Comparison IC Markets And XTB - Which Broker Is better?

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When analyzing XTB and IC Markets reviews, many traders look at their fees. IC Markets uses a commission-based model with low spreads, which is great for active traders who want to reduce costs per trade. Meanwhile, XTB works well for traders who prefer a straightforward cost structure, as it offers a spread-only model with no commissions on standard accounts. Reading XTB and IC Markets reviews lets traders see which broker fits their needs.

Deciding on the best broker between XTB and IC Markets comes down to how you prefer to pay for trades. IC Markets offers raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips, with a $3.50 commission per lot per side, while its Standard account has higher spreads but no commission. On the other hand, XTB does not charge commissions on standard trades but has wider spreads starting from 0.8 pips. For high-volume traders, IC Markets could be the cheaper option, while XTB is better for traders who don’t want to deal with commissions.

When it comes to XTB and IC Markets trading, both brokers provide access to Forex, indices, commodities, and stocks. IC Markets is known for its ECN execution and deep liquidity, which is great for traders who need fast execution. Meanwhile, XTB has an intuitive platform with strong educational resources, which is great for traders who want an easy-to-use platform. Additionally, IC Markets does not charge for deposits or withdrawals, but XTB may apply fees depending on the payment method. XTB also has a $10 monthly inactivity fee after 12 months, while IC Markets does not.

Ultimately, choosing between XTB and IC Markets depends on your trading strategy and cost preferences.

IC Markets vs XTB

This article compares IC Markets and XTB to help traders choose the best broker based on fees, features, and regulations. It provides a detailed review of their trading costs, platforms, deposit and withdrawal methods, and account types. The article also covers trading conditions, safety measures, investment programs, and customer support to give a full picture of both brokers.

Readers will find a breakdown of pros and cons, fee structures, and trading assets available on each platform. The comparison also includes ratings for regulation, education, research, and bonuses, making it easier to see which broker suits different trading styles. Whether you're looking for low-cost trading or a well-regulated platform, this guide offers all the essential details.

IC Markets vs XTB
Feature	IC Markets	XTB
Overall	4.7	4.3
Regulation	5	4.7
Fees	4.9	3.8
Trading Assets	4.6	4.7
Investment Instruments	4.9	1
Platforms and Charting Tools	4.4	4.4
Deposit and Withdrawal	4.6	4.8
Research	4.3	4.1
Education	4.4	4.4
Support	4.6	4.5
Bonuses	2.5	4.6
Open an account	Open an account	Open an account

IC Markets vs XTB: pros and cons

When evaluating IC Markets and XTB, knowing the pros and cons of each broker helps traders decide. IC Markets was founded in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, and is regulated by ASIC under an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL). It is also a member of AFCA, which resolves disputes between financial service providers and consumers. The pros of IC Markets include its competitive pricing, tight spreads, and deep liquidity. However, a con is that it mainly caters to experienced traders, making it less beginner-friendly.

Meanwhile, XTB has been in operation since 2002 and is registered in Belize under IFSC, with additional regulatory approvals in the UK, Spain, and Poland. This is why many European traders choose it. The pros of XTB include a strong presence in Europe, excellent educational resources, and a wide selection of trading instruments. On the downside, one con is that its regulatory oversight outside Europe is not as strong as that of some top-tier regulators. Looking at the IC Markets and XTB pros and cons can help traders figure out which broker suits them best.

For those comparing the two, an IC Markets and XTB comparison shows where they differ the most. IC Markets is ideal for high-frequency traders due to its ECN trading model and lower spreads. In contrast, XTB is better suited for those who prioritize education and a broader range of trading instruments. Which one is better depends on what a trader is looking for — whether it's lower costs with IC Markets or strong educational support with XTB.

IC Markets vs XTB: pros and cons
	IC Markets	XTB
Overall pros	World biggest Forex broker, over 180,000 clients and $1.11 trln monthly turnover Advanced ECN trading Order execution speed 40 mc Free VPS Trading servers in New York and London Strong regulation 2000+ trading assets, 60+ currency pairs EUR/USD average spread 0.1 pip	2100+ trading instruments Big choice of ETF CFDs Average EUR/USD spread 0.1 pip Advanced xStation trading platform Well regulated broker
Overall cons	No Forex bonuses	High non trading fees - 1.5% commission for withdrawal to credit cards, Account fee 10EUR etc. High stock CFDs fees

IC Markets vs XTB: safety and regulation

The regulated status of XTB and IC Markets ensures compliance with strict financial standards, providing traders with a secure trading environment. Both brokers hold Tier-1 regulation and offer €20,000 investor protection. However, they are not directly regulated by major authorities such as the FCA (UK), CFTC (U.S.), or BaFin (Germany).

