If you’ve been on the fence deciding between FP Markets and IC Markets, let’s make it simple: both are exceptional but have different strengths. Read on for a comprehensive comparison.
Key Takeaways
→FP Markets excel at offering diverse investment products and superior educational resources. |
→IC Markets outshines with tighter spreads and excellent execution speed, making it a favorite for scalpers and high-frequency traders. |
→Both platforms are trustworthy, suite both beginner and experienced traders, and are regulated by reputable authorities. |
By Bart Bregman
Fact checked: by Shrijan Dangol
Our broker rankings are based on thorough research and analysis. We put a strong emphasis on transparency, regulatory oversight, and client feedback.
(Data
last updated:
14-09-2023)
🏢Company Background:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Regulatory Compliance? | Yes | Yes |
Publicly traded company? | Yes | No |
Does it offer banking services? | Yes | No |
Year Founded | 1974 | 2005 |
Country headquarters | Australia | Australia |
Website Language Options | en, ar, dan, de, es, fr, ne, nor, po, ru, swe, it, swi | en, ar, de, es, fr, po, ru, viet, mal, it |
Separate Client Funds? | Yes | Yes |
Non-ESMA Branches Available? | Yes | No |
EU Clients Accepted? | Yes | Yes |
US Clients Accepted? | Yes | No |
Canadian Clients Accepted? | No | No |
➤ Elite Signals | Stock, Crypto, & Forex
Type of assets offered:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Forex (e.g. USDJPY or EURGBP) | Yes | Yes |
Options and futures (S&P500 Futures or Crude Oil Futures) | Yes | Yes |
Funds Van(ARK invest or BlackRock Equity Dividend) | No | No |
CFDs (Google Share in CFD form) | Yes | Yes |
Cryptos (BTC or ETH) | Yes | Yes |
Stocks and ETFs (TESL or AAPL) | Yes | Yes |
Commodities (Gold or Silver market) | Yes | Yes |
Beginner-friendly (demo-account access) | Yes | Yes |
Advanced /pro (High-frequency trading, algorithmic trading) | Yes, supports (HFT, Algo, API) | Yes, MT4/MT5 for Algo trading |
Binary option (note this is non-regulated trading, considers EXTREME risk) |
🏛️Tier 1 Regulatory Bodies:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
FSA (Financial Services Authority) | (Body replaced by(FCA) in 2013) | (Body replaced by(FCA) in 2013) |
FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) | Yes | No |
MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) | Yes | No |
FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority) | Yes | No |
CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) | Yes | No |
MIFID-ESMA (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) | Yes | Yes |
ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) | Yes | Yes |
IIROC (Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada) | No | No |
SFC (Securities and Futures Commission) | No | No |
🏛️Tier 2 Regulatory Authorities:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
FMA (Financial Markets Authority) | Yes | No |
CBR (Central Bank of Russia) | No | No |
FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) | Yes | Yes |
SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) | No | No |
DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) | Yes | No |
CBRC (China Banking Regulatory Commission) | No | No |
CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) | No | Yes |
ISA (Israel Securities Authority) | No | No |
🏛️Tier 3 Regulatory Oversight:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Offshore Regulators | No | No |
MMA (Maldives Monetary Authority) | No | No |
EDR (External Dispute Resolution) | No | No |
FSA (Seychelles Financial Services Authority) | No | No |
SCB (Securities Commission of The Bahamas) | No | No |
FSC (Financial Services Commission, Mauritius) | No | No |
VFSC (Vanuatu Financial Services Commission) | No | No |
IFSC (International Financial Services Commission, Belize) | No | No |
CIMA (Cayman Islands Monetary Authority) | No | No |
SVG (St. Vincent & Grenadines Financial Services Authority) | No | No |
FSRC (Financial Services Regulatory Commission, St. Kitts & Nevis) | No | No |
BMA (Bermuda Monetary Authority) | Yes | No |
BVI (British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission) | No | No |
Max Leverage Options:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Leverage for Non-EU Clients | 200:1 | 500:1 |
European Leverage Limits | 30:1 | 30:1 |
Leverage in Australia | 200:1 | 30:1 |
US Leverage Restrictions | 50:1 | 0 |
Canadian Leverage Rules | 0 | 0 |
📂Account Offerings:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Demo Account Access | Yes | Yes |
Expiration of Demo Accounts | No | No |
Account Currency Choices | AUD, EUR, GBP, USD, ZAR, AED, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD | EUR, USD |
