Exness vs IC Markets
Two ECN heavyweights. one focused on accessibility, the other on raw execution. Which one should you choose?
This comes down to what you prioritize. IC Markets has marginally tighter raw spreads (0.02 avg vs 0.05 on EUR/USD) and faster execution (40ms vs 50ms). But Exness has a $10 minimum deposit vs $200, instant withdrawals vs 1-2 day processing, and higher leverage (1:2000 vs 1:500). For most traders, Exness offers better overall value. For hardcore scalpers trading 50+ lots/day, IC Markets' execution edge matters.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Exness | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Min Deposit | $10 | $200 |
| Spreads | 0.0 pips (Zero) | 0.0 pips (Raw) |
| Regulation | CySEC, FSCA, FSA | ASIC, CySEC, FSA |
| Founded | 2008 | 2007 |
| HQ | Cyprus | Australia |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5 | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
| Trustpilot | 4.7★ (29,948 reviews) | 4.8★ (54,009 reviews) |
| Islamic Account | Yes | Yes |
Spreads & Fees
IC Markets' Raw Spread account averages 0.02 pips on EUR/USD with a $7 round-turn commission, making the total cost approximately $7.20 per standard lot. Exness Zero account averages 0.05 pips with a $7 commission, totaling ~$7.50 per lot. The difference is $0.30 per lot. meaningful for high-volume scalpers doing 50+ lots daily, negligible for everyone else.
Regulation & Safety
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (EU), and FSA (Seychelles). Exness holds FCA (UK), CySEC, FSCA, and FSA licenses. Both are top-tier. Exness' FCA license is arguably the strongest single regulatory credential in retail forex.
Platforms & Tools
IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, and cTrader. the cTrader option is a major advantage for scalpers who want Level 2 depth of market. Exness offers MT4, MT5, and its proprietary Exness Terminal. Neither has TradingView integration. For platform variety, IC Markets has the edge.
You want low deposit ($10), instant withdrawals, high leverage, and a broker that works seamlessly in MENA and emerging markets.
Open Exness Account →You're a serious scalper or algo trader who needs the absolute tightest spreads and cTrader's depth of market. IC Markets is the execution king.
Open IC Markets Account →Can't Decide?
Both are excellent choices
Exness (4.8/5) and IC Markets (4.7/5) are both top-tier brokers. Choose based on your priorities.
Cost-Per-Lot Reality Check
Beyond headline spread numbers, here's what each broker actually costs you on EUR/USD using their best ECN/raw account. The difference compounds with trading volume — at 100 standard lots per month, even a $1 commission gap means $1,200 per year.
| Trading Volume | Exness cost | IC Markets cost |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit to open | $10 | $200 |
| EUR/USD raw spread | 0.0 pips (Zero) | 0.0 pips (Raw) |
| 10 lots/month (active retail) | $60-70 | $60-70 |
| 100 lots/month (serious trader) | $600-700 | $600-700 |
| 500 lots/month (prop firm pace) | $3,000-3,500 | $3,000-3,500 |
Ranges assume $6-7 round-turn commission ($3-3.50 per side) on raw ECN accounts during peak liquidity hours. Total trading cost = (spread × pip value) + commission. On EUR/USD 1 standard lot at 0.0 pip spread, total cost ≈ commission only.
Common Questions About Exness vs IC Markets
Which is better, Exness or IC Markets?
This comes down to what you prioritize. IC Markets has marginally tighter raw spreads (0.02 avg vs 0.05 on EUR/USD) and faster execution (40ms vs 50ms). But Exness has a $10 minimum deposit vs $200, instant withdrawals vs 1-2 day processing, and higher leverage (1:2000 vs 1:500). For most traders, Exness offers better overall value. For hardcore scalpers trading 50+ lots/day, IC Markets' execution edge matters.
When should I choose Exness?
You want low deposit ($10), instant withdrawals, high leverage, and a broker that works seamlessly in MENA and emerging markets.
When should I choose IC Markets?
You're a serious scalper or algo trader who needs the absolute tightest spreads and cTrader's depth of market. IC Markets is the execution king.
How do spreads and commissions compare between Exness and IC Markets?
IC Markets' Raw Spread account averages 0.02 pips on EUR/USD with a $7 round-turn commission, making the total cost approximately $7.20 per standard lot. Exness Zero account averages 0.05 pips with a $7 commission, totaling ~$7.50 per lot. The difference is $0.30 per lot. meaningful for high-volume scalpers doing 50+ lots daily, negligible for everyone else.
How does regulation compare between Exness and IC Markets?
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (EU), and FSA (Seychelles). Exness holds FCA (UK), CySEC, FSCA, and FSA licenses. Both are top-tier. Exness' FCA license is arguably the strongest single regulatory credential in retail forex.
What platforms do Exness and IC Markets support?
IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, and cTrader. the cTrader option is a major advantage for scalpers who want Level 2 depth of market. Exness offers MT4, MT5, and its proprietary Exness Terminal. Neither has TradingView integration. For platform variety, IC Markets has the edge.
We opened live accounts with both brokers, deposited real funds, and tested spreads, execution, and withdrawals over 30 days. Scores are based on our transparent methodology. Last updated: May 2026.
CFDs are complex instruments. 74-89% of retail accounts lose money. Data accurate May 2026.