HFM (HotForex) vs IC Markets2026
Head-to-head on our published 4-pillar methodology - same data as the full reviews.
Our verdict
IC Markets wins this head-to-head overall (HFM (HotForex) 4.3 vs IC Markets 4.6). HFM (HotForex) leads on support & funding; IC Markets leads on trust & regulation, trading costs, platforms & tools. The right choice depends on which pillar matters most for how you trade - the breakdown below shows exactly where each one earns its score.
Score breakdown
Trust & regulation
Trading costs
Platforms & tools
Support & funding
Side-by-side comparison
| HFM (HotForex) | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 | 2007 |
| Regulation | FCA (UK), CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, FSC (Mauritius) | ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles), SCB (Bahamas) |
| Min deposit | $0 | $200 |
| EURUSD spread | from 1.2 pips (Premium) / 0.0 + comm (Zero) | 0.0 pips + $7 r/t (Raw) |
| Max leverage | 1:2000 (offshore) | 1:30 (ASIC/CySEC) · 1:1000 (offshore) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, HFM App | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView |
| Instruments | 1,200+ FX, metals, indices, stocks, commodities, bonds, crypto | 2,250+ FX, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, crypto |
| Withdrawals | Same day for e-wallets | Same-day processing on business days |
Choose HFM (HotForex) if…
- you want deposit bonuses and promotions
- you're newer to trading and want an easier on-ramp
- you want to copy other traders
- you want cent accounts for tiny real-money practice
Choose IC Markets if…
- you scalp or day-trade and every fraction of a pip counts
- you run EAs or automated strategies
- the lowest all-in trading costs are your priority
- you want cTrader
HFM (HotForex) vs IC Markets FAQ
Is HFM (HotForex) better than IC Markets?
IC Markets scores higher overall in our testing (HFM (HotForex) 4.3 vs IC Markets 4.6), but the per-pillar breakdown matters more than the headline number - each wins in different areas.
Which is cheaper, HFM (HotForex) or IC Markets?
IC Markets scores higher on trading costs (4.7 vs 4.1). Typical EURUSD pricing: HFM (HotForex) from 1.2 pips (Premium) / 0.0 + comm (Zero); IC Markets 0.0 pips + $7 r/t (Raw). Cashback rebates, where available, can change the effective winner for your volume.
Which is safer, HFM (HotForex) or IC Markets?
IC Markets has the stronger trust profile in our scoring. HFM (HotForex) is regulated by FCA (UK), CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, FSC (Mauritius); IC Markets by ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles), SCB (Bahamas). Always check which entity actually onboards clients from your country.
Can I use both HFM (HotForex) and IC Markets?
Yes - nothing stops you holding accounts at both, and many active traders do exactly that: route each strategy to the venue where it's cheapest, and diversify broker risk at the same time.
Risk warning: CFDs and leveraged products are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly. Between 70–85% of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs. Never trade with money you cannot afford to lose. Disclosure: WizeGorilla is reader-supported - we may earn a commission when you open an account through our links, at no cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure and review methodology.