IC Markets vs InstaForex: Comparison

Andriy BondarenkoAndriy Bondarenko
  • Year Founded: 2007
  • Broker Type: ECN, DMA
  • Platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, TradingView
  • Spread: Low
  • Maximum Leverage: 1:500
  • Minimum Deposit: $200
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  • Year Founded: 2007
  • Broker Type: MM
  • Platforms: MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), InstaForex
  • Spread: High
  • Maximum Leverage: 1:1000
  • Minimum Deposit: $1
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Our pick:

IC Markets

Based on multiple factors—spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, platforms and execution speed, quality of support and educational resources. This is not financial advice.

Comparison of IC Markets and InstaForex

FeatureIC MarketsInstaForex
Broker
Year Founded20072007
Broker TypeECN, DMAMM
DealingA-bookB-book
ExecutionMarketInstant, Market
RegulationSFSA, ASIC, CySEC, CMABVIFSC, CySEC, SVGFSA
PlatformsMetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, TradingViewMetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), InstaForex
Spread Low High
Maximum Leverage1:5001:1000
Minimum Deposit$200$1
Base CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD, HKDUSD, EUR, RUB
Funding MethodsBank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Neteller, PayPal, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, POLi, RapidpayBank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, YooMoney, PayCo, AstroPay, Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Cardano (ADA), Dash (DASH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Binance Coin (BNB), EOS (EOS), XRP (XRP), NEO (NEO)
Inactivity Fee$10 per month after 3 months
Interest on Margin
Withdrawal Fee0-5%
Investor ProtectionInvestor Compensation Fund (ICF)Investor Compensation Fund (ICF)
Protection Size€20 000€20 000
Segregated Accounts
Negative Balance Protection
Guaranteed Stop Loss
Copy Trading
VPS
MAM/PAMM
Scalping Allowed
EAs/Robots
Depth of Market (DOM)
Tradable Assets (CFDs)Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Energies, Soft CommoditiesCurrencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities, Cryptocurrencies
ReviewIC Markets ReviewInstaForex Review

About IC Markets

IC Markets is a leading forex and CFD broker, well-known for its exceptional trading conditions and advanced technology. Established in 2007 and regulated by multiple top-tier authorities, including ASIC, CySEC, and the FSA Seychelles, IC Markets has earned a solid reputation among retail and institutional traders alike. The broker is particularly favored by scalpers, day traders, and algorithmic traders for its ultra-tight spreads, fast execution speeds, and no-dealing-desk (NDD) model. With access to powerful platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, IC Markets offers a seamless trading experience across various asset classes, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. Its focus on transparency, competitive pricing, and exceptional liquidity ensures that traders can execute strategies efficiently. However, while IC Markets excels in trading infrastructure, it offers limited educational resources, which may not fully cater to beginners.

Pros

  • Regulated by top-tier authorities (ASIC, CySEC)
  • Tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips on Raw Spread accounts
  • No dealing desk (NDD) model ensures transparent and fast execution
  • Excellent platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader
  • High liquidity and competitive pricing ideal for scalping and algorithmic trading
  • Wide range of tradable assets, including cryptocurrencies
  • Dedicated 24/7 customer support

Cons

  • Restricted availability in some regions due to regulatory constraints
  • Withdrawal fees may apply for certain methods

About InstaForex

InstaForex is a globally recognized forex broker established in 2007, offering a comprehensive range of trading services to both novice and experienced traders. Renowned for its user-friendly trading platforms, including MetaTrader 4 and its proprietary InstaForex platform, the broker provides access to a wide array of financial instruments such as currency pairs, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies. InstaForex distinguishes itself with competitive spreads, various account types tailored to different trading needs, and robust customer support available in multiple languages. Additionally, the broker offers educational resources and promotional bonuses, making it an attractive choice for traders seeking both flexibility and support in their trading endeavors.

