OANDA vs IC Markets 2026
Two licensed kitchens. Which table you take comes down to how you trade.
Pull up a chair at OANDA if you value lower minimum deposit (None vs $200). IC Markets plates up better for anyone who leans on tighter spreads, more instruments (2,250 vs 300), no inactivity fee.
The two menus, side by side
| OANDA | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | FCA 542574 | ASIC 335692 |
| Regulation tier | tier-1 | tier-1 |
| Min deposit | None | $200 |
| EUR/USD spread | 1.2 pips | From 0.0 pips (ECN) |
| Instruments | 300+ | 2,250+ |
| MetaTrader | Yes (MT4+MT5) | Yes (MT4+MT5) |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Real stocks | No, CFDs only | No, CFDs only |
| Inactivity fee | $10/mo after 12mo | None |
| Founded | 1996 | 2007 |
| Headquarters | New York, USA | Sydney, Australia |
The kitchen inspection: OANDA vs IC Markets
OANDA is regulated by FCA under licence 542574 (OANDA Europe 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
OANDA's EUR/USD spread is 1.2 pips. IC Markets's EUR/USD spread is From 0.0 pips (ECN). IC Markets offers tighter spreads on this pair.
OANDA charges an inactivity fee of $10/month after 12 months without trading. IC Markets does not charge an inactivity fee.
Platforms and tools
Both OANDA and IC Markets support MetaTrader 4 and 5, so algorithmic traders and EA users can use either.
Neither broker offers copy trading.
The cover charge
OANDA requires a minimum deposit of None. IC Markets requires $200. OANDA has the lower barrier to entry. Traders who want to start with less capital should consider OANDA.
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?
OANDA also has the lower minimum deposit of None, 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 OANDA 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: OANDA vs IC Markets
Book a table at OANDA if what you are after is lower minimum deposit (None vs $200). Its FCA licence (542574) brings the full weight of a tier-1 seal.
Go with IC Markets if you want tighter spreads, more instruments (2,250 vs 300), 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
OANDA vs IC Markets: which is better?
OANDA is better for lower minimum deposit (None vs $200). IC Markets is better for tighter spreads, more instruments (2,250 vs 300), no inactivity fee. If regulation quality is your priority, both have comparable regulation.
Is OANDA or IC Markets safer?
Both OANDA (FCA 542574) and IC Markets (ASIC 335692) are regulated by tier-1 authorities. Both segregate client funds.
What is the minimum deposit for OANDA and IC Markets?
OANDA minimum deposit: None. IC Markets minimum deposit: $200. Minimums vary by entity and account type.
Do OANDA and IC Markets have MetaTrader?
Yes, both support MetaTrader 4 and MT5.