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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 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.

What is Pepperstone？

Pepperstone is a Forex and CFD broker founded in 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. The company has quickly grown to become one of the largest Forex and CFD brokers in the world with over 150,000 clients across the globe. Pepperstone is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), etc. It offers a wide range of trading instruments including Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

Pros & Cons

Pepperstone is a well-established and reputable forex and CFD broker, with a number of strengths. One of its biggest advantages is its range of trading platforms, which include the popular MetaTrader4 and 5 platforms, as well as cTrader. Another advantage is the broker's competitive pricing, with tight spreads and low commission fees.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. One is that Pepperstone's customer service can sometimes be slow to respond, which can be frustrating for traders who need quick assistance. Additionally, the broker offers limited educational resources and research tools.

It's worth noting that while there are some cons associated with Pepperstone, the overall consensus is that it is a reputable and reliable broker with competitive pricing and advanced trading platforms.

Is Pepperstone Safe or Scam？

Pepperstone is a regulated broker, authorized and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom, etc. Pepperstone is considered a legitimate and reliable broker in the industry.

How are you protected？

Pepperstone has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety and protection of its clients' funds and personal information.

More details can be found in the table below:

Our Conclusion on Pepperstone Reliability:

Overall, Pepperstone uses advanced security measures to protect its clients' personal and financial information. The broker's commitment to transparency, and customer satisfaction makes it a trustworthy choice for traders.

Market Instruments

Pepperstone offers 1200+ trading instruments across multiple asset classes, including:

Forex: Major, minor and exotic currency pairs, including USD/EUR, AUD/USD, EUR/GBP, and more.

Stocks: Trading of popular global stocks including Apple, Amazon, Google, etc.

Indices: CFDs on global indices, including S&P 500, FTSE 100, Nikkei 225, and more.

Commodities: CFDs on gold, silver, oil, and other popular commodities.

Cryptocurrencies: Trading of popular cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.

Note that the specific instruments available for trading may vary depending on the account type and region of the client.

Accounts

Pepperstone offers four types of accounts to its clients:

• Standard Account: This account type is suitable for beginners as it has no commission and offers variable spreads starting from 1 pip. The minimum deposit required is $200.

• Razor 0.0 Account: This account type is designed for experienced traders who prefer low spreads and are willing to pay a commission. The minimum deposit required is $200, and it offers variable spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a commission of $3.50 per lot traded.

• Swap-Free Account: This account type is designed for traders who follow Sharia laws and do not want to earn or pay interest on overnight positions. It has no commission and offers variable spreads starting from 1 pip. The minimum deposit required is also $200.

• Demo Account: This account type is available for 30 days, especially for traders to practice their trading skills and strategies. It provides traders with virtual funds to trade with and access to real-time market data, allowing them to simulate trading conditions without risking real money. It is a useful tool for beginners to get familiar with the trading platform and for experienced traders to test new strategies or instruments.

Leverage

Regarding European traders and those whose accounts are registered with Pepperstone UK, the European ESMA law has recently reduced the maximum permitted leverage for security reasons.

On Forex instruments, the maximum leverage allowed for European clients is 1:30. However, leverage levels are contingent upon the entity's laws, such as international offerings. Pepperstone continues to offer leverage of 1:500 for professional clients on each asset.

Nonetheless, ensure you have a thorough understanding of leverage and how to utilize it intelligently, as an increase in your trading size can have a major impact on your potential earnings or losses.

Spreads & Commissions

The EUR/USD spread offered by Pepperstone varies depending on the type of account and market conditions. The commission fees also vary based on the account type and trading platform.

For the Razor 0.0 account, which is designed for advanced traders and uses ECN pricing, the average spread for EUR/USD is around 0.12 pips with a commission of $3.5 per lot.

For the Standard account, the average spread for EUR/USD is around 1.1 pips without any commission. It's important to note that spreads can vary depending on market conditions such as volatility and liquidity.

It is important to note that the above figures are subject to change depending on market conditions and other factors, and traders should always check the latest spreads and commission fees on Pepperstone's website.

