Let's start here

IC Markets is a respected and well-regulated broker, providing a wide range of trading instruments, including over 2250 options, with competitive spreads starting at 0.0 pips. You can start with a demo account to gain experience, and opening a live account only requires a $200 deposit. They offer advanced trading platforms like MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Let's now delve into this IC Markets review.

What type of broker is IC Markets？

IC Markets is a Market Making (MM) broker, which means that it acts as a counterparty to its clients in trading operations. That is, instead of connecting directly to the market, IC Markets acts as an intermediary and takes the opposite position to its clients. As such, it can offer faster order execution speed, tighter spreads and greater flexibility in terms of the leverage offered. However, this also means that IC Markets has a certain conflict of interest with their clients, as their profits come from the difference between the bid and ask price of assets, which could lead to them making decisions that are not necessarily in the best interests of their clients.

What is IC Markets

IC Markets is an Australian-based online forex and CFD broker that provides traders access to the global financial markets. The company was founded in 2007 and is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). IC Markets offers a range of trading instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, and provides traders with advanced trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader. The company also offers 24/7 customer support and a variety of educational resources for traders of all levels.

In the IC Markets review, we will analyse the characteristics of this broker in all its dimensions, providing you with easy and well-organised information. If you are interested, read on.

Is IC Market legit？

IC Markets maintains regulatory compliance in both Australia and Cyprus, adhering to the respective financial regulatory standards in these jurisdictions. Regulatory oversight by ASIC and CYSEC helps ensure transparency and accountability in the broker's operations, contributing to a safer trading environment for clients.

Regulated Country	Regulated Authority	Regulated Entity	License Type	License Number
	ASIC	INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS PTY. LTD.	Market Making(MM)	335692
	CYSEC	IC Markets (EU) Ltd	Market Making(MM)	362/18

IC Markets' Australian entity, INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS PTY. LTD., regulated by ASIC under license number 335692, holding a license for Market Making (MM).

IC Markets' enropean entity, IC Markets (EU) Ltd, regulated by CYSEC under regulatory number 362/18, holding a license for Maket Making ( MM) as well.

WikiFX's investigation team personally visited the registered address located at Omonoias, 141, The Maritime Centre, Block B, 1st floor, 3045, Limassol, Cyprus. Notably, the IC Markets logo was prominently displayed on billboards in the vicinity of the building. Hence, their visit to the location confirmed that IC Markets was indeed operating from the officially designated regulatory address.

Market instruments

IC Markets offers a wide range of over 2250 tradable instruments to trade, including forex pairs, commodities, stocks, cryptocurrencies, indices, bonds, and futures. This provides traders with the opportunity to diversify their investment portfolio and access multiple markets and assets. The company offers competitive spreads and low commissions on all instruments, making it a popular choice among traders. With such a diverse range of trading instruments, IC Markets caters to a wide range of trading strategies and investment goals.

IC Markets Minimum Deposit

IC Markets, a well-known forex broker, requires a minimum deposit of $200 for traders to open an account. In the industry, many established brokers frequently impose minimum deposit requirements that surpass $500 or even reach $1,000. In contrast, certain major players such as Avatrade and Aixtrader only mandate minimum deposits of $100 and $0, respectively. So, IC Markets's minimum deposit requirement seems to be in the “middle”.

Here is the comparison of IC Markets minimum deposit with Avatrade, Exness, and Axitrader:

Broker	Minimum Deposit
	$200
	$100
	$1 USD
	$100

IC Markets Account Types

C Markets offers traders a range of account types with different trading platforms, commissions, and spreads. The CTrader and Raw spread accounts charge a commission of $3 and $3.5 respectively but offer spreads from 0.0 pips, while the Standard account has no commission but wider spreads from 0.6 pips. A demo account and Islamic account are also available. Although the minimum deposit of $200 may be high for some traders, the variety of account types and competitive spreads on some accounts may make up for it. However, traders should note that commissions are charged on all other accounts apart from the Standard account, and there is limited information on account features.

