CMC Markets vs IC Markets: which broker is better in 2026?
We compare CMC Markets 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
CriteriaCMC MarketsIC Markets
Overall score 4.0 4.1
Regulation & safety 4.0 3.5
Fees & deposit 3.5 4.5
Platform & assets 4.5 4.5
User support 4.0 4.0
Trust score80/10080/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsProprietary web platform (Next Generation), MetaTrader 4, TradingView (integrated), Mobile appMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, WebTrader, IC Mobile App
Fee modelSpread & commission model varies per product — 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
- Public company (LSE FTSE 250, since 1989) regulated by the FCA + Bermuda Monetary Authority
- Highly regarded Next Generation platform + MT4 + TradingView integration
- Broad coverage: forex/share/index CFDs, spread betting, and share dealing
- Historical note: ASIC once ordered retail-client remediation over margin-netting breaches
- Focus on leveraged CFD/spread betting products — high-risk
- Not the choice for those chasing the cheapest cost/raw ECN
- 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
CMC Markets
Regulated by the FCA in the UK; holds an additional license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250).
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.