IC Markets vs IG Group 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
IC Markets suits traders who value tighter spreads, no inactivity fee. IG Group suits traders who prioritise lower minimum deposit (None vs $200), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 2,250).
Head to head
| IC Markets | IG Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC 335692 | FCA 195355 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $200 | None |
| EUR/USD spread | From 0.0 pips (ECN) | 0.6 pips |
| Instruments | 2,250+ | 17,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | No — CFDs only | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | None | $12/mo after 2mo |
| Founded | 2007 | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | London, UK |
Regulation: IC Markets vs IG Group
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.
IG Group is regulated by FCA under licence 195355 (IG Markets Ltd). 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). IG Group's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. IC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IC Markets does not charge an inactivity fee. IG Group charges an inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 months.
Platforms and tools
Both IC Markets and IG Group 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. IG Group requires None. IG Group 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?
IG Group 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 IG Group 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. IG Group offers more instruments (17,000) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: IC Markets vs IG Group
Choose IC Markets if you want tighter spreads, no inactivity fee. The ASIC licence (335692) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose IG Group if you want lower minimum deposit (None vs $200), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 2,250). The FCA licence (195355) 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 IG Group: which is better?
IC Markets is better for tighter spreads, no inactivity fee. IG Group is better for lower minimum deposit (None vs $200), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 2,250). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IC Markets or IG Group safer?
Both IC Markets (ASIC 335692) and IG Group (FCA 195355) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets and IG Group?
IC Markets minimum deposit: $200. IG Group minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IC Markets and IG Group have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.