IC Markets vs AvaTrade: Complete Comparison for New Zealand Traders (2026)

For New Zealand traders, trading costs can significantly impact profitability. IC Markets offers raw spreads from 0.0 pips on its Raw Spread account with a commission of $3.50 per lot per side, making it ideal for high-frequency traders. AvaTrade provides fixed spreads starting from 0.9 pips on major pairs like EUR/USD, with no commission, which suits traders who prefer predictable costs. Over 1000 lots traded monthly, IC Markets can save you hundreds of dollars in spreads, especially during low-volatility sessions. However, AvaTrade’s fixