XM vs IC Markets 2026
Both are regulated. The right choice depends on your trading style.
XM suits traders who value lower minimum deposit ($5 vs $200). IC Markets suits traders who prioritise tighter spreads, more instruments (2,250 vs 1,400), no inactivity fee.
Head to head
| XM | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CySEC 120/10 | ASIC 335692 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $5 | $200 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.6 pips | From 0.0 pips (ECN) |
| Instruments | 1,400+ | 2,250+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | No — CFDs only | No — CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $15/mo after 3mo | None |
| Founded | 2009 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | Sydney, Australia |
Regulation: XM vs IC Markets
XM is regulated by CySEC under licence 120/10 (Trading Point of Financial Instruments Ltd). The CySEC 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
XM's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. IC Markets's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). IC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
XM charges an inactivity fee of $15/month after 3 months without trading. IC Markets does not charge an inactivity fee.
Platforms and tools
Both XM and IC Markets support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
Minimum deposit
XM requires a minimum deposit of $5. IC Markets requires $200. XM has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider XM.
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?
XM also has the lower minimum deposit of $5, 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 XM and IC 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. IC Markets offers more instruments (2,250) for portfolio diversification.
Verdict: XM vs IC Markets
Choose XM if you want lower minimum deposit ($5 vs $200). The CySEC licence (120/10) gives it strong tier-1 regulatory backing.
Choose IC Markets if you want tighter spreads, more instruments (2,250 vs 1,400), no inactivity fee. 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
XM vs IC Markets: which is better?
XM is better for lower minimum deposit ($5 vs $200). IC Markets is better for tighter spreads, more instruments (2,250 vs 1,400), no inactivity fee. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is XM or IC Markets safer?
Both XM (CySEC 120/10) and IC Markets (ASIC 335692) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for XM and IC Markets?
XM minimum deposit: $5. IC Markets minimum deposit: $200. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do XM and IC Markets have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.