IC Markets Alternatives

The best alternatives to IC Markets are

1. Pepperstone - Australian forex broker
2. Oanda - American FX broker
3. FXCM - UK-based forex broker
4. Forex.com - Global FX and CFD broker

Let's see in a bit more detail how the IC Markets alternatives compare to IC Markets and each other:

Why are these brokers considered good alternatives to IC Markets? There are many areas based on which IC Markets can be compared with others. When we say a given online broker is a good alternative to IC Markets we mean these brokers are comparable in the following areas:

• The products they offer, meaning you can buy mostly the same things, i.e. stocks, CFDs, options, etc.
• The type of clients they target, i.e. beginners, experienced investors, or day traders.

IC Markets alternatives recommendations

Brokers are different in a number of ways, which means each of them may be suitable for different people. Here's how they compare overall:

• IC Markets is recommended for forex traders preferring easy account opening and free deposit and withdrawals
• Pepperstone is recommended for forex traders aiming for a good customer service
• Oanda is recommended for forex traders that prefer a user-friendly platform and great research tools
• FXCM is recommended for forex traders looking for easy account opening, funding, and withdrawal processes
• Forex.com is recommended for forex traders looking for great research tools and customer service

Important factors of finding IC Markets alternatives

So far Brokerchooser has reviewed 41 online brokers in detail, which gives this comparison a solid starting point.

Not only that, but all of these brokers are reviewed using the exact same broker review methodology, which makes everything easily comparable. For each broker, we

• open a live account
• check over 100 criteria, with weighting based on readers' preferences
• refresh data regularly

Whether IC Markets or one of its alternatives is the best choice for you is on the following five broker characteristics that most interest people:

Fees. There are different types of fees that your online brokerage may charge, and both the number and the size of these fees may vary significantly from broker to broker. Both of these aspects can impact your returns and your overall experience. IC Markets is one of the cheaper brokers, so if this is an important consideration for you, make sure you pick a similarly low-cost IC Markets alternative.

Account opening. To open an account some brokers require at least €50,000 to be invested, while others don't set a minimum first-time deposit. The time it takes to open your account can be very different as well. At IC Markets this is not a problem as you can have it ready on the same day you registered.

Deposit/withdrawal. The number of ways that you can deposit or withdraw money to or from your account matters a lot. For example, while you can make a deposit with a credit card at IC Markets, this might not be the case at its alternatives.

Web trading platform. While online brokers are usually available on various platforms like mobile apps, tablet apps or desktop software, most people use them through their web platform in a browser. User-friendly trading platforms that offer many different resources can significantly increase your trading comfort.

Markets and products. A lot of people have specific products they would like to invest in. Knowing whether stocks, forex, mutual funds, and other products are available at the given IC Markets alternative is a must.

Now let's dive into the details of how IC Markets and its alternatives perform in the most important areas!

IC Markets alternatives
IC Markets

IC Markets is an Australian forex broker offering some CFDs too. It was founded in 2007.

IC Markets is considered safe because it is regulated by the top-tier Australian regulator, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% 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.

Recommended for forex traders preferring easy account opening and free deposit and withdrawals

Visit broker
74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Fees 5 stars

IC Markets has low trading and non-trading fees.

Includes spreads, commissions, and financing rate for opening a $20k position, holding for a week, and closing.

More Visit broker
74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Account opening 5 stars

The account opening at IC Markets is user-friendly and fully digital. It was also very fast, it took only 1 day until our account was approved.

Learn more about IC Markets minimum deposit here.

More Visit broker
74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Deposit and withdrawal 5 stars

IC Markets does great at deposit and withdrawal. There are no fees for deposit and withdrawal. You can also use a lot of options for transferring money.

More Visit broker
74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Web trading platform 4 stars

IC Markets offers only third-party trading platforms. We tested cTrader which is a great platform. It is well designed and user-friendly. On the flip side, it lacks the two-step login.

Learn more about IC Markets's web trading platform in the detailed IC Markets review.

Visit broker
74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

More Visit broker
74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Markets and products 1 stars

At IC Markets, you can trade only forex, some CFDs, and cryptos. It lacks real stock, fund, bonds, options, and futures asset classes.

More Visit broker
74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Verdict

IC Markets is a great forex and CFD broker. 

Its fees are very low and the account opening is fast and easy. The deposit and withdrawal are free and user-friendly.

