IC Markets vs Vantage: Comparison and Analysis

IC Markets vs Vantage: A Comparison Summary

In this comparison, we will analyse the features, benefits and drawbacks of IC Markets and Vantage, two popular brokers in the financial market.

Security and Regulations

Both IC Markets and Vantage are well-regulated brokers. IC Markets is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, FSA, and SCB, while Vantage is regulated by ASIC, FCA, CIMA, and VFSC. Both brokers have a security rating of 93, which means they offer reliable and safe trading environments for their clients.

Demo Accounts

IC Markets offers unlimited demo accounts with virtual funds of up to $5,000,000, and the virtual funds can be restored by contacting customer support. In comparison, Vantage offers a demo account with virtual funds of up to $100,000, but the duration is limited to 30 days. However, Vantage’s demo account can be extended to an unlimited period by opening a live account.

Account Opening

IC Markets doesn’t have a minimum deposit in place, but they suggest a minimum deposit of $200. The broker offers over 10 base currencies, which is useful for traders who want to avoid currency conversion fees. IC Markets provides various payment methods, including wire transfers, credit/debit cards, eWallets, bitcoin deposits, and several local payment methods.

Vantage requires a minimum deposit of $50 and offers 11 account currencies. Payment methods are similar to those of IC Markets, with wire transfers, credit/debit cards, and eWallets being available. Vantage offers more account types than IC Markets, including Standard STP account, Raw ECN account, Pro ECN account, Islamic account, MAM account, and Professional account.

Social-Copy Trading

IC Markets offers copy and social trading through third-party platforms such as ZuluTrade. Vantage offers copy trading via their mobile app and also provides copy and social trading via third-party platforms such as Zulutrade, Duplitrade and myfxbook.

Markets

IC Markets offers a wider range of markets than Vantage, with 63 forex pairs, 21 commodities, 25 indices, 63 crypto assets, and over 1,600 stocks. Vantage, on the other hand, offers 40+ forex pairs, 20 commodities, 30 indices, 2 crypto assets, over 1,000 stocks, 50 ETFs, and 7 bonds. Both brokers provide CFD trading, which makes them more suitable for short-term investments.

Trading Fees

IC Markets has lower spreads than Vantage, with spreads from 0 pips on forex, while Vantage’s spreads start from 1.4 pips on the STP account and 0 pips on the Raw ECN and Pro ECN. IC Markets’ commissions per lot traded are up to $7, while Vantage’s commissions per lot traded are $6 on the Raw ECN account and $4 on the Pro ECN account. IC Markets charges variable spreads on stocks, while Vantage offers zero-commission on US shares, from 0.01€ on EU and UK shares, and from $5 on Australian traders.

Platforms

IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader via webtrader, desktop, and mobile. All platforms allow traders to engage in algo trading, and IC Markets also offers VPS services. In contrast, Vantage offers its proprietary platform, available via mobile, as well as MT4, MT5, and ProTrader via web, desktop, and mobile.

Education/Customer Care

Both brokers provide excellent customer care, with multiple languages and various communication channels. IC Markets offers a wide range of educational material, including webinars and podcasts, while Vantage provides high-quality education material, including academy articles, forex guides, educational webinars, and platforms tutorials.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both IC Markets and Vantage are reliable brokers that offer competitive trading conditions, excellent customer care, and high-quality educational resources. IC Markets offers a wider range of markets and lower spreads, making it a better option for traders who prefer short-term investments, while Vantage provides more account types and a proprietary platform, making it a better fit for traders who prefer a user-friendly interface. Ultimately, the choice between IC Markets and Vantage depends on the individual trader’s preferences, trading style, and goals.