Standard Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Micro-lots Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Low-cost Account (nano lots) | No | |
Variable Spread Accounts | Yes | Yes |
Fixed Spread Accounts | No | No |
Zero Spread Accounts | No | No |
ECN Accounts | No | Yes |
Swap-Free Accounts | No | No |
Islamic Accounts | No | No |
Professional Trading Accounts | Yes | No |
Active Trader Rewards Program | Yes | No |
💰Deposits and Withdrawals:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Minimum Deposit Requirements | Yes $300 | 100 |
Minimum Withdrawal Limits | No | No |
Credit Card Options | Yes | Yes |
Bank Transfer Availability | Yes | Yes |
PayPal Support | Yes | Yes |
Neteller Integration | No | Yes |
Skrill Compatibility | No | No |
Additional Payment Methods | Bank Transfer, Credit Card,PayPal | Bank Transfer, Credit Card ,Neteller |
Deposit Processing Time | instant | 1 business day |
Withdrawal Processing Time | 1 business day | 1 business day |
Fees and Charges:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Deposit-related Fees | Yes | Yes |
Commissions on Withdrawals | No | No |
Overnight/Swap Charges | Yes | Yes |
Account Inactivity Fees | Yes | No |
Currency Conversion Costs | Yes | Yes |
Are bonus Programs Available? | No | No |
Security Protocols and Measures:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
(2FA) available? | Yes | Yes |
(SSL) security? | Yes | Yes |
(AML) Policy Compliance | Yes | Yes |
Know Your Customer (KYC) | Yes | Yes |
🌐Brand Influence:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Twitter Follower Counts | 10.2K | 4935 |
💹Forex Fixed Spreads:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
EUR/GBP Spread Range | No | No |
EUR/USD Spread Range | No | No |
USD/JPY Spread Range | No | No |
GBP/USD Spread Range | No | No |
USD/CHF Spread Range | No | No |
AUD/USD Spread Range | No | No |
USD/CAD Spread Range | No | No |
NZD/USD Spread Range | No | No |
Trade Execution Methods:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Direct Market Access (DMA) | Yes | Yes |
Straight Through Processing (STP) | Yes | Yes |
Electronic Communication Network (ECN) Execution | No | Yes |
Market Maker Model | No | Yes |
Non-Dealing Desk (NDD) Approach | Yes | Yes |
First In, First Out (FIFO) Rule Application | No | No |
4-Digit Decimal Pricing | Yes | Yes |
5-Digit Decimal Pricing | Yes | Yes |
Order Types & Tools:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Stop Loss Orders | Yes | Yes |
Take Profit Orders | Yes | Yes |
Limit Orders | Yes | Yes |
Fill or Kill (FOK) Orders | No | Yes |
Trailing Stop Orders | Yes | Yes |
Margin Call Alerts | Yes | Yes |
One Cancels Other (OCO) Orders | No | No |
Guaranteed Stop Loss Orders | Yes | No |
Negative Balance Protection Measures | Yes | Yes |
Minimum Trade Sizes | 0.01 lots | 0.01 lots |
Maximum Trade Sizes | 100 lots | 100 lots |
Available Asset Classes:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Forex Currency Pairs | 90 | 70 |
Cryptocurrencies | 90 | 60 |
Commodities | 34 | 18 |
Equities | - | - |
Market Indices | 37 | 11 |
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | 20 | No |
Futures Contracts | 5 | No |
Options Contracts | 20 | No |
Bonds | 12 | No |
Metals | 5 | 4 |
Agricultural Products | No | No |
Energy Resources | 6 | 3 |
Interest Rates | Yes | No |
Penny Stocks | No | |
Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) | Yes | No |
Asset Blends | 1 | No |
Dow Jones Index | No | No |
FTSE 100 Index | Yes | Yes |
DAX Index | Yes | Yes |
Nikkei 225 Index | Yes | Yes |
Gold Market Trading | Yes | Yes |
Special Account Features:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Multi-Account Manager (MAM) | No | Yes |
Percentage Allocation Money Management (PAMM) | No | Yes |
Social Trading Integration | No | No |
Copy Trading Support | No | Yes |
Lot Allocation Money Management (LAMM) | No | No |
Supported Trading Techniques:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Scalping Strategies | Yes | Yes |
Hedging Techniques | Yes | Yes |
Spread Betting Opportunities | Yes | No |
Automated Expert Advisor (EA) Integration | Yes | Yes |
Virtual Private Server (VPS) Options | Yes | Yes |
Application Programming Interface (API) Support | Yes | Yes |
Trading Tools and Features:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
One-Click Trade Execution | Yes | Yes |
Signal Trading Availability | Yes | Yes |
Price Alert Notifications | Yes | Yes |
Number of Chart Indicators Offered | 22 | 51 |
Number of Chart Drawing Tools Provided | 17 | 31 |
Direct Trading From Charts | Yes | Yes |
Customizable Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Trading Compatibility:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Android App | Yes | Yes |
iOS App | Yes | Yes |
Windows Mobile App | No | No |
Mobile Trading Signal Integration | Yes | Yes |
App for Smartwatches | No | No |
Forex Mobile Trading | Yes | Yes |
