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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 is IC Markets？

IC Markets is an Australian 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.

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.

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.

Minimum Deposit

IC Markets 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

Account Type

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.

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.

Leverage

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.

Spreads & 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.

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.

Deposit & Withdrawal

IC Markets offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal options, including Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna. IC Markets does not charge any 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 take up to 10 business days to process depending on the bank. International bank wire transfers take up to 14 days and incur additional intermediary and/or beneficiary fees. Credit/debit card withdrawals are processed free of charge and 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

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. You can 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

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.

Conclusion

IC Markets is a regulated 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 (FAQs)

• Question 1: What is the minimum deposit required to open an account with IC Markets？

• Answer 1: $200.

• Question 2: What are the available deposit and withdrawal methods on IC Markets？

• Answer 2: Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, credit/debit cards, Poli, wire transfer, rapidpay, and klarna.

• Question 3: What trading platforms are available on IC Markets？

• Answer 3: MetaTrader4, MetaTrader5, and cTrader.

• Question 4: What is the maximum leverage offered by IC Markets？

• Answer 4: 1:500.

• Question 5: Does IC Markets charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals？

• Answer 5: IC Markets does not charge any fees for deposits and withdrawals. However, additional fees may occur at some banking institutions.

What is BDSWISS？

BDSwiss is an offshore-regulated forex and CFD broker that was established in 2012 and is registered in Seychelles. The broker offers a range of trading instruments across multiple asset classes, including forex, commodities, shares, indices, and cryptocurrencies.

In the following article, we will analyze the characteristics of this broker from various aspects, providing you with simple and organized information. If you are interested, please read on. At the end of the article, we will also briefly make a conclusion so that you can understand the broker's characteristics at a glance.

Pros & Cons

BDSWISS offers a wide range of trading instruments across multiple asset classes, making it a versatile platform for traders. The absence of deposit and withdrawal fees is a definite advantage for those who prioritize low-cost trading. Additionally, the broker's extensive educational resources can be beneficial for novice traders who want to improve their trading skills.

However, some traders may find the offshore Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) license to be a drawback. Overall, BDSWISS appears to be a reliable broker with several advantages for traders, but it's important to consider the potential drawbacks before deciding to trade with them.

Note that this table is not exhaustive and there may be additional pros and cons to consider.

BDSWISS Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to BDSWISS depending on the specific needs and preferences of the trader. Some popular options include:

FxPro - A reputable broker with a variety of trading platforms and competitive pricing.

Trade Nation - A user-friendly broker with a focus on education and customer satisfaction.

Go Markets - A reliable broker with competitive spreads and a range of trading instruments.

Ultimately, the best broker for an individual trader will depend on their specific trading style, preferences, and needs.

Is BDSWISS Safe or Scam？

These measures help to ensure that BDSWISS provides a safe and secure trading environment for its clients.

Our Conclusion on BDSWISS Reliability:

Based on the information provided, BDSWISS appears to be a reliable and reputable online broker. It is offshore regulated by Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA), offers negative balance protection and segregates client funds. However, it is important to note that all trading carries risks, and clients should always do their own research and take appropriate precautions.

Market Instruments

BDSwiss offers 250+ trading instruments across various asset classes, providing traders with numerous options for diversification. Forex traders can access over 50 currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. The platform also offers CFD trading on precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, as well as energy products like crude oil and natural gas. Additionally, traders can choose from a range of popular stock CFDs, including shares of leading companies in the US, Europe, and Asia. BDSwiss also provides access to a range of global stock indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100, DAX 30, and Nikkei 225. Finally, the platform offers trading on popular cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.

Accounts

Demo Account: BDSWISS provides a demo account that allows you to try out the financial markets without the risk of losing money.

Live Account: BDSWISS offers a total of 3 account types: Classic, VIP, and Raw. The minimum deposit to open an account is $10, $500 and $500 respectively. The threshold to open an account at BDSWISS is quite low. However, we should also realize that too little capital not only reduces losses, but also reduces profitability. Therefore, you may find it “unexciting” or unprofitable. In addition, accounts with smaller initial deposits tend to have poorer trading conditions.

Leverage

BDSWISS offers a maximum leverage of up to 1:500 for all account types, which is a generous offer and ideal for professional traders and scalpers. However, since leverage can magnify your profits, it can also result in a loss of capital, especially for inexperienced traders. Therefore, traders must choose the right amount according to their risk tolerance.

Spreads & Commissions

BDSwiss offers variable spreads and commissions based on the type of trading account. Classic accounts have a minimum spread of 1.5 pips with no commission, while VIP accounts have a lower minimum spread of 1.1 pips and are also commission-free. Raw accounts, on the other hand, offer raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips but have to pay a commission of $5 per traded lot. Overall, BDSwiss' spreads and commissions are competitive compared to other brokers in the market. It's essential to note that spreads can fluctuate depending on market volatility, trading volumes, and other market conditions.

