ActivTrades
IC Markets
VS
Higher Rated
IC Markets
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
In the competitive landscape of online trading, ActivTrades and IC Markets stand out as two prominent brokers catering to different types of traders. ActivTrades, with its headquarters in London and regulation by the FCA and CySEC, appeals to traders prioritising security and advanced risk management tools, offering a broad range of markets including forex, CFDs, and stocks without a minimum deposit requirement. Conversely, IC Markets, based in Sydney and regulated by ASIC and CySEC, is tailored for those seeking ultra-low spreads and fast execution, making it ideal for high-frequency traders despite its $200 minimum deposit. The critical distinction lies in their trading costs and platform offerings, with ActivTrades focusing on comprehensive trading tools and IC Markets excelling in cost-effectiveness and execution speed.
ActivTrades
IC Markets
| ActivTrades | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.6/5 | 3.9/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 ✓ | $200 |
| Spread from | 0.5 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:500 ✓ |
| Regulation | FCA, CySEC | ASIC, CySEC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
IC Markets is the better choice overall, scoring 3.9/5 vs 3.6/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, IC Markets offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowActivTrades
IC Markets
ActivTrades
IC Markets
ActivTrades
3.6/5
Choose ActivTrades if you want…
IC Markets
3.9/5
Choose IC Markets if you want…
IC Markets scores higher overall on our independent rating system. ActivTrades holds a 3.6/5 rating vs IC Markets's 3.9/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
ActivTrades offers spreads from 0.5 pips, while IC Markets starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
ActivTrades requires a minimum deposit of $0. IC Markets requires $200.
ActivTrades is regulated by FCA, CySEC, while IC Markets holds licences from ASIC, CySEC.
ActivTrades supports MT4, MT5, Proprietary Web. IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary Mobile.
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Only 26% of Brokers Are Truly Fee-Free
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58% of Brokers Hold a Single Licence
BrokerRank Research — Regulation quality analysis
71% of Retail Traders Lose Money
BrokerRank Research — Loss rates across 50 EU brokers
76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
BrokerRank Research — MT4 vs MT5 vs proprietary
Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.