IC Markets Demo Account

IC Markets offers a free advanced demo account for beginner traders to practice on, which lasts for 30 days.

Users who open a demo account can enjoy the following features:

• Access to Raw Pricing

• Spreads Starting at 0.0 Pips

• Fast Order Execution

• Available on MT4, MT5 and cTrader platforms

However, demo accounts aim to mimic real markets but function in a simulated environment. This means there are significant differences compared to real accounts, including not relying on real-time market liquidity, encountering price delays, and having access to certain products that may not be tradable on live accounts.

Opening a demo account is simple:

Step 1: click the “Try a Free DEMO” button on the homepage of IC Markets.

Step 2: Fill in your personal info, including your country of residence, name, email, phone number to get a verification code.

Step 3: Choose to demo accounts on your preferrable trading platform, MT4, MT5, or cTrader. Then choose your account currency, virtual funds, starting from $200 to $5,000,000, your desired leverage level.

Step 4: Log into your demo account and start trading.

Spreads and commissions

IC Markets is known for its tight spreads and low commissions, making it a popular choice among traders. The broker offers a variety of account types to choose from, including the Raw Spread account with spreads starting from 0.0 pips and a $3.5 commission per lot traded, and the Standard account with spreads starting from 0.6 pips and no commission. The cTrader account also offers low spreads starting from 0.0 pips, with a $3 commission per lot traded. It's important to note that while some account types may have higher commissions, the broker is transparent about its commission structure and there are no hidden fees or charges. The broker also allows scalping and hedging strategies. However, there are inactivity fees after 12 months of no activity. Additionally, some withdrawal methods may have fees.

Trading platforms

IC Markets offers its clients a variety of trading platforms, including the popular MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms as well as the cTrader platform. Each platform offers unique advantages and disadvantages, and traders can choose the platform that best suits their needs. The MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms are similar and offer a range of trading tools and indicators, as well as the ability to use Expert Advisors (EAs) and automate trading strategies. The cTrader platform, on the other hand, offers advanced charting capabilities and a variety of order types. However, it has a steeper learning curve and limited customization options compared to the MetaTrader4 and MetaTrader5 platforms. Additionally, traders should note that IC Markets has a limited selection of platforms compared to some other brokers in the industry. Overall, IC Markets offers a solid selection of trading platforms that should satisfy the needs of most traders.

Maximum leverage of IC Markets

IC Markets' maximum leverage offering of up to 1:500 can be beneficial for experienced traders who know how to manage their risks well. The high leverage can potentially magnify the profits of a successful trade, enabling traders to take advantage of larger positions in the market. However, it is crucial for traders to exercise caution when using high leverage as it also increases the potential for significant losses. Inexperienced traders may not be suited for high leverage as it requires a thorough understanding of risk management. It is important to note that certain jurisdictions may have regulatory restrictions on high leverage, and traders should comply with the relevant regulations.

Deposit and Withdrawal: methods and fees

IC Markets offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including neteller, skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, paypal, credit card, debit card, unionpay, poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna. IC Markets does not charge any additional fees for deposits and withdrawals, however, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions. Withdrawal requests have a cut off time at 12:00 AEST/AEDT, and may take up to 10 business days to process depending on the bank. International bank wire transfers may take up to 14 days and incur additional intermediary and/or beneficiary fees. Credit/debit card withdrawals are processed free of charge and may take 3-5 business days to reach your credit card. Paypal/Neteller/Skrill withdrawals are processed instantly and free of charge, but must be made from the same account as the initial funds were sent from.

Educational resources in IC Markets

IC Markets offers a comprehensive range of educational resources that cater to traders of all levels. These resources include an economic calendar, market reports, video tutorials, a glossary, blogs, and calculators. The educational resources are updated regularly to ensure the information is relevant and up-to-date. The glossary is particularly useful for understanding forex terms and concepts, while the video tutorials cover a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced strategies. The blogs provide insights into the forex market, which can be useful for making informed trading decisions. The calculators are also helpful tools for calculating risk, margin, and position size. However, some of the educational resources may not be suitable for beginners and may require prior knowledge of forex trading. Additionally, the educational resources may not be as comprehensive or interactive as those offered by some other brokers.

