IC Markets vs BDSwiss 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
IC Markets suits traders who value tighter spreads, more instruments (2,250 vs 250), no inactivity fee. BDSwiss suits traders who prioritise lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200).
Head to head
| IC Markets | BDSwiss | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC 335692 | CySEC 199/13 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
| EUR/USD spread | From 0.0 pips (ECN) | 1.5 pips |
| Instruments | 2,250+ | 250+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | No — CFDs only | No — CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/mo after 3mo |
| Founded | 2007 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Zurich, Switzerland |
Regulation: IC Markets vs BDSwiss
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.
BDSwiss is regulated by CySEC under licence 199/13 (BDS Markets). The CySEC 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
IC Markets's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). BDSwiss's EUR/USD spread is 1.5 pips. IC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IC Markets does not charge an inactivity fee. BDSwiss charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 3 months.
Platforms and tools
Both IC Markets and BDSwiss support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
Minimum deposit
IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200. BDSwiss requires $100. BDSwiss has the lower barrier to entry.
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?
BDSwiss also has the lower minimum deposit of $100. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both IC Markets and BDSwiss support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. IC Markets's tighter spreads (From 0.0 pips (ECN)) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. IC Markets offers more instruments (2,250) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: IC Markets vs BDSwiss
Choose IC Markets if you want tighter spreads, more instruments (2,250 vs 250), no inactivity fee. The ASIC licence (335692) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose BDSwiss if you want lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200). The CySEC licence (199/13) means strong tier-1 regulatory protection.
Both brokers are legitimate and regulated. The choice comes down to your specific trading requirements.
Frequently asked questions
IC Markets vs BDSwiss: which is better?
IC Markets is better for tighter spreads, more instruments (2,250 vs 250), no inactivity fee. BDSwiss is better for lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IC Markets or BDSwiss safer?
Both IC Markets (ASIC 335692) and BDSwiss (CySEC 199/13) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets and BDSwiss?
IC Markets minimum deposit: $200. BDSwiss minimum deposit: $100. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IC Markets and BDSwiss have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.