eToro vs IC Markets 2026

The two menus, side by side

	eToro	IC Markets
Primary regulator	FCA 583263	ASIC 335692
Regulation tier	tier-1	tier-1
Min deposit	$50	$200
EUR/USD spread	1 pips	From 0.0 pips (ECN)
Instruments	3,000+	2,250+
MetaTrader	No	Yes (MT4+MT5)
Copy trading	Yes	No
Real stocks	Yes	No, CFDs only
Inactivity fee	$10/mo after 12mo	None
Founded	2007	2007
Headquarters	Tel Aviv, Israel	Sydney, Australia

The kitchen inspection: eToro vs IC Markets

eToro is regulated by FCA under licence 583263 (eToro (UK) Ltd). The FCA 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

eToro's EUR/USD spread is 1 pips. IC Markets's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). IC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.

eToro charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months without trading. IC Markets does not charge an inactivity fee.

Platforms and tools

IC Markets supports MetaTrader. eToro uses a proprietary platform only, traders who need MT4/MT5 for automated strategies should choose IC Markets.

eToro offers copy trading, IC Markets does not.

The cover charge

eToro requires a minimum deposit of $50. IC Markets requires $200. eToro has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider eToro.

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?

eToro is generally better for beginners because it offers copy trading, allowing new traders to replicate experienced traders automatically while learning. eToro also has the lower minimum deposit of $50, 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?

IC Markets is better for experienced traders who need MetaTrader. IC Markets's tighter spreads (From 0.0 pips (ECN)) make it better for high-frequency and scalping strategies. eToro offers more instruments (3,000) for portfolio diversification.

The verdict: eToro vs IC Markets

Book a table at eToro if what you are after is lower minimum deposit ($50 vs $200), copy trading, real stock ownership, more instruments (3,000 vs 2,250). Its FCA licence (583263) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.

Go with IC Markets if you want tighter spreads, MetaTrader support, 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

eToro vs IC Markets: which is better?

eToro is better for lower minimum deposit ($50 vs $200), copy trading, real stock ownership, more instruments (3,000 vs 2,250). IC Markets is better for tighter spreads, MetaTrader support, no inactivity fee. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.

Is eToro or IC Markets safer?

Both eToro (FCA 583263) and IC Markets (ASIC 335692) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.

What is the minimum deposit for eToro and IC Markets?

eToro minimum deposit: $50. IC Markets minimum deposit: $200. Minimums vary by entity and account type.

Do eToro and IC Markets have MetaTrader?

IC Markets supports MT4 and MT5. eToro does not offer MetaTrader.