Pros

  • Access to numerous currency pairs, commodities, indices, cryptocurrencies, and more
  • Availability of MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and the proprietary InstaForex platform
  • Various account options catering to different trading styles and experience levels
  • Comprehensive materials including webinars, tutorials, and articles to aid trader education
  • Customer service available in several languages to accommodate a diverse client base
  • Regular bonuses and incentives for both new and existing clients

Cons

  • Certain withdrawal methods may incur additional fees, affecting overall trading costs
  • Charges may apply for dormant accounts, which can be a drawback for less active traders

IC Markets & InstaForex Regulation

Companies
IC Markets
Raw Trading Ltd, International Capital Markets Pty Ltd, IC Markets (EU) Ltd, IC Markets (KE) Limited
InstaForex
Instant Trading Ltd, Instant Trading EU Ltd, Insta Service Ltd, Insta Global Ltd
Countries
IC Markets
Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya
InstaForex
British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Regulators
IC Markets
SFSA, ASIC, CySEC, CMA
InstaForex
BVIFSC, CySEC, SVGFSA
Investor Protection
IC Markets
Investor Compensation Fund (ICF)
InstaForex
Investor Compensation Fund (ICF)
Investor Protection Size
IC Markets
€20 000
InstaForex
€20 000
Publicly Traded
IC Markets
InstaForex
Segregated Accounts
IC Markets
InstaForex
Guaranteed Stop Loss
IC Markets
InstaForex
Negative Balance Protection
IC Markets
InstaForex

Account Types

Market Maker Account
Account Name
IC Markets
InstaForex
Eurica
Min Deposit
IC Markets
InstaForex
$1
Lot Size
IC Markets
InstaForex
0.01
Spread Type
IC Markets
InstaForex
Floating
Execution
IC Markets
InstaForex
Market
Min Spread
IC Markets
InstaForex
0.1
Fee
IC Markets
InstaForex
$6 per 1 lot
Max Leverage
IC Markets
InstaForex
1:1000
Stop Out
IC Markets
InstaForex
10%
Margin Call
IC Markets
InstaForex
30%
ECN Account
Account Name
IC Markets
Standard
InstaForex
Min Deposit
IC Markets
$200
InstaForex
Lot Size
IC Markets
0.01
InstaForex
Spread Type
IC Markets
Floating
InstaForex
Execution
IC Markets
Market
InstaForex
Min Spread
IC Markets
0.6
InstaForex
Fee
IC Markets
No
InstaForex
Max Leverage
IC Markets
1:500
InstaForex
Stop Out
IC Markets
50%
InstaForex
Margin Call
IC Markets
100%
InstaForex
Zero Account
Account Name
IC Markets
Raw Spread
InstaForex
Min Deposit
IC Markets
$200
InstaForex
Lot Size
IC Markets
0.01
InstaForex
Spread Type
IC Markets
Floating
InstaForex
Execution
IC Markets
Market
InstaForex
Min Spread
IC Markets
0
InstaForex
Fee
IC Markets
$7 per 1 lot
InstaForex
Max Leverage
IC Markets
1:500
InstaForex
Stop Out
IC Markets
50%
InstaForex
Margin Call
IC Markets
100%
InstaForex
Fix Spread Account
Account Name
IC Markets
InstaForex
Standard
Min Deposit
IC Markets
InstaForex
$1
Lot Size
IC Markets
InstaForex
0.01
Spread Type
IC Markets
InstaForex
Fixed
Execution
IC Markets
InstaForex
Instant
Min Spread
IC Markets
InstaForex
3
Fee
IC Markets
InstaForex
No
Max Leverage
IC Markets
InstaForex
1:1000
Stop Out
IC Markets
InstaForex
10%
Margin Call
IC Markets
InstaForex
30%
Cent Account
Account Name
IC Markets
InstaForex
Cent
Min Deposit
IC Markets
InstaForex
$1
Lot Size
IC Markets
InstaForex
0.01
Spread Type
IC Markets
InstaForex
Floating
Execution
IC Markets
InstaForex
Instant
Min Spread
IC Markets
InstaForex
3
Fee
IC Markets
InstaForex
No
Max Leverage
IC Markets
InstaForex
1:1000
Stop Out
IC Markets
InstaForex
10%
Margin Call
IC Markets
InstaForex
30%
Additional Features
Demo Account
IC Markets
InstaForex
VIP Account
IC Markets
InstaForex
Swap-Free Account
IC Markets
InstaForex
Copy Trading
IC Markets
InstaForex
VPS
IC Markets
InstaForex
PAMM/MAM Accounts
IC Markets
InstaForex