CFD Mobile Trading | Yes | Yes |
Alert Notifications on Mobile Devices | Yes | Yes |
Mobile Charting and Drawing Tools | Yes | Yes |
Languages Supported on Mobile App | en, de, es, fr, po | en, chi |
Watchlist Feature on Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
Commodity Offerings:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Crude Oil Trading | 2.8 | 0.03 |
Natural Gas Trading | No | No |
Silver Markets | 2 | 0.01 |
Platinum Trading | No | No |
Copper Trading | No | No |
Soybean Contracts | No | No |
Corn Markets | No | No |
Gold Markets | 0.3 | 0.78 |
Lithium Markets | Yes | Yes |
Stock Trading Fees:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Apple Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Amazon (AMZN) Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Invidia Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
META Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Ford Motor Co Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Alphabet (GOOGL) Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
BP Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Tesco Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Barclays Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Lloyds Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Adobe (ADBE) Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Microsoft (MSFT) Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Nvidia (NVDA) Shares | $0-$3 | $0-$2.50 |
Index Trading Fees:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
FTSE 100 Fee Structure | 1 | 1.65 |
S&P 500 Fee Structure | 0.4 | 0.54 |
Dow Jones Fee Structure | - | 3.56 |
Nasdaq Fee Structure | 1 | 1.56 |
CAC 40 Fee Structure | 1 | 1.96 |
DAX 30 Fee Structure | 2 | 1.73 |
Nikkei 225 Fee Structure | 7 | 8.74 |
Euro Stoxx 50 Fee Structure | 2 | 2 |
Cryptocurrency Trading Fees: Maker-Taker-Spread
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Bitcoin Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0.03%, 0.06%, Up to 2% |
Ethereum Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0.03%, 0.06%, Up to 2% |
Ripple Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0.03%, 0.06%, Up to 2% |
Binance Coin Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0.03%, 0.06%, Up to 2% |
Cardano Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0.03%, 0.06%, Up to 2% |
Solana Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0.03%, 0.06%, Up to 2% |
Polygon Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0.03%, 0.06%, Up to 2% |
Dogecoin Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0.03%, 0.06%, Up to 2% |
Chainlink (LINK) Fees | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0.03%, 0.06%, Up to 2% |
Polkadot (DOT) | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0.03%, 0.06%, Up to 2% |
Avalanche (AVAX) | 0.01%, 0.07%, Up to 2.5% | 0.03%, 0.06%, Up to 2% |
Available Trading Platforms:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
cTrader Desktop App | No | No |
cTrader Web Interface | No | No |
Mirror Trader Platform | No | No |
ZuluTrade Integration | No | No |
MT4 Desktop Interface | No | Yes |
MT4 Web Platform | No | Yes |
MT5 Desktop App | No | Yes |
MT5 Web Interface | No | Yes |
Tradingview | No | No |
Proprietary Desktop Software | No | Yes |
Proprietary Web-based Platform | Yes | No |
Mac-Compatible Platform Options | Yes | Yes |
Sirix Trading Platform | No | No |
Education Resources:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Education Offerings | Yes | Yes |
Webinar Offerings | Yes | Yes |
Platform Tutorial Videos | Yes | Yes |
Beginner-Level Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Expert-Level Trading Videos | Yes | No |
Tutorial guides | Yes | Yes |
Terminology Glossary | Yes | Yes |
Customer Support Options:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
Callback Request Feature | No | No |
Email Support Availability | Yes | Yes |
Telephone Support | Yes | Yes |
Live Chat support | Yes | Yes |
Offered Support Languages | en, ar, dan, de, es, fr, ne, nor, po, ru, swe, it, swi | en, ar, chi(t/s), de, es, fr, po, thai, ko, ind, mal, it |
Research-Tools:
Data | IC Markets | FP Markets |
---|---|---|
In-Depth Professional Reports | Yes | Yes |
Social Trading Features - Social Newsfeeds | Yes | No |
Economic Event Calendar | No | No |
Daily Email With Trading Ideas | Yes | Yes |
Analysis From Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
Analysis From Delkos Research | No | No |
AutoChartist Tool | Yes | No |
Trader Sentiment Metrics | Yes | No |
Twitter-Based News Updates | Yes | Yes |
Facebook-Based News Updates | Yes | Yes |
Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
The Showdown: FP Markets 🥊 vs IC Markets
Table of content
- The Showdown: FP Markets 🥊 vs IC Markets
- FP Markets: It’s a Buffet of Investment Products Here!
