IC Markets
Top global candidate ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★4.7
Raw-spread pricing built around execution quality; 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 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★4.5
FCA, KNF and CySEC regulated and publicly listed since 2016. KNF fined it in 2026 over MiFID II conduct - worth knowing, not disqualifying for a broker this size.
Quick verdict
IC Markets scores higher overall (4.7 vs 4.5), 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 — ASIC (335692), CySEC (362/18), FSA Seychelles (SD018) - operating since 2007. XTB — FCA (522157), CySEC (169/12), KNF (0000217580) - operating since 2002, publicly listed (WSE) since 2016.
Minimum deposit: IC Markets — Commonly from $200, depending on entity. XTB — No minimum on standard account.
Overnight financing: IC Markets — Swap-free account switches to a per-lot holding fee after a 5-day grace period (~$9-11/lot on EUR/USD); rates are published openly, though forum reports include a large retroactive swap correction.. XTB — Swap-free is region-gated (not offered to UK/EU clients under the main entity) and its fee structure isn't confirmed on XTB's own site; standard rates are published and updated weekly..
Score breakdown
IC MarketsXTB
Regulation & licensing5.05.0
Trading costs5.04.0
Track record & reputation5.05.0
Client convenience4.54.5
Platforms & tools5.04.0
Account safety4.05.0
Overnight financing (swaps)3.53.5
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
RegulationASIC (335692), CySEC (362/18), FSA Seychelles (SD018) - operating since 2007FCA (522157), CySEC (169/12), KNF (0000217580) - operating since 2002, publicly listed (WSE) since 2016
Minimum depositCommonly from $200, depending on entityNo minimum on standard account
Overnight financingSwap-free account switches to a per-lot holding fee after a 5-day grace period (~$9-11/lot on EUR/USD); rates are published openly, though forum reports include a large retroactive swap correction.Swap-free is region-gated (not offered to UK/EU clients under the main entity) and its fee structure isn't confirmed on XTB's own site; standard rates are published and updated weekly.
IC Markets strengths
- Raw spread model
- Deep platform choice
- ASIC and CySEC licensed since 2007
XTB strengths
- Publicly traded (transparent reporting)
- xStation 5 with no MetaTrader dependency
- 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 xStation 5 with no MetaTrader dependency.
Common questions
IC Markets vs XTB FAQ
Is IC Markets better than XTB?
IC Markets scores higher in our rating (4.7 vs 4.5), 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: ASIC (335692), CySEC (362/18), FSA Seychelles (SD018) - operating since 2007. XTB: FCA (522157), CySEC (169/12), KNF (0000217580) - operating since 2002, publicly listed (WSE) since 2016.