| Online Broker | Minimum Deposit | Trading Platforms | Markets | About |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade | $100 Minimum Deposit | MT4, MT5, Web Trader, AvaOptions Trading Platforms | 1000+ Markets To Trade | AvaTrade offers a user friendly Web Trader and mobile app (AvaTradeGO), in addition to MT4 and MT5 and allows a wide range of trading styles from automated to copy trading About |
| IC Markets | $200 Minimum Deposit | MT4, MT5, cTrader Trading Platforms | 2500+ Markets To Trade | IC Markets offers high speed order execution, allowing a wide range of trading styles including automated trading and high frequency trading, as well as copy trading About |
AvaTrade vs IC Markets Comparison
These brokers each offer MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and the successor to MT4, MetaTrader 5 (MT5). As well, IC Markets offers cTrader while AvaTrade provides a user friendly web trader.
IC Markets is a no dealing desk intervention broker, utilising Equinix infrastructure to provide low latency connections, and hence facilitate rapid order processing (important for some trading approaches).
Both brokers allow the trader to use Expert Advisors (EAs) on MT4. EAs are online trading robots which execute trading strategies on behalf of the trader. MT5 also uses EAs. cTrader has robots called cBots. Traders who do not use automated trading can use these platforms as well.
IC Markets has a relatively large number of markets to trade, however AvaTrade has a wider range. AvaTrade can offer FX Options trading on another platform, AvaOptions.
AvaTrade is regulated by the CBI in Ireland, the ASIC in Australia, the FSCA in South Africa, the FSA and the FFAJ in Japan and the FSC in the British Virgin Islands.
IC Markets is regulated by the ASIC in Australia, the CySEC in Cyprus and the FSA in the Seychelles.
Quick comparison
Both brokers offer MT4 and MT5. IC Markets additionally provides cTrader, while AvaTrade provides a user friendly web trader.
Minimum deposit and key account features
The minimum deposit for AvaTrade is $/€/£100. The minimum deposit for IC Markets is $200.
- AvaTrade provides an Economic Calendar on its web site and Trading Central (which provides analysis). Additionally AvaTrade offers AvaSocial which supports social and copy trading. AvaTrade allows the use of EA trading robots.
- IC Markets offers the Standard, Raw Spread, Islamic (Swap Free) and cTrader Raw accounts. IC Markets provides market analysis, Web TV (market commentary and trade ideas in a video), educational articles and video tutorials and an economic calendar on its website. IC Markets provides ZuluTrade and Myfxbook for social and copy trading. IC Markets uses Equinix NY4 and London LD5 Servers to deliver low latency trading conditions and has micro (0.01) lot trading.
- IC Markets's Standard account does not charge a commission, but the Raw Spread and cTrader Raw accounts charge a commission. Scalping, hedging and automated trading are allowed.
Markets
- AvaTrade offers spread betting (in the UK), in Forex, Indices, Energy and Metals, with 35+ available.
- AvaTrade offers CFD trading in Forex, Indices, Energy, Metals, Cryptocurrencies, Soft Commodities, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds and Options, with 1000+ available.
- IC Markets offers Forex, Indices, Energy, Metals, Cryptocurrencies, Soft Commodities, Stocks, ETFs and Bonds, with 2500+ available on MT5. On MT4, IC Markets offers Forex, Indices, Energy, Metals, Cryptocurrencies and Soft Commodities, with 100+ available.
| Broker | Trading Platforms | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AvaTrade Broker | MT4, MT5, Web Trader, AvaOptions Trading Platforms | AvaTrade has a wide range of trading platforms, covering MT4, MT4, its user friendly Web Trader, AvaOptions for Vanilla Options trading and additionally social and copy trading platforms Description |
| IC Markets Broker | MT4, MT5, cTrader Trading Platforms | IC Markets allows a wide range of trading styles, including high frequency trading, scalping, automated trading and social and copy trading Description |
Cryptocurrency CFDs
- AvaTrade provides Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, DASH, EOS, Stellar, Chainlink, Uniswap, NEO, IOTA and Bitcoin Gold.
- IC Markets provides Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Bitcoin Cash, DASH, EOS, Stellar, Chainlink, Uniswap, Polkadot, Dogecoin, Tezos, Cardano, Binance Coin, Emercoin, Namecoin and Peercoin.
Spreads and leverage
- IC Markets can offer low Forex spreads plus a commission charge. AvaTrade can offer Forex spreads from 0.9 without a commission charge, while IC Markets can offer Forex spreads from 0.6 without a commission charge.
Maximum leverage for AvaTrade (CBI regulated) is . Maximum leverage for AvaTrade (ASIC regulated) is 400:1. Maximum leverage for IC Markets (FSA regulated) is 500:1. Maximum leverage for IC Markets (ASIC or CySEC regulated) is .
Online trading platforms
AvaTrade offers MT4, MT5, a web trader and AvaOptions as well as apps. IC Markets provides MT4, MT5 and cTrader and apps.
Why AvaTrade or IC Markets ?
Traders who wish to execute automated trading strategies (and build them) can use either broker as each supports EAs on MT4. Traders wanting the successor to MT4 (MT5) can find this platform at either broker. Traders who want to use cTrader will find this platforms at IC Markets. Traders who wish to use or supplement their trading with social and copy trading can use either broker as well. Traders who want a user friendly web trader can find this at AvaTrade.
Comparison summary
- Both offer CFD trading
- In the UK, AvaTrade also provides MT4 spread betting
- Each has MT4 and MT5
- IC Markets additionally provides cTrader
- AvaTrade also provides AvaOption, on which it offers FX Options
- Both support automated trading
- AvaTrade offers a user friendly web trader
