AvaTrade vs IC Markets 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

AvaTrade, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a well-regulated broker, holding licences from leading authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), among others. This extensive regulatory oversight across six jurisdictions provides a robust safety net, ensuring client funds are well-protected through segregated accounts and compensation schemes.

IC Markets, established in 2007 and based in Sydney, Australia, is regulated by the ASIC and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). These regulatory bodies are known for their stringent requirements, offering a reliable level of safety for traders. While IC Markets has fewer regulatory licences compared to AvaTrade, their compliance with ASIC and CySEC standards ensures a secure trading environment with necessary fund protection mechanisms in place.

Fees & Spreads

When it comes to fees, AvaTrade offers commission-free trading on most accounts, with spreads starting from 0.9 pips. This makes it an appealing choice for traders who prefer not to pay commissions. However, the spreads are generally wider than those offered by ECN brokers. AvaTrade also charges an inactivity fee of $50 after three months, which could be a downside for less active traders. The minimum deposit requirement is $100, and maximum leverage is available up to 1:400.

IC Markets, on the other hand, is known for its ultra-low spreads, starting from 0.0 pips, although a commission of $3.5 per lot is charged on certain accounts. This combination of low spreads and reasonable commissions makes IC Markets highly attractive for high-frequency traders and scalpers. The minimum deposit is $200, and they offer a higher leverage of up to 1:500. IC Markets does not charge any inactivity fees, which could be beneficial for traders who do not trade regularly.

Trading Platforms

AvaTrade supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and its proprietary mobile platform. These platforms cater to different trading needs, with MT4 and MT5 providing comprehensive tools for technical analysis and automated trading. AvaTrade also integrates with copy trading platforms like ZuluTrade and DupliTrade. IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, and TradingView, along with its proprietary mobile platform. TradingView is a notable addition, providing sophisticated charting tools and a social trading community, appealing to traders who prefer advanced technical analysis and community engagement.

Who Should Choose AvaTrade?

• Traders who prioritise regulatory oversight and fund safety.
• Beginners seeking educational resources and guidance.
• Investors interested in copy trading options like ZuluTrade and DupliTrade.
• Those who prefer a low minimum deposit requirement of $100.

Who Should Choose IC Markets?

• Scalpers and high-frequency traders who benefit from ultra-low spreads and fast execution.
• Experienced traders seeking a higher leverage of 1:500.
• Investors who value comprehensive charting tools and community interaction via TradingView.
• Traders who prefer not to worry about inactivity fees.

Our Verdict

For beginners, AvaTrade emerges as the winner due to its strong regulatory framework and educational content. Professional traders may prefer IC Markets for its ultra-low spreads and fast execution. In terms of fees, IC Markets offers more competitive spreads, despite the commission, making it the better choice for cost-sensitive traders.