IC Trading stands out as a competitive broker for both active traders and newcomers. Our evaluation finds that its low spreads, competitive fees, robust trading platforms, and high leverage of up to 1:500 make it particularly attractive for those who demand fast execution and a diverse range of tradable instruments. While aspects like the learning curve for beginners and variable regional regulatory oversight may pose some challenges, the broker’s overall transparency, strong security measures, and comprehensive account options earn it our recommendation. In short, if you’re seeking a broker that combines advanced technology with competitive pricing, IC Trading is worth considering.
Although IC Trading operates independently from IC Markets, it falls under the same parent company—Raw Trading Ltd.—which underscores its solid business foundation and industry experience. The company’s business model emphasizes a no-hidden-fee structure and robust trading technology. With a focus on reliability, IC Trading provides popular trading platforms—including MT4, MT5 and cTrader—to meet the demands of both novice and experienced traders. The firm also caters to an international audience through multilingual support and multiple account options, making it accessible across many regions. Regulatory compliance, segregated client funds, and state-of-the-art security protocols further underpin its reputation as a trustworthy broker.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Competitive Trading Conditions: Tight spreads and low commissions favor active traders and scalpers.
- Advanced Trading Platforms: Offers MT4, MT5, and cTrader with powerful charting and analytical tools.
- Transparent Fee Structure: No hidden costs; fees and commissions are clearly outlined.
- Robust Security: Client funds are segregated, and the broker employs strong encryption and other security measures.
- Diverse Asset Range: Tradeable instruments include forex, CFDs on indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and more.
- Global Reach: Multilingual support and availability in multiple regions.
Cons:
- Variable Regional Regulation: Licensing and regulatory oversight may differ depending on your location.
- Learning Curve for Beginners: The range of platforms and account types can be overwhelming for new traders.
- Limited Detailed History: Some background information on the company’s evolution is less comprehensive compared to more established brokers.
Unique Features
IC Trading’s most distinctive feature is its focus on direct market access. This approach minimizes slippage and provides faster execution speeds—a critical advantage for high-frequency and scalping traders. Additionally, the broker offers proprietary risk management tools and advanced charting software, allowing traders to customize their strategies. Features such as automated trading through Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader platforms further enhance its appeal.
Tradeable Symbols Available
IC Trading provides an extensive range of tradeable symbols, ensuring that traders can diversify their portfolios. The available instruments include:
- Forex: Major, minor, and exotic currency pairs, including popular pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY.
- Indices: Access to major international indices, allowing exposure to various global markets.
- Commodities: Tradeable contracts on metals, energy products, and agricultural goods.
- Cryptocurrencies: CFDs on leading digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, providing exposure to the volatile crypto market without the need for a digital wallet.
Fees and Spreads
IC Trading is known for its competitive pricing structure. The broker offers tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips on major forex pairs for ECN accounts. Standard accounts have slightly wider spreads but are commission-free.
- Spreads: The average spread for EUR/USD on a Standard Account is 1.2 pips, while the ECN Account offers spreads as low as 0.0 pips.
- Commissions: ECN Accounts charge a commission of $3.5 per lot traded. While no commissions are charged for the Standard Account.
- Overnight Fees: Swap rates apply for positions held open beyond a day. These fees vary depending on the instrument and market conditions.
- Inactivity Fees: Accounts with no trading activity for 12 months may incur an inactivity fee of $5 per month.
Payment Methods
Funding your IC Trading account is straightforward, with a variety of payment options designed to accommodate traders worldwide. Available methods include:
- Bank Transfers: Secure and reliable, ideal for larger deposits.
- Credit/Debit Cards: Quick funding and convenient for most traders.
- E-Wallets: Services such as Skrill, Neteller, and others allow for fast and secure digital transactions.
- Other Methods: Depending on your region, additional localized payment options may be available.
Security
Security is paramount at IC Trading. The broker employs industry-standard encryption protocols to protect sensitive client information during data transmission. Client funds are held in segregated accounts to ensure that they remain separate from the broker’s operating capital.
Furthermore, additional security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA) help to safeguard user accounts against unauthorized access. Regular audits and adherence to strict regulatory guidelines further underscore the broker’s commitment to client security and trust.
