‌IC Markets vs FP Markets

IC Markets vs FP Markets – Trading Account Types

As an IC Markets or FP Markets trader, you have the choice of a standard commission-free account, an ECN-type commission account, or a Swap-free account designed for Islamic traders who observe Sharia law.

FP Markets customers wanting to focus on share trading via the broker’s proprietary trading platform, Iress, can sign up to a Standard, Platinum or Premier Iress Account, although commission costs are high and significant initial deposits are required. Trader wanting to trade Shares CFD may wish to consider this account as it offers Direct Markets Access (DMA) trading execution. If you only wish to trade Forex, the MetaTrader accounts a likely to be more suited.

IC Markets Account Types

When signing up to an IC Markets account, you have the choice of standard spreads that are commission-free or raw spreads where you pay a flat rate commission fee on each trade. Regardless of account type, an initial deposit of $200 is required. Depending on the commission fee structure and trading platform you prefer, the following account types are available:

• Standard Spread Account (MT4/MT5): Minimum spreads of 1.0 pip with no commission fees.
• Raw Spread Account (MT4/MT5): Lower spreads of 0.0 pips plus AUD $7 round turn commission fees.
• Raw Spread Account (cTrader): ECN-style spreads from 0.0 pips and AUD $6 round turn commission fees.

While spreads and commission fees are the key differences between IC Markets Raw and Standard account types, certain trading strategies are better suited to each account type.

If you trade infrequently or you are a beginner trader, IC Markets Standard account offers a simple pricing structure avoiding the need to calculate commission costs for each trade executed.

If you are planning to implement day trading, scalping or Expert Advisor trading strategies, the broker’s Raw accounts on cTrader or MetaTrader is an ideal account type. Raw accounts with ultra-tight spreads provide traders with an institutional style trading environment, offering some of the best prices currently available to retail investor accounts.

Swap Rates

Also known as rollover interest or overnight financing fees, a swap rate is an interest charged or received when a position is kept open longer than one day. While swap rates differ between currency pairs (the rate is determined by the interest rate differential between the currencies involved in the trade), all positions held open on a Wednesday night are charged triple swap rates.

Islamic Account

Often referred to as a Swap-Free Account, IC Markets Islamic account is designed for those following Islamic finance practises where the interest cannot be received or paid. Rather than paying overnight financing fees, IC Markets charges a flat rate fee for positions held open longer than one day. Overnight financing charges vary between currency pairs, ranging from $5 per lot to $50 per lot, with triple charges applicable on Friday evenings.

Islamic accounts are available with Raw or Standard spreads and commission fees and can be accessed through cTrader, MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5.

FP Markets Account Types

Similarly to IC Markets, two main pricing structures are offered by FP Markets. A low minimum deposit of $100 AUD is required to start trading, with commission fees and minimum spreads as follows:

• Standard Spread Account (MT4/MT5): Commission-free spreads starting from 1.0 pip.
• Raw Spread Account (MT4/MT5): Minimum spreads of 0.0 pips and USD $6 round turn commission fees.

Swap Rates

Whether you are using a Standard or Raw account, positions held open for longer than one day will incur swap charges. FP Markets offers a forex calculator online where you can estimate swap rates for overnight positions.

Islamic Accounts

FP Markets Islamic account is available on MT4 or MT5. Following Islamic finance practises, traders do not pay or receive swap rates (aka rollover interest). Instead, for positions that are held open overnight, a flat rate admin fee is applicable. The admin fee traders pay varies with the financial instrument involved. For instance, popular stock indices such as the AUS200 or UK100 pay USD $1 per night, per lot, while trades involving exotic currency pairs such as the EUR/ZAR pay a significant admin fee of USD $33 per night. For major forex pairs such as the AUD/USD, EUR/USD and GBP/USD, a $5 admin charge is incurred.

Iress Account

In addition to Raw, Standard and Islamic account types, FP Markets offer Iress accounts designed for trading shares among other CFDs. Initial minimum deposits are much higher than FP Markets Standard and Raw Accounts, with the three account tiers ranging from standard accounts with a $1000 minimum deposit requirement, to a premier Iress account that requires an initial deposit of $50,000.

