FxPro vs IC Markets: Trade with the best broker (2021 guide)

FxPro vs IC Markets Review

IC Markets is a no dealing desk (NDD), ECN-style broker (electronic communications network) that provides access to CFD and forex markets for retail investors. On the other hand, FxPro promotes itself as neither a market maker, STP or ECN broker instead they apply their own NDD execution system for trading. In this review, we assess the broker’s ECN-like spreads, trading account and platform options, as well as fees, trading tools and customer support. Read on to see which broker wins when FxPro and IC Markets go head to head.

FxPro vs IC Markets Review

FxPro vs IC Markets – Trading Account Types

While IC Markets customers can choose between a Standard account or an ECN pricing Raw Spread Account, FxPro customers are limited to spread only account types (when using MetaTrader platforms). For IC Markets Raw Account, spreads are tighter with traders paying a flat rate round-turn commission fee when they close their trade. Standard trading accounts offered by both brokers are inclusive of costs, with brokers receiving compensation through the spread.

No Commission Accounts (Standard Account Types)

IC Markets and FxPro’s standard account types charge wider spreads than ECN-style accounts. Yet, with all-inclusive spreads, traders avoid spending time calculating an orders commission costs. Both IC Markets and FxPro’s standard account types are available on MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5.

IC Markets Standard Account

IC Markets Raw Spread (ECN-Style Account)

The IC Markets ‘True ECN’ account has been renamed as The IC Markets Raw Account. The ECN-style pricing spread structure provides traders access to the best prices available to retail investor accounts. While spreads average 0.1 pips for major currency pairs such as EUR/USD, during times of volatility bid-ask prices can be as tight as 0.0 pips in the forex market. As well as ultra-tight spreads, ECN-like accounts allow for minimal slippage with ultra fast-execution and therefore is well-suited for day trading, scalping and Expert Advisors.

IC Markets Raw Spread Account

Commission fees vary between trading platforms when trading under a Raw Spread account. IC Markets customers using MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 pay an AUD $7 round-turn commission fee, while cTrader users pay AUD $6 round-turn. Learn more about the two accounts with our guide on Raw vs Standard account types.

Islamic Accounts

For traders who follow Islamic finance practises, swap-free accounts are available with both IC Markets and FxPro. In accordance with Sharia Law, swap-free accounts do not pay or receive interest as standard or ECN accounts do. Rather, Islamic account holders pay flat-rate overnight financing fees when positions are held open for longer than a day. Prospective IC Markets customers can easily open an Islamic Account online (although proof of religion may be required). To start trading under an Islamic Account with FxPro, traders are required to email the broker’s customer support team.

IC Markets vs FxPro: Which Broker Offers the Best Account Type?

As IC Markets offers a standard account, ECN-like account and Islamic account, they can offer a solution for all types of trader preferences. IC Markets range of solutions means you can trade spreads where commission is all-inclusive or access to ultra-tight institutional grade spreads while paying low flat rate commission fees.

FxPro vs IC Markets – Trading Conditions

IC Markets is an ECN-style forex broker that offer straight-through processing (STP) with no dealing desk (NDD) involvement. While FxPro offers fast execution and minimal slippage, the brokers no commission pricing tends to be more in line with the wider spreads of a market maker broker.

IC Markets Raw Spread Account, on the other hand, is similar to a true ECN account with fast execution as well as ultra-tight spreads. With IC Markets STP and NDD execution, the broker is able to offer traders institutional grade spreads due to the brokers 25 different top tier liquidity providers. This allows IC Markets to consolidate bid and ask prices, ensuring customers can trade at the best possible prices available to retail investor accounts.

IC Markets Raw Spread Account Spreads

Variable Spreads – Commission

IC Markets Bid Ask Spreads Unlike IC Markets Raw Spread Account, FxPro does not offer an ECN-style account type where customers can access tight spreads while paying flat-rate commission fees.

IC Markets pricing is very competitive when compared to other top forex brokers. For the EUR/USD currency pair, customers can trade at average spreads of 0.10 pips. For the AUD/USD forex pair, spreads average 0.20 pips, with Pepperstone the only competing broker offering a narrower spread of 0.18 pips. For traders wanting to focus on the USD/SGD fx pair, IC Markets is an excellent option. Whilst brokers such as Pepperstone provide access to spreads as low as 1.39 pips, IC Markets average spreads are much tighter at 0.30 pips, a significant difference.

IC Markets Raw Spread Account Commission Fees

MT4 & MT5 = AUD $7 round turn
cTrader = AUD $6 round turn


0.10	0.40	0.40	0.30	0.20
0.10	0.30	0.50	1.30	0.20
0.16	0.40	0.35	1.07	0.27
0.20	0.50	0.40	1.50	0.20
0.17	0.59	0.54	N/A	0.30
0.20	0.60	0.50	10.00	0.40
0.10	0.60	0.60	1.30	0.50
0.30	0.50	0.50	3.00	0.50
0.44	0.85	0.40	1.30	0.42

Data taken from broker website. Accurate as at 05/01/2021

Compare All Commission Spreads

Variable Spreads – No Commission

For those new to forex trading or requiring a simple pricing structure, Standard Account types offer spreads that are all-inclusive of commission fees. Similarly to the brokers ECN-style account, IC Markets offers competitive no commission spreads when compared to FxPro and other online brokers. For currency pairs such as EUR/USD, EUR/GBP and GBP/USD, IC Markets offers the tightest spreads available to standard retail investor accounts, with fx pairs AUD/USD and AUD/JPY following closely behind Pepperstone.


1.10	1.20	1.40	1.40	1.40
1.58	1.96	1.74	2.39	3.36
1.70	1.90	2.00	2.40	3.30
1.40	1.20	2.20	1.80	3.10
1.20	1.30	1.60	1.40	1.80
1.16	1.27	1.35	1.40	1.50
1.20	1.20	1.40	1.40	1.40
1.20	1.40	1.40	1.50	1.50
1.20	1.20	1.40	1.40	1.40

Data taken from broker website. Accurate as at 05/01/2021

Compare All Variable Spreads

Fixed Spreads – No Commission

If you are using MetaTrader 4 trading platform, then FxPro gives you the option of fixed spreads instead of variable spreads. This is not available with IC Markets. If you are a beginner trader or the economic climate is volatile, then you may appreciate the certainty fixed spreads can offer.

7 currency pairs are available for fixed spreads including EURGBP, EURJPY, EURUSA, GBPUSD, USDCAD, USDJPY and GBPJPY. Trading with fixed spreads means you will use instant order execution. If the broker is unable to meet this spread, you will receive a requote.


1.60	1.70	1.80	1.80	N/A
1.20	1.50	2.20	1.70	N/A
1.60	1.90	2.40	2.10	N/A
0.90	1.10	1.80	1.60	N/A
1.80	2.50	3.70	2.50	N/A
3.00	3.00	3.00	3.00	N/A
4.00	4.00	5.00	5.00	N/A
3.00	4.00	6.00	4.00	7.00

Data taken from broker website. Accurate as at 05/01/2021

Compare Fixed Commission Spreads >>

IC Markets vs FxPro: Which Broker Offers the Narrowest Spreads?

Both IC Markets are NDD brokers, FxPro provides fast execution and tight spreads however IC Markets spreads are tighter. As IC Markets Raw Spread account holders gain access to spreads as low as 0.10 pips on major currency pairs while paying low commission fees, they are the clear winner when compared to FxPro’s Standard account type.

Open a demo account >>Visit IC Markets >>

FxPro vs IC Markets – Trading Platforms

The three most popular retail trading platforms worldwide are offered by both FxPro and IC Markets – MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader, yet available trading platforms and product ranges vary between account types. IC Markets Raw Spread Account holders can access MT4, MT5 or cTrader, while Standard Account holders are restricted to MetaTrader platforms. When trading with FxPro, spreads, execution and market access vary depending on the trading platform the customer is using. As both brokers provide access to multiple trading platforms, we will compare available MetaTrader 5 features in this FxPro vs IC Markets review.