- IC Markets: Breathe in the Tight Spreads and Lightning Execution Speeds
- Platform Performance: Round Two of FP Markets 🎭 vs IC Markets
- FP Markets: If Trading Platforms were Action Movies
- IC Markets: Say Hello to the Speedster!
- Pros and Cons: The Love-Hate Relationship
- FP Markets: 🌞 Bright Sunshine and ☂️ Little Rain
- IC Markets: 🚀 Fast Track and 🐢 Little Hiccups
- Delving Deeper: Safety Measures and Regulation
- FP Markets: Your Funds Are In Safe Hands
- IC Markets: Super Secure Platform Personified
- Customer Service: Knights in Shining Armor
- FP Markets: Your Wishes Are Their Command
- IC Markets: They’ve Got Your Back… And Front!
- Onboarding and Account Setup
- FP Markets: Hop on Board, It’s Simple!
- IC Markets: Are You Ready for a Quick Launch?
- The Verdict: FP Markets or IC Markets? Why Not Both?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- ⭐ Is there a deposit fee at FP Markets or IC Markets?
- ⭐ What about withdrawal fees at FP Markets and IC Markets?
- ⭐ I’m a beginner, will I get educational content at FP Markets or IC Markets?
- ⭐ Which trading platforms do FP Markets and IC Markets support?
- ⭐ How secure are FP Markets and IC Markets?
- Disclaimer And General Risk Warning:
- Author & Expert Trader - Financial Analyst:
Now that we have touched upon the reasons for this showdown, let’s dive into the gritty specifics, starting with (drumroll, please) FP Markets!
FP Markets: It’s a Buffet of Investment Products Here!
In the world of trading, diversity is the dance everyone wants to swing at. And boy, does FP Markets know how to dance! With over 10,000 products across Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Metals and more, it’s a trader’s smorgasbord. If you have a diverse palate, FP Markets is your trading chef that’s ready to serve.
IC Markets: Breathe in the Tight Spreads and Lightning Execution Speeds
Next up is IC Markets, the Usain Bolt of tight spreads and execution speed. Especially attractive for those interested in scalping and high-frequency trading, as IC Markets aims to eliminate the ‘middleman’ with raw spreads and lightning speed. So prepare yourself, folks, this ride is fast and furious.
Platform Performance: Round Two of FP Markets 🎭 vs IC Markets
FP Markets: If Trading Platforms were Action Movies
Let me paint you a picture. FP Markets is like an action hero with its superior platforms – IRESS, MT4, and MT5. With robust tools, advanced charting, and deep analysis, these financial action movies are boxes of popcorn that keep you hooked till the credits roll.
IC Markets: Say Hello to the Speedster!
As we’ve heard, IC Markets loves speed. This platform is like the Flash of trading platforms with its robust MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader offerings. IC Markets doesn’t just walk the talk; it runs it!
Pros and Cons: The Love-Hate Relationship
FP Markets: 🌞 Bright Sunshine and ☂️ Little Rain
FP Markets spurs diversity in investment products and boasts fantastic educational resources, but quite like the temperamental weather, there’s a little drizzle. The platform could improve on non-trading fees, and deposits and withdrawals could be a tad smoother.