Best Range of Account Types

As IC Markets and FP Markets offer both Standard, ECN-style and Swap-Free account types, the brokers tie this round. Similar minimum deposits are required, with minimum spreads of 0.0 pips promoted by both brokers via their Raw Accounts. Regardless of whether you aim to execute scalping strategies regularly, or a beginner trading infrequently, both brokers provide a suitable account type.

IC Markets vs FP Markets: Trading Instruments (CFDs)

In addition to forex trading, IC Market and FP Market traders can create diversified investment strategies using CFD instruments such as indices, commodities and shares. As discussed in the next section, market access varies greatly between trading platforms and customers should consider the asset classes they wish to trade before they choose an account type and trading platform.

IC Markets: Forex and CFD Trading

As well as forex trading, IC Markets clients can trade indices, commodities, metals, bonds, futures, shares and cryptocurrency CFDs.

• 60 currency pairs are available to trade as an IC Markets customers, with variable forex spreads on major, minor and exotic fx pairs.
• 23 index CFDs derived from global equity markets.
• 19+ commodity CFDs including softs, oil and gas.
• 7 metal CFDs with Gold, Silver, Palladium and Platinum valued against either the USD, EUR and AUD.
• 9 bond CFDs derived from securities issued by UK, EU, Japan, Italy and the United States Governments.
• 4 futures CFDs (MT4 only) including dollar index, volatility index, and oil futures.
• 10 major cryptocurrency CFDs: Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Lite Coin, Dash Coin, Ethereum, EOS, Ripple, Emercoin, PeerCoin and NameCoin.
• 120+ share CFDs (MT5 only) with popular companies listed on major stocks exchanges such as the NYSE and ASX.

FP Markets: Fx Pairs and CFDs

As shown below, FP Markets product range tends to be less diverse than IC Markets with no bonds and a significantly smaller number of commodities and crypto CFDs.

• 50-60 forex pairs, depending on the trading platform you are using (MT4 gains greater market access than MT5 or Iress).
• 12 major indices including the JP225, AUS200 and US500.
• 3 commodity CFDs restricted to crude oil products.
• 4 metal CFDs with Gold or Silver available against either the USD or AUD.
• 5 crypto CFDs limited to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash.
• 64 share CFDs on MetaTrader platforms and 10,000+ share CFDs via the broker’s proprietary investment platform, Iress.
• A range of ETFs and futures are accessible on the Iress trading platform.

Trading With Leverage

The maximum leverage you are offered by each broker is determined by the forex pair or CFD you are trading, as well as the subsidiary you are registered with. For instance, if you are trading major currency pairs with FP Markets or IC Markets ASIC regulated Australian branch or FCA regulated subsidiary in the UK, the maximum leverage offered is 30:1 for major currency pairs and 20:1 for minor and exotic pairs.

Maximum leverage on asset classes such as cryptocurrencies is much lower, with both brokers offering 2:1. Please note, retail traders are no longer able to access crypto markets under FCA regulation.

Both brokers offer a professional account to Australian, European and UK traders if you match the criteria and then you’ll be able to trade with increased leverage.

FP Markets vs IC Markets: Best Market Access

Both brokers offer great market access with 60 currency pairs, yet each has its own strength – FP Markets in shares and IC Markets in crypto. Although FP Markets provides access to over 10,000 stocks, you are required to sign up to an Iress account type and use the broker’s proprietary trading platform. IC Markets, on the other hand, offers a great selection of asset classes and 10 different cryptocurrency CFDs to choose from.

Trading Platforms

IC Markets and FP Markets each offer a choice of three trading platforms that are suited to different traders’ needs. Both brokers provide access to MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), with IC Markets also offering cTrader. FP Markets Iress Account holders can have the additional option of the broker’s proprietary platform, Iress.

MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 (FP and IC Markets)

MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) are two of the most popular trading platforms worldwide. With advanced technical analysis tools, automated trading features and an easy-to-use interface, the platforms are well-suited to beginner, intermediate or advanced traders.

