Exness vs IC Markets: Which Forex Broker Is Better in 2026?

Exness and IC Markets are two of the most popular forex brokers in the world. Both are regulated, offer MT5, and provide competitive trading conditions. But they serve different types of traders. This comparison helps you choose the right one for your needs.

Quick Overview

Feature	Exness	IC Markets
Established	2008	2007
Regulation	FCA, CySEC, FSA	ASIC, CySEC, SCB
Min Deposit	$10	$200
Spread from	0.0 pips	0.0 pips
Commission	$0 (Standard)	$3.50/side (Raw)
Leverage	Up to 1:unlimited	Up to 1:500
Platforms	MT4, MT5	MT4, MT5, cTrader
VPS	Available	Free (qualified)
Withdrawal	Instant	Within 24 hours

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Spreads and Commissions

Exness

• Standard Account: Spread from 0.3 pips, no commission — ideal for beginners
• Zero Account: 0.0 spread on top 30 instruments, commission $0.05/side/lot
• Raw Spread Account: Spread from 0.0, commission $3.50/side/lot

IC Markets

• Standard Account: Spread from 1.0 pip, no commission
• Raw Spread Account: Spread from 0.0 pips, commission $3.50/side/lot
• cTrader Raw Account: Spread from 0.0, commission $3.00/side/lot

Verdict: IC Markets offers consistently tighter spreads on Raw accounts. Exness offers more flexibility with a commission-free Standard account and reasonable spreads.

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Execution Speed

Metric	Exness	IC Markets
Avg execution time	~50ms	<40ms
Execution type	Instant	Market
Requotes	Rare	None
Servers	Multiple	NY4, NY5, LD4 (Equinix)

Verdict: IC Markets wins on execution speed thanks to Equinix servers and market execution. For scalping and high-frequency EAs, IC Markets is the better choice.

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Leverage

• Exness: Up to 1:unlimited for verified accounts (1:2000 default)
• IC Markets: Up to 1:500

Verdict: Exness offers significantly higher leverage. This is useful for traders with small capital but dangerous — high leverage amplifies losses just as much as profits.

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Platforms

Both brokers offer MT4 and MT5. IC Markets adds cTrader — a powerful platform with a modern interface and advanced features like direct Depth of Market execution.

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Deposit and Withdrawal

Feature	Exness	IC Markets
Withdrawal speed	Instant (24/7)	Within 24 hours
Deposit methods	Cards, wallets, crypto	Cards, bank transfer, wallets
Min deposit	$10	$200
Min withdrawal	From $10	From $50

Verdict: Exness wins easily on deposits and withdrawals — instant withdrawal and low minimums make it more beginner-friendly.

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Who Is Each Broker Best For?

Choose Exness if you:

• Are a beginner with small capital ($10-$200)
• Need instant withdrawals
• Want high leverage
• Trade manually or with simple EAs

Choose IC Markets if you:

• Are a professional or intermediate trader
• Use scalping EAs or automated trading
• Need the fastest possible execution
• Want cTrader as an additional option
• Trade larger volumes ($10,000+)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Exness and IC Markets safe?

Yes, both are regulated by recognized authorities. Exness is licensed by FCA, CySEC, and FSA. IC Markets is licensed by ASIC, CySEC, and SCB. Client funds are held in segregated accounts.

Which broker has lower spreads?

On Raw Spread accounts, both offer spreads from 0.0 pips. However, IC Markets tends to maintain tighter spreads during volatile periods. On Standard accounts, Exness offers a lower spread (0.3 vs 1.0 pips).

Can I use MT5 Expert Advisors on both brokers?

Yes. Both brokers fully support MT5 EAs without restrictions. See our best broker for MT5 EAs guide for more details.

Which broker is better for withdrawals?

Exness, clearly. Withdrawals are instant 24/7 with no fees on most methods. IC Markets processes withdrawals within 24 business hours.

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Disclaimer: Forex trading involves substantial risk of loss. Never trade with money you cannot afford to lose.