Hargreaves Lansdown vs IC Markets 2026: Which Broker is Better?
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 vs IC Markets: Key Differences
Hargreaves Lansdown
IC Markets
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Fees Comparison
Hargreaves Lansdown
IC Markets
Lower feesBrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Hargreaves Lansdown
2.8/5
Choose Hargreaves Lansdown if you want…
- No minimum deposit
- More established (est. 1981)
IC Markets
3.9/5
Choose IC Markets if you want…
- Higher overall rating (3.9/5)
- Higher leverage (up to 1:500)
- More regulatory licences (2)
- More market types (6)
Also consider
We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.
Both Hargreaves Lansdown & IC Markets are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Hargreaves Lansdown better than IC Markets?
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.
2Which has lower fees, Hargreaves Lansdown or IC Markets?
Hargreaves Lansdown offers spreads from 0 pips, while IC Markets starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Hargreaves Lansdown vs IC Markets?
Hargreaves Lansdown requires a minimum deposit of $0. IC Markets requires $200.
4Which broker is safer, Hargreaves Lansdown or IC Markets?
Hargreaves Lansdown is regulated by FCA, while IC Markets holds licences from ASIC, CySEC.
5What trading platforms do Hargreaves Lansdown and IC Markets support?
Hargreaves Lansdown supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both Hargreaves Lansdown and IC Markets?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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BrokerRank Research
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76% of Brokers Use Proprietary Platforms
BrokerRank Research — MT4 vs MT5 vs proprietary
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