What is the minimum deposit for XM vs IC Markets?

XM minimum deposit: $5 for Micro and Standard accounts. IC Markets minimum deposit: $200 for all account types. This is a significant difference for new traders — XM allows genuine live trading from just $5 on micro-lots, while IC Markets requires a $200 commitment to access the platform.

Which broker has tighter spreads — XM or IC Markets?

IC Markets has tighter raw spreads — EUR/USD from 0.0 pip on Raw accounts (average 0.02–0.1 pip) with $3.50/lot commission. XM Ultra Low averages 0.6–0.8 pip on EUR/USD with no commission. On an effective total cost basis at 1 standard lot, XM Ultra Low ($7) and IC Markets Raw ($7 commission + minimal spread ≈ $7–8) are approximately equal. IC Markets wins at 2+ lots where commission becomes proportionally cheaper.

Does IC Markets offer a no deposit bonus?

No. IC Markets does not offer deposit bonuses, no deposit bonuses, or trading promotions of any kind. XM offers a no deposit bonus (~$30 free credit, eligible regions) and a 50% deposit bonus on Standard and Micro accounts. If bonus promotions are part of your trading plan, XM is the clear choice.

XM vs IC Markets 2026 — Full Broker Comparison: Spreads, Leverage & Withdrawal

Both Brokers Tested — May 2026

XM vs IC KwiimarikeFull 2026 Comparison — Spreads, Min. Deposit, Leverage & Who Should Choose Which

Q: Is XM or IC Markets better?

IC Markets is better for raw spread trading and scalping — EUR/USD from 0.0 pip on Raw accounts with $3.50/lot commission. XM is better for beginners ($5 minimum vs IC Markets $200 minimum), bonus hunters (no deposit bonus, 50% deposit bonus), and Islamic account holders. XM also allows trading before KYC approval. IC Markets wins on spread; XM wins on accessibility and bonuses.

IC Markets leads on raw spread quality. XM leads on accessibility, bonuses, and Islamic accounts. Based on live accounts at both brokers, here is the objective comparison.

Open XM Account → Full XM Review

Affiliate disclosure: we earn commission from XM links · IC Markets links are not affiliate · Comparison is editorially independent

XEM Signup Editorial TeamLive accounts held at both XM and IC Markets — spreads and conditions verified May 2026

Updated May 2026Both Tested8 min read

XM vs IC Markets — Full Comparison Table

Category	XM	IC Markets	Winner
Minimum Deposit	$5 (Micro/Standard)	$200 (all accounts)	XM ✓
EUR/USD Spread (best acct)	~0.7 pip (Ultra Low, no comm)	~0.02 pip (Raw, + $3.50/lot)	IC Markets ✓
Total Cost at 1 lot EUR/USD	~$7 (Ultra Low)	~$7–8 (spread + comm)	Similar
Akukho Idiphozithi Ibhonasi	✓ Yes (~$30)	✗ Akukho	XM ✓
50% Deposit Bonus	✓ Ewe	✗ Akukho	XM ✓
Islamic-Akhawunti	✓ Micro, Standard, Ultra Low	✗ Not available	XM ✓
Umqathango wama -	CySEC, ASIC, DFSA, IFSC (+2)	ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles)	Both regulated
Platforms	MT4, MT5, WebTrader, Mobile	MT4, MT5, cTrader	IC Markets ✓
Inactivity Fee	$10/month after 90 days	Akukho nanye	IC Markets ✓
Trading Before KYC	✓ Ewe	✗ No (KYC required first)	XM ✓
Ubukhulu Leverage	1:1000 (IFSC)	1:500 (FSA entity)	XM ✓

✓ Bottom Line

XM wins for beginners, bonus seekers, Muslim traders, and those wanting a simple no-commission spread account from $5. IC Markets wins for experienced scalpers who trade high volume and want the absolute tightest raw spread with cTrader access. The total trading cost at 1 standard lot is approximately equal between both brokers — the difference is in accessibility and extras.

Who Should Choose XM vs IC Markets?

Choose XM If:

→Starting with less than $200
→Want the no deposit or 50% deposit bonus
→Muslim trader needing Islamic account
→Prefer no-commission spread accounts
→Want to trade before KYC is approved
→Need local payment methods (Indonesia, Malaysia)

Choose IC Markets If:

→You are a high-volume scalper (2+ lots/trade)
→You want the cTrader platform
→You prioritise absolute tightest raw spread
→No inactivity fee matters to you
→You can deposit $200+ and do not need bonuses

Spreads & Execution — Detailed Breakdown

IC Markets is widely regarded as one of the tightest-spread brokers in the retail space. Their Raw account averages EUR/USD 0.02–0.08 pip during London session — genuinely near-zero. XM Ultra Low averages 0.6–0.8 pip. The difference is real and significant for high-frequency traders.