Both FP Markets and IC Markets offer MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, although access may vary depending on the account type you are using.

Automating trading with Expert Advisors (EAs, aka trading robots) is becoming increasingly popular as EAs dramatically reduce the time spent conducting research and placing orders. As well as more efficient trading, Expert Advisors remove the human emotion when developing strategies, allowing the predetermined algorithm to identify opportunities, maximise gains, and minimise losses. Traders can develop their own EAs, or download existing EAs from the MetaTrader marketplace.

Algorithmic trading with EAs is available on both MT4 and MT5, although there are key differences in features between platforms that are explained below.

MetaTrader 4: The Original Forex Platform

Although commodities, indices and precious metals can be traded on MT4, the platform was initially designed to facilitate forex trading for retail investor accounts. While popular asset classes such as share CFDs and ETFs cannot be accessed on MT4, it is still incredibly popular due to its Expert Advisor features and analysis tools.

MT4 features that FP Markets and IC Markets traders can utilise include:

• Pre-installed charting and technical analysis tools: 30 technical indicators, 31 graphical objects, and 9 timeframes
• Expert Advisors are written using the MQL4 programming language
• Single currency backtesting for Expert Advisors
• Alerts and notifications
• Hedging only

IC Markets Advanced Trading Tools for MT4

A unique feature that IC Markets offers is a package of 20 trading tools compatible with MetaTrader 4. The add-ons include risk management and execution tools such as a mini terminal, tick chart trader and market manager. As well as add-on tools, the package provides additional indicators such as High-Low, Pivot and Renko indicators.

MetaTrader 5: An Enhanced Multi-Asset Trading Platform

MT5 users gain access to an expanded collection of trading and analysis tools such as:

• A greater range of inbuilt charting and analysis tools: 38 technical indicators, 44 graphical objects and 21 timeframes
• Expert Advisors are developed with the more efficient MQL5 language
• Enhanced multi-currency backtesting for EAs
• Hedging and netting

Additional features that MT5 users gain that are not offered by its predecessor include:

• ETF and share trading are permitted
• Level 2 depth of market pricing
• A built-in economic calendar

The various improvements to MT5 are well-suited to those wanting to execute day trading or scalping strategies due to the platform offering 21 different timeframes, plus a greater range of technical analysis tools.

Likewise, those using Expert Advisors may prefer MT5 over MT4, as the MQL5 programming language is comparable to the object-oriented C++ language. The more efficient MQL5 means it is easier for traders to learn the programming language, as well as write and edit EAs.

cTrader (IC Markets)

The forex trading platform is a good choice for beginner and advanced traders alike as it provides a user-friendly institutional-style trading environment.

Algorithmic Trading: Similarly to MetaTrader’s Expert Advisors, cTrader users can fully automate trading using cBots. cBots are developed using the software programming language, C#.

cTrader also offers ultra-fast execution speeds. Yet, while MetaTrader servers are hosted by Equinix’s New York Data Centre, cTrader servers are based in Equinix’s Data Centre in London. This may be advantageous for those wanting to focus on forex trading based in the United Kingdom or Europe. Additional cTrader features and tools include:

• Level 2 depth of market pricing
• 50 technical indicators and 26 timeframes
• One-click trading

Iress (FP Markets)

Ideal for those wanting to trade a wide range of Share CFDs, FP Markets proprietary trading platform, Iress, offers market access to ETFs and over 10,000 stocks. While commodities, futures, forex and indices are available, market access is limited (only 34 currency pairs available).

To access FP Markets Iress trading platform, customers must sign up to one of three Iress account types: Standard, Platinum or Premier. Other features of the trading Iress platform include:

• Analysis tools with 59 technical indicators and over 50 drawing tools
• Customisable charts that can be saved
• Alerts for news and price levels

Desktop, Webtrader and Mobile Trading

• MT4/MT5:  Desktop, webtrader, iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac
• cTrader: Desktop, Web, iOS, Android
• Iress: Web-based platforms (ViewPoint, Trader and Investor) as well as mobile apps

Best Trading Platform + Broker Combo?

