IC Markets vs Saxo Bank 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, lower minimum deposit ($200 vs $2000), no inactivity fee. Saxo Bank plates up better for anyone who leans on real stock ownership, more instruments (65,000 vs 2,250).
The two menus, side by side
| IC Markets | Saxo Bank | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC 335692 | DFSA DF000029 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | $200 | $2000 |
| EUR/USD spread | From 0.0 pips (ECN) | 0.4 pips |
| Instruments | 2,250+ | 65,000+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | No, CFDs only | Yes |
| Inactivity fee | None | $100/mo after 6mo |
| Founded | 2007 | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Copenhagen, Denmark |
The kitchen inspection: IC Markets vs Saxo Bank
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.
Saxo Bank is regulated by DFSA under licence DF000029 (Saxo Bank A/S (DIFC)). The DFSA 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). Saxo Bank's EUR/USD spread is 0.4 pips. IC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
IC Markets does not charge an inactivity fee. Saxo Bank charges an inactivity fee of $100/month after 6 months.
Platforms and tools
Both IC Markets and Saxo Bank 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. Saxo Bank requires $2000. IC Markets has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider IC Markets.
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?
IC Markets also has the lower minimum deposit of $200, 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 IC Markets and Saxo Bank 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. Saxo Bank offers more instruments (65,000) for portfolio diversification.
The verdict: IC Markets vs Saxo Bank
Book a table at IC Markets if what you are after is tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($200 vs $2000), no inactivity fee. Its ASIC licence (335692) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with Saxo Bank if you want real stock ownership, more instruments (65,000 vs 2,250). Its DFSA licence (DF000029) 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 Saxo Bank: which is better?
IC Markets is better for tighter spreads, lower minimum deposit ($200 vs $2000), no inactivity fee. Saxo Bank is better for real stock ownership, more instruments (65,000 vs 2,250). If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is IC Markets or Saxo Bank safer?
Both IC Markets (ASIC 335692) and Saxo Bank (DFSA DF000029) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets and Saxo Bank?
IC Markets minimum deposit: $200. Saxo Bank minimum deposit: $2000. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do IC Markets and Saxo Bank have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.