IC Markets Trading Platforms

MetaTrader 5 is hugely popular due to the platform’s wider market access than MT4 (share trading is allowed), Expert Advisor features and advanced technical analysis tools. Trading tools offered by both IC Markets and FxPro on MT5 include:

Expert Advisors (EAs) developed using MQL5 programming language
Depth of Market
Multi-currency backtesting
Advanced charting tools: 21 timeframes, 30 inbuilt technical indicators and 31 graphical objects
64-bit multi-threaded platform
MQL5 community chat feature

While both broker’s MT5 offering provides more than enough tools to assist with technical analysis, the main difference between FxPro and IC Markets MT5 trading platforms is the availability of the popular market-scanning tool, Autochartist. Unlike FxPro customers, those trading with IC Markets can utilise Autochartist’s pattern-recognition software that allows users to easily identify new trading opportunities.

AutoChartist MT5 IC Markets

Web & Mobile Trading

MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader are available as mobile trading apps. Whether you are trading on an Android smartphone or iPad, there is a trading app available for your device. For those wanting to trade on a computer yet not download a desktop trading platform, MT4 and MT5 webtrader platforms are available, as well as cTrader Web.

FxPro vs IC Markets Review: Best Trading Platform Features?

Both online brokers offer a strong range of trading platforms, with cTrader, MT4 and MT5 available with IC Markets and FxPro. While Expert Advisor features and advanced charting tools are available, accessible through both brokers on MetaTrader platforms, IC Markets offers the unique pattern-recognition program, Autochartist. With a greater range of technical analysis tools provided to traders, IC Markets has the best trading platform offering.

FxPro vs IC Markets – Regulation

Forex markets are strongly regulated due to the high risk that comes with trading CFDs. Financial authorities around the globe enforce different measures to protect investors and ensure forex markets operate fairly and efficiently. While most jurisdictions such as Australia require brokers to hold funds in segregated accounts, areas such as the UK and Cyprus require brokers to follow stricter financial regulation.

Both IC Markets and FxPro have multiple subsidiaries that are overseen by different top-tier regulators. FxPro and IC Market’s Cyprus-based subsidiaries follow CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) regulation that requires forex brokers to provide traders with negative balance protection in addition to enforcing leverage caps and close-out margins.

FxPro customers registered with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority, UK) regulated subsidiary receive the same investor protection as CySEC regulated brokers provide. As well as being overseen by the FCA and CySEC, FxPro is authorised to operate in South Africa and The Bahamas following FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) and SCB (Securities Commission of the Bahamas) regulation.

FxPro Financial Authorities Regulation

As IC Markets is a forex broker based in Sydney, Australia, they are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and hold an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL). As well as the option of signing up with IC Markets Australia and Cyprus-based subsidiaries, traders can register with the brokers FSA (The Seychelles Financial Services Authority) and CySEC regulated subsidiaries if they prefer.

FxPro vs IC Markets: Which Broker is Safer?

The multiple subsidiaries of IC Markets and FxPro are regulated by top-tier financial authorities around the world. It is recommended traders research the investor protection they will receive in different locations prior to signing up with a broker. As both brokers follow regulation set by respected regulators such as ASIC, FCA and CySEC, they tie this round.

FxPro vs IC Markets – Customer Support

FxPro and IC Markets offer a range of methods to get in touch. To contact FxPro multi-lingual support team, customers can use live chat, email or phone 5 days a week, 24 hours a day.

FxPro Customer Support

IC Markets can be reached via live chat, phone and email. An advantage that IC Markets offer is that its customer support team can be contacted 24/7, a feature most forex brokers do not provide.

IC Markets Contact Us

Education

FxPro educational resources are limited when compared to IC Markets. While the broker provides articles and videos covering trading strategies, psychology and platforms, they are best suited to inexperienced traders requiring a basic introduction to forex markets.

IC Markets Education

On the other hand, IC Markets customers gain access to an excellent library of resources. Whether you are a beginner or experienced trader, IC Markets provides a range of educational materials to improve a traders understanding of forex markets. Resources include trading platform tutorials, webinars and educational videos and articles covering topics such as risk management and technical analysis.

Which Broker Provides the Best Customer Support and Education?

With 24/7 customer service and an extensive catalogue of educational resources for beginner to experienced traders’, IC Markets offers superior customer support when compared to FxPro.