While asset classes, trading tools and automated trading features are similar across platforms, the combination of IC Markets and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) wins this round.

With all of MT4’s features, plus level 2 depth of market, MQL5 to write EAs, extended analysis features as well as access to Share CFD markets, MT5 provides all the tools needed to develop diverse and effective trading strategies.

View IC Markets Review >>Visit IC Markets >>

Risk Management Features: FP Markets vs IC Markets

To manage the high risk of trading forex and CFDs, trading platform features such as order types and demo accounts can be used. Additionally, signing up with a broker that is regulated by top-tier financial authorities provides investors protection, although this varies between jurisdictions.

Trading Platform Risk Management

The order types available to manage risk vary between trading platforms. While market orders execute a trade at the current market price, pending orders can be used to buy and sell financial instruments at a predetermined price. You can use the following order types on MT4, MT5, cTrader and Iress to enter and exit markets at optimal times:

• Stop orders
• Limit orders
• Stop limit orders (MT5 only)
• Take profit
• Stop loss
• Trailing stop loss (MT5 only)

Managing Risk with Demo Accounts

Demo accounts are an additional risk management tool offered by both FP Markets and IC Markets. Demo accounts are useful for practising trading strategies against real-time market data, familiarising yourself with technical analysis as well as building confidence placing different orders.

• IC Markets: Demo accounts are available for all platforms, with a virtual trading balance of $50,000 provided and access granted for 30 days.
• FP Markets: When signing up to a demo account, you are given a trading balance of $100,000 in virtual funds. Although the broker does not enforce time restrictions on demo accounts, demos will be closed if there has not been any activity for 30 days.

Financial Regulation

IC Markets and FP Markets are overseen by top-tier financial authorities that ensure subsidiaries provide the correct level of investor protection, depending on the jurisdiction.

IC Markets

Depending on where you reside, you can register with an IC Markets subsidiary that is regulated by one of the following financial authorities:

1. Australia – The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
2. Europe – Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
3. International – Financial Services Authority FSA (Seychelles)

If you are a European or UK trader, IC Markets is required to provide negative balance protection. Negative balance protection is a policy enforced by certain financial authorities such as CySEC and the FCA to ensure you cannot lose more funds than you initially deposited. If your trading balance falls below zero, IC Markets will close all open positions to protect your account from entering a negative balance. As negative balance protection is not a legal requirement for FSA or ASIC regulated brokers, traders’ outside of the UK and Europe do not receive such protection.

FP Markets

With oversight from three major regulators, FP Markets is seen as a trusted broker. The broker’s policies aimed to protect investors differ between subsidiaries, with CySEC enforcing the strictest financial regulation overall.

1. Australia: The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
2. Europe: Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
3. International: Financial Services Authority FSA (St Vincent & The Grenadines)

If you are based in the UK or Europe, you can register with FP Markets CySEC regulated branch. As with IC Markets EU customers, FP Markets will provide negative balance protection. Those residing elsewhere have the option of the FSA or ASIC regulated subsidiaries, where negative balance protection is not a requirement.

Best Protection and Risk Management Overall

FP Markets and IC Markets are seen as trusted, highly regulated brokers that provide similar risk management tools and investor protection. Both brokers are regulated by ASIC and CySEC, with European and UK traders receiving negative balance protection.

Customer Service Features

When choosing a broker, the level of support and educational resources you require may vary whether you are new to trading or an experienced investor. Two main areas of customer service to look at before choosing a broker are:

1. Customer Support
2. Education and Research

IC Markets: Excellent Customer Service

1. Customer Support

A major benefit to trading with IC markets is that customer support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To get in touch with IC Markets representatives, you can use phone, email and live chat contact methods, all which provide quick and efficient responses.

