Hargreaves Lansdown
IC Markets
VS
Higher Rated
IC Markets
Capital at risk · T&Cs apply
In the realm of broker comparison, Hargreaves Lansdown and IC Markets cater to distinctly different trading needs. Hargreaves Lansdown, with its robust 40-year track record and focus on UK-based investments, suits investors interested in long-term growth through stocks and funds, facilitated by its comprehensive research tools and award-winning mobile app. Conversely, IC Markets appeals to active traders, particularly those in the forex and CFD markets, offering ultra-low spreads and fast execution speeds through popular trading platforms like MT4 and MT5. The key difference lies in their market focus and trading conditions, where Hargreaves Lansdown is ideal for traditional investors, and IC Markets is tailored for active traders seeking leverage and diverse market exposure.
Hargreaves Lansdown
IC Markets
| Hargreaves Lansdown | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 2.8/5 | 3.9/5 ✓ |
| Min. Deposit | $0 ✓ | $200 |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:1 | 1:500 ✓ |
| Regulation | FCA | ASIC, CySEC ✓ |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
IC Markets is the better choice overall, scoring 3.9/5 vs 2.8/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Hargreaves Lansdown offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowHargreaves Lansdown
IC Markets
WinnerHargreaves Lansdown
IC Markets
Lower fees
Hargreaves Lansdown
2.8/5
Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want…
IC Markets
3.9/5
Choose IC Markets if you want…
IC Markets scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Hargreaves Lansdown holds a 2.8/5 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.
Hargreaves Lansdown offers spreads from 0 pips, while IC Markets starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
Hargreaves Lansdown requires a minimum deposit of $0. IC Markets requires $200.
Hargreaves Lansdown is regulated by FCA, while IC Markets holds licences from ASIC, CySEC.
Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. 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
BrokerRank Research — Hidden costs across 345 brokers
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.