IC Markets Review 2025: A Clear, Honest Look at One of Forex’s Most Popular Brokers
At H2T Finance, we believe that traders deserve access to accurate, unbiased information. In this updated IC Markets review, we’ll take a fresh look at the broker’s offerings in 2025, breaking down what works well, what could be better, and who might benefit most from using this platform. Whether you’re just stepping into the world of trading or already managing multiple strategies, this guide is built to help you make an informed decision.
What Is IC Markets?
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, IC Markets has grown into one of the largest true ECN (Electronic Communication Network) brokers in the world. With a strong reputation for low spreads and fast execution, the broker serves traders from across the globe except for jurisdictions like the U.S. and a few restricted regions.
IC Markets operates under multiple regulators, including:
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ASIC (Australia)
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CySEC (Cyprus)
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FSA (Seychelles)
This multi-jurisdiction oversight helps build trust among both beginner and experienced traders.
IC Markets Key Specs at a Glance
Feature | Description |
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Regulation | ASIC, CySEC, FSA |
Platforms | MetaTrader 4/5, cTrader, TradingView |
Account Types | Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader Raw |
Instruments | 2200+ (Forex, Commodities, Indices, Crypto...) |
Minimum Deposit | $200 |
Leverage | Up to 1:500 (depending on location) |
Commissions | From $0 to $3.5 per side per lot |
Demo Account | Yes |
VPS & API Access | Available |
Inactivity Fee | None |
Trading Platforms: Flexible Options for Every Trader
One of IC Markets' standout features is its support for multiple platforms:
MetaTrader 4 and 5
The MetaTrader family is a favorite among retail forex traders, offering customizable charts, indicators, and support for automated strategies through Expert Advisors (EAs). MT5 builds on MT4’s foundation, adding more timeframes and asset classes.
cTrader
Designed for ECN trading, cTrader features a clean interface, detailed order book, and excellent execution transparency. It’s a great choice for scalpers and algo traders.
TradingView Integration
In 2025, IC Markets further strengthens its appeal by offering direct execution from TradingView, letting you trade directly from charts with advanced visual tools.
What Can You Trade?
IC Markets provides access to over 2,200 tradable instruments, allowing you to diversify your strategies with:
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Forex pairs: Over 60 currency pairs, including majors and exotics
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Indices: Popular names like S&P 500, NASDAQ, DAX, FTSE
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Commodities: Gold, oil, and agricultural products
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Cryptocurrencies: BTC, ETH, LTC, and more as CFDs
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Shares: Global equities from the US, UK, EU, and Asia
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Futures & Bonds: For broader portfolio diversification
IC Markets Account Types: Pick What Works Best
1. Standard Account
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No commission
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Spreads from 0.8 pips
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Best for new traders who want simple pricing
2. Raw Spread Account
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Tight spreads (from 0.0 pips)
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$3.5 commission per side per lot
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Ideal for experienced day traders and scalpers
3. cTrader Raw Account
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Designed for cTrader users
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$3 commission per side per lot
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Supports advanced trading strategies and fast execution
All accounts allow hedging, scalping and offer negative balance protection.
Spreads, Fees, and Commissions
IC Markets is considered one of the most cost-effective brokers for active traders:
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Raw Account: Spreads as low as 0.0 pips + low commissions
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Standard Account: Commission-free with slightly wider spreads
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No inactivity fees
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No deposit/withdrawal fees for most methods
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Swap-free (Islamic) accounts available.
On average, EUR/USD spreads are 0.1 pips on the Raw account—a significant plus for scalpers.
Execution & Performance
Speed and reliability are top priorities at IC Markets:
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Servers located in NY and London Equinix data centers
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Average execution time: Less than 40ms
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No dealing desk (NDD) model
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Full support for high-frequency trading and algorithmic systems
This infrastructure benefits traders who rely on precision and minimal slippage.
Education and Research
While IC Markets is not a teaching-focused broker, it provides:
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Platform tutorials
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Trading basics and glossary
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Market analysis updates
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Webinars (occasionally)
These tools are good enough for self-guided learning, but users looking for deep educational content may prefer supplementing from external sources.
Copy Trading and Automation
IC Markets supports a range of third-party automation tools:
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Myfxbook AutoTrade
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ZuluTrade
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VPS hosting for EA users
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API access for developers and quant traders
This makes it attractive to those who want to follow strategies or deploy their own systems with minimal downtime.
Customer Support
IC Markets offers 24/7 customer service through:
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Live Chat
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Email
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Phone support
Response times are generally fast, with most live chat queries answered within 2 minutes. Support is available in multiple languages, though phone service may be limited in some regions.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Summary
✅ Pros
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Regulated in multiple jurisdictions
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Low-cost trading with raw spread options
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Fast and reliable execution
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Support for advanced platforms and tools
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Wide range of tradable assets
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Transparent pricing and no inactivity fees
❌ Cons
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No proprietary platform
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Limited educational depth
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Not available to U.S. traders
Is IC Markets Right for You?
Type of Trader | Why It Might Work for You |
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Beginners | Simple setup, demo accounts, and good platform variety |
Experienced Traders | Tight spreads, fast execution, and automation tools |
Algo Traders | Full support for EAs, APIs, VPS, and low-latency data |
Cost-Conscious Users | Low commission and fee-free withdrawals |
Final Thoughts
In this updated IC Markets review, we found that the broker continues to deliver on its core promises in 2025: low-cost trading, platform flexibility, and fast execution. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in education and regional availability, IC Markets remains a top choice for many forex and CFD traders worldwide.
At H2T Finance, we recommend IC Markets for those looking for a serious trading environment that avoids gimmicks and focuses on performance. Always test strategies on a demo and consider your trading goals before choosing any platform.
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