IC Markets: 🚀 Fast Track and 🐢 Little Hiccups
IC Markets has earned its stripes with peerless speed and great spreads. However, it can still work a bit on including more tradable instruments and diversifying educational resources. Remember, no one is perfect, not even the Flash!
Delving Deeper: Safety Measures and Regulation
FP Markets: Your Funds Are In Safe Hands
When it comes to safety, FP Markets is more armored than a superhero from a Marvel movie! This platform is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). This ensures a high level of investor protection. Plus, the added comfort of segregated client accounts means your funds are securely tucked away from the reaches of any baddies 🦹♂️👊.
IC Markets: Super Secure Platform Personified
IC Markets, meanwhile, is like a character straight from a spy-thriller – you know, the one with all the high-tech securities and unbreakable codes. Regulated by ASIC and CySEC, IC Markets also has the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) backing in the UK. Not to mention, the segregated client accounts and the clients’ money insurance, which keep your funds as secure as a secret agent’s mission report 🕵️♂️🔐.
Customer Service: Knights in Shining Armor
FP Markets: Your Wishes Are Their Command
Imagine having a personal genie to serve you round the clock, sounds good? Well, that’s what FP Market’s customer service feels like! They offer a 24/5 live chat, email support, and even multilingual phone support for traders around the globe. Their response time is relatively fast, faster than it took you to read this sentence 😱⏱️. If knowledge is power, then their extensive FAQ section is a powerhouse!
IC Markets: They’ve Got Your Back… And Front!
IC Markets’ customer service is like having a life-saving kit right in your pocket with their 24/7 customer support. They are recognised for their live chat, telephone support, and email responses. Their speed? Let’s just say they can make a pizza delivery guy look slow in comparison 🍕⚡. Equally impressive is their detailed FAQ section. Talk about being covered from all sides!
Onboarding and Account Setup
FP Markets: Hop on Board, It’s Simple!
Opening an account with FP Markets is smoother than a knife through butter. It’s a fully digital experience — fast, simple, and user-friendly! Plus, they offer different sorts of account types to cater to individual needs. A minimum deposit for a Standard Account starts from only $100, like a budget-friendly gate to enter the exciting world of trading 🚪💰.
IC Markets: Are You Ready for a Quick Launch?
Creating an account with IC Markets is like strapping on a jet-pack — incredibly speedy! The entire process is digital and presented in a simple, hassle-free manner. They also offer several types of accounts inclusive of a demo account, and it only takes a minimum deposit of $200 to get started. It’s like having the trading world delivered to your doorstep with a bow 🌍🎁!
The Verdict: FP Markets or IC Markets? Why Not Both?
Comparing FP Markets and IC Markets is like choosing between a sumptuous steak and a delicious apple pie – both are excellent in their own right. FP Markets overflows with investment products and offers rich education while IC Markets proves a haven for scalpers with its speed and spread. Our advice? Why not have both the steak and the apple pie!☺️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
⭐ Is there a deposit fee at FP Markets or IC Markets?
Both FP Markets and IC Markets have no deposit fees. So, your trading funds can reach their respective accounts without bumping into any pesky deductions! 🎉💸
⭐ What about withdrawal fees at FP Markets and IC Markets?
FP Markets doesn’t charge any fees for most withdrawal methods. However, IC Markets may apply a small fee depending on your chosen withdrawal approach. The need for speed sometimes comes with a small price, right? 😉💨
⭐ I’m a beginner, will I get educational content at FP Markets or IC Markets?
Definitely! Both FP Markets and IC Markets provide a wealth of educational content, including webinars, e-books, courses, and more. It’s like having an encyclopedia of trading at your fingertips! 📚💡
⭐ Which trading platforms do FP Markets and IC Markets support?
FP markets support IRESS, MT4, and MT5 platforms while IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader platforms. So, tune up those robo-trades because these platforms are pure tech artistry! 🤖🎨
⭐ How secure are FP Markets and IC Markets?
Both FP Markets and IC Markets take your security very seriously. Backed by strong regulatory bodies and offering segregated client accounts along with clients’ money insurance. Rest assured, your funds are in a digitized vault stronger than the one in Gringotts! 🏦🔒
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