What is ICM？

ICM, or ICM Capital, is a UK-based online forex and CFD trading provider. It was established in 2009 and is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom. The company offers trading services in a wide range of financial instruments, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. ICM also provides clients with access to the MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and cTrader trading platforms, and offers multiple account types to cater to the needs of different traders.

Pros & Cons

ICM offers several advantages for traders, including the provision of the popular MetaTrader platform and a wide range of tradable instruments across multiple asset classes. The broker is also regulated by reputable authorities.

However, there are some drawbacks, such as limited educational resources and research tools. Additionally, ICM is not available for clients in certain jurisdictions.

Note: The above table is based on general observations and may not be comprehensive. Pros and cons may vary depending on individual preferences and requirements.

ICM Alternative Brokers

There are many alternative brokers to ICM, each with their own unique features and offerings. Some popular alternatives include:

• eToro: eToro is a well-known broker that offers social trading, allowing traders to follow and copy the trades of other successful traders.

• IG: IG is a broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.

• XM: XM is a broker that offers low spreads and competitive pricing, as well as a range of educational resources for traders.

• Plus500: Plus500 is a broker that offers commission-free trading and a range of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, and cryptocurrencies.

• FXTM: FXTM is a broker that offers a range of trading platforms and a variety of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, and commodities.

• It's important to do your own research and compare the features, fees, and offerings of different brokers before choosing one that best fits your trading needs and preferences.

Is ICM Safe or Scam？

ICM is a legitimate forex and CFD broker that is regulated by several reputable financial authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Financial Services Commission of Mauritius, etc. The company also uses advanced security measures to protect clients' funds and personal information.

However, as with any financial service provider, it is always important to do your own research and due diligence before opening an account and investing your money.

How are you protected？

ICM protect their clients with many different protection measures. Specific details can be found in the table below:

It's worth noting that while these measures can help protect clients, no security measures can completely eliminate the risk of financial loss in trading. It's important for traders to understand the risks involved in trading and to only trade with funds they can afford to lose.

Our Conclusion on ICM Reliability:

Based on the regulatory oversight, client fund protection, and risk management policies of ICM, it can be considered a relatively reliable broker. It is regulated by several reputable financial authorities, and it implements measures to ensure the security of its clients' funds.

However, like any other broker, there are still risks associated with trading, such as market volatility and price fluctuations, which should be taken into consideration. Though these measures can help protect clients, no security measures can completely eliminate the risk of financial loss in trading. It's important for traders to understand the risks involved in trading and to only trade with funds they can afford to lose

Market Instruments

ICM offers a variety of trading instruments across different asset classes, including:

• Forex: ICM offers over 60 major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, including EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, AUD/USD, and many more.

• Precious metals: ICM provides trading opportunities for precious metals, including gold and silver, which are traded as CFDs.

• Stocks: ICM allows clients to trade stocks from some of the world's most popular stock exchanges, including the NYSE and NASDAQ.

• Futures: ICM provides access to futures contracts from various markets, including indices, commodities, and currencies.

• Securities: ICM offers trading in bonds, bills, and notes issued by governments and corporations.

• Cryptocurrencies CFDs: ICM also offers trading in cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple, as CFDs.

  It's worth noting that the availability of trading instruments may vary depending on the jurisdiction of the client.

Accounts

ICM offers two account types: ICM Direct (ECN) and ICM ZERO.

The ICM Direct (ECN) account has variable spreads starting from 1.2 pips and requires a minimum deposit of $200. It also offers a maximum leverage of 1:200.

The ICM ZERO account has spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a commission of $7 per lot traded and requires a minimum deposit of $1,000. It also offers a maximum leverage of 1:200. Both accounts offer access to the MT4, MT5 and cTrader trading platforms.

Leverage

ICM offers leverage up to 1:200 for forex trading. However, the maximum leverage available for other instruments such as indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies may vary depending on the instrument and market conditions.

It is important to note that while leverage can increase potential profits, it also amplifies potential losses, and traders should use it with caution and employ appropriate risk management strategies.

Spreads & Commissions

ICM offers variable spreads, which means that the spread can fluctuate depending on market conditions. The spread for EUR/USD can start from as low as 1.2 pips on the ICM Direct account, while on the ICM ZERO account the spread can be as low as 0.0 pips, but with a commission of $7 per lot.

It's important to note that the spreads and commissions may vary depending on the account type, trading instrument, and market conditions. It's always recommended to check the latest information on the ICM website or trading platform.

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

Note: Spreads and commissions are subject to change and may vary depending on the account type and trading platform used.

Trading Platforms

ICM offers MetaTrader4 (MT4), MetaTrader5 (MT5), and cTrader as trading platforms.

MetaTrader4 is a widely used platform among traders and offers a range of features such as automated trading and advanced charting tools.

MetaTrader5 is the successor to MT4 and includes additional features such as more advanced trading tools and indicators.

cTrader is a popular platform among ECN traders and offers advanced charting tools, level 2 pricing, and other advanced features.

