 stocks from ASX, Nasdaq and NYSE
- Cryptocurrencies – 13 cryptos, including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ripple (XRP)
- Commodities – over 22 commodities encompassing energies, agriculture and metals
- Indices – 25 indices, including the US Wall Street 30 Index (US30) and the FTSE 100 (UK100)
The firm also offers a forex calculator, which helps clients to better understand conversion rates and the potential profits from a trade. Additionally, customers can use it to calculate the required margin for a specific leverage ratio.
Trade Execution
IC Markets offers a true ECN pricing model to provide a seamless trading experience. An electronic communications network broker passes pricing from external liquidity providers directly to traders. This makes it more of an ‘A’ book broker than a ‘B’ book broker, where the broker is the counterparty in the trade (as with market makers).
IC Markets Trading Platforms
IC Markets clients can make free use of three popular trading platforms. Additionally, traders with a volume exceeding 15 lots (round turn) per month for forex and metals will receive a VPS subscription sponsorship. In 2017, the broker also announced a partnership with Autochartist to better facilitate technical analysis and implement strategies like swing trading.
MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
- Nine timeframes
- Interactive charts
- Customisable interface
- Four advanced order types
- 30 built-in technical indicators
- Automated trading with MQL4
- Browser-based web trader support
- Windows, Mac & Linux downloads
MetaTrader 4
MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- 21 timeframes
- Interactive charts
- Trade all CFD types
- Customisable interface
- Six advanced order types
- Automated trading with MQL5
- 38 built-in technical indicators
- Browser-based web trader support
- Windows, Mac & Linux downloads
MetaTrader 5
cTrader
- 54 timeframes
- Six chart types
- One-click trading
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Customisable interface
- AutoChartist scanning support
- 70 built-in technical indicators
- Browser-based web trader support
- Automated trading with cAlgo & API
- Integrated economic calendar and news stream
cTrader
Mobile App
IC Markets clients have access to mobile trading through handheld versions of every platform above. MT4, MT5 and cTrader all have mobile applications that can be downloaded for Apple (iOS) and Android (APK) devices at no extra cost. These platforms are useful, supporting account management and order processing without needing to be at your desk.
But while mobile trading improves convenience, these applications are limited in their technical capabilities, so advanced strategies are often better applied to desktop platforms.
Trading Accounts
IC Markets offers two account types: the Raw Spread account and the Standard account. Islamic (halal) and joint options are available for both of these solutions. The minimum deposit for all accounts is $200 and leverage goes up to 1:500. The stop out level is 50% and micro-lot trading is supported.
Raw Spread
These accounts do not apply a markup to CFD spreads, allowing for values as low as 0.0 pips when liquidity is high. However, the broker takes a commission on positions to make up for this. MetaTrader Raw Spread accounts are charged $3.50 per lot per side ($7 per lot roundturn), while cTrader accounts are charged $3 per lot per side ($6 per lot roundturn).
The broker suggests this account is best suited to EAs, day traders and scalpers. MetaTrader accounts limit the maximum number of position orders to 200, while cTrader accounts can make up to 2,000.
Only Raw Spread account holders can use the cTrader platform.
Standard
The IC Markets Standard account is only available with MetaTrader platforms and is a commission-free, starter account. Spreads begin at 0.6 pips and the rest of the services available are the same as for a MetaTrader Raw Spread account.
Other Accounts
IC Markets supports institutional accounts, which can be opened in the name of a company or business. Alternatively, wealthy, experienced speculators can open a Pro account.
Know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols mean that all account holders must provide and verify required documents, including proof of residence (individuals and institutions alike).
Demo Account
The broker offers a free demo account, which can simulate all the above account types and trading platforms. As such, clients can see what IC Markets is all about without risking any money. Once you feel comfortable with how the broker works, you can open and access a live account through the secure client login system. Demo accounts have no expiry.
Leverage With IC Markets
IC Markets clients can access leverage rates up to 1:500, whatever their account or trading platform. This means that $1 of capital provides exposure of up to $500 for CFD positions, magnifying both profits and losses. The broker does not offer negative balance protection, so margin trading is particularly risky.
Margin calls are given when appropriate and stop outs occur at 50%. Leverage rates will vary from asset to asset, with the maximum of 1:500 only applicable to some classes. For example, CFDs on bonds are limited to 1:200.
European retail clients are limited to leverage rates of 1:30, in line with regulatory conditions.
Fees
In addition to spreads (and commission rates if you choose the Raw Spread account), your positions may be subject to swap rates. These are only charged if you hold a position overnight and could be a debit or credit to your account, depending on the direction of your position.
While transactions are generally free, international wire transfer withdrawals incur an AUD 20 fee. Inactivity fees are not charged with IC Markets.
