IC Markets Review 2026: Is It the Best Broker for Scalping?

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IC Markets has consistently ranked among the top forex brokers for scalpers and high-frequency traders since its founding in 2007. With ultra-tight spreads, lightning-fast execution, and a strong regulatory framework, it’s become the go-to choice for professional traders worldwide. But does IC Markets live up to the hype in 2026, and is it really the best broker for scalping?

In this comprehensive, unbiased review, we’ll examine every aspect of IC Markets—from spreads and execution quality to platform options, fees, customer service, and regulation. Whether you’re a scalper looking for razor-thin spreads or a swing trader seeking reliable execution, this review will help you determine if IC Markets is the right broker for your trading needs.

Disclaimer: This is an educational review based on publicly available information and industry analysis as of 2026. Always conduct your own research and verify current offerings directly with IC Markets before opening an account.

IC Markets Overview: Quick Facts

Founded: 2007 (17+ years in business) Headquarters: Sydney, Australia Regulation: ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSA (Seychelles), FSC (Mauritius) Trading Platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader Minimum Deposit: $200 Account Types: Raw Spread, Standard, cTrader Maximum Leverage: Up to 1:500 (varies by jurisdiction) Instruments: 232+ including forex, indices, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, bonds, futures Execution Model: True ECN (Electronic Communication Network) Average Execution Speed: <40 milliseconds Spreads: From 0.0 pips (Raw Spread account)

Best For: Scalpers, day traders, algorithmic traders, high-frequency traders, professional traders

Not Ideal For: Complete beginners, traders wanting proprietary platforms, U.S. residents (not available)

Regulation and Safety: Is Your Money Secure?

Multi-Jurisdictional Regulation

IC Markets operates under multiple regulatory bodies, providing strong investor protection across different regions.

ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission)

• License Number: 335692
• Tier-1 regulation (highest level)
• Strict capital requirements
• Segregated client funds
• Negative balance protection
• Investor compensation available

CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission)

• License Number: 362/18
• EU-level regulation
• €20,000 investor compensation scheme
• MiFID II compliant
• Segregated accounts required

FSA (Seychelles Financial Services Authority)

• License Number: SD018
• International clients
• Higher leverage options (up to 1:500)
• Less stringent regulations than ASIC/CySEC

FSC (Mauritius Financial Services Commission)

• License Number: C118023331
• Additional jurisdiction for international clients

What This Means for You:

If you’re in Australia or the EU, you’ll be covered by top-tier regulation (ASIC or CySEC) with strong investor protections. International clients typically fall under FSA or FSC regulation, which offers less protection but more flexibility (higher leverage).

Verdict: ★★★★★ (5/5)

IC Markets’ multi-jurisdictional regulation is excellent. ASIC and CySEC licenses provide strong investor protection, and the company’s 17+ year track record with no major scandals inspires confidence.

Account Types and Trading Conditions

IC Markets offers three main account types, each designed for different trading styles.

Raw Spread Account (Best for Scalpers)

Key Features:

• Spreads: From 0.0 pips (literally zero on major pairs)
• Commission: $3.50 per side per lot ($7 round trip)
• Execution: True ECN, no dealing desk
• Minimum Deposit: $200
• Best For: Scalpers, day traders, high-frequency traders

Typical Costs:

Pair	Average Spread	Commission	Total Cost
EUR/USD	0.1 pips	$7 per lot	~0.8 pips
GBP/USD	0.2 pips	$7 per lot	~0.9 pips
USD/JPY	0.1 pips	$7 per lot	~0.8 pips
AUD/USD	0.2 pips	$7 per lot	~0.9 pips

Why Scalpers Love It:

• Actual raw spreads from liquidity providers
• Fixed commission means predictable costs
• Total cost often lower than “commission-free” accounts
• Transparent pricing model

Standard Account (Commission-Free)

Key Features:

• Spreads: From 1.0 pips (markup included)
• Commission: $0 (no commission)
• Execution: True ECN
• Minimum Deposit: $200
• Best For: Swing traders, beginners who prefer simplicity

Typical Spreads:

Pair	Average Spread	Commission	Total Cost
EUR/USD	1.0 pips	$0	1.0 pips
GBP/USD	1.2 pips	$0	1.2 pips
USD/JPY	1.1 pips	$0	1.1 pips
AUD/USD	1.2 pips	$0	1.2 pips

Why Some Prefer It:

• No commission calculations needed
• Simpler cost structure
• Good for lower-frequency trading
• Easier to understand for beginners

cTrader Account

Key Features:

• Spreads: From 0.0 pips
• Commission: $3.00 per side per lot ($6 round trip)
• Platform: cTrader only (not MT4/MT5)
• Minimum Deposit: $200
• Best For: cTrader enthusiasts, automated traders

Special Features:

• Slightly lower commission than Raw Spread
• cTrader’s superior charting and DOM (Depth of Market)
• Better for order flow analysis
• Advanced algorithmic trading capabilities

[LINK PLACEHOLDER: Internal link to “How to Choose the Best Forex Broker for Your Trading Style”]

Spreads and Execution Quality: The Scalper’s Holy Grail

This is where IC Markets truly shines and why it’s considered one of the best brokers for scalping.

Spread Comparison (Raw Spread Account)

Major Pairs:

• EUR/USD: 0.0-0.2 pips (average 0.1 pips)
• GBP/USD: 0.1-0.4 pips (average 0.2 pips)
• USD/JPY: 0.0-0.2 pips (average 0.1 pips)
• AUD/USD: 0.1-0.3 pips (average 0.2 pips)
• USD/CAD: 0.2-0.4 pips (average 0.3 pips)

Minor Pairs:

• EUR/GBP: 0.3-0.6 pips (average 0.4 pips)
• EUR/JPY: 0.2-0.5 pips (average 0.3 pips)
• GBP/JPY: 0.5-1.0 pips (average 0.7 pips)

These are among the tightest spreads in the retail forex industry.

Execution Speed and Quality

Average Execution Speed: <40 milliseconds

• Among the fastest in the industry
• Critical for scalping and news trading
• Minimal slippage on normal market conditions

Execution Statistics (Based on IC Markets’ Public Data):

• Orders executed in <40ms: 95%+
• Orders with no slippage: 85%+
• Orders with positive slippage: ~10%
• Orders with negative slippage: ~5%

True ECN Model: IC Markets uses a genuine ECN model, meaning:

• Direct market access to liquidity providers
• No dealing desk intervention
• Orders matched with best available prices
• Your trades go to the actual forex market
• No conflict of interest (broker doesn’t trade against you)

Liquidity Providers: IC Markets aggregates liquidity from 25+ top-tier banks and institutions including:

• Barclays
• Citibank
• Goldman Sachs
• Morgan Stanley
• UBS
• And 20+ others

This deep liquidity pool ensures tight spreads and quality execution.

Verdict: ★★★★★ (5/5)

IC Markets delivers exactly what scalpers need: ultra-tight spreads, blazing-fast execution, and genuine ECN pricing. It’s hard to find better trading conditions anywhere.

Trading Platforms: MT4, MT5, and cTrader

IC Markets supports all three major retail trading platforms—a significant advantage over brokers that restrict platform choice.

MetaTrader 4 (MT4)

Pros:

• Industry standard platform
• Thousands of free indicators and EAs
• Huge community support
• Simple, proven, reliable
• Excellent for algorithmic trading

Cons:

• Older technology (released 2005)
• Limited order types
• Basic charting compared to competitors
• No hedging on FIFO accounts

Best For: Traders who want reliability, simplicity, and massive EA library

MetaTrader 5 (MT5)

Pros:

• More advanced than MT4
• Better charting tools (21 timeframes vs 9)
• More order types
• Economic calendar integrated
• Better for multi-asset trading
• Modern codebase (faster, more efficient)

Cons:

• Fewer EAs than MT4 (improving)
• Some traders prefer MT4’s simplicity
• Takes time to learn if coming from MT4

Best For: Traders who want modern platform with advanced features

cTrader

Pros:

• Best charting interface of the three
• Superior order flow tools (DOM, Depth of Market)
• One-click trading excellence
• Clean, intuitive UI
• Great for scalping (better than MT4/MT5)
• Advanced algorithmic trading (cAlgo)

Cons:

• Smaller community than MetaTrader
• Fewer third-party indicators/bots
• Some brokers charge more commission (IC Markets charges less!)

Best For: Serious scalpers, day traders, those who value UI/UX

Platform Verdict: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Offering all three major platforms is a huge advantage. Traders can choose based on their needs rather than being forced into one ecosystem.

[LINK PLACEHOLDER: Internal link to “MetaTrader 4 vs MetaTrader 5 vs cTrader: Which Platform is Best?”]