However, IC Markets charges $3.50/lot/side commission on Raw accounts. At 1 standard lot: IC Markets total cost = ~$0.80 spread + $7.00 commission = $7.80. XM Ultra Low = $7.00 spread, no commission. At 1 lot, XM Ultra Low is marginally cheaper. At 5 lots: IC Markets = $4.00 + $35.00 = $39.00. XM = $35.00. IC Markets still costs more at 5 lots due to commission structure. The advantage only becomes clear at very high volumes (10+ lots) where the near-zero spread compounds.

Platform Comparison

Both brokers offer MT4 and MT5. IC Markets additionally offers cTrader — a platform preferred by many experienced traders for its depth of market view, one-click trading, and cleaner interface. XM counters with its proprietary WebTrader (TradingView-based) and mobile app with copy trading. If cTrader is a requirement, IC Markets is the only option — XM does not offer cTrader.

Execution Quality

IC Markets uses ECN execution — your order goes directly to liquidity providers without a dealing desk. XM uses market execution with no dealing desk on Ultra Low and Zero accounts (STP execution). In practice, at retail order sizes (0.01–10 lots), execution quality is comparable between the two brokers. Both offer negative balance protection and no re-quotes policy.

Regulation, Safety & Withdrawal

Both brokers are well-regulated. XM holds licences from CySEC (Cyprus/EU), ASIC (Australia), DFSA (Dubai), IFSC (Belize), SCA (UAE), and FSCA (South Africa) — six regulatory bodies. IC Markets holds ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus/EU), and FSA (Seychelles) licences. Both maintain segregated client funds and offer negative balance protection.

For withdrawal speed: both brokers process e-wallet withdrawals (Skrill, Neteller) within 24 business hours. IC Markets typically processes same-day for most methods. XM's Skrill withdrawal tested at 2–6 hours in our experience. Neither is as fast as Exness which processes instantly and automatically.

A key practical advantage for XM: you can deposit and trade before KYC is approved. IC Markets requires KYC verification before you can access the trading platform at all. For traders who want to start immediately after registration, XM has a structural advantage.

✓ Our Overall Verdict

IC Markets wins on raw spread and cTrader access. XM wins on minimum deposit ($5 vs $200), bonuses, Islamic accounts, and the ability to trade before KYC approval. At 1 standard lot, total trading cost is approximately equal between both brokers. Choose based on your specific priorities — there is no universal winner.

Frequently Asked Questions — XM vs IC Markets

Is XM or IC Markets better?+

IC Markets is better for raw spread scalping — EUR/USD from 0.0 pip on Raw accounts. XM is better for beginners ($5 vs $200 minimum), bonus hunters, and Muslim traders needing Islamic accounts. At 1 standard lot, total trading cost is approximately equal at both brokers. Choose based on your priorities: accessibility and bonuses (XM) or tightest raw spread and cTrader (IC Markets).

What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets?+

IC Markets requires a $200 minimum deposit for all account types. XM's minimum is just $5 for Micro and Standard accounts — 40× lower. This makes XM significantly more accessible for new traders or anyone wanting to start with minimal capital. See our XM ubuncinane idiphozithi isikhokelo for a full breakdown by account type.

Does IC Markets offer an Islamic account?+

IC Markets does not offer an Islamic (swap-free) account. XM offers Islamic accounts on Micro, Standard, and Ultra Low accounts — free to request via live chat, approved within 1 business day. For Muslim traders, XM is the clear choice. See our XM Islamic-akhawunti isikhokelo for full details.

Which broker has better regulation — XM or IC Markets?+

Both are well-regulated. XM: CySEC (EU), ASIC (Australia), DFSA (Dubai), SCA (UAE), FSCA (South Africa), IFSC (Belize). IC Markets: ASIC (Australia), CySEC (EU), FSA (Seychelles). Both maintain segregated client funds and negative balance protection. No meaningful safety difference for retail traders — both have operated without major fraud incidents for 10+ years.

Open XM Account — From $5

Better for beginners, bonus hunters, and Islamic account holders. No deposit bonus available in eligible regions. Start from just $5 on a Micro account.

Open XM Account → Full XM Review

Affiliate disclosure: we earn commission from XM links · IC Markets links are not affiliate · Comparison is editorially independent

Comparison based on publicly available information and live account experience as of May 2026. Broker conditions may change. Trading involves significant risk. XM does not accept clients from the USA, Canada, Israel, or Iran.