IC Markets vs Firstrade 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between IC Markets and Firstrade depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. IC Markets is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, while Firstrade operates from New York, USA. Firstrade has the longer track record, established in 1985, compared to IC Markets which was founded in 2007. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
IC Markets
Firstrade
| IC Markets | Firstrade | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 3.9/5 ✓ | 3.4/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $200 | $0 ✓ |
| Spread from | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 ✓ | 1:2 |
| Regulation | ASIC, CySEC | SEC, CFTC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
IC Markets is the better choice overall, scoring 3.9/5 vs 3.4/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, IC Markets offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowIC Markets vs Firstrade: Key Differences
IC Markets
Firstrade
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Fees Comparison
IC Markets
Firstrade
Lower feesRegulation & Trust
IC Markets holds licences from ASIC, CySEC. Firstrade is regulated by SEC, CFTC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices markets. IC Markets additionally covers Forex, Cfd, Crypto.
Trading Platforms
IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary Mobile. Firstrade offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Mobile.
Minimum Deposit
IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, while Firstrade sets no minimum deposit. This makes Firstrade accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores IC Markets at 3.87/5 and Firstrade at 3.41/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. IC Markets leads overall with a clear advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
IC Markets
3.9/5
Choose IC Markets if you want…
- Higher overall rating (3.9/5)
- Higher leverage (up to 1:500)
- More market types (6)
- More platforms (4 supported)
Firstrade
3.4/5
Choose Firstrade if you want…
- No per-trade commission
- No minimum deposit
- More established (est. 1985)
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 IC Markets & Firstrade are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is IC Markets better than Firstrade?
IC Markets scores higher overall on our independent rating system. IC Markets holds a 3.9/5 rating vs Firstrade's 3.4/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, IC Markets or Firstrade?
IC Markets offers spreads from 0 pips, while Firstrade starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets vs Firstrade?
IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200. Firstrade requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, IC Markets or Firstrade?
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, while Firstrade holds licences from SEC, CFTC.
5What trading platforms do IC Markets and Firstrade support?
IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary Mobile. Firstrade supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both IC Markets and Firstrade?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
Key Trading Terms
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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
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