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

Note: The spreads and commissions are based on the standard account type for each broker and may vary depending on the account type, trading platform, and market conditions.

Trading Platforms

Pepperstone provides TradingView, MetaTrader5, MetaTrader4 and cTrader. Traders can utilize either the Razor or Standard account type on any platform.

• MetaTrader4 (MT4): The world's most popular forex trading platform, featuring advanced charting, automated trading capabilities, and a vast library of indicators and add-ons.

• MetaTrader5 (MT5): A more advanced version of the MT4 platform, with additional features and capabilities, such as more advanced order types and an economic calendar.

• cTrader: A powerful and user-friendly platform with advanced charting, one-click trading, and a range of advanced order types.

Overall, Pepperstone's trading platforms are highly regarded for their speed, reliability, and ease of use, and are suitable for both beginner and advanced traders.

See the trading platform comparison table below:

Note: This table is not exhaustive and other trading platforms may be available for each broker.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Pepperstone offers various deposit and withdrawal methods for its clients, including: Visa/Mastercard, POLi, Bank transfer, BPay, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, and Union Pay. It's important to note that some deposit and withdrawal methods may not be available in certain countries. Clients should check with Pepperstone for specific details and requirements for their region.

Pepperstone does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees. However, fees may be charged by the payment provider.

Withdrawal forms received after 21:00 (GMT) will be processed the following day. If these are received before 07:00 (AEST) theyll be processed on the same day. Withdrawals made by Bank Wire Transfer usually take 3-5 working days to reach your account.

Minimum deposit requirement

Pepperstone's minimum deposit requirement depends on the type of account you choose. For the standard account, the minimum deposit is $200 (or equivalent in another currency), while for the Razor 0.0 account, the minimum deposit is $200 (or equivalent in another currency) for users who choose to deposit via debit card or PayPal, and $1,000 (or equivalent in another currency) for users who choose to deposit via bank transfer. It's worth noting that different funding methods may have different minimum deposit requirements.

Pepperstone minimum deposit vs other brokers

Pepperstone Money Withdrawal

To initiate a withdrawal, log in to your Pepperstone account and navigate to the “Withdrawals” section. Select your preferred withdrawal method, enter the amount you wish to withdraw, and follow the instructions provided.

Fees

Pepperstone charges various types of fees including spreads, commissions, and swap fees. We have mentioned spreads and commissions before. Now we talk about other fees.

• Swap fees: Pepperstone charges swap fees for holding positions overnight. The swap fee may be a credit or a debit depending on the instrument traded and the direction of the position.

• Inactivity fee: Pepperstone does not charge any inactivity fee.

See the fee comparison table below:

Please note that the fees listed in this table are subject to change and may vary based on factors such as account type, payment method, and location. It's important to check with the broker directly for the most up-to-date and accurate fee information.

Customer Service

Pepperstone offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat 24/5. They also have a comprehensive FAQ section on their website that addresses a wide range of topics. You can also follow them on some social networks such as Twitter and Facebook.

Overall, Pepperstone's customer service is considered reliable and responsive, with various options available for traders to seek assistance.

Note: These pros and cons are based on general feedback and may not be representative of every individual's experience.

Education

Pepperstone offers a variety of educational resources to help traders improve their skills and knowledge. Here are some of the educational offerings provided by Pepperstone:

Trading guides: Pepperstone offers a comprehensive trading guide that covers various topics such as trading psychology, technical analysis, and risk management.

Webinars: Pepperstone regularly hosts live webinars that cover various trading topics, including market analysis, trading strategies, and risk management.

Video tutorials: Pepperstone offers a collection of video tutorials that cover various trading topics such as platform walkthroughs, charting techniques, and risk management.

Overall, Pepperstone offers a robust educational suite that can benefit both beginner and experienced traders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pepperstone is a well-established broker with a solid reputation and a wide range of trading instruments and platforms. They offer competitive pricing with low spreads and commissions and a range of account types to suit different traders. Their customer support is available 24/5 and they offer a range of educational resources for traders of all levels. Overall, Pepperstone is a reliable and reputable broker for traders looking for a broker with a global presence and a wide range of trading options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)