• 24/7: Live chat, phone & email

2. Education and Research

Like the broker’s excellent customer support, IC Markets offers a wide range of educational materials and research tools to help expand your forex trading knowledge:

• Webinars and educational videos
• Trading platform tutorials
• Articles and Web TV that provide market analysis
• ‘Trading Ideas’ for MT4/MT5 users
• Newsfeeds showing significant market events

FP Markets Customer Service

1. Customer Support

Unlike IC Markets, FP Markets customer support is limited to 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. Phone, email and live chat contact methods are available, although the live chat function is known to be slow while providing irrelevant answers. Australian traders are provided with the additional option of visiting the broker’s head office, based in Sydney, Australia.

• 24/5: Phone, email & live chat

2. Education and Research

While FP Markets lacks the excellent webinars that IC Markets hosts, the broker still provides a good range of educational and research resources:

• Trading platform video tutorials
• Trading courses
• e-books freely available for download
• A Trading glossary
• Fundamental analysis provided by in-house analysts
• Economic calendar

IC Markets vs FP Markets: Best Customer Service?

With 24/7 customer support via live chat, email and phone, IC Markets offers the best customer service overall. In addition to customer support being helpful and efficient, the broker offers a wide range of educational resources and research tools. I design the education and research tools to help traders develop their trading knowledge while staying up to date with news and changes within financial markets.

Funding Methods

When funding your trading account, there are three key points to consider:

1. What base currencies are available?
2. What deposit and withdrawal methods are available? Are they fee-free?
3. Does the broker charge account management fees, such as inactivity fees?

IC Markets Funding

1. Selecting a Base Currency

When setting up your IC Markets account, a base currency needs to be selected. The broker offers CAD, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD, HKD, GBP, EUR and AUD as base currencies, regardless of whether you are signing up to a Raw or Standard account type.

2. Funding your Account

IC Markets offers 15 funding options, including traditional and e-wallet methods. The broker does not charge any deposit and withdrawal fees, yet third party fees may apply for certain withdrawal methods. When making withdrawals, funds will be returned via the same payment method the funds were initially deposited with.

Deposit and withdrawal methods available include the following:

• Credit card/debit card: UnionPay, Visa and Mastercard
• e-Wallet: PayPal, Neteller, Neteller VIP, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, POLi, Raidpay, Klarna and Bitcoin Wallet
• Bank Transfer: Wire Transfer, Vietnamese Internet Baking, Thai Internet Banking, Broker to Broker

Please note, each deposit methods accept specific currencies, i.e, UnionPay only accepts the Chinese Yuan and Bpay the Australian Dollar.

3. Account Fees

IC Markets do not charge account fees such as inactivity fees, making it an excellent low-cost broker for infrequent traders.

FP Markets Account Funding

1. Base Currencies

FP Markets can set up their trading account with one of the following base currencies: USD, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, GBP, HKD, GBP, EUR, CHF and CAD.

2. Deposit and Withdrawal Methods and Fees

The broker provides credit card, banking and e-wallet payment options. As with IC Markets, each payment method accepts different base currencies and may not be suitable for all traders and locations.

• Credit/Debit Card: Visa and MasterCard
• Banking: Domestic transfer, international bank wire, local bank transfer (Paytrust88)
• e-Wallet: Neteller, Skrill, FasaPay, Ngan Luong, PayPay and Online Pay

Apart from international broker to broker transfers where a $25 AUD fee applies, no deposit fees will be incurred if you use any of the above methods on MT4/MT5.

Withdrawal fees vary between payment method, credit cards and domestic bank wires are fee-free, while certain e-Wallet withdrawals can be charged up to USD $30.

3. Account Management Fees

FP Market customers incur no penalties for leaving their trading accounts dormant. Traders can stop placing orders for any length of time without incurring inactivity fees.

Best Funding Methods: FP Markets vs IC Markets

While FP Markets offers a good range of funding methods, a major disadvantage when trading with the broker is that certain e-wallets withdrawals can be charged up to $30. IC Markets offers a wide range of base currencies, fee-free deposit and withdrawal options plus no inactivity fees. Meaning when compared to FP Markets, IC Markets provide the best funding methods overall.

View IC Markets Review >>Visit IC Markets >>