Leverage and Margin Requirements

Leverage Options by Jurisdiction

ASIC Regulated (Australia):

• Major pairs: Maximum 1:30
• Minor pairs: Maximum 1:20
• Exotic pairs: Maximum 1:10
• Indices: Maximum 1:20
• Commodities: Maximum 1:10

CySEC Regulated (EU/Cyprus):

• Major pairs: Maximum 1:30
• Minor pairs: Maximum 1:20
• Exotic pairs: Maximum 1:10
• Gold: Maximum 1:20
• Other commodities: Maximum 1:10

FSA Regulated (Seychelles – International):

• Forex: Up to 1:500
• Indices: Up to 1:200
• Commodities: Up to 1:100
• Stocks: Up to 1:20

What This Means:

If you’re in Australia or EU, leverage is capped at 1:30 for major pairs (regulatory requirement). International clients under FSA can access up to 1:500 leverage.

Is High Leverage Good?

High leverage (1:500) is a double-edged sword:

• Allows larger positions with smaller capital
• Extremely dangerous if misused
• Can wipe out accounts in minutes
• Professional traders rarely use full leverage

Recommendation: Use 1:10 to 1:30 effective leverage regardless of what’s available. Just because 1:500 is offered doesn’t mean you should use it.

Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Leverage options are appropriate for each jurisdiction. International traders get flexibility, while regulated regions have investor protection. Would be 5/5 if ASIC/CySEC allowed slightly higher leverage, but that’s regulatory restriction, not IC Markets’ choice.

[LINK PLACEHOLDER: Internal link to “What is Leverage in Forex? How It Works (With Real Examples)”]

Fees, Commissions, and Hidden Costs

Commission Structure

Raw Spread Account:

• $3.50 per side ($7 round trip) per standard lot
• Example: Trading 1 lot EUR/USD costs $7 in commission
• Very competitive compared to industry average ($8-$10)

cTrader Account:

• $3.00 per side ($6 round trip) per standard lot
• Slightly cheaper than Raw Spread account
• Excellent value for cTrader users

Standard Account:

• $0 commission
• Markup is included in spread
• Total cost comparable to Raw Spread + commission

Deposit and Withdrawal Fees

Deposits:

• Bank wire: FREE (IC Markets covers fees up to $50)
• Credit/debit card: FREE
• PayPal: FREE
• Skrill/Neteller: FREE
• Crypto (Bitcoin, etc.): FREE

Withdrawals:

• Bank wire: FREE (up to 1 per month, then $20 fee)
• Credit/debit card: FREE
• PayPal: FREE
• Skrill/Neteller: FREE
• Crypto: Network fees apply (minimal)

Excellent: IC Markets doesn’t nickel-and-dime you with deposit/withdrawal fees like many brokers.

Inactivity Fees

Fee: $10 per month after 6 months of inactivity How to Avoid: Make at least one trade every 6 months

This is reasonable—many brokers charge after 3 months or charge more.

Overnight Swap Rates

IC Markets charges standard overnight swap rates for positions held overnight.

Example Swap Rates (subject to change):

• EUR/USD Long: -$5.50 per lot per night
• EUR/USD Short: +$0.80 per lot per night
• GBP/USD Long: -$4.20 per lot per night
• GBP/USD Short: -$1.30 per lot per night

Note: Swap rates fluctuate with interest rate differentials. Check current rates on IC Markets website.

Islamic Accounts Available: Swap-free accounts for clients whose religion prohibits interest.

Hidden Costs?

None Found: IC Markets is transparent about all costs. No hidden fees, no sneaky markups, no withdrawal tricks.

Verdict: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Extremely competitive commission rates, no deposit/withdrawal fees, reasonable inactivity policy. One of the most cost-effective brokers in the industry.

Trading Instruments and Market Coverage

IC Markets offers 232+ instruments across multiple asset classes.

Forex (61 Currency Pairs)

Major Pairs:

• EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, AUD/USD, USD/CAD, NZD/USD, USD/CHF

Minor Pairs:

• EUR/GBP, EUR/JPY, GBP/JPY, AUD/JPY, NZD/JPY, and 25+ others

Exotic Pairs:

• USD/MXN, USD/ZAR, USD/TRY, EUR/TRY, and 20+ others

Verdict: Comprehensive forex coverage including exotic pairs many brokers don’t offer.

Indices (21 CFDs)

• US indices: S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones
• European indices: DAX, FTSE, CAC, Euro Stoxx
• Asian indices: Nikkei, Hang Seng, ASX 200
• Cash and futures contracts available

Commodities (19 CFDs)

Metals:

• Gold (XAU/USD)
• Silver (XAG/USD)
• Platinum, Palladium, Copper

Energies:

• WTI Crude Oil
• Brent Crude Oil
• Natural Gas

Agricultural:

• Wheat, Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Coffee, Sugar

Stocks (100+ CFDs)

Popular stocks from:

• US: Apple, Tesla, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, NVIDIA
• EU: Various blue-chip companies
• AU: Major Australian stocks

Note: Stocks available as CFDs, not actual shares.