On the other hand, IC Markets offers only forex, CFD and crypto trading. It does not provide any investor and negative balance protection.

Feel free to try IC markets as you will have an account within a day and there is no inactivity fee. 

More Visit broker
74-89% of retail CFD accounts lose money

IC Markets alternatives
Pepperstone

Best customer support

Pepperstone is an Australian forex broker that also offers some CFDs. It was established in 2010 and opened a London office in 2015 to better serve European clients.

Pepperstone is considered safe, as it is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, like the UK FCA and the Australian ASIC.

Pepperstone is a forex and CFD broker. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 78% 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.

Recommended for forex traders aiming for a good customer service

Visit broker
74.6% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Fees 4 stars

Pepperstone has low trading fees and average non-trading fees. It has no inactivity fee. On the negative side, the withdrawal fee is high.

Includes spreads, commissions, and financing rate for opening a $20k position, holding for a week, and closing.

More Visit broker
74.6% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Account opening 4 stars

Pepperstone account opening is great. It is fully digital and user-friendly. On the negative side, it can take several days.

If you are interested more in Pepperstone minimum deposit, this overview will help you.

More Visit broker
74.6% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Deposit and withdrawal 4 stars

Pepperstone offers a lot of deposit options, which are user-friendly. However, the withdrawal fees are high.

More Visit broker
74.6% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Web trading platform 4 stars

Pepperstone offers only third-party trading platforms. We tested cTrader, which is a great platform: it is well-designed and user-friendly. On the negative side, it lacks the two-step login.

Learn more about Pepperstone's web trading platform in the detailed Pepperstone review.

Visit broker
74.6% of retail CFD accounts lose money

More Visit broker
74.6% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Markets and products 1 stars

At Pepperstone you can only trade with forex, some CFDs, and cryptos.

More Visit broker
74.6% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Verdict

Pepperstone is a good FX and CFD broker. 

The customer service is great, you will get relevant answers within a short time. Account opening is a breeze, with no minimum deposits. The website is well-designed, clear and easy to navigate.

Pepperstone only offers FX and some CFDs. Its research and education tools could be improved, as there are not a lot of services and options.

Feel free to try Pepperstone. There is no inactivity fee or minimum deposit for standard accounts. 

More Visit broker
74.6% of retail CFD accounts lose money

IC Markets alternatives
Oanda

Best API

Oanda is an American FX broker established in 1996. It is considered safe, as it is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, like the UK FCA and the Australian ASIC.

Oanda is a forex and CFD broker. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 77% 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.

Recommended for forex traders that prefer a user-friendly platform and great research tools

Visit broker
77% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Fees 3 stars

Oanda offers low trading fees and high non-trading fees. The withdrawal fee can be really high.

Includes spreads, commissions, and financing rate for opening a $20k position, holding for a week, and closing.

More Visit broker
77% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Account opening 4 stars

Oanda account opening is hassle-free and straightforward. There is no minimum balance required. On the other hand, the sales team is pushy.

If you are interested more in Oanda minimum deposit, this overview will help you.

More Visit broker
77% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Deposit and withdrawal 4 stars

You can use many options for both deposit and withdrawal, and the first withdrawal is free for cards. However, the withdrawal can take long and the withdrawal fee can be high.

More Visit broker
77% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Web trading platform 5 stars

The Oanda trading platform is great. It is very user-friendly with great customizability and good search functions. On the other hand, you cannot set price alerts.

Learn more about Oanda's web trading platform in the detailed Oanda review.

Visit broker
77% of retail CFD accounts lose money

More Visit broker
77% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Markets and products 1 stars

At Oanda, you can trade only forex and some CFDs.

More Visit broker
77% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Verdict

Oanda is a good FX broker.

It has a great web trading platform, you will feel comfortable in a very short time. It provides user-friendly and fully digital account opening. Its research tools are powerful, especially its API.

On the other hand, Oanda has a limited product portfolio, only FX and CFDs. The customer support is slow and usually provides irrelevant answers. The money withdrawal fee can be high.

Feel free to try Oanda. There is no minimum deposit, and the inactivity fee only kicks in after two years. 

More Visit broker
77% of retail CFD accounts lose money

IC Markets alternatives
FXCM

Best technical tools

FXCM, or Forex Capital Market, is a London-based forex broker that also offers some CFDs. FXCM was established in 1999 and has two main shareholders: Jefferies Financial Group and Global Brokerage. Both parent companies are listed on stock exchanges.

