WhichBrokerHead to head · data verified August 2026
XTB vs IC Markets
A close call — 0.1 points apart. The winner depends on what you trade.
Pillar scores
Side by side
| Criterion | XTB | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.8 | 8.7 |
| Founded | 2002 | 2007 |
| Regulation | FCA (UK), KNF (PL), CySEC (EU), DFSA (AE) | ASIC (AU), CySEC (EU), FSA (SC) |
| Min. deposit | $0 | $200 |
| Fees | 0% commission on stocks/ETFs up to €100k monthly volume; forex spreads from 0.5 pips | Raw account: spreads from 0.0 pips + $3.50/lot; average EUR/USD spread ~0.1 pip |
| Platforms | xStation 5, xStation mobile | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView |
| Markets | 6,700+ instruments: real stocks & ETFs, forex, indices, commodities CFDs | 2,250+ instruments: forex, indices, commodities, bonds, crypto & stock CFDs |
| Demo account | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Beginners, European stock investors, Forex traders | Scalpers, High-volume forex traders |
Our verdict
Choose XTB if you want beginners · european stock investors · forex traders — its standout pillar in our scoring is platforms.
Choose IC Markets if you want scalpers · high-volume forex traders.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, XTB or IC Markets?
It's close: XTB scores 8.8/10 and IC Markets 8.7/10 in our methodology. The right choice depends on your profile — XTB is strongest for beginners, while IC Markets leads for scalpers.
Is XTB safe?
XTB is overseen by FCA (UK), KNF (PL), CySEC (EU), DFSA (AE). Our trust score for it is 9.0/10 — see the full XTB review for the reasoning.
Is IC Markets safe?
IC Markets is overseen by ASIC (AU), CySEC (EU), FSA (SC). Our trust score for it is 8.4/10 — see the full IC Markets review for the reasoning.