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IC Markets
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Plus500

IC Markets vs Plus500: which broker is better in 2026?

We compare IC Markets and Plus500 — 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

CriteriaIC MarketsPlus500
Overall score 4.1 3.8
Regulation & safety 3.5 4.0
Fees & deposit 4.5 3.5
Platform & assets 4.5 4.0
User support 4.0 3.5
Trust score80/10076/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, WebTrader, IC Mobile AppProprietary web platform, iOS/Android mobile app
Fee modelSeveral account types (Raw Spread, Standard, Raw Pro/Pro+, cTrader Raw Spread, Swap Free) — the fee structure per account type has not been verified in detailSpread model (no separate commission) — exact spreads not yet verified in detail

Pros & cons

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
Plus500
  • Public company (LSE FTSE 250) with layered regulation (FCA UK, MAS Singapore)
  • Simple, beginner-friendly proprietary platform, no separate commission (spread model)
  • Broad instrument coverage: share/forex/commodity/index CFDs + futures & share dealing
  • Historical note: £205,128 FCA fine (2012) for inaccurate transaction reporting + a past dispute with the Belgian regulator (FSMA)
  • Own platform only — no MT4/MT5/cTrader for advanced traders
  • Leveraged CFD model is high-risk (most retail accounts lose money — standard industry warning)

Regulation at a glance

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.

Plus500

Listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250). The UK entity (Plus500UK Ltd) is supervised by the FCA; the Singapore entity (Plus500SG) holds a Capital Markets Services license from MAS. Check which entity serves your country — regulation differs per entity.