Overall, ICM's 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:

Deposits & Withdrawals

ICM offers several deposit and withdrawal options for its clients.

Deposit methods include bank wire transfer, credit/debit card, Skrill, Neteller, FasaPay, and China Union Pay. Withdrawal methods include bank wire transfer, Skrill, Neteller, FasaPay, and China Union Pay.

ICM does not charge any deposit or withdrawal fees, but fees may be charged by the payment provider. Withdrawals are usually processed within 24 hours, but may take longer depending on the payment method.

The minimum deposit amount for ICM Direct account is $200 and for ICM Zero account is $1,000.

ICM minimum deposit vs other brokers

ICM Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds from your ICM trading account, you need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your ICM client portal.

Step 2: Click on the “Withdrawal” button.

Step 3: Select the payment method you want to use.

Step 4: Enter the amount you want to withdraw and fill in any required details.

Step 5: Submit your withdrawal request.

ICM will then process your withdrawal request and send the funds to the payment method you selected. The processing time can vary depending on the payment method and your bank's processing times. It is recommended to check with your payment provider for more information.

Fees

ICM charges various fees that traders should be aware of. Apart from spreads and commissions, there are also some other fees that will be charged.

• Inactivity fee: If an account is inactive for 180 days, ICM charges an inactivity fee of $50 per month.

• Overnight swap fees: ICM charges overnight swap fees on positions held open overnight, which can be either positive or negative, depending on the trading instrument.

• Conversion fees: If traders deposit or withdraw funds in a currency different from their account currency, ICM charges a conversion fee of 2%.

See the fee comparison table below:

It is important to note that fees may vary depending on the account type, trading instrument, and market conditions. Traders should always check the latest fee schedule on ICM's website before trading.

Customer Service

ICM offers customer support 24/5 via live chat, phone, email, WhatsApp or send messages online to get in touch.

You can also follow some social networks such as LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Note: These pros and cons are subjective and may vary depending on the individual's experience with ICM's customer service.

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

Conclusion

In conclusion, ICM is a regulated broker that offers a range of trading instruments and account types. The broker has a strong emphasis on customer protection and provides negative balance protection to its clients. Additionally, the broker offers a demo account for traders to practice their trading strategies before investing real money.

ICM offers two account types with different spreads and commissions, and clients can choose between MT4, MT5, and cTrader as their trading platforms. The broker offers multiple deposit and withdrawal options, and fees are relatively competitive compared to other brokers in the industry.

In terms of customer service, ICM has a knowledgeable support team that can be reached through email, phone, or live chat. However, the broker's educational resources could be more extensive to cater to novice traders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Vantage？

Vantage is an online forex broker that offers trading services for individuals and institutions around the world. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Australia, with additional offices in the United Kingdom, Cayman Islands, and China. Vantage provides a variety of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, and offers multiple trading platforms, such as MetaTrader4 and5. The broker also provides a range of educational resources and customer support services to help traders of all levels make informed trading decisions.

Pros & Cons

Vantage offers a good selection of trading instruments, competitive spreads, and multiple trading platforms. The broker is also well-regulated and offers a high level of security for client funds.

On the downside, some traders have reported issues with order execution and withdrawals. Additionally, some trading platforms may not be available to all clients based on their country of residence.

Note: This table is not exhaustive and there may be other pros and cons of Vantage depending on individual experiences and preferences.

Vantage Alternative Brokers

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

• Admiral Markets: An online trading platform offering a range of financial instruments, including forex, stocks, and commodities.

• AvaTrade: A regulated forex broker that provides trading services to clients worldwide, with a range of trading platforms and instruments available.

• Plus500: An online trading platform that offers CFD trading on various financial instruments, including forex, cryptocurrencies, and stocks, with a user-friendly interface and competitive spreads.

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

Is Vantage Safe or Scam？

Based on the available information, Vantage appears to be a reliable broker. It is regulated by top-tier authorities including ASIC and the FCA, offers negative balance protection, ensuring clients cannot lose more than their account balance. Vantage also has a range of trading platforms and tools, as well as competitive fees and spreads. However, there have been some negative reviews regarding customer service and the withdrawal process. Overall, it is important for individuals to conduct their own research and due diligence before deciding to use Vantage or any other broker.

Market Instruments

Vantage provides a diverse range of trading instruments to cater to the different trading needs of its clients. It offers trading in major, minor, and exotic forex currency pairs, as well as popular indices, such as S&P 500, NASDAQ, and Dow Jones. In addition, Vantage also offers trading in precious metals, including gold and silver, soft commodities, such as coffee, sugar, and wheat, and energy products, including crude oil and natural gas. Clients can also trade Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), share CFDs, and bonds. With this variety of instruments, traders can diversify their portfolio and capitalize on different market opportunities.