Although XTB and IC Markets are regulated under ASIC, following strict compliance rules, some traders might find the absence of oversight from regulators like FINRA (U.S.), MAS (Singapore), or FSCA (South Africa) to be a limitation. However, both brokers have built a solid reputation and continue to operate under recognized financial authorities, offering traders a level of trust and security in their trading experience.

IC Markets vs XTB: safety and regulation
	IC Markets	XTB
Max. regulation level	Tier-1	Tier-1
Investor protection	€20,000	€20,000
FCA UK regulation	No	No
FINRA (U.S)	No	No
BaFin (Germany)	No	No
ASIC (Australia)	Yes	Yes
CFTC (U.S)	No	No
MAS	No	No
FSCA SA	No	No
BVI FSC	No	No
VFSC	No	No
FSA (Seychelles)	Yes	Yes

IC Markets vs XTB: trading conditions

The trading conditions at XTB and IC Markets differ depending on factors such as deposit requirements, platform availability, and market access. While XTB provides a more accessible entry point with just a $1 deposit, IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200. This makes XTB a better choice for beginners, whereas IC Markets appeals to traders looking for ECN features and tight spreads.

When comparing the XTB and IC Markets platform offerings, both brokers support MetaTrader 4, but XTB also provides xStation 5, while IC Markets expands its options with MT5 and cTrader. These platforms give traders various tools to execute their strategies based on their trading preferences and experience level.

Looking at funding requirements, the XTB and IC Markets minimum deposit varies significantly. With XTB, traders can start with as little as $1, which is ideal for those testing the market with minimal risk. On the other hand, IC Markets maintains a minimum deposit of $200, offering access to deep liquidity and a range of tradable assets.

Leverage also differs between the two brokers. IC Markets offers a maximum of 1:500, while XTB provides the same leverage only for non-EU and UK clients, capping it at 1:30 for others. Both brokers grant access to diverse markets — IC Markets covers Forex, futures, and CFDs on indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and bonds, while XTB includes Forex, CFDs on stocks, commodities, metals, cryptocurrencies, and ETFs. With IC Markets offering 2,000+ trading assets and XTB slightly more at 2,100+, traders can select based on their preferred trading conditions at XTB and IC Markets.

IC Markets vs XTB: trading conditions
Trading Conditions	IC Markets	XTB
Minimum deposit	$200	$1
Trading platforms	MT4, MT5, cTrader	MetaTrader 4 and xStation 5
Max leverage (futures)	1-500	1-500 (only for non EU and UK clients), 1-30
Supported markets	Forex, futures, CFDs on indices, commodities, metals, stocks and bonds	Forex, CFDs on Stocks, Commodities, Metals, Cryptocurrencies and ETFs
Trading assets	2000+	2100+
Trading accounts	cTrader, Raw Spread, Standard	Demo, Standard, Pro, Islamic
Base account currencies	USD, AUD, GBP, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD, CAD, HKD, BTC	USD

IC Markets vs XTB: fees

The IC Markets and XTB fees structure includes low trading costs, with ECN commissions set at $3.50 per lot per side. Additionally, both brokers focus on keeping overall trading expenses low, so both new and experienced traders can benefit.

For those considering an IC Markets or XTB account, both brokers provide accounts with no deposit or withdrawal fees, whether based on a percentage or a fixed amount. Additionally, neither broker charges an inactivity fee, which is helpful for traders who don’t trade regularly. This makes an IC Markets or XTB account a flexible and transparent choice for traders.

When it comes to XTB and IC Markets spreads, both brokers offer competitive pricing across different account types. On a standard account, EUR/USD spreads begin at 0.8 pips and can go up to 1.0 pips, while ECN accounts provide spreads as low as 0.1 pips. These tight spreads, combined with low commissions, make them a good choice for traders looking to save on costs.

IC Markets vs XTB: fees
	IC Markets	XTB
Standard acc. spread EUR/USD, min pips	0,8	0,8
Standard acc. spread EUR/USD, max pips	1,0	1,0
ECN commission	3,5	3,5
ECN spread EUR/USD	0,1	0,1
Deposit fee, %	No	No
Withdrawal fee, %	No	No
Withdrawal fee, USD	No	No
Inactivity fee, $	No	No

A conversion fee may be applied as withdrawals and deposits are conducted in USD. Any other currency will have to be converted.

IC Markets vs XTB: trading assets

When comparing Forex trading on XTB and IC Markets, both brokers offer a wide selection of assets, giving traders plenty of options for different strategies. IC Markets gives traders access to over 2,000 instruments, while XTB offers slightly more with 2,100+. Both brokers support Forex, stocks (CFDs), metals, cryptocurrencies, energy, indices, and ETFs, so traders can access different markets.

One key difference is that IC Markets includes bonds and futures trading (CFDs), whereas XTB does not offer these options. However, neither broker provides mutual funds, stock options, or binary options. With such a broad selection of assets, XTB and IC Markets trading instruments gives traders access to multiple markets with flexibility in how they trade.