Supported Countries
IC Trading has a broad international presence, catering to traders in numerous countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. While the specific list of supported countries may vary based on local regulatory conditions, the broker’s multilingual customer support and localized payment options ensure that traders from diverse regions can access its services. Prospective clients should verify the availability of services in their region before opening an account.
Licences Held by IC Trading
A key indicator of a broker’s credibility is its regulatory status. IC Trading is regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius (FSC) under license number GB21026834, ensuring it adheres to rigorous regulatory standards.
This oversight guarantees that client funds are segregated and protected, trading practices remain transparent, and the broker undergoes regular audits. As always, it’s wise to check the broker’s website or contact support for any updates regarding its regulatory status.
Opening an IC Trading Account
Opening an account with IC Trading is designed to be a user-friendly process. Follow these detailed steps, which are ideal for including annotated screenshots:
- Visit the Official Website: Start by navigating to the IC Trading homepage and clicking on the “Start Trading” button located on the right top corner of the page.
- Choose Your Account Type: Decide whether you want a demo account to practice trading or a live account to start trading with real money.
- Fill Out the Registration Form: Provide your personal information, including your name, email, phone number, and residential address. You may also be asked to upload identification documents to comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations.
- Set Up Your Trading Profile: Once your identity is verified, you can choose your trading preferences, such as your preferred platform (MT4, MT5, or cTrader) and account currency.
- Fund Your Account: Select your preferred payment method from the available options, deposit the minimum required amount, and wait for the transaction to be confirmed.
- Download Your Trading Platform: After funding your account, download the chosen trading platform, install it on your computer or mobile device, and log in using your account credentials.
Following these steps ensures that you can begin trading quickly while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
Different Types of Accounts
IC Trading offers a variety of account types to suit different trading styles and needs. Here’s a breakdown:
Raw Spread Account (MetaTrader):
- Ideal for: Scalpers and traders using Expert Advisors (EAs).
- Spreads: Very small or even zero spreads.
- Commissions: $3.50 per side on Forex and Metals.
- Max Positions: Up to 200 positions can be opened simultaneously.
Raw Spread Account (cTrader):
- Ideal for: Scalpers and EA users who need even lower commissions and higher trading volume.
- Spreads: Comparable to the MetaTrader version with minimal spreads.
- Commissions: Lower at $3.00 per side on Forex and Metals.
- Max Positions: Can open up to 2000 positions at a time, making it ideal for high-frequency trading.
Standard Account:
- Ideal for: Discretionary traders who prefer a commission-free experience.
- Spreads: May be slightly wider as fees are built into the spread.
- Platform: Available on MetaTrader.
- Max Positions: Up to 200 positions can be opened simultaneously.
Islamic Account (Swap-Free):
- Availability: Offered as a feature on any of the above account types.
- Ideal for: Traders who adhere to Islamic finance principles and cannot earn or pay interest.
These options allow you to choose an account type that best fits your trading strategy—whether you prioritize minimal spreads, low commissions, or a commission-free environment.
Trading Experience
The overall trading experience at IC Trading is marked by efficiency and technological sophistication. Traders benefit from:
- Fast Execution: Direct market access ensures minimal slippage, which is particularly important for scalpers and high-frequency traders.
- User-Friendly Interface: cTrader, MT4 and MT5 platforms are renowned for their intuitive design, extensive charting capabilities, and support for automated trading.
- Reliable Performance: Consistent uptime and fast data feeds contribute to a smooth trading experience even during periods of high market volatility.
- Customization: Traders can tailor their workspace with custom indicators, chart settings, and layout preferences to suit their individual strategies.
Different Platforms Used to Trade
IC Trading supports several trading platforms to cater to different preferences:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): A favorite among forex traders, MT4 offers a straightforward interface, a vast array of technical indicators, and support for Expert Advisors (EAs).
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Building on MT4’s legacy, MT5 provides additional features such as more timeframes, an improved order management system, and enhanced analytical tools.
- cTrader: Known for its intuitive interface and advanced charting capabilities, cTrader is ideal for scalpers and high-frequency traders. It offers innovative order management features, fast execution speeds, and a highly customizable layout.
Customer Service
IC Trading provides customer support through multiple channels to ensure that clients receive timely assistance:
- Live Chat: Available 24/5, the live chat feature is known for its responsiveness and efficiency.
