IC Markets vs XTB: Comparison and Analysis

IC Markets vs XTB: A Comparison of Online Brokers

When it comes to trading online, choosing the right broker is crucial for your success. Two of the most popular brokers are IC Markets and XTB, both offering a range of markets, platforms, and features. Let’s compare IC Markets and XTB to help you decide which one is best for you.

Security

Both IC Markets and XTB are regulated by multiple financial authorities, including CySEC and FCA. However, XTB has a higher security rating of 95, compared to IC Markets’ 93.

Demo Account

IC Markets offers an unlimited demo account with virtual funds of up to $5 million. The demo account virtual funds can be restored by contacting customer support. In contrast, XTB offers a 30-day demo account with virtual funds of $100,000, which can be renewed indefinitely by contacting customer support.

Account Opening

IC Markets has no minimum deposit in place, but suggests a minimum deposit of $200. It offers over 10 base currencies, including USD, EUR, AUD, and GBP, and accepts various payment methods, including wire transfers, credit/debit cards, eWallets, and bitcoin deposits. XTB has no minimum deposit requirement and accepts GBP, EUR, and USD as account currencies. It accepts wire transfers, credit/debit cards, and eWallets.

Social-Copy Trading

IC Markets offers copy-social trading through third-party platforms such as ZuluTrade. In contrast, XTB does not offer any social and copy trading features.

Markets

IC Markets offers a wide range of markets, including forex (63), commodities (21), indices (25), crypto assets (63), and stocks (1600+). It offers CFD trading only, making it a better fit for short-term investments. XTB offers forex (57), commodities (27), indices (30), crypto assets (46), stocks (5000+), and ETFs (500+). Every XTB asset is offered as a CFD, but it also offers real stocks and ETFs for EU clients.

Trading Fees

IC Markets’ spreads are variable, with spreads from 0 pip on forex and commissions up to $7 per lot traded. It charges variable spreads on stocks. XTB’s spreads are also variable, with spreads from 0.3 pip on forex and zero-commission real stocks and ETFs for European traders on a monthly volume of up to EUR 100,000. After this amount, there is a commission of 0.2% (10 EUR minimum).

Platforms

IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader, all available via webtrader, desktop, and mobile devices. It also offers VPS services. XTB offers its proprietary xStation platform, available via web and mobile devices, which is user-friendly and intuitive.

Education/Customer Care

IC Markets offers a wide range of educational material, including webinars and podcasts, and offers customer care via email and live chat in over 18 languages. XTB offers well-equipped educational material, including FAQs, blog articles, ebooks, trading videos, and seminars, and offers customer care via phone, email, and live chat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both IC Markets and XTB are well-regulated brokers with a range of markets and platforms. IC Markets offers more markets and platform options, but XTB has a higher security rating and offers zero-commission real stocks and ETFs for European traders. Consider your priorities and preferences when choosing between IC Markets and XTB.