FP Markets vs IC Markets 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
FP Markets suits traders who value tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200), real stock ownership, more instruments (10,000 vs 2,250). IC Markets suits traders who prioritise specific use cases detailed below.
Head to head
| FP Markets | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC 286354 | ASIC 335692 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 |
| EUR/USD spread | From 0.0 pips (ECN) | From 0.0 pips (ECN) |
| Instruments | 10,000+ | 2,250+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | Yes | No — CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
| Founded | 2005 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Sydney, Australia |
Regulation: FP Markets vs IC Markets
FP Markets is regulated by ASIC under licence 286354 (First Prudential Markets Pty Ltd). The ASIC is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC under licence 335692 (International Capital Markets Pty Ltd). The ASIC is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Spreads and fees
FP Markets's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). IC Markets's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). FP Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
FP Markets does not charge an inactivity fee. IC Markets does not charge an inactivity fee.
Platforms and tools
Both FP Markets and IC Markets support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
Minimum deposit
FP Markets requires a minimum deposit of $100. IC Markets requires $200. FP Markets has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider FP Markets.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
FP Markets also has the lower minimum deposit of $100, making it easier to start with a small amount. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both FP Markets and IC Markets support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. FP Markets's tighter spreads (From 0.0 pips (ECN)) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. FP Markets offers more instruments (10,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: FP Markets vs IC Markets
Choose FP Markets if you want tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200), real stock ownership, more instruments (10,000 vs 2,250). The ASIC licence (286354) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose IC Markets if you want specific use cases detailed below. The ASIC licence (335692) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
FP Markets vs IC Markets: which is better?
FP Markets is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200), real stock ownership, more instruments (10,000 vs 2,250). IC Markets is better for specific use cases detailed below. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is FP Markets or IC Markets safer?
Both FP Markets (ASIC 286354) and IC Markets (ASIC 335692) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for FP Markets and IC Markets?
FP Markets minimum deposit: $100. IC Markets minimum deposit: $200. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do FP Markets and IC Markets have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.