IC Markets review
IC Markets is an Australian ECN broker and the default choice for EA and algorithmic traders, with raw spreads from 0.0 pips and no strategy restrictions.
Best for
EA and high-frequency traders wanting unrestricted ECN execution
At a glance
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView |
|---|---|
| Min deposit | $200 |
| Max leverage | 1:500 (1:5000 offshore) |
| Standard spread | 0.8 pips |
| Raw spread | 0.0 pips + $3.50/lot commission |
| Swap-free | Yes |
| EA friendly | Yes |
Pros
- Genuine ECN/STP with no strategy restrictions
- Raw spreads from 0.0 pips, among tightest in industry
- Free VPS for active accounts
- MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Cons
- International entity is Seychelles-regulated (offshore)
- No FCA entity for UK clients
- Higher min deposit ($200)
EA trading notes
IC Markets is the default choice for serious EA traders: no strategy restrictions, Equinix NY4/LD5 servers, free VPS at 15 lots/month. The Standard account spreads are wider; use Raw for anything volume-based.
Verdict
The EA trader's benchmark. Unmatched execution freedom and tight spreads, at the cost of offshore regulation on the global entity. Use the ASIC or CySEC entity where possible.
Highlights
- Genuine ECN/STP execution, no strategy restrictions
- Free VPS for active accounts
- One of the tightest raw spreads in the industry