IC Markets vs XM2026
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 (IC Markets 4.6 vs XM 4.4). IC Markets leads on trust & regulation, trading costs, platforms & tools; XM leads on support & funding. 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
| IC Markets | XM | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2009 |
| Regulation | ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles), SCB (Bahamas) | CySEC, ASIC, IFSC (Belize), DFSA |
| Min deposit | $200 | $5 |
| EURUSD spread | 0.0 pips + $7 r/t (Raw) | from 0.8 pips (Standard) / 0.0 + comm (Ultra Low/Zero) |
| Max leverage | 1:30 (ASIC/CySEC) · 1:1000 (offshore) | 1:1000 (IFSC) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | MT4, MT5, XM App |
| Instruments | 2,250+ FX, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, crypto | 1,400+ FX, stocks, indices, commodities, metals, energies |
| Withdrawals | Same-day processing on business days | Same day for e-wallets |
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
Choose XM if…
- you're newer to trading and want an easier on-ramp
- you want deposit bonuses and promotions
- structured education and webinars matter to you
- you want to start with very small position sizes
IC Markets vs XM FAQ
Is IC Markets better than XM?
IC Markets scores higher overall in our testing (IC Markets 4.6 vs XM 4.4), but the per-pillar breakdown matters more than the headline number - each wins in different areas.
Which is cheaper, IC Markets or XM?
IC Markets scores higher on trading costs (4.7 vs 4.2). Typical EURUSD pricing: IC Markets 0.0 pips + $7 r/t (Raw); XM from 0.8 pips (Standard) / 0.0 + comm (Ultra Low/Zero). Cashback rebates, where available, can change the effective winner for your volume.
Which is safer, IC Markets or XM?
IC Markets has the stronger trust profile in our scoring. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles), SCB (Bahamas); XM by CySEC, ASIC, IFSC (Belize), DFSA. Always check which entity actually onboards clients from your country.
Can I use both IC Markets and XM?
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.