Quick Verdict — New Zealand Traders
Best Overall
IC Markets
Higher overall score & more features
Best Spreads
Admirals
Lower trading costs for scalpers
Islamic Accounts
Both Available
Swap-free for New Zealand Muslims
Best for Beginners
IC Markets
Better education & support
1:5000 vs 1:30
Max leverage
Head-to-head comparison
New Zealand traders seeking a reliable forex broker often compare IC Markets and Admirals. Both are globally recognized, but they cater to different trading styles. IC Markets, with a 4.8/5 rating, is known for ultra-low spreads and high-speed execution, making it ideal for scalpers and algorithmic traders. Admirals, scoring 4.1/5, offers a more educational approach with comprehensive analysis tools and a strong regulatory framework. For Kiwi traders, the choice depends on priorities: cost efficiency versus support and regulation. Both accept deposits via Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, and operate under licenses that cover New Zealand clients. This comparison covers spreads, platforms, regulation, and local payment methods to help you decide.
🏆
Overall Scores Comparison
IC Markets
ASIC · CySEC · FSA
3.6
CompareBroker score
Winner
VS
Admirals
FCA · ASIC · CySEC
3.1
CompareBroker score
Trading Costs
Spreads, commissions
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TV
Regulation
Safety, oversight
Customer Support
24/5, chat, phone
Education
Webinars, guides
💹
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | IC Markets | Admirals | Winner |
|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Admirals |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Admirals |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Admirals |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Admirals |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $1 | Admirals |
For New Zealand traders, trading costs are critical. IC Markets offers Raw Spread accounts with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $3.50 commission per lot, resulting in lower overall costs for high-volume traders. Admirals' Zero account starts at 0.5 pips with no commission, but spreads widen during volatile sessions. On a standard EUR/USD trade of 1 lot, IC Markets costs around $3.50, while Admirals costs $5.00 or more. Over 50 trades per month, this difference adds up significantly for Kiwi traders.
📂
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | IC Markets | Admirals |
|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $1 |
⚖️
Leverage Comparison - New Zealand Traders
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Admirals |
|---|
| New Zealand (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:30 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:30 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Leverage Warning for New Zealand Traders
Traders in New Zealand typically open accounts under offshore entities with up to 1:500 leverage. High leverage significantly increases risk.
📈
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | IC Markets | Admirals | Winner |
|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | IC Markets |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | 20+ indices | IC Markets |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | 20+ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | 1,700+ | Admirals |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
⚡
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | IC Markets | Admirals | Winner |
|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Admirals |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | IC Markets |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
IC Markets is known for its low-latency execution with servers in the New York and London data centers, achieving average execution speeds under 40 milliseconds. Admirals also offers good execution with speeds around 100 milliseconds. For New Zealand scalpers and high-frequency traders, IC Markets' superior infrastructure provides a clear advantage, reducing slippage and requotes.
🛡️
Regulation & Safety for New Zealand Traders
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Admirals |
|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | FCA |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
IC Markets Global is not
FCA-authorised — the FCA has issued a public warning about this entity, and its clients do not have FOS or FSCS protection; verify the specific entity and licence before depositing. Neither broker is directly regulated by the local financial regulator in New Zealand, but both comply with international standards that protect retail clients.
Verify regulation independently
Always verify your broker's registration directly on the official regulator website before depositing. Regulation details for New Zealand traders may differ by entity.
💳
Deposits & Withdrawals for New Zealand
| Payment Method | IC Markets | Admirals |
|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✓ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✗ |
| Withdrawal time | E-wallets instant-24hrs; Cards 3-5 business days (up to 10); Int'l bank wire up to 14 days | e-wallets take instant to 1 business day, credit/debit cards take 1 business day, and bank transfers take 1 to 3 business days. |
New Zealand traders have several convenient deposit options at both brokers. IC Markets and Admirals accept Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. Bank transfers are free but can take 1-3 business days. Skrill and Neteller are instant with no fees from the broker, though the payment provider may charge a small fee. USDT deposits are processed within minutes and are ideal for crypto-savvy traders. IC Markets has a minimum deposit of $1, while Admirals requires $100. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours at both brokers, with Skrill and Neteller being the fastest options for Kiwi traders.
☪️
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for New Zealand Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | Admirals |
|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both IC Markets and Admirals offer Islamic accounts (swap-free) for New Zealand Muslim traders. IC Markets provides these on request after account opening, with no swap charges on overnight positions. Admirals offers them automatically during registration. Neither broker charges additional fees for Islamic accounts, but IC Markets may apply a holding period after which swap is charged on long-term positions. New Zealand traders should confirm the specific terms with support before trading.
Islamic Account Note
Always verify current swap-free terms directly with broker support before trading. Admin fees or holding period restrictions may apply.
💬
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | IC Markets | Admirals | Winner |
|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support, with a dedicated team for New Zealand traders during local business hours. Admirals provides 24/5 support via live chat and email, with a local phone number for New Zealand. IC Markets' support is faster, with average response times under 30 seconds, while Admirals may take a few minutes. Both offer multilingual support, but IC Markets edges ahead for availability.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | Admirals | Winner |
|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | IC Markets |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | IC Markets |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
📚
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | IC Markets | Admirals | Winner |
|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
⭐
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
⚖️
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
IC Markets
Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No TradingView
-$200 min deposit
-No 24/7 support
Admirals
Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No TradingView
-No 24/7 support
👤
Who Should Use Which Broker? - New Zealand Guide
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Are a scalper or day trader needing ultra-low spreads from 0.0 pips
- Use automated trading systems or Expert Advisors
- Prefer fast deposits with USDT or Skrill
- Trade high volumes and want to minimize costs
Choose Admirals if you...
- Are a beginner trader valuing educational resources and analysis tools
- Prefer a broker with FCA regulation for extra protection
- Want a lower minimum deposit of $100
- Use Bank Transfer for deposits and withdrawals
❓
FAQ - IC Markets vs Admirals in New Zealand
Is IC Markets or Admirals better for New Zealand?
+Can New Zealand traders use both brokers legally?
+Which broker has lower spreads for New Zealand traders?
+How do New Zealand traders deposit at IC Markets and Admirals?
+Do both brokers offer Islamic accounts for New Zealand?
+Final Verdict - New Zealand 2026
IC Markets wins overall
For New Zealand retail traders, IC Markets is the better choice due to its lower trading costs, faster execution, and wider platform support. Admirals is a solid alternative for beginners or those who prioritize regulation and education. Both brokers accept popular local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, and operate under licenses that cover New Zealand clients. If cost efficiency and speed are your priorities, IC Markets wins. If you value guidance and a more regulated environment, Admirals is a strong contender. Always check the latest terms with your preferred broker.
Risk Disclaimer: CFDs and forex trading involve significant risk of loss. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. All data verified as of October 2026.