- Email Support: For less urgent inquiries, email support through support@ictrading.com is available with a commitment to prompt responses.
- Telephone Support: For complex or urgent issues, phone support allows for direct communication with a customer service representative. The number you can call is +230 215 8013.
- Multilingual Assistance: Given the broker’s international clientele, support is offered in several languages to accommodate non-English speakers.
Customer Satisfaction
User feedback indicates a high level of customer satisfaction at IC Trading. Traders appreciate the transparent fee structure, fast execution speeds, and the availability of educational resources. While there are occasional reports about the complexity of account setup for beginners, overall satisfaction remains high due to the broker’s commitment to client security, technological innovation, and effective customer service.
Does IC Trading Offer Education?
Yes, IC Trading places a significant emphasis on trader education. The broker provides a variety of educational resources designed to help both new and experienced traders enhance their skills:
- Regularly scheduled webinars cover topics ranging from platform navigation to advanced technical analysis. These sessions are accessible live and as recordings.
- Detailed guides are available on the website to help traders understand market fundamentals, risk management, and strategy development.
- Daily market updates and analysis reports offer insights into economic trends and potential trading opportunities, helping traders stay informed about market conditions.
Is IC Trading Right for You?
Determining whether IC Trading is the right broker depends on your individual trading needs. If you are an active trader seeking tight spreads, low commissions, and fast execution speeds, IC Trading’s direct market access and advanced platforms may be ideal. Likewise, if you appreciate robust security measures and a comprehensive suite of educational resources, the broker’s offerings are likely to support your trading journey. However, if you are a complete beginner intimidated by a variety of account types and platform choices, you might need to invest extra time in learning the basics through demo accounts and educational materials before committing significant funds.
Conclusion
Taking inspiration from our overall opinion, IC Trading is a compelling option for traders who need direct market access, low-cost trading conditions, and a secure, technology-driven environment. The broker offers solutions tailored to your trading style. Its global reach, strong regulatory compliance, and customer-centric approach position it as a reliable partner on your trading journey.
Before making a final commitment, we recommend opening a demo account to explore the platforms, review the fee structures, and test the available educational tools. With the right preparation and understanding of your trading objectives, IC Trading can be an excellent choice for those looking to balance cost efficiency with advanced trading features.
FAQ
- What types of accounts does IC Trading offer?
IC Trading provides a variety of accounts to suit different trading styles. You can choose a Raw Spread Account on MetaTrader, which offers spreads as low as 0.0 pips with commissions of $3.50 per side (up to 200 positions), or a similar Raw Spread Account on cTrader with commissions of $3.00 per side and the ability to open up to 2000 positions. There’s also a Standard Account that is commission-free, albeit with slightly wider spreads, and all account types can be opened as Islamic (swap-free) accounts. A demo account is available for those who wish to practice risk-free. - Which trading platforms are available?
IC Trading supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and robust mobile trading applications. These platforms offer intuitive interfaces, comprehensive technical analysis tools, and advanced charting capabilities to cater to a wide range of trading preferences. - How competitive are IC Trading’s fees and spreads?
IC Trading is known for its tight spreads and low commissions. For instance, the Raw Spread Account on MT4 features spreads as low as 0.0 pips with commissions of $3.50 per standard lot, while the cTrader version offers even lower commissions at $3.00 per side. The Standard Account is commission-free, with spreads slightly wider to compensate. These competitive costs make IC Trading particularly attractive for high-frequency and day traders. - What security measures does IC Trading employ?
The broker uses advanced encryption, segregated client funds, and two-factor authentication (2FA) to ensure your data and funds are well protected. - Can I open an account from my country?
IC Trading supports clients from numerous countries worldwide. It is advisable to check the broker’s website or contact customer support for specifics about your region. - Does IC Trading offer educational resources?
Yes, the broker provides webinars, video tutorials, trading guides, and daily market analysis to help traders improve their skills and stay informed. - What payment methods are available for funding an account?
Funding options include bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and various e-wallet services, offering flexibility to traders across different regions. - Is IC Trading regulated?
Yes, IC Trading is regulated by the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius (FSC) under license number GB21026834, ensuring adherence to strict industry standards and protection for client funds.