Open a demo account >>Visit IC Markets >>

FxPro vs IC Markets – Payment Methods

When trading CFDs with FxPro, funding methods vary depending on the subsidiary a customer is registered with. FxPro Cyprus and Bahamas customers can deposit and withdraw funds via bank transfer, broker to broker, credit card (Visa and Mastercard), Skrill, Neteller and Union Pay, with Cyprus clients also able to use Paypal. FxPro UK clients are not provided with any e-wallet methods of payment and are restricted to transferring funds via bank transfer, broker to broker or credit card.

With 15 deposit and withdrawal methods available, those trading with IC Markets have a greater range of traditional and e-wallet methods to transfer funds. As well as debit and credit card, broker to broker, wire transfer and internet banking, customers can move funds via PayPal, Neteller, Neteller VIP, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay and POLi, although accepted currencies vary between payment methods.

IC Markets Funding Methods

Initial Minimum Deposits

To start trading with IC Markets, an initial minimum deposit of $200 is required. FxPro, on the other hand, requires traders to make a minimum deposit of $100, although they recommend at least $500.

FxPro Recommended Min Deposit

Base Currencies

FxPro offers 8 base currencies: AUD, USD, CHF, GBP, EUR, PLN, AUD and JPY.
IC Markets offer 10 base currencies: AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, CAD, NZD, SGD, HKD, and JPY.

FxPro vs IC Markets FAQs

Which broker is better for beginners?

If you are trading with MetaTrader then FxPro only offers spread only products. This is different from IC Markets which offers a choice of commission and no commission trading accounts. Beginner traders may prefer spread-only products, as the cost structure is simpler to calculate. An advanced trader will prefer commission accounts are spreads are tighter, meaning costs are lower even if one includes the commission cost.

FxPro also has a lower minimum deposit requirement than IC Markets. FxPro has a $100 minimum deposit but does recommend you start with a deposit of $500. IC Markets have a minimum deposit of $200. Both brokers allow trading of 0.01 lot size.

FxPro, unlike IC Markets, offers fixed spreads. Beginner traders may prefer to the certainty fixed spreads offers over variable spreads.

Are AxiTrader or FxPro market makers?

Neither IC Markets nor FxPro are market markers. this means they are never your counterparty to your trades. IC Markets uses STP style execution, while FxPro uses No Dealing Desk Intervention execution.

Does AxiTrader or FxPro accept US clients?

Neither IC Markets nor FxPro accepts clients from the United States of America.

FxPro also does not accept clients from Iran and Canada. While IC Markets will not accept clients from Canada and Israel and Iran.

Are AxiTrader or FxPro ECN brokers?

FxPro uses no dealing desk execution. FxPro claim this means that most orders can be filled in less than 11.6 milliseconds. With these kinds of speed, FxPro can execute 2000 trades every second.

No dealing desk execution matches your trades with FxPros internal order book.

IC Markets offers ECN pricing but are not a true ECN provider as they are the issuer of the products they provide. They use STP execution so do not use their own trading book or source their products from unrelated external liquidity providers. IC Markets execution does not involve a dealing desk.

To compare FxPro and IC Markets to other no dealing desk brokers, click here.

Are AxiTrader and FxPro legit?

Both IC Markets and FxPro are legit forex brokers, so you can be sure your funds are secure with each broker.

IC Markets is regulated by two tier-1 supervisory bodies. These are the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). FxPro is regulated by the FCA, Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission (CySEC) and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).

The regulation with a tier-1 authority protects your funds is a requirement is that your funds are kept in segregated bank accounts. This means the broker can never touch your funds.

Overall Winner: FxPro vs IC Markets Review

IC Markets and FxPro are NDD brokers providing traders access to CFD and forex markets. When the broker’s spreads, fees and trading tools are compared, IC Markets is the overall winner. IC Markets offers significantly tighter spreads than FxPro that average 0.1 pips for the EUR/USD. As well as ECN-style pricing and low commission fees, IC Markets provides an excellent range of trading tools on MetaTrader platforms to develop automated trading strategies, with Expert Advisors, Autochartist, Myfxbook and ZuluTrade available. To explore IC Markets features and platforms, a free demo account is available to all prospective customers.

Open a demo account >>Visit IC Markets >>

FxPro vs IC Markets

Regulations and Licenses

Brokerage

Markets and Instruments

Trading Platforms + Tools

Overall

FxPro vs IC Markets Review

FxPro vs IC Markets – Trading Account Types

No Commission Accounts (Standard Account Types)