IC Markets Review 2026 – Raw Spreads from 0.0 Pips for Serious Traders

Introduction to IC Markets

IC Markets (International Capital Markets) is an Australian-based forex and CFD broker founded in 2007, widely regarded as one of the best brokers for active traders, scalpers, and algorithmic trading enthusiasts. Headquartered in Sydney, IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), and FSA (Seychelles). The broker has earned a strong reputation for offering some of the tightest spreads in the industry, with raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips on major currency pairs.

IC Markets processes an average daily trading volume exceeding $18.2 billion, making it one of the largest forex brokers by volume globally. This high volume contributes to deep liquidity and consistently tight spreads, which are key advantages for professional and high-frequency traders.

Platform Options and Technology

IC Markets offers three trading platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. The inclusion of cTrader sets IC Markets apart from many competitors, as cTrader is known for its clean interface, advanced order types, and superior charting capabilities. All three platforms support automated trading through Expert Advisors (MT4/MT5) or cAlgo (cTrader).

The broker's infrastructure is built on Equinix NY4 and LD5 data centers, which are among the fastest in the financial industry. This setup ensures low-latency execution, typically under 40 milliseconds, which is essential for scalping strategies and high-frequency trading. IC Markets also offers free VPS hosting for clients trading more than 15 standard lots per month.

The depth of market (DOM) feature available on cTrader provides visibility into the order book, showing pending buy and sell orders at different price levels. This transparency is particularly valued by professional traders who want to understand market microstructure.

Spreads, Commissions, and Trading Costs

IC Markets offers two main pricing models. The Raw Spread account provides spreads from 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side ($7 round trip) on MT4/MT5, or $3.0 per side on cTrader. The Standard account offers commission-free trading with spreads starting from 1.0 pip. For active traders, the Raw Spread accounts typically offer lower overall trading costs.

The average spread on EUR/USD during London and New York sessions is approximately 0.1 pips on Raw Spread accounts, which is among the most competitive in the industry. Swap rates are competitive and updated daily. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees charged by IC Markets, though payment providers may impose their own charges.

Markets and Instruments

IC Markets provides access to over 2,250 tradable instruments including 61 forex pairs, 25 indices, 19 commodities, over 2,100 stock CFDs, 11 cryptocurrency CFDs, and bond CFDs. The leverage available varies by regulation — up to 1:500 under ASIC and FSA, and up to 1:30 under CySEC for retail clients. Professional clients can access higher leverage under certain conditions.

The cryptocurrency offering includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and several other major digital assets, available for trading 24/7. This is a useful addition for traders who want exposure to crypto markets alongside their forex and CFD trading.

Account Management and Support

The minimum deposit at IC Markets is $200, which is reasonable for the professional-grade trading conditions offered. The broker accepts deposits via bank transfer, credit/debit cards, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and several other payment methods. Processing times are generally fast, with most electronic payments reflected instantly.

Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, email, and phone. The support team is generally knowledgeable about trading-related queries, though educational resources are more limited compared to brokers like XM. IC Markets provides basic market analysis and an economic calendar but does not offer extensive educational content.

Conclusion

IC Markets is an exceptional choice for experienced traders, scalpers, and algorithmic traders who prioritize tight spreads, fast execution, and low trading costs. The combination of raw spreads from 0.0 pips, Equinix data center infrastructure, and multi-platform support (including cTrader) makes it a top-tier broker for serious traders. However, beginners may find the limited educational resources and the $200 minimum deposit less accommodating compared to brokers with lower barriers to entry.

Risk Warning: Trading Derivatives carries a high level of risk to your capital and you should only trade with money you can afford to lose. 70.64% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.