IC Markets vs CMC Markets 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
IC Markets suits traders who value tighter spreads, no inactivity fee. CMC Markets suits traders who prioritise lower minimum deposit (None vs $200), real stock ownership, more instruments (12,000 vs 2,250).
Head to head
| IC Markets | CMC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC 335692 | FCA 173730 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $200 | None |
| EUR/USD spread | From 0.0 pips (ECN) | 0.5 pips |
| Instruments | 2,250+ | 12,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | No — CFDs only | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/mo after 12mo |
| Founded | 2007 | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | London, UK |
Regulation: IC Markets vs CMC Markets
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.
CMC Markets is regulated by FCA under licence 173730 (CMC Markets UK plc). The FCA 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). CMC Markets's EUR/USD spread is 0.5 pips. IC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IC Markets does not charge an inactivity fee. CMC Markets charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months.
Platforms and tools
Both IC Markets and CMC Markets 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. CMC Markets requires None. CMC Markets 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?
CMC Markets also has the lower minimum deposit of None. 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 CMC Markets 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. CMC Markets offers more instruments (12,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: IC Markets vs CMC Markets
Choose IC Markets if you want tighter spreads, no inactivity fee. The ASIC licence (335692) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose CMC Markets if you want lower minimum deposit (None vs $200), real stock ownership, more instruments (12,000 vs 2,250). The FCA licence (173730) 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 CMC Markets: which is better?
IC Markets is better for tighter spreads, no inactivity fee. CMC Markets is better for lower minimum deposit (None vs $200), real stock ownership, more instruments (12,000 vs 2,250). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IC Markets or CMC Markets safer?
Both IC Markets (ASIC 335692) and CMC Markets (FCA 173730) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets and CMC Markets?
IC Markets minimum deposit: $200. CMC Markets minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IC Markets and CMC Markets have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.