Cryptocurrencies (11 CFDs)

• Bitcoin (BTC/USD)
• Ethereum (ETH/USD)
• Litecoin, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, and 6+ others
• 24/7 trading available

Leverage: Lower leverage on crypto (typically 1:5 or 1:10)

Bonds (8 CFDs)

• US Treasury Bonds (various maturities)
• German Bunds
• UK Gilts

Futures (12+)

• Various commodity and index futures contracts

Verdict: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Excellent variety across all major asset classes. More than enough for diversified traders. Particularly strong in forex and indices.

Customer Service and Support

Support Channels

Live Chat:

• Available 24/5 (during market hours)
• Usually <2 minute response time
• Knowledgeable support staff
• Multi-language support (15+ languages)

Email:

• support@icmarkets.com
• Response within 24 hours typically
• Detailed responses

Phone:

• International numbers for major regions
• Sydney head office: +61 2 8014 4280
• Call-back option available

Social Media:

• Active on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Community support forums

Support Quality

Strengths:

• Fast response times
• Knowledgeable staff (actually understand trading)
• Multi-language support
• Available when markets are open

Weaknesses:

• No 24/7 support (only during market hours)
• Phone support can have wait times during busy periods

Educational Resources

Provided:

• Trading guides and tutorials
• Market analysis and news
• Economic calendar
• Webinars and seminars (periodic)
• Video tutorials for platforms

Not Provided:

• No comprehensive trading academy
• Limited beginner education compared to some brokers

Note: IC Markets focuses on professional/experienced traders, so educational resources are less extensive than beginner-focused brokers.

Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Excellent support quality and response times. Would be 5/5 with more comprehensive educational resources and 24/7 support.

[LINK PLACEHOLDER: Internal link to “Forex Broker Customer Service: What to Look For”]

Deposit and Withdrawal Process

Minimum Deposit

$200 minimum for all account types

• Reasonable for serious traders
• Higher than some competitors ($10-$100 minimums)
• Reflects professional trader focus

Deposit Methods and Processing Times

Method	Processing Time	Fees
Bank Wire	1-3 business days	FREE*
Credit/Debit Card	Instant	FREE
PayPal	Instant	FREE
Skrill	Instant	FREE
Neteller	Instant	FREE
Bitcoin/Crypto	30-60 minutes	FREE
UnionPay	Instant	FREE

*IC Markets covers incoming wire fees up to $50

Withdrawal Process

Processing Time:

• IC Markets processes within 24 hours (usually faster)
• Bank transfer: +1-3 days for funds to arrive
• E-wallets: Same day
• Cards: 3-5 business days

Verification Required:

• First withdrawal requires identity verification
• Submit ID and proof of address
• One-time process, usually approved within 24 hours

Withdrawal Limits:

• No maximum withdrawal limit
• Minimum: $50 (or currency equivalent)

Important: Withdrawals must return to funding source (anti-money laundering regulation). Profits can be withdrawn to any method.

Deposit/Withdrawal Experience

Pros:

• Fast processing by IC Markets
• No fees for most methods
• Multiple convenient options
• Crypto accepted (rare among major brokers)

Cons:

• Verification required (but this is standard and necessary)
• Bank wires still take traditional banking time

Verdict: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Excellent deposit/withdrawal process. Fast, free, and convenient. Hard to improve on this.

Pros and Cons: The Complete Picture

Advantages (Why Traders Choose IC Markets)

✅ Ultra-tight spreads – From 0.0 pips on major pairs ✅ Lightning-fast execution – <40ms average ✅ True ECN pricing – No conflict of interest ✅ Strong regulation – ASIC and CySEC licenses ✅ Multiple platform options – MT4, MT5, cTrader ✅ Low commission – $7 per lot round trip ✅ No deposit/withdrawal fees – For most methods ✅ Excellent for scalping – No restrictions ✅ High leverage available – Up to 1:500 (international) ✅ Deep liquidity – 25+ liquidity providers ✅ Crypto deposits accepted – Modern and convenient ✅ Islamic accounts available – Swap-free trading ✅ 232+ instruments – Good diversification ✅ Negative balance protection – (Regulated entities) ✅ 17+ year track record – Proven reliability ✅ Transparent pricing – No hidden fees

