IC Markets vs AvaTrade for China Traders: A Detailed Comparison for 2026

IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on EUR/USD with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side, translating to a total cost of around $7 per standard lot. For China traders trading 10-20 lots monthly, this can result in significant savings compared to AvaTrade's fixed spreads from 0.9 pips on EUR/USD with no commission, equating to $9 per lot. AvaTrade's spreads are predictable but higher for scalpers. IC Markets also provides a standard account with spreads from 0.6 pips and no commission, but the raw account is more cost-effective for volume traders. Overall, IC Markets offers lower trading costs for active China traders.

IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, all popular among China traders for their advanced charting and algorithmic trading capabilities. AvaTrade offers MT4, MT5, and its proprietary WebTrader, which is user-friendly but less customizable. For China traders who rely on automated trading or EA strategies, IC Markets' cTrader and raw spreads are superior. AvaTrade's fixed spreads and beginner-oriented tools suit those new to forex. Both platforms are available on desktop, web, and mobile, with Chinese language support.

IC Markets uses ECN execution with no dealing desk intervention, offering average execution speeds under 40ms and minimal slippage. AvaTrade uses market maker execution with fixed spreads, which can lead to requotes during volatile markets. For China traders who scalp or use high-frequency strategies, IC Markets' raw spreads and ECN model provide superior execution. AvaTrade's execution is reliable for standard trading but less suitable for high-volume scalping.

IC Markets is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for international clients, including China. AvaTrade holds licenses from the Central Bank of Ireland (via CySEC), the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa, and others. Neither broker is regulated by the local financial regulator in China, but both comply with international standards. For China traders, this means funds are held in segregated accounts, and negative balance protection may apply depending on the entity. Always verify the specific entity you trade with.

Both IC Markets and AvaTrade support Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT for China traders, making local deposits straightforward. IC Markets accepts USDT via TRC20 and ERC20 with no deposit fees and fast processing (often within minutes). Minimum deposit is $200 for IC Markets and $100 for AvaTrade. Withdrawals are processed within 1-2 business days for e-wallets and USDT, while bank transfers may take 2-5 business days. Neither broker charges deposit fees, but China traders should check with their bank for any intermediary charges. USDT is particularly popular for its speed and low cost.

IC Markets offers Islamic (swap-free) accounts on all account types, including raw spread accounts, with no additional fees for holding positions overnight. AvaTrade also provides Islamic accounts, but charges an administrative fee after a holding period (e.g., 10 days) on certain instruments like indices or commodities. For China Muslim traders who need swap-free accounts for long-term positions, IC Markets is more favorable. Both brokers require a declaration of Muslim faith to open an Islamic account, and terms should be reviewed carefully.

IC Markets provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with English and Chinese language options. AvaTrade also offers 24/5 support with multilingual agents, including Chinese. IC Markets' support is generally faster for technical issues, while AvaTrade excels in educational guidance. Both have comprehensive FAQ sections on their websites, but IC Markets' response times are slightly better for China traders due to dedicated Asian desk hours.