ActivTrades vs IC Markets 2026
By Akash · Facts from the brokers’ own sites, sources linked on each review
IC Markets has the higher TFB Score (91/100 vs 78/100).
ActivTrades is a multi-entity CFD broker trading since 2001 whose UK entity ActivTrades PLC is FCA-regulated, offering MT4, MT5, ActivTrader and TradingView, with no minimum deposit in most jurisdictions.
69% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider.
IC Markets is a CFD broker offering MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader and TradingView with Standard and Raw Spread accounts; its global site is operated by Raw Trading Ltd, licensed by the FSA Seychelles.
73.46% of retail CFD accounts lose money with this provider.
Side by side
| Item | ActivTrades | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| TFB Score | 78/100 | 91/100▲ |
| Regulation & safety | 28/351 tier-1 regulator (FCA), investor compensation | 32/35▲2 tier-1 regulators (ASIC, CySEC), investor compensation |
| Fees & costs | 14/25Spreads from 0.5 pips; commission not published | 24/25▲All-in cost from 0.80 pips, no commission |
| Deposits & withdrawals | 20/20▲Minimum deposit No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions), 6 deposit methods, 6 withdrawal methods | 17/20Minimum deposit USD 200 (or currency equivalent; the help centre also says an account can be opened without any minimum), 9 deposit methods, 5 withdrawal methods |
| Platforms & trading | 16/20MT4, MT5, TradingView | 18/20▲MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView; leverage up to 1:5000 (Raw Trading Ltd, IC Markets Global; lower on some instruments) |
| Trader Score | No trader scores yet | No trader scores yet |
| Regulators | FCA | FSA Seychelles, ASIC, CySEC |
| Minimum deposit | No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions) | USD 200 (or currency equivalent; the help centre also says an account can be opened without any minimum) |
| Spreads from | 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread); 0.8 pips (Standard) |
| Commission | Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities) | USD 3.50 per lot per side (Raw Spread on MetaTrader, USD 7.0 round turn; cTrader and TradingView USD 3 per USD 100k; Standard no commission) |
| Max leverage | Not published | up to 1:5000 (Raw Trading Ltd, IC Markets Global; lower on some instruments) |
| Platforms | ||
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, Crypto | To original deposit method, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, Bank wire (fee) |
| Retail accounts losing money | 69% | 73.46% |
Facts from each broker's own website and the regulators' registers. Full sources are on each review: ActivTrades review · IC Markets review.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers, from the facts shown on this page.
Is ActivTrades or IC Markets better?
IC Markets has the higher TFB Score (91/100 vs 78/100). The best choice depends on your country, platform and payment method.
Are ActivTrades and IC Markets regulated?
ActivTrades: FCA. IC Markets: FSA Seychelles, ASIC, CySEC. Every licence is linked to the regulator's register on each review.
Which is safer, ActivTrades or IC Markets?
ActivTrades holds 1 tier-1 licence (FCA); IC Markets holds 2 (ASIC and CySEC). Tier-1 regulators have the strictest rules on client money. Your protection depends on which company opens your account.
What is the minimum deposit at ActivTrades and IC Markets?
ActivTrades: No minimum deposit (USD 250 in certain jurisdictions). IC Markets: USD 200 (or currency equivalent; the help centre also says an account can be opened without any minimum).
Which has tighter spreads, ActivTrades or IC Markets?
Published spreads start from 0.5 pips (forex CFDs) at ActivTrades and 0.0 pips (Raw Spread); 0.8 pips (Standard) at IC Markets; commission: ActivTrades Does not charge commissions on most of the products offered (including forex, indices and commodities), IC Markets USD 3.50 per lot per side (Raw Spread on MetaTrader, USD 7.0 round turn; cTrader and TradingView USD 3 per USD 100k; Standard no commission).
Do ActivTrades and IC Markets offer MetaTrader and TradingView?
Both offer MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and TradingView. ActivTrades: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, ActivTrader, TradingView. IC Markets: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView.
How many retail accounts lose money at ActivTrades and IC Markets?
ActivTrades states 69% and IC Markets states 73.46% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with them.
More ActivTrades comparisons
More IC Markets comparisons
Forex trading at these brokers is done through CFDs (contracts for difference): you trade on the price moving up or down, without owning the currency itself.Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Read the full risk warning