Disadvantages (Potential Drawbacks)

❌ Not available in USA – Due to regulatory restrictions ❌ $200 minimum deposit – Higher than some competitors ❌ Limited education – Not ideal for complete beginners ❌ No proprietary platform – Relies on third-party platforms ❌ Support only during market hours – No 24/7 assistance ❌ Lower leverage in regulated regions – 1:30 max (ASIC/CySEC) ❌ Inactivity fee – After 6 months (though reasonable) ❌ Withdrawal to source only – Due to AML regulations (standard practice)

IC Markets vs Competitors

IC Markets vs Pepperstone

Similarities:

• Both Australian-based
• Both ASIC and CySEC regulated
• Both offer MT4, MT5, cTrader
• Both have tight spreads and fast execution

IC Markets Advantages:

• Slightly tighter spreads on some pairs
• More trading instruments (232 vs ~180)
• Lower commission on cTrader

Pepperstone Advantages:

• Better educational resources
• More research and analysis tools
• Slightly better customer service reputation

Winner: Tie – both excellent for scalping, choose based on preference

IC Markets vs FP Markets

Similarities:

• Both Australian brokers
• Both ASIC regulated
• Both ECN execution

IC Markets Advantages:

• Tighter average spreads
• Faster execution times
• More liquidity providers

FP Markets Advantages:

• Lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200)
• IRESS platform option (for stock traders)
• Longer history (2005 vs 2007)

Winner: IC Markets for forex scalpers, FP Markets for stock CFD traders

IC Markets vs Admiral Markets

IC Markets Advantages:

• Much tighter spreads
• Faster execution
• Better for scalping
• Lower commission

Admiral Markets Advantages:

• Extensive education (academy)
• Better for beginners
• More research tools
• Proprietary platform (MetaTrader Supreme Edition)

Winner: IC Markets for experienced traders/scalpers, Admiral Markets for beginners

Who Should Use IC Markets?

Ideal For:

✅ Scalpers – The ultra-tight spreads and fast execution are perfect ✅ Day traders – ECN pricing and speed benefit active trading ✅ High-frequency traders – Platform speed and low costs essential ✅ Algorithmic traders – MT4/MT5 EA support and cTrader cAlgo ✅ Professional traders – Advanced tools and institutional-grade execution ✅ Experienced traders – Those who understand trading and don’t need hand-holding ✅ Cost-conscious traders – Among the lowest total costs in industry ✅ International traders – Good for non-US/EU traders seeking high leverage

Not Ideal For:

❌ Complete beginners – Limited educational resources ❌ US residents – Not available due to regulations ❌ Those wanting proprietary platforms – Only third-party platforms offered ❌ Traders needing 24/7 support – Support during market hours only ❌ Those with <$200 – Minimum deposit requirement ❌ Swing traders focused on education – Other brokers offer more learning materials ❌ Traders wanting copy trading – Limited social/copy trading features

Final Verdict: Is IC Markets the Best Broker for Scalping?

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Breakdown:

• Regulation & Safety: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Spreads & Execution: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Platforms: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Fees & Costs: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Customer Service: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Education: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
• Overall Value: ★★★★★ (5/5)

The Bottom Line

Yes, IC Markets is one of the best brokers for scalping in 2026, possibly the best when all factors are considered. The combination of:

• 0.0 pip spreads
• <40ms execution
• True ECN model
• Low $7 commission
• No scalping restrictions
• Strong regulation

…creates an ideal environment for scalpers and day traders.

Our Recommendation

For Scalpers and Day Traders: IC Markets is highly recommended. The trading conditions are exceptional, costs are among the lowest in the industry, and the 17-year track record with strong regulation provides peace of mind.

For Swing Traders: Also excellent, though the advantages are less pronounced for lower-frequency trading. Consider if you value tight spreads and quality execution.

For Beginners: Consider starting with a more education-focused broker, then transitioning to IC Markets once you have experience and understand trading fundamentals.

For US Traders: Unfortunately not available. Consider alternatives like OANDA or Forex.com.

How to Open an IC Markets Account

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Visit IC Markets Website

• Go to www.icmarkets.com
• Click “Open Live Account” or “Open Demo Account”

Step 2: Choose Account Type

• Select jurisdiction (ASIC, CySEC, or FSA)
• Choose account type (Raw Spread, Standard, or cTrader)
• Select platform (MT4, MT5, or cTrader)
• Choose base currency (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, etc.)

