IC Markets vs AvaTrade for Japan Traders (2026): Detailed Comparison

For Japan traders, trading costs are a critical factor. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like USD/JPY, with a commission of $3.50 per lot round-turn. This makes it highly cost-effective for high-volume traders. AvaTrade, in contrast, provides commission-free trading but wider spreads—typically 0.9 pips on USD/JPY. Over 100 lots, IC Markets saves approximately $90 in spread costs alone. Japan traders who frequently trade should prioritize IC Markets for lower overall costs, while occasional traders may prefer AvaTrade's simplicity.

Both brokers support MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, essential for Japan traders who rely on advanced charting and automated strategies. IC Markets additionally offers cTrader, a platform popular for its depth of market and fast execution. AvaTrade provides its proprietary AvaTradeGO app, which is user-friendly and includes social trading features. For Japan traders who trade on mobile or prefer a streamlined interface, AvaTrade's platform is more intuitive. IC Markets excels for those needing advanced tools and ECN access.

IC Markets boasts ultra-fast execution with an average speed of 40 milliseconds, ideal for Japan scalpers and high-frequency traders. AvaTrade's execution is slightly slower but still reliable, averaging around 100 milliseconds. Both brokers offer no dealing desk (NDD) execution, ensuring transparency. For Japan traders who prioritize speed, IC Markets is the clear winner; for standard trading, AvaTrade's execution is sufficient.

IC Markets is regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), while AvaTrade holds licenses from multiple authorities including the Central Bank of Ireland and ASIC. Neither broker is directly regulated by Japan's FSA, but both comply with international standards and accept Japan clients. Japan traders should be aware that deposits are not covered by Japan's investor protection fund. However, both brokers maintain segregated client accounts and negative balance protection, providing a safe trading environment. Always check the latest regulatory status on their websites.

Japan traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT at both IC Markets and AvaTrade. IC Markets processes Skrill and Neteller deposits instantly, while bank transfers take 1-3 business days. AvaTrade offers similar timelines. USDT deposits are available at both brokers, providing a fast, low-cost alternative via cryptocurrency. Minimum deposits are $200 for IC Markets and $100 for AvaTrade. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. Both brokers charge no internal fees, but bank intermediaries may apply charges. For Japan traders, using Skrill or Neteller ensures quicker access to funds.

Both IC Markets and AvaTrade offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Japan Muslim traders who wish to avoid interest charges on overnight positions. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts on all account types (Standard, Raw Spread, and cTrader) upon request. AvaTrade also offers Islamic accounts with no swap fees, applicable to all instruments. Activation is straightforward—contact customer support to enable the feature. Japan traders should note that swap-free accounts may have limited holding periods for certain instruments, so review the terms carefully.

IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email, with fast response times. AvaTrade provides multilingual support including Japanese language assistance during business hours. For Japan traders, AvaTrade's local language support is a plus, but IC Markets' round-the-clock availability suits those trading during Asian sessions. Phone support is available at both brokers, though AvaTrade's Japanese phone line is more accessible.