Accounts

Vantage offers three tiered trading accounts to satisfy different traders trading needs. Standard STP account is for novice traders who want direct market access with no commissions applied. Raw and Pro ECN accounts are designed for experienced traders who pursue high liquidity and ultra-low spreads. To open a Standard STP or Raw ECN account, you need $50, while Pro ECN account is designed for traders with high volume, which requires an account opening amount of $10,000. It also offers unlimited demo accounts.

Leverage

Vantage offers the maximum trading leverage of up to 500:1, a generous offering, ideal for professionals and scalpers. However, inexperienced traders are advised not to use such a high leverage level in case of heavy fund losses.

Spreads & Commissions

When it comes to the core part of the forex trading spread, it varies depending on the account type. The spread in the Standard STP account starts from 1.0 pips with no additional commissions. The spreads in the Raw and Pro ECN accounts start from 0.0 pips, but with additional commissions required, from $3 per lot per side and from $1.5 per lot per side respectively.

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

Please note that the spread and commission may vary depending on the account type and trading platform used.

Trading Platforms

Vantage offers traders the most popular online forex trading terminals on the market- MT4 and MT5 trading platforms. MT4 trading platform from VANTAGE FX comes with a wide range of powerful chart types and supports desktop, web, and mobile devices, etc. MT5 offers a full suite of trading needs, including forex, commodities, and indices, with all quotes from liquidity providers at your fingertips. MT5's two account types (Equity and Hedge) make it easier for traders to manage their accounts in the way they want.

Overall, Vantage's 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:

Note: The table only includes some of the available trading platforms for each broker.

Trading Tools

Vantage offers a range of trading tools to assist traders in making informed trading decisions. These tools include market news and analysis, an economic calendar, sentiment indicators, smart trader tools for the MT4 and MT5 platforms, a range of calculators, Forex VPS, TradingView, trading signals, PRO Trader Tools, and PRO Trader Tutorials. These tools provide traders with comprehensive market insights and analysis to help them identify profitable trading opportunities. Additionally, the PRO Trader Tools offer advanced features such as trade management, sentiment analysis, and correlation matrix, making it an attractive option for professional traders looking for sophisticated trading tools.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Vantage offers several flexible payment options, consisting of Domestic EFT, Domestic Express Transfer (Australia only), International EFT, credit/debit cards of Visa/MasterCard, JCB, China UnionPay, Neteller, Skrill, AstroPay, Broker-to-Broker Transfer, FasaPay, and Thailand Instant Bank Wire Transfer.

Before submitting a withdrawal request, please ensure that the requested amount is equal to or above the minimum required amount for each withdrawal method shown in the table below. Otherwise, you may need to top up your account balance to or above the suggested minimum before withdrawing.

The broker does not charge any internal fees for any deposits and withdrawals. However, outgoing and incoming deposits from foreign banking institutions may be subject to brokerage fees for either party. These fees are not controlled by Vantage, and the user is responsible for the costs incurred.

Base currencies:

AUD – Dollars, USD – United States Dollar, EUR – Euro, GBP – British Pound Sterling, NZD – New Zealand Dollar, SGD – Singapore Dollar, JPY – Japanese Yen, CAD – Canadian Dollar

Vantage minimum deposit vs other brokers

Vantage Money Withdrawal

To withdraw funds, clients need to log in to their Vantage account and go to the “Withdrawal” section. From there, they can select the withdrawal method and follow the instructions provided. Withdrawal requests are typically processed within one business day, and the time it takes for the funds to reach the client's account depends on the withdrawal method used.

Fees

Vantage also charges an inactivity fee of $50 per quarter for accounts that have been inactive for 6 months or more. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, but clients may incur charges from their payment provider.

See the fee comparison table below:

Note that the withdrawal fees for Vantage and Admiral Markets may vary depending on the withdrawal method chosen. It's important to check with each broker for the most up-to-date information on fees.

Customer Service

Vantage offers customer support 24/7 through various channels such as email, live chat, and phone. They also provide a comprehensive FAQ section on their website to answer common queries. Moreover, they are also some social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Overall, their customer service is efficient and responsive, with quick response times and helpful support agents.

Note: These are general observations and experiences may vary depending on individual cases and circumstances.

Education

Vantage provides educational resources to its clients to help them improve their trading skills and knowledge. These educational resources include articles, webinars, and guides that cover various topics such as trading strategies, technical analysis, fundamental analysis, risk management, and more. Vantage also offers a free demo account to clients to practice their trading skills in a risk-free environment. Additionally, Vantage provides market analysis and research to its clients to help them make informed trading decisions.

Conclusion

Overall, Vantage offers a wide range of trading instruments and platforms, with competitive spreads and no commission on trades, making it an attractive option for traders. The broker also provides various educational resources for traders, including webinars and tutorials. However, Vantage's customer service could be improved, as some traders have reported slow response times and have difficulty withdrawing funds. Despite these drawbacks, Vantage has established a strong reputation for reliability, with stringent regulations in place to protect client funds. Overall, Vantage is a choice for traders looking for a reputable broker with a wide range of trading tools and educational resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)