IC Markets vs XTB: trading assets
Asset Name	IC Markets	XTB
Overall	2000+ trading assets	2100+
Forex	Yes	Yes
Stocks	Yes (CFD)	Yes (CFD)
Metals	Yes (CFD)	Yes (CFD)
Cryptocurrencies	Yes (CFD)	Yes (CFD)
Energy	Yes (CFD)	Yes (CFD)
Indices	Yes (CFD)	Yes (CFD)
ETFs	Yes (CFD)	Yes (CFD)
Bonds	Yes (CFD)	No
Mutual funds	No	No
Stock options	No	No
Futures trading	Yes (CFD)	No
Binary options	No	No

IC Markets or XTB: investment programs

IC Markets and XTB investments programs offer different opportunities for traders looking for portfolio management solutions. IC Markets provides copy trading and MAM/PAMM accounts, making it a better option for traders who want to follow experienced investors or manage multiple accounts. In contrast, XTB does not offer these features, limiting its investment program options.

IC Markets or XTB: investment programs
Asset Name	IC Markets	XTB
Copy trading	Yes	No
MAM/PAMM	Yes	No
Managed accounts	No	No
Other	No	No

Trading platforms: XTB or IC Markets

Both XTB and IC Markets provide a platform experience that caters to different types of traders, offering varying levels of functionality and flexibility. IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader, making it ideal for traders who prefer algorithmic and manual trading. On the other hand, XTB offers MT4 alongside its proprietary platform, xStation 5, which is designed for a more intuitive trading experience with advanced charting tools.

When evaluating XTB and IC Markets trading conditions, both brokers provide solid options depending on a trader's needs. IC Markets is a better fit for those who rely on MT5 or cTrader for in-depth market analysis, while XTB focuses on delivering a user-friendly experience with xStation 5. Ultimately, choosing between XTB and IC Markets depends on whether a trader prioritizes advanced automation tools or a streamlined interface tailored for manual trading.

Trading platforms: XTB or IC Markets
	IC Markets	XTB
MT4	Yes	Yes
MT5	Yes	No
cTrader	Yes	No
Appropriate platform	IC Markets terminal	xStation 5
Others	No	No

IC Markets vs XTB: deposit and withdrawal methods

Both XTB and IC Markets offer various withdrawal options, so traders can access their funds without hassle. Supported methods include bank wire transfers, bank cards, and Neteller, so managing transactions is simple.

When comparing the XTB and IC Markets minimum deposit amounts, the difference is quite significant. IC Markets requires a $200 deposit, while XTB lets traders start with just $1. This lower deposit makes XTB a great choice for beginners, while IC Markets remains a strong option for traders who want tight spreads and ECN trading conditions.

As for funding options, the XTB and IC Markets deposit process is straightforward. Both brokers support bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets, so traders can fund their accounts securely and without trouble. Since both brokers offer efficient deposit options, the choice between them comes down to what suits each trader best — whether it’s starting small with XTB or leveraging advanced trading features with IC Markets.

IC Markets vs XTB: deposit and withdrawal methods
	IC Markets	XTB
Bank Wire	Yes	Yes
Bank Card	Yes	Yes
Neteller	Yes	Yes
BTC	No	No
Wise	No	No
Payoneer	No	No
USDT	No	No

IC Markets vs XTB: research

XTB and IC Markets research types offer traders different tools for market analysis. Both brokers provide a news feed and fundamental data, helping traders stay updated on market events and economic indicators. However, IC Markets goes further by offering chart analysis, trading ideas, and email reports, while XTB lacks these features.

IC Markets vs XTB: research
Research Type	IC Markets	XTB
News feed	Yes	Yes
Fundamental data	Yes	Yes
Chart analysis	Yes	No
Trading ideas	Yes	No
E-Mail reports	Yes	No

IC Markets vs XTB: education

With XTB and IC Markets education content, traders can explore market trends, practice strategies, and gain confidence before switching to live trading.

XTB and IC Markets provide learning materials designed to make trading easier for beginners. Both brokers offer structured guides, webinars, and demo accounts to help new traders get started confidently. While both brokers provide valuable educational content, IC Markets also offers in-depth research tools, which are helpful for traders who prefer data-driven insights. However, neither broker provides a cent account, which might not be ideal for traders who want to trade with tiny amounts.

IC Markets vs XTB: education
Education Type	IC Markets	XTB
Demo-account/paper trading	Yes	Yes
Webinars	Yes	Yes
Articles	Yes	Yes
Videos	Yes	Yes
Cent account	No	No

XTB vs IC Markets: support

IC Markets and XTB support ensures traders have access to assistance throughout the trading week. Both brokers offer 24/5 support through email, phone, and online chat, making it easy for traders to resolve issues or get answers to their questions. This level of availability is essential for active traders who may need help with account management, technical issues, or platform navigation.