FXCM is considered safe, as it is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, like the UK FCA and the Australian ASIC.

FXCM is a forex and CFD broker. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 79.79% 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.

Recommended for forex traders looking for easy account opening, funding, and withdrawal processes

Visit broker
73.62% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Fees 4 stars

FXCM offers low trading fees and average non-trading fees.

Includes spreads, commissions, and financing rate for opening a $20k position, holding for a week, and closing.

More Visit broker
73.62% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Account opening 4 stars

The account opening process at FXCM is hassle-free and straightforward. Furthermore, there is no minimum balance requirement.

If you are interested more in FXCM minimum deposit, this overview will help you.

More Visit broker
73.62% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Deposit and withdrawal 4 stars

There are several options both for deposit and withdrawal. Also, the deposit is free of charge. On the negative side, withdrawal can be slow.

More Visit broker
73.62% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Web trading platform 3 stars

FXCM's trading platform is extremely customizable. It also offers a lot of order types. On the other hand, there is no two-step login and setting alerts is a pain.

Learn more about FXCM's web trading platform in the detailed FXCM review.

Visit broker
73.62% of retail CFD accounts lose money

More Visit broker
73.62% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Markets and products 1 stars

At FXCM you will only have access to some forex, some CFDs, and Bitcoin trading.

More Visit broker
73.62% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Verdict

FXCM has low trading fees and financing rates. Its technical research tools are high quality and well organized. It also offers fast and straightforward account opening.

However, FXCM only offers forex, some CFDs and cryptos. Their mobile and desktop trading platforms need an update, as they are outdated and not user-friendly.

Feel free to try FXCM. There is no minimum deposit, and the inactivity fee only kicks in after a year.

More Visit broker
73.62% of retail CFD accounts lose money

IC Markets alternatives
Forex.com

Forex.com was founded in 2001 and it is a global forex broker. It is regulated by top tier regulators, like the UK FCA or the US CFTC.

Forex.com is considered safe because it has a long track record, its parent company is listed on stock exchange, and is regulated by top-tier regulators.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% 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.

Recommended for forex traders looking for great research tools and customer service

Visit broker
70% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Fees 3 stars

Forex.com has average trading and average non-trading fees. It has low forex but high stock CFD fees. Its financing rates are low.

Includes spreads, commissions, and financing rate for opening a $20k position, holding for a week, and closing.

More Visit broker
70% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Account opening 4 stars

Forex.com account opening is fully digital and you can choose from more account types. But, the account opening can take more days.

If you are interested more in Forex.com minimum deposit, this overview will help you.

More Visit broker
70% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Deposit and withdrawal 4 stars

Forex.com deposit and withdrawal are free and user-friendly. However, the withdrawal can take long.

More Visit broker
70% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Web trading platform 4 stars

Forex.com web trading platform is user-friendly and extremely customizable. It has also a lot of order types. On the flip side, there is no two-step login and we found a couple of bugs.

Learn more about Forex.com's web trading platform in the detailed Forex.com review.

Visit broker
70% of retail CFD accounts lose money

More Visit broker
70% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Markets and products 1 stars

At Forex.com, you can trade only with forex, CFDs, and cryptos. Other asset classes, like real stocks or funds, are not available.

More Visit broker
70% of retail CFD accounts lose money

Verdict

In our Forex.com review, we tested Forex.com thoroughly and here is the verdict.

On the bright side, it has low forex fees, many currency pairs, high-quality research tools, and great customer support.

It has some drawbacks though. The product portfolio is limited, the stock CFD fees are quite high, and the desktop platform is not easy-to-use.

As there is no withdrawal fee and inactivity fee only kicks in after one year, feel free to try it out.

More Visit broker
70% of retail CFD accounts lose money

IC Markets alternatives
Bottom line

Based on our analysis, there are several good alternatives to IC Markets. They all offer similar products and target similar customers. Here's a recap of the results in a table.

Still unsure? Use our broker finder and find the best broker for you or learn more about investing your money.

AUTHOR

Dan Sallai

CMO

My goal is to help people find our resourceful content when they need the most. I combine my 10+ years online marketing experience with the team's finance knowledge to reach that every day. On the side I'm paying bowling, tennis and enjoy spending great time with my children.

Follow Brokerchooser on Twitter