IC Markets vs IG Group 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at IC Markets if you value tighter spreads, no inactivity fee. IG Group plates up better for anyone who leans on lower minimum deposit (None vs $200), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 2,250).
The two menus, side by side
| IC Markets | IG Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC 335692 | FCA 195355 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $200 | None |
| EUR/USD spread | From 0.0 pips (ECN) | 0.6 pips |
| Instruments | 2,250+ | 17,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | No, CFDs only | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | None | $12/mo after 2mo |
| Founded | 2007 | 1974 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | London, UK |
The kitchen inspection: IC Markets vs IG Group
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.
IG Group is regulated by FCA under licence 195355 (IG Markets Ltd). The FCA 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
IC Markets's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). IG Group's EUR/USD spread is 0.6 pips. IC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IC Markets does not charge an inactivity fee. IG Group charges an inactivity fee of $12/month after 2 months.
Platforms and tools
Both IC Markets and IG Group support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
The cover charge
IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200. IG Group requires None. IG Group has the lower barrier to entry.
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?
IG Group also has the lower minimum deposit of None. Both platforms are accessible to new traders, though neither is specifically designed as a beginner-only broker.
Which is better for experienced traders?
Both IC Markets and IG Group 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. IG Group offers more instruments (17,000) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: IC Markets vs IG Group
Book a table at IC Markets if what you are after is tighter spreads, no inactivity fee. Its ASIC licence (335692) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with IG Group if you want lower minimum deposit (None vs $200), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 2,250). Its FCA licence (195355) 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
IC Markets vs IG Group: which is better?
IC Markets is better for tighter spreads, no inactivity fee. IG Group is better for lower minimum deposit (None vs $200), real stock ownership, more instruments (17,000 vs 2,250). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IC Markets or IG Group safer?
Both IC Markets (ASIC 335692) and IG Group (FCA 195355) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets and IG Group?
IC Markets minimum deposit: $200. IG Group minimum deposit: None. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IC Markets and IG Group have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.