Payments
Deposits
IC Markets supports deposits in ten currencies, including the UK’s GBP. Minimum deposits are $200 for all account types. The supported methods include:
- Bpay
- POLi
- Skrill
- Klarna
- PayPal
- FasaPay
- Rapidpay
- UnionPay
- Wire Transfer
- Broker-To-Broker
- Credit/Debit Cards
- Thai Internet Banking
- Neteller (& Neteller VIP)
- Vietnamese Internet Banking
Processing times vary according to the method, up to a maximum of five business days.
Withdrawals
Debit card withdrawals generally take three to five business days, though other methods can take longer. Withdrawal requests submitted after noon AEST/AEDT will be processed by IC Markets on the following business day.
Withdrawals using international wire transfers incur an AUD 20 fee, though all other methods are free. There is no minimum withdrawal limit.
Unfortunately our review did find that some traders have claimed to encounter withdrawal problems.
IC Markets Regulation
IC Markets encompasses several entities, each regulated by different authorities. Raw Trading Ltd is regulated by the Financial Services Authority of Seychelles. Other entities include:
- International Capital Markets Pty Ltd., regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
- IC Markets (EU) Ltd., regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
- IC Markets Ltd., regulated by the Securities Commission of The Bahamas
In addition to its regulators, IC Markets also holds client funds in segregated Tier 1 banks. Overall, it is a reputable broker used by many traders across the world.
Security
IC Markets holds all trader funds with tier one banking institutions in accounts segregated from the entity’s own capital. All data is encrypted with SSL and the trading platforms support two-factor authentication (2FA) at login. Additionally, clients within the CySEC-regulated entity’s jurisdiction are protected against insolvency and malpractice by the Investor Compensation Fund (ICF).
Customer Support
IC Markets clients can contact customer support via live chat, telephone hotline, email or callback requests. The support team can also remotely connect to your device if you have a technical issue. The contact details are:
- Phone: +248 467 19 76
- Email: support@icmarkets.com
The IC Markets Help Centre also contains a large FAQ section, providing information on leverage rates, how to change margin requirements, what the trading hours and average spread for gold are and why you may have received an ‘invalid account’ message.
Customer service reviews posted on Trustpilot, Reddit and Quora, generally suggest a positive experience. The broker also has a presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Promotions
IC Markets does not offer sign-up incentives, promotions or bonuses. This has become more common as regulators have sought to encourage brokers to be competitive through improved services over financial incentives.
Educational Material & Market Updates
There is a range of educational material available, which is particularly useful for clients with limited experience. Written guides and video tutorials are provided, in addition to a podcast and webinar series. The broker’s website also has a regularly-updated blog with market information and insights.
Advantages
Reasons to sign-up with IC Markets include:
- Tight spreads
- ECN accounts
- Multi-regulated
- Islamic accounts
- Wide range of CFDs
- Competitive leverage
- MT4, MT5 & cTrader
- 24/7 customer support
- Ten account currencies
- Range of payment methods
Disadvantages
Drawbacks to opening an IC Markets account include:
- CFD trading only
- No sign-up bonus
- No concerns with scams
- $200 minimum deposit
Trading Hours
Trading hours on IC Markets depend on the asset in question. Clients can trade cryptos 24/7 and forex assets 24/5. However, the broker holds server maintenance between 17:00 and 00:00 on Saturdays. The broker publishes trading holidays on its blog. All server times and charts have a GMT offset of +2 (+3 when daylight savings is in effect), aligning charts with New York close times.
IC Markets Verdict
IC Markets has become one of the most reputable online brokers in the industry. With its Raw Spread account, traders can access tight spreads and competitive commission rates for CFDs on some of the most liquid markets in the world. The broker also offers MT4, MT5 and cTrader, so clients can implement a range of strategies and indicators for both day and swing trading. Our review recommends trialling the broker via its demo account before signing up for a live account.
FAQ
What Are Indices On IC Markets?
Indices are baskets of equities listed on an exchange (or exchanges) and are often good indicators of market sentiment. For example, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the DAX 40, the NAS100 (Nasdaq-100 with symbol NDX) and the S&P 500. Not all indices focus on stocks, such as the US dollar index and the VIX 75 volatility index. IC Markets has 25 indices in total to trade.
How Do You Withdraw Money From IC Markets?
The withdrawal process on IC Markets dictates that requests must be made through the Secure Client Area via the method used to deposit funds. The broker processes payment requests only after receiving the required documentation and verifying the account.
Are Islamic Accounts Available With IC Markets?
Yes, IC Markets offers Islamic accounts that are compliant with Sharia law. These accounts do not charge overnight swap fees on open positions, though they do incur additional commissions.
How Much Can You Withdraw From IC Markets?
As long as the funds are returned to the same deposit source, IC Markets’ policy does not state a maximum limit for withdrawals.
Is IC Markets FCA-Regulated?
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) does not regulate IC Markets. Its European regulator is the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), which is a top-tier agency.
How Long Does It Take To Withdraw Money With IC Markets?
Clients must request withdrawals before 12:00 AEST on a business day for them to be processed the same day. Withdrawal times vary according to the method used, with credit/debit card withdrawals generally taking three to five business days.