Funding and Fees

Base currencies
IC Markets
USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD, HKD
InstaForex
USD, EUR, RUB
Deposit and withdrawal methods
IC Markets
Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Neteller, PayPal, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, POLi, Rapidpay
InstaForex
Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, YooMoney, PayCo, AstroPay, Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Cardano (ADA), Dash (DASH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Binance Coin (BNB), EOS (EOS), XRP (XRP), NEO (NEO)
Inactivity fee
IC Markets
InstaForex
$10 per month after 3 months
Interest on margin
IC Markets
InstaForex
Withdrawal fee
IC Markets
InstaForex
0-5%

Trading Platforms and Conditions

Trading Platforms
IC Markets
MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader, TradingView
InstaForex
MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), InstaForex
Execution Speed
IC Markets
40 ms
InstaForex
-
Scalping
IC Markets
InstaForex
Expert Advisors (EAs)
IC Markets
InstaForex
Depth of Market (DOM)
IC Markets
InstaForex
Spread
IC Markets
low
InstaForex
high

Trading Assets

Currencies
IC Markets
61
InstaForex
108
Indices
IC Markets
25
InstaForex
21
Stocks
IC Markets
2175
InstaForex
1448
Cryptocurrencies
IC Markets
21
InstaForex
72
Bonds
IC Markets
10
InstaForex
0
Metals
IC Markets
7
InstaForex
8
Energies
IC Markets
5
InstaForex
6
Soft Commodities
IC Markets
8
InstaForex
13
ETFs
IC Markets
38
InstaForex
67

Education and Analytics

Economic Calendar
IC Markets
InstaForex
Indicators
IC Markets
InstaForex
Robots
IC Markets
InstaForex
Signals
IC Markets
InstaForex
Autochartist
IC Markets
InstaForex
Expert Analytics
IC Markets
InstaForex
News Feed
IC Markets
InstaForex
Education Articles
IC Markets
InstaForex
Webinars
IC Markets
InstaForex
Seminars
IC Markets
InstaForex

Bonuses

Welcome Bonus
Is available
IC Markets
InstaForex
Size
IC Markets
InstaForex
100%, up to $2,000
Details
IC Markets
InstaForex
No Deposit Bonus
Is available
IC Markets
InstaForex
Size
IC Markets
InstaForex
$1000
Details
IC Markets
InstaForex

Contests

Demo Contests
Is available
IC Markets
InstaForex
Contests List
IC Markets
InstaForex
  • Great Race
    Start Balance: $100000 · Prize Pool: $55000 · Period: Monthly
    Learn More
  • Sniper
    Start Balance: $10000 · Prize Pool: $1500 · Period: Weekly
    Learn More
  • FX-1 Rally
    Start Balance: $40,000 · Prize Pool: $1500 · Period: Weekly
    Learn More
  • Lucky Trader
    Start Balance: $30,000 · Prize Pool: $3,000 · Period: Every 2 Weeks
    Learn More
  • Real Scalping
    Start Balance: $20,000 · Prize Pool: $6,000 · Period: Monthly
    Learn More

Customer Support

Phone
IC Markets
InstaForex
Facebook
IC Markets
InstaForex
LinkedIn
IC Markets
InstaForex
YouTube
IC Markets
InstaForex
Instagram
IC Markets
InstaForex
Twitter
IC Markets
InstaForex

Which Broker is Better?

After comparing IC Markets and InstaForex, IC Markets comes out ahead as our overall pick. It ranks higher in our internal scoring and delivers a stronger balance of pricing (spreads/fees), platform experience, and product range. That said, the runner-up may still be a better fit if you prioritize specific needs—like a particular account type, funding method, or niche instruments. This is not financial advice; always choose a broker that matches your goals and local regulatory requirements.

More Comparisons

Andriy Bondarenko

Andriy Bondarenko

Broker Analyst

Andriy is a seasoned expert in broker reviews with over a decade of experience in finance and trading. Under his leadership, the team produces in-depth and unbiased analyses of leading trading platforms.