AvaTrade vs IC Markets 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at AvaTrade if you value lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200), copy trading. IC Markets plates up better for anyone who leans on tighter spreads, more instruments (2,250 vs 1,260), no inactivity fee.
The two menus, side by side
| AvaTrade | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | CBI C53877 | ASIC 335692 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $100 | $200 |
| EUR/USD spread | 0.9 pips | From 0.0 pips (ECN) |
| Instruments | 1,260+ | 2,250+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | Yes | No |
| Real stocks | No, CFDs only | No, CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $50/mo after 3mo | None |
| Founded | 2006 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | Sydney, Australia |
The kitchen inspection: AvaTrade vs IC Markets
AvaTrade is regulated by CBI under licence C53877 (AvaTrade EU Ltd). The CBI is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC under licence 335692 (International Capital Markets Pty Ltd). The ASIC is a tier-1 regulator. Client funds are held in segregated accounts and negative balance protection applies.
Both brokers are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Neither has a significant regulatory advantage over the other.
Ingredient costs and the bill
AvaTrade's EUR/USD spread is 0.9 pips. IC Markets's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). IC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
AvaTrade charges an inactivity fee of $50/month after 3 months without trading. IC Markets does not charge an inactivity fee.
Platforms and tools
Both AvaTrade and IC Markets support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
AvaTrade offers copy trading, IC Markets does not.
The cover charge
AvaTrade requires a minimum deposit of $100. IC Markets requires $200. AvaTrade has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider AvaTrade.
Note that minimum deposits can vary by account type and by which regulatory entity serves your country. Some offshore entities allow lower deposits than the tier-1 entity.
Which is better for beginners?
AvaTrade is generally better for beginners because it offers copy trading, allowing new traders to replicate experienced traders automatically while learning. AvaTrade also has the lower minimum deposit of $100, making it easier to start with a small amount. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both AvaTrade and IC Markets support MetaTrader, so experienced traders can use either without restriction. IC Markets's tighter spreads (From 0.0 pips (ECN)) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. IC Markets offers more instruments (2,250) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: AvaTrade vs IC Markets
Book a table at AvaTrade if what you are after is lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200), copy trading. Its CBI licence (C53877) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with IC Markets if you want tighter spreads, more instruments (2,250 vs 1,260), no inactivity fee. Its ASIC licence (335692) means solid tier-1 protection.
Neither kitchen is a bad one; both hold real licences. In the end it is your own trading appetite that picks the table.
Frequently asked questions
AvaTrade vs IC Markets: which is better?
AvaTrade is better for lower minimum deposit ($100 vs $200), copy trading. IC Markets is better for tighter spreads, more instruments (2,250 vs 1,260), no inactivity fee. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is AvaTrade or IC Markets safer?
Both AvaTrade (CBI C53877) and IC Markets (ASIC 335692) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for AvaTrade and IC Markets?
AvaTrade minimum deposit: $100. IC Markets minimum deposit: $200. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do AvaTrade and IC Markets have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.