You may also watch videos on their official YouTube channel. For example, this is a video named 7 Common Mistakes New Traders Make, which would be useful for newbies.

Customer service of IC Markets

IC Markets provides a strong customer care dimension with 24/7 availability for customer support. Clients can reach out to the support team via phone or email, and can expect prompt response times to email inquiries. However, there is no live chat option available for immediate assistance, and phone support may have international charges, which could be a disadvantage for some clients. Overall, IC Markets provides a reliable and responsive customer support experience.

Conclusion

IC Markets is a reputable forex broker that offers traders a wide range of instruments, account types, and trading platforms to choose from. With low spreads, competitive commissions, and high leverage options of up to 1:500, traders can enjoy a flexible and customizable trading experience. The company's educational resources, including market reports, video tutorials, and a glossary, are extensive and informative, providing traders with valuable insights into the forex market. Additionally, IC Markets' customer support is available 24/7, ensuring that traders can always receive timely assistance. The company's variety of deposit and withdrawal methods also makes it easy for traders to manage their accounts efficiently. Overall, IC Markets is a reliable and trustworthy broker for both novice and experienced traders alike.

Frequently asked questions about IC Markets

• Q1. What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with IC Markets？

• A1. The minimum deposit required to open an account with IC Markets is $200.

• Q2. What are the available deposit and withdrawal methods on IC Markets？

• A2. IC Markets offers various deposit and withdrawal methods, including neteller, skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, paypal, credit card, debit card, unionpay, poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna.

• Q3. What trading platforms are available on IC Markets？

• A3. IC Markets offers three trading platforms: MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, and cTrader.

• Q4. What is the maximum leverage offered by IC Markets？

• A4. IC Markets offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:500.

• Q5. Does IC Markets charge any additional fees for deposits and withdrawals？

• A5. IC Markets does not charge any additional fees for deposits and withdrawals. However, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

• Q6. What educational resources are available on IC Markets？

• A6. IC Markets offers various educational resources, including an economic calendar, market reports, video tutorials, glossary, blogs, and calculators.

• Q7. What is the customer support available on IC Markets？

• A7. IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via phone and email, and they have an online chat feature available during trading hours.

Note: This company has been voluntarily dissolved.

Overview of AGEA

AGEA, a financial services company, has been operating in the trading industry for 5-10 years. Based in Montenegro, the company provides trading opportunities primarily through Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Despite its years in the industry, AGEA operates in an unregulated environment, meaning it may not be subject to oversight by financial regulatory authorities.

Traders can choose between two types of trading accounts: Standard and Cent. With a minimum deposit requirement of USD 100. The company offers a maximum leverage of 1:100.

AGEA provides traders with two trading platforms: Streamster and MetaTrader 4. Additionally, traders can access live support for real-time assistance with any inquiries or issues they may encounter.

In terms of funding options, AGEA supports various deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and local payment methods such as Sofort Banking (Germany) and iDEAL (Netherlands).

For educational resources, AGEA provides the latest news to keep traders informed about market developments and trends.

Regulatory Status

AGEA operates as an unregulated trading platform. Unregulated financial institutions are not bound by the rules and regulations designed to protect consumers' interests. This leaves customers vulnerable to various risks such as fraud, mismanagement of funds, and unfair treatment.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Experienced Institution: With 5-10 years of industry experience, AGEA brings a solid foundation and understanding of the trading landscape.

2. Account Variety: AGEA offers a variety of account types, including Standard and Cent accounts.

3. Low Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit requirement of USD 100 makes trading accessible to individuals with varying capital sizes.

4. Multiple Trading Platforms: AGEA provides traders with a choice of trading platforms, including Streamster and MetaTrader 4.

5. Different Deposit/Withdrawal Options: AGEA supports various deposit and withdrawal methods, including Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, E-wallets, and Local Payment Methods, providing flexibility and convenience to traders.