It is commendable that in the trading instruments interface, BDSWISS provides a detailed table showing the spreads, swaps, commissions and pip value of various instruments in various accounts in detail, which greatly facilitates customers' inquiries and comparisons.

Below is a comparison table about spreads and commissions charged by different brokers:

Trading Platforms

As for the trading platform, BDSWISS provides its clients with many options. There are public platforms such as MT4 and MT5 that have served many clients worldwide, also BDSWISS's own platforms - BDSwiss Mobile APP, BDSwiss WebTrader. If you didn't want to spend time familiarizing yourself with a new platform, you could choose MT5 and MT4. But BDSWISS's own platform provides better compatibility with businesses, as they are specially developed and customized platforms. The choice is yours.

Overall, BDSWISS' trading platforms are well-designed, user-friendly, and offer a range of advanced features suitable for both beginner and experienced traders. See the trading platform comparison table below:

Trading Tools

BDSWISS provides a range of trading tools to help its clients in their trading activities.

The economic calendar allows traders to keep track of important upcoming events that can affect the markets.

The VPS service provides fast and reliable connection to BDSWISS servers for traders who use automated trading strategies.

The Trade Companion is a trading assistant that provides users with insights and trading signals.

The Trends Analysis tool helps traders to identify trends and make better trading decisions.

Trading Central provides technical analysis and market insights.

The Autochartist tool analyzes charts and helps traders to identify trading opportunities.

Trading Alerts notify users of important market events.

The Currency Heatmap tool allows traders to see the relative strength of different currencies.

Finally, the Trading Calculators help traders to manage their risk and calculate their potential profits and losses.

Deposits & Withdrawals

BDSWISS offers a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options, including Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, Bank Wire, Pay Retailers, cryptocurrencies, AstroPay, Globepay, MPESA, airtel tiGo, korapay, and more.

The broker does not charge any fees for deposits or withdrawals via credit card, while for bank wire withdrawals equal to or less than €100, BDSwiss will charge a €10 flat fee.

BDSWISS minimum deposit vs other brokers

Most deposits are processed instantly. For withdrawals, BDSWISS strives to process most requests within 24 hours, although the processing time may vary depending on the payment method used and the verification requirements. Overall, BDSWISS offers convenient and cost-effective deposit and withdrawal options for its clients.

BDSWISS Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds from BDSWISS, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your BDSWISS account

Step 2: Click on the “Withdrawal” option in the main menu.

Step 3: Select your preferred withdrawal method from the available options.

Step 4: Enter the amount you want to withdraw and provide any additional information requested.

Step 5: Click on the “Submit” button to process the withdrawal request.

Fees

BDSWISS charges overnight fees on all positions that are held open overnight, and the rates depend on the instrument being traded. The broker also charges a currency conversion fee for deposits made in a currency different from the account currency. Moreover, if no trading activity occurs for over 90 days, a monthly fee of $30 will be deducted from your account balance, until the account balance is 0. This charges covers the maintenance/administration expenses of such inactive accounts. It is important for traders to keep these fees in mind when planning their trading activities, as they can impact the overall profitability of their trades.

See the fee comparison table below:

Customer Service

• Languages: English, polish, German, Italian, French, Arabic, Thai, Filipino, Chinese, Indonesian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Turkish, Danish, Norwegian, Korean, Czech, Malay, Vietnamese, etcetera.

• Service Hours: 24/5 multilingual live chat

• Phone Number: +44 2036705890

• Email: support@global.bdswiss.com

• Social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Telegram

• Address: Suite 3, Global Village, Jivans Complex, Mont Fleuri, Mahe, Seychelles.

• Help/Support Centre are also available.

Education

BDSWISS provides a range of educational resources to assist traders in improving their trading knowledge and skills. They offer a variety of educational materials, including Forex eBooks, LIVE Education, Forex Basic Lessons, Forex Glossary, Educational Videos, and Seminars.

Their Forex eBooks cover various topics, such as trading psychology, technical analysis, and risk management, to help traders develop a well-rounded understanding of the Forex market.

They also provide live education through webinars, which are hosted by industry experts, and interactive training sessions.

The Forex Basic Lessons are designed to help beginner traders learn the basics of Forex trading.

Additionally, they offer educational videos that cover different aspects of trading, and traders can attend in-person seminars held in different locations globally.

User Exposure on WikiFX

On our website, you can see that some users have reported scams. Please be aware and exercise caution when investing. You can check our platform for information before trading. If you find such fraudulent brokers or have been a victim of one, please let us know in the Exposure section, we would appreciate it and our team of experts will do everything possible to solve the problem for you.

Conclusion

All in all, BDSWISS offers a diverse range of trading instruments with competitive spreads and commissions on different account types. The broker provides a variety of deposit and withdrawal options with no fees charged, and fast processing times. BDSWISS also offers various educational resources and trading tools to enhance clients trading experience. However, is offshore regulated by Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) and there are some negative reviews from their clients saying that they have met severe slippage and unable to withdraw. Every trader should be cautious before trading or investing with a broker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)