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IC Markets vs AvaTrade (2026): Which Is Better?

Licences, spreads, leverage, minimum deposit and features compared side by side. Our pick: IC Markets (9.2/10).

IC Markets AvaTrade
Our score9.2/108.9/10
Founded20072006
Minimum deposit$200$100
Max leverageUp to 1:1000Up to 1:400 (1:30 for EU/AU retail)
SpreadsFrom 0.0 pips + $7 round-turn (Raw) · from 0.8 pips (Standard)Fixed-style spreads from 0.9 pips (EURUSD avg ~0.8–0.9), no commission
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingViewMT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, WebTrader
Copy tradingYes – IC Social, ZuluTrade, MyfxbookYes – AvaSocial, DupliTrade, ZuluTrade
LicencesASIC, CySEC, SCB, FSACBI, ASIC, CySEC, JFSA, FSRA, ISA, FSCA, FSC
Available in~229 countries~232 countries
Best forScalpers, EA / robot traders, cTrader usersSafety-first traders, beginners, options and social trading
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Why choose IC Markets

  • Raw spreads from 0.0 pips with deep liquidity
  • MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView
  • Tier-1 regulation from ASIC and CySEC
  • Built for EA and scalping strategies

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Why choose AvaTrade

  • One of the most regulated brokers in the world
  • No commission on standard trading
  • AvaOptions and AvaTradeGO apps
  • Copy trading via AvaSocial, DupliTrade and ZuluTrade

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Verdict

IC Markets is an Australian-founded true-ECN broker known for raw spreads from 0.0 pips, lightning-fast execution and the widest platform choice in the industry — MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView. It is a favourite of scalpers and automated (EA) traders worldwide.

AvaTrade, founded in 2006, is one of the most heavily regulated forex brokers in the world, with licences from the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, CySEC, Japan's FSA, Abu Dhabi's FSRA and more. It offers commission-free trading, MT4/MT5, the AvaTradeGO app, options trading and several copy-trading services.

IC Markets edges ahead in our rating, but many traders open both accounts and use each for what it does best.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, IC Markets or AvaTrade?
Both are excellent. IC Markets scores slightly higher in our rating. Choose IC Markets for: scalpers, ea / robot traders, ctrader users. Choose AvaTrade for: safety-first traders, beginners, options and social trading.
Which has the lower minimum deposit, IC Markets or AvaTrade?
IC Markets: $200. AvaTrade: $100.
How are IC Markets and AvaTrade regulated?
IC Markets: Regulated by ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus), SCB (Bahamas) and FSA (Seychelles). AvaTrade: Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC (Australia), CySEC, FSCA (South Africa), FSRA (Abu Dhabi), JFSA (Japan), ISA (Israel) and BVI FSC.