For those looking for immediate assistance, IC Markets and XTB live chats are allowing traders to get real-time support without delays. While both brokers provide essential customer service options, neither offers additional support features beyond these standard methods. Overall, their support systems are well-structured to help traders with their concerns efficiently.

XTB vs IC Markets: support
Support Features	IC Markets	XTB
Working days	24/5	24/5
E-mail	Yes	Yes
Phone	Yes	Yes
Online chat	Yes	Yes
Other	No	No

IC Markets vs XTB: Forex bonuses and promo

Both XTB and IC Markets provide traders with various offers and promotional programs. While IC Markets does not have a Forex bonus, XTB offers a welcome bonus for traders outside the UK, EU, and MENA regions. This promotion gives eligible traders an additional 50% on their first deposit, provided they meet the required trading volume within 60 days. To take advantage of this offer, clients need to apply and deposit a minimum of $100. These are just some of the promotional benefits that XTB and IC Markets offer to enhance the trading experience.

For traders looking for additional ways to earn, the IC Markets and XTB bonus programs include affiliate opportunities. IC Markets runs a commission-based affiliate program, rewarding partners based on the volume of referred clients. Meanwhile, XTB provides affiliates with up to 20% of the spread from their referrals. Additionally, XTB offers a cashback (rebate) program for active traders, allowing them to receive partial compensation of the spread when reaching specific trading volume targets.

IC Markets vs XTB: Forex bonuses and promo
Promo	IC Markets	XTB
Forex bonus	Not offered	Welcome bonus for non UK/EU & MENA residents . 50% of your first deposit can be added to your account if you trade a minimum amount of lots (15% of your first deposit amount) within 60 days of your account opening, clients should apply for welcome bonus and deposit at least $100.
Affiliate program	% of trading commissions	The XTB affiliate program allows a client of the company to earn additional income by advertising the broker and attracting new clients. The amount of such income is up to 20% of the spread of the referred client
Other promos	No	The XTB cashback (rebates) program is primarily for traders who trade actively. The client has the opportunity to receive partial compensation of the spread, subject to the fulfillment of the monthly trading volume

Conclusion

This article compares IC Markets and XTB in terms of fees, spreads, trading conditions, platforms, and regulation. IC Markets offers low spreads with a commission-based model, while XTB has a spread-only structure with no commissions on standard accounts. IC Markets supports bonds and futures trading (CFDs), which XTB does not. Both brokers are regulated under ASIC (Australia) and FSA (Seychelles) but lack FCA UK and CFTC (U.S.) oversight. XTB’s minimum deposit is $1, making it more accessible, while IC Markets requires $200.

Other comparisons include deposit and withdrawal methods, research, education, and support. IC Markets offers copy trading and MAM/PAMM accounts, while XTB does not. XTB provides a welcome bonus for non-EU/UK clients, whereas IC Markets has no trading bonuses. Both brokers offer 24/5 support via email, phone, and live chat. The best choice depends on trading costs, platform preferences, and available features.

FAQs

What should I start Forex trading with?

It is desirable for novice traders to explore trading using a demo account to learn the market and how to work on the trading platform without the risk of suffering losses. At the same time, it is advisable to review the educational materials of the broker, learn trading basics. Then you can deposit the minimum required amount to perform a small number of transactions. If you manage to close several months in a row in the black, without substantial drawdowns on the account, then you can try increasing your deposit. Also trying to copy trades automatically is a good option for a start.

What amount should I start trading with?

The minimum deposit of $10 may be enough to trade on the cent account. However, for trading on Standard/ECT accounts, experts recommend starting with at least $200-500. With this amount, you can use not a very big leverage. Remember, getting carried away with the margin is the main cause of losses among beginners.

What should I take into consideration when choosing a broker?

Experts recommend looking at the broker’s reliability first and foremost. The other important features include basic trading conditions, commissions and fees, customer reviews. If brokers are approximately the same in terms of basic criteria, you need to choose based on your experience and tasks. One broker may be good for professionals and another – for novice traders.

Is it possible to be scammed by a broker with a license from a reputable regulator?

In theory, yes. But in practice, it takes so much time and money to comply with the requirements of reputable regulators that it is not worth it for scammers to bother obtaining a legitimate license.

Team that worked on the article

Mikhail Vnuchkov joined Traders Union as an author in 2020. He began his professional career as a journalist-observer at a small online financial publication, where he covered global economic events and discussed their impact on the segment of financial investment, including investor income. With five years of experience in finance, Mikhail joined Traders Union team, where he is in charge of forming the pool of latest news for traders, who trade stocks, cryptocurrencies, Forex instruments and fixed income.

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Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).