Alpari 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 61/100).
Alpari, founded in 1998, is a trading name of Parlance Trading Ltd, licensed by the Mwali International Services Authority (an offshore regulator), offering Micro, Standard, ECN and Pro ECN accounts on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and the Alpari app.
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 | Alpari | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| TFB Score | 61/100 | 91/100▲ |
| Regulation & safety | 7/35Strongest licence MISA (tier 3) | 32/35▲2 tier-1 regulators (ASIC, CySEC), investor compensation |
| Fees & costs | 22/25All-in cost from 0.00 pips, no commission | 24/25▲All-in cost from 0.80 pips, no commission |
| Deposits & withdrawals | 16/20Minimum deposit $30 (Micro); $100 (Standard); $300 (ECN); $500 (Pro ECN), 5 deposit methods, 5 withdrawal methods | 17/20▲Minimum 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; leverage up to 1:3000 (ECN and Pro ECN, Parlance Trading Ltd) | 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 | MISA | FSA Seychelles, ASIC, CySEC |
| Minimum deposit | $30 (Micro); $100 (Standard); $300 (ECN); $500 (Pro ECN) | USD 200 (or currency equivalent; the help centre also says an account can be opened without any minimum) |
| Spreads from | 0.0 pips (Pro ECN); 0.8 pips (ECN); 1.2 pips (Standard; Micro from 1.5 pips) | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread); 0.8 pips (Standard) |
| Commission | None on Micro, Standard and ECN; Pro ECN forex $2.5 per lot traded | 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 | Up to 1:3000 (ECN and Pro ECN, Parlance Trading Ltd) | up to 1:5000 (Raw Trading Ltd, IC Markets Global; lower on some instruments) |
| Platforms | ||
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transfers, Debit and credit cards, E-wallets, Local payment methods, Cryptocurrency | To original deposit method, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, Bank wire (fee) |
| Retail accounts losing money | Not published | 73.46% |
Facts from each broker's own website and the regulators' registers. Full sources are on each review: Alpari review · IC Markets review.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers, from the facts shown on this page.
Is Alpari or IC Markets better?
IC Markets has the higher TFB Score (91/100 vs 61/100). The best choice depends on your country, platform and payment method.
Are Alpari and IC Markets regulated?
Alpari: MISA. IC Markets: FSA Seychelles, ASIC, CySEC. Every licence is linked to the regulator's register on each review.
Which is safer, Alpari or IC Markets?
Alpari holds no tier-1 licence; 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 Alpari and IC Markets?
Alpari: $30 (Micro); $100 (Standard); $300 (ECN); $500 (Pro ECN). IC Markets: USD 200 (or currency equivalent; the help centre also says an account can be opened without any minimum).
Which has tighter spreads, Alpari or IC Markets?
Published spreads start from 0.0 pips (Pro ECN); 0.8 pips (ECN); 1.2 pips (Standard; Micro from 1.5 pips) at Alpari and 0.0 pips (Raw Spread); 0.8 pips (Standard) at IC Markets; commission: Alpari None on Micro, Standard and ECN; Pro ECN forex $2.5 per lot traded, 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 Alpari and IC Markets offer MetaTrader and TradingView?
Both offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5. Alpari: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Alpari Mobile App. IC Markets: MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView.
What is the maximum leverage at Alpari and IC Markets?
Alpari: Up to 1:3000 (ECN and Pro ECN, Parlance Trading Ltd). IC Markets: up to 1:5000 (Raw Trading Ltd, IC Markets Global; lower on some instruments). Leverage depends on the company that opens your account and on your country.
More Alpari 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