Step 3: Personal Information

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address

Step 4: Employment and Financial Information

• Employment status
• Annual income
• Net worth
• Trading experience

Step 5: Verification

• Upload ID (passport or driver’s license)
• Upload proof of address (utility bill or bank statement <3 months old)

Step 6: Fund Your Account

• Choose deposit method
• Minimum $200 deposit
• Follow instructions for your chosen method

Step 7: Download Platform

• Download MT4, MT5, or cTrader
• Login with credentials provided
• Start trading!

Time to Open: 15-30 minutes for application Verification: Usually 24-48 hours Total Time: 1-3 business days to fully funded and trading

Demo Account

IC Markets offers unlimited demo accounts with:

• $100,000 virtual money
• All platforms available (MT4, MT5, cTrader)
• Real market conditions and pricing
• No time limit
• Practice risk-free

Highly Recommended: Test IC Markets’ execution and spreads on demo before committing real capital.

[LINK PLACEHOLDER: Internal link to “Demo vs Live Trading: When Should You Make the Switch?”]

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IC Markets regulated and safe?

Yes, IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), FSA (Seychelles), and FSC (Mauritius). ASIC and CySEC are Tier-1 regulators providing strong investor protection. IC Markets has operated since 2007 with no major regulatory issues, making it one of the safest brokers in the industry.

What are IC Markets’ spreads on EUR/USD?

On the Raw Spread account, EUR/USD spreads start from 0.0 pips with an average of 0.1 pips, plus $7 commission per standard lot round trip. Total cost averages about 0.8 pips per round trip, among the lowest in the industry. The Standard account offers 1.0 pip average spreads with no commission.

Can I scalp with IC Markets?

Yes, IC Markets explicitly allows scalping with no restrictions. This is one of their main advantages. The ultra-tight spreads (from 0.0 pips), fast execution (<40ms), and true ECN model make IC Markets one of the best brokers for scalping strategies.

What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets?

The minimum deposit is $200 for all account types (Raw Spread, Standard, and cTrader). This is higher than some competitors but reasonable for serious traders. IC Markets is designed for experienced traders rather than beginners experimenting with $10-$50.

Does IC Markets offer a demo account?

Yes, IC Markets offers unlimited free demo accounts with $100,000 virtual money. The demo provides real market conditions, all trading platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader), and has no time limit. It’s highly recommended to test their execution quality on demo before opening a live account.

Is IC Markets available for US traders?

No, IC Markets does not accept US clients due to regulatory restrictions. US traders should consider alternative brokers like OANDA, Forex.com, or Interactive Brokers that are registered with the CFTC and NFA.

What leverage does IC Markets offer?

Leverage varies by jurisdiction: ASIC and CySEC regulated accounts have maximum 1:30 leverage on major pairs (regulatory requirement). FSA regulated international accounts can access up to 1:500 leverage. Remember that high leverage is risky—use it responsibly.

Conclusion: A Top-Tier Broker for Serious Traders

IC Markets has earned its reputation as one of the world’s leading forex brokers, particularly for scalpers and professional traders. The combination of institutional-grade execution, razor-thin spreads, transparent pricing, and strong regulation creates a trading environment that’s hard to beat.

The strengths are clear:

• True ECN execution with 0.0 pip spreads
• Lightning-fast order execution (<40ms)
• Competitive $7 commission structure
• Multiple platform choices (MT4, MT5, cTrader)
• Strong multi-jurisdictional regulation
• 17+ year proven track record
• No hidden fees or withdrawal tricks

The limitations are minor:

• Not ideal for complete beginners (limited education)
• Not available in the United States
• Higher minimum deposit than some competitors
• Support only during market hours

For scalpers, day traders, and experienced traders, IC Markets deserves serious consideration. The trading conditions are exceptional, costs are among the industry’s lowest, and the regulatory framework provides safety and security.

Our recommendation: Start with a demo account to test IC Markets’ execution quality firsthand. If you’re satisfied with the performance (you likely will be), IC Markets is an excellent choice for your live trading—especially if scalping or high-frequency trading is your style.

Is IC Markets the best broker for scalping? Based on our comprehensive analysis, yes—it’s among the absolute best, if not the best, retail forex broker for scalping in 2026. The trading conditions, costs, and execution quality are exceptional, and the 17-year track record with strong regulation provides the confidence serious traders need.

Final recommendation: Highly recommended for scalpers, day traders, and experienced forex traders. Start with a demo, test the platform, and see for yourself why IC Markets has earned its reputation as a top-tier broker.