Review Market logoReviewMarket
Compare brokers
← All comparisons
AvaTrade
VS
IC Markets

AvaTrade vs IC Markets: which broker is better in 2026?

We compare AvaTrade and IC Markets — two forex & CFD brokers — side by side across regulation, fees, platforms, minimum deposit, and our editorial scores. Based on our overall editorial score, IC Markets edges ahead (4.1/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.

Side-by-side comparison

CriteriaAvaTradeIC Markets
Overall score 3.6 4.1
Regulation & safety 3.5 3.5
Fees & deposit 3.5 4.5
Platform & assets 4.0 4.5
User support 3.5 4.0
Trust score72/10080/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsMetaTrader 4/5, AvaTradeGO (mobile), AvaOptions, WebTraderMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, WebTrader, IC Mobile App
Fee modelSpread model — details not yet verifiedSeveral account types (Raw Spread, Standard, Raw Pro/Pro+, cTrader Raw Spread, Swap Free) — the fee structure per account type has not been verified in detail

Pros & cons

AvaTrade
  • Supervised by the Central Bank of Ireland + multiple global entities; founded 2006
  • Full platform selection (MT4/MT5/AvaTradeGO/AvaOptions)
  • Broad instrument coverage including options
  • A private company — financial transparency more limited than a public company
  • Some clients via offshore entities
  • Leverage is high-risk
IC Markets
  • One of the most popular raw-spread ECN brokers for scalping/algo trading (very low costs)
  • Very complete platform selection (MT4/MT5/cTrader/TradingView)
  • Regulated by ASIC (Australia) + CySEC for certain entities
  • A class-action record (reported since 2024) alleging it misled investors — no verdict yet, but a relevant public fact
  • Many clients via offshore entities (Seychelles/Bahamas)
  • Leverage is high-risk

Regulation at a glance

AvaTrade

Supervised by the Central Bank of Ireland as its primary regulator (mentioned by Wikipedia in the context of an acquisition blocked by this regulator). Operates multiple entities globally — license status per entity not verified in detail.

IC Markets

Exact license numbers not yet verified — the official site mentions multi-regulation but the detailed regulation page was inaccessible during our check. Verify directly with the regulator (ASIC, CySEC, or the Seychelles FSA depending on the entity) before signing up.