Cons:

1. Unregulated: One significant drawback of AGEA is its unregulated status, consumer protection and the security of funds may be concerning.

2. Limited Educational Resources: AGEA may lack comprehensive educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge, potentially hindering traders' ability to make informed decisions.

3. Higher Risk: The unregulated nature of AGEA introduces a higher level of risk for traders, as there may be fewer safeguards in place to ensure the stability and security of the financial institution.

4. Potential for Longer Dispute Resolution: Resolving disputes with AGEA may be more challenging and time-consuming due to the lack of regulatory oversight, leading to delays and frustrations for traders seeking resolution.

5. Limited Market Instruments: While AGEA offers CFD trading across various asset classes, it may have fewer market instruments compared to some other brokers, limiting trading opportunities for certain traders.

Market Instruments

AGEA offers Contract for Difference (CFD) instruments as part of its market offerings. CFDs are derivative financial products that allow traders to speculate on the price movements of various underlying assets, without actually owning the assets themselves.

With CFDs, traders can take positions on a wide range of financial instruments, including currencies, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This flexibility enables traders to diversify their portfolios and capitalize on market opportunities across different asset classes.

Account Types

AGEA offers two distinct account types: Standard and Cent.

For the Standard account, the minimum balance requirement is set at USD 100, ensuring accessibility for traders with varying capital levels. On the other hand, the Cent account presents a lower entry point with balances ranging from USD 6 to 5,000, ideal for those starting with smaller amounts.

Both account types share identical leverage options, ranging from 1:1 to 1:100, initially set at 1:100. This flexibility allows traders to adjust their positions relative to their capital, amplifying their potential gains or losses accordingly.

Neither account type imposes commissions, providing traders with a cost-effective trading environment. Additionally, trade sizes are consistent across both accounts, ranging from 1,000 to 100,000 units, enabling traders to execute trades according to their strategies and risk preferences.

How to Open an Account？

Opening an account with AGEA is a straightforward process that can be completed online in a matter of minutes. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Visit the AGEA website and click “Open Account.”

2. Fill out the online application form: The form will request your personal information Be sure to have your identification documents (passport or ID card) and proof of address handy for uploading.

3. Fund your account: AGEA offers various deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. Choose your preferred method and follow the instructions to complete the deposit.

4. Verify your account: Once your account is funded, you'll need to verify your identity and address. This typically involves submitting scanned copies of your ID documents and proof of address.

5. Start trading: Once your account is verified, you're ready to explore the AGEA trading platform and start making trades.

Service / Product Fees

1. Withdrawal by Wire Fee - $10.00: This fee is applicable when you make a withdrawal transaction through bank wire transfer. We charge $10.00 for each withdrawal processed via wire transfer.

2. Withdrawal by Electronic Money Fee - $7.00: For withdrawals processed through non-wire processors, such as electronic money services, we charge a fee of $7.00 per transaction.

3. Inactivity Fee (SUSPENDED) - $30.00 per Month: Please note that the Inactivity Fee of $30.00 per month, which applies for each 1-month period without account activity, is currently suspended. We'll notify you in advance if there are any changes to this policy.

Trading Platform

1. Streamster: Streamster is a user-friendly trading platform suitable for traders of all levels. Streamster stands out with its unique international multi-channel chat, allowing traders to discuss market trends and receive real-time customer support. It also seamlessly integrates live and virtual trading desks within a single account, ensuring consistency between demo and live trading experiences. With no balance limits or commissions, Streamster covers Crypto, Currency, Index, and Commodity CFDs, operating from Sunday 22:15 to Friday 21:00 GMT, and offers leverage ranging from 1:10 to 1:100.

2. MetaTrader 4 (MT4): MetaTrader 4 (MT4) is a customizable trading platform designed for proficient traders. It provides tools for price analysis, trade execution, and automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs). MT4 offers various chart timeframes and built-in indicators for technical analysis. With its proprietary programming language, MQL4, traders can develop custom EAs tailored to their strategies. Supporting currency, index, and commodity CFDs, MT4 operates within the same trading hours as Streamster. Margin interest, execution types, and position limits vary between standard and cent accounts on MT4, providing flexibility for traders with different risk levels. Additionally, MT4 supports multiple account currencies, enhancing accessibility for global traders.

Deposit & Withdrawal

AGEA offers a range of deposit and withdrawal options including Bank Wire Transfer, Credit/Debit Cards, E-wallets, and Local Payment Methods such as Sofort Banking (Germany) and iDEAL (Netherlands).

1. Bank Wire Transfer: Traders can securely transfer funds to and from their AGEA accounts using bank wire transfers, providing a traditional and reliable method for depositing and withdrawing funds.

2. Credit/Debit Cards: AGEA accepts major credit and debit cards, offering a convenient and widely used method for instant deposits and withdrawals, facilitating seamless transactions for traders.

3. E-wallets: Traders can utilize various e-wallet services to deposit and withdraw funds from their AGEA accounts, providing a fast, secure, and convenient payment solution for managing their trading accounts.

4. Local Payment Methods (Sofort Banking and iDEAL): AGEA supports local payment methods such as Sofort Banking (Germany) and iDEAL (Netherlands).

Customer Support

Customer support at AGEA is comprehensive and easily accessible, ensuring traders receive assistance whenever needed.

Live Support: Traders can engage with AGEA's support team in real-time through the Live Support feature, allowing for immediate assistance with any inquiries or issues.

Phone Support: AGEA provides phone support through two contact numbers: +382 (20)664-320 and +382(20)664-320. Traders can directly reach out to speak with a representative for personalized assistance.

Email Support: For non-urgent inquiries or detailed requests, traders can contact AGEA's support team via email at support@agea.com. This allows for thorough communication and resolution of queries.

Educational Resources

AGEA offers valuable educational resources through its Latest News section, keeping traders informed about important developments and events. This section provides updates on various company announcements and actions, including notices to shareholders, invitations to general meetings, updates on voluntary dissolution procedures, and more.

By staying updated with the Latest News, traders can gain insights into the company's operations, corporate decisions, and regulatory compliance. This information can help traders make informed decisions and stay ahead of market trends.

Here are some examples of educational resources provided by AGEA through its Latest News section:

1. Notice to Shareholders on the Payment of Dividends: Traders can learn about dividend payments and their impact on the company's financial performance.

2. Invitation to General Meetings: Traders can stay informed about upcoming general meetings and participate in discussions regarding company matters.

3. Update on Voluntary Dissolution: Traders can understand the implications of voluntary dissolution procedures and how they may affect the company's future operations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AGEA has its ups and downs:

On the positive side, AGEA has solid experience in trading, offering various account types and a low minimum deposit of USD 100, making it accessible to traders.

But there are drawbacks to consider. AGEA operates without regulation, which might worry some traders about the safety of their funds. Plus, their educational resources are limited, which could affect traders' success. The lack of regulation also means there's more risk involved, and resolving disputes may take longer.

FAQs

Question: What documents do I need to provide to verify my account？

Answer: To verify your account, you'll need to provide a copy of your identification document (such as a passport or driver's license) and proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement).

Question: What trading platforms does AGEA offer？

Answer: AGEA offers two main trading platforms: Streamster and MetaTrader 4 (MT4). Streamster is user-friendly and suitable for traders of all levels, while MT4 is more advanced and customizable, ideal for experienced traders.

Question: How can I deposit funds into my AGEA account？

Answer: You can deposit funds into your AGEA account using various methods, including bank wire transfer, credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and local payment methods such as Sofort Banking and iDEAL.

Question: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account？

Answer: The minimum deposit required to open an account with AGEA is USD 100. This ensures accessibility for traders with varying capital levels.

Question: Does AGEA offer educational resources for traders？

Answer: Yes, AGEA provides educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge. These resources include articles, tutorials, webinars, and market analysis tools.

Question: How can I contact AGEA's customer support？

Answer: You can contact AGEA's customer support team through live chat, phone (+382 (20)664-320), or email (support@agea.com). Our support team is available to assist you with any inquiries or issues you may have.