IC Markets Review
IC Markets is a well established and popular forex and CFDs online trading brokerage who offers competitive spreads on a wide range of assets across the global markets. IC Markets was founded in 2007 and is owned and operated by International Capital Markets PTY which are based in Sydney Australia.
The company’s headquarters are located at Level 6 309 Kent Street Sydney, NSW 2000 and the brokerage is said to be the countries best online trading brokerage. This is largely because IC Markets strives to bridge the gap between retail clients and big institutional investors by offering investment solutions that were once only offered by investment banks and high net worth individuals. Also, they offer the highest available leverage in Australia, low spreads and fees, an excellent education center, and much more. IC Markets is used both by experienced and beginner traders from all over the world, but how does it shape up to the competition? In the following review, we discuss the aspects that make up this broker and how it compares to the competition?
IC Markets Video Review
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Regulations
Though IC Markets was established in 2007, they only became regulated 2 years later in 2009 by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) under license number 335692. Also, IC Markets holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) which allows them to legally operate a financial services business in Australia. Another regulatory aspect of IC Markets that protects clients is their membership with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). This membership provides traders with an added layer of protection if there are any disputes between the client and the brokerage.
Reliability
IC Markets is a very well established and highly reputable online trading brokerage that has been providing traders around the world with reliable investment and trading services for over 10 years. IC Markets is a true ECN broker which means there is no dealing desk or any sort of intervention between the client and the market. Therefore, clients are trading directly with the real interbank forex market which provides a great deal of transparency and reliability. As well, IC Markets undergoes periodic independent audits to ensure the brokers’ reliability, transparency, and compliance with regulations. All in all, IC Markets is one of the most trusted and reliable online trading brokerages available.
Trading Platforms
IC Markets goes above and beyond with the trading platforms they offer. They provide not 1 but 3 highly sophisticated trading platforms for their traders to choose from. From these three trading platforms, traders are sure to find one that meets all their needs and trading style. See them overviewed below.
Meta Trader 4 (MT4)
This is the most popular trading platform not only for IC Markets but for trading brokerages around the world. The platform utilizes one-click trading solutions, a variety of technical indicators, advanced charting tools, and a range of Expert Advisors (EAs) for automated algorithmic trading. Also, the MT4 trading platform allows for a variety of advanced order types and has lightning fast execution speeds.
Meta Trader 5 (MT5)
This platform is the most recent addition from the Meta Trader platforms. It has not gained as much adoption and popularity as Meta Trader 4, but it is the upgraded and improved upon version of the MT4 platform. It features flexible lot sizing, flexible funding and withdrawal options, tight spreads, market depth, and more.
cTrader
The cTrader platform was made specifically for an ECN trading environment that utilizes the automated trading software. With this platform, traders have three options when it comes to implementing automated trading; ZuluTrade, Myfxbook’s AutoTrade and Signal Trader’s mirroring technology.
IC Markets Mobile Trading
IC Markets is fully optimized for smart mobile devices including phones and tablets. The MT4 trading platform has mobile applications compatible with both iOS and Android devices and is available for free download from the Apple App store and the Google Play store. Also, the cTrader platform is web-based and is compatible with mobile browsers and also has a downloadable application for iOS and Android devices. These mobile trading platforms feature much of the same advanced functionality as the desktop platforms and have been intuitively designed to provide a convenient and seamless trading experience. All in all, the mobile trading platforms provided by IC Markets do not disappoint.
Trade Types/Instruments
IC Markets provides their customers with a carefully selected range of tradeable products that gives them access to the most lucrative and liquid markets across the world. The markets in which IC Markets traders can participate in include; Forex, Commodities, Indices, Bonds, Cryptocurrency, Stocks, and Futures. See some details of these markets and what they have to offer below.
Forex
60 currency pairs
Tight spreads from 0.0 pips
Up to 1:500 leverage
Deep liquidity
Commodities
Over 19 Commodities to trade
Spot and Futures CFDs
Up to 1:500 leverage
Indices
17 Indices across the global markets
Up to 1:200 leverage
No commissions
Multiple trading platforms
Bonds
Over 6 bonds to trade
No commissions
Up to 1:200 leverage
Deep liquidity
Cryptocurrency
Trade 24 hours a day, 5 days a week
Go long or short
Up to 1:20 leverage
Five of the most popular cryptocurrencies
Stocks
Over 120 Stocks & ETFs
Earn dividends
Meta Trader 5 platform
Futures
4 global futures to trade
No commissions
Up to 1:200 leverage
Deep liquidity
Account Types
IC Markets features an account type for literally every type of trader. No matter if you’re just starting out or are an experienced veteran, IC Markets has a trading account for you. All of the available trading accounts are True ECN accounts and have the same access to a large product range and variety of trading platforms. See the trading accounts overviewed in detail below.
cTrader ECN Account
The cTrader platform was built and designed to operate specifically in a True ECN environment and therefore has an account dedicated to using just the cTrader platform. This account feature spreads from 0 pips, ultra-fast order execution, 1:500 leverage, $3.00 commissions and a strict STP environment. This account is most suitable for day traders and scalpers.
True ECN Account
This trading account features the suite of Meta Trader platforms and features spread from 0 pips, commissions of $3.50, 1:500 leverage, and is most suitable for Expert Advisors (EAs) and scalpers.
Standard Account
This trading account is most suitable for discretionary traders and features spread from 1 pip, zero commissions, 1:500 leverage, and the suite of Meta Trader platforms.
Commissions & Spreads
IC Markets is known to provide very competitive commissions and fees. For instance, on the standard account, there are no commissions charged but the spread is marked up by 1 pip above the interbank rates. On the True ECN and cTrader accounts, there is a commission of around $3 per standard lot round turn and spreads are variable and start from 0.0 pips. IC Markets spreads can be so low because they receive quotes from over 50 different banks and dark pool liquidity sources. Therefore, IC Markets provides traders with an ideal environment for day trading and scalping. Additionally, while trading CFDs there are no additional fees or commissions charged on all types of trading accounts. Another great thing regarding fees is that traders will not be charged an account inactivity fee which is great considering that many other trading brokerages charge this.
Deposits & Withdrawals Options
IC Markets offers their traders a wide variety of deposit and withdrawal methods for a number of currencies to suit a wider variety of traders needs. The currencies in which can be deposited and withdrawn include; AUD, USD, EUR, CAD, GBP, SGD, NZD, JPY, HKD, and CHF. See below, the available deposit and withdrawal methods.
Deposits
Credit and Debit Cards
Bank Wire Transfers
Broker to Broker transfers
Branch Cash Deposit
BPay Deposit
PayPal
Skrill
Neteller
WebMoney
QIWI
China Union Pay
FasaPay
POLi
Withdrawals
Withdrawals can be made via many of the same methods that are listed above and will be generally processed within the same working day. Withdrawals are generally free of charge, but international bank wire withdrawals come with a fee of around $20 AUD.
Bonus & Promotions
Unfortunately, IC Markets does not offer their traders any form of promotional bonuses for trading or signing up to for a new trading account. IC Markets provides their traders with favorable trading conditions and exceptional service, so they do not feel the need to entice traders with bonuses or promotions.
Customer Support
One of the things IC Markets excels in is their exceptional level of customer support. Since IC Markets is an international online trading brokerage, they provide multilingual support to their clients 24 hrs a day, 5 days a week. The support methods available to traders include live chat, email, telephone, and through the brokers’ various social media channels. Additionally, traders can find loads of helpful information on the websites extensive FAQ page and education center.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Excellent selection of sophisticated trading platforms
An extensive array of tradeable products across global markets
Very safe, secure and highly regulated
Excellent customer support and educational resources
Cons
IC Markets Q&A Yes. IC Markets is licensed and regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) under license number 335692.
Where is IC Markets based?
IC Markets is based out of Australia at Level 6 309 Kent Street Sydney, NSW 2000.
How does IC Markets make money?
IC MArkets makes its money by charging traders small spreads on the trades they executed through the broker. Also, for the ECN trading accounts, the brokerage collects a small commission on each trade.
How do I deposit in IC Markets account?
Deposits can be made via the following methods; Credit and Debit Cards, Bank Wire Transfers, Broker to Broker transfers, Branch Cash Deposit, BPay Deposit, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, QIWI, China Union Pay, FasaPay, and POLi.
How do I withdraw money from IC Markets?
Withdrawals can be made via most of the same methods as deposits.
How do I open an account with IC Markets?
To open an account with IC Markets, all you must do is fill out the application form via the IC Markets website, provide them with your personal identification information, and fund your account with a minimum of $200.
Yes. IC Markets has been competently offering trading services since 2007.
Does IC Markets use MetaTrader?
Yes, IC Markets uses the Meta Trader 4 and Meta Trader 5 platforms.
What is IC Markets leverage?
The maximum leverage provided by IC Markets is 1:500.
No. IC Markets is not a scam as it is licensed and regulated in Australia and has a viable reputation among traders.
IC Markets is a safe broker as it is compliant with all regulatory requirements and uses the latest encryption technology to keep your personal information safe. As well, they have years of experience operating in the online trading industry.
Conclusion
After reviewing IC Markets, we have come to the conclusion that this broker lives up to the hype and is a great option for traders. They offer competitive commissions and fees, offer a wide variety of investment products that both experienced and beginner traders are happy with, and they feature a selection of sophisticated trading platforms. Also, IC Markets is a very well established trading brokerage who is highly regulated and has an excellent reputation in the online trading industry. Overall, IC Markets is a viable online trading solution that’s suitable for nearly every type of trader.
