IC Markets
Top global candidate ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★4.9
Active partner program; confirm the available legal entity and trading conditions for your country.
IC Markets vs XTB
A side-by-side look at IC Markets and XTB — score, fees, platforms and who each one actually fits best.
XTB
Publicly listed, transparent ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★4.8
FCA, KNF and CySEC regulated with a real, accessible affiliate program. KNF fined it in 2026 for MiFID II conduct issues — worth disclosing, not disqualifying for a large public broker.
Quick verdict
IC Markets scores higher overall (4.9 vs 4.8), but a higher score doesn't automatically mean it's the right pick for you.
IC Markets is the stronger fit for low-spread trading, scalping, MT4/MT5/cTrader workflows, while XTB is built more around beginner-friendly education, EU/UK regulated access.
Regulation: IC Markets — Global group with multiple regulated entities. XTB — FCA (UK), KNF (Poland), CySEC (Cyprus).
Minimum deposit: IC Markets — Commonly from $200, depending on entity. XTB — No minimum on standard account.
Side by side
IC MarketsXTB
Best forLow-spread trading, scalping, MT4/MT5/cTrader workflowsBeginner-friendly education, EU/UK regulated access
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingViewxStation 5 only
RegulationGlobal group with multiple regulated entitiesFCA (UK), KNF (Poland), CySEC (Cyprus)
Minimum depositCommonly from $200, depending on entityNo minimum on standard account
IC Markets strengths
- Raw spread model
- Deep platform choice
- Strong partner program
XTB strengths
- Publicly traded (transparent reporting)
- Accessible affiliate program
- Strong education content
Which one should you pick?
Pick IC Markets if you're mainly after low-spread trading, scalping, MT4/MT5/cTrader workflows. It stands out for raw spread model and deep platform choice.
Pick XTB if you're mainly after beginner-friendly education, EU/UK regulated access. It stands out for publicly traded (transparent reporting) and accessible affiliate program.
Common questions
IC Markets vs XTB FAQ
Is IC Markets better than XTB?
IC Markets scores higher in our rating (4.9 vs 4.8), but XTB may still be the better fit if you specifically need beginner-friendly education, EU/UK regulated access.
What's the difference in regulation between IC Markets and XTB?
IC Markets: Global group with multiple regulated entities. XTB: FCA (UK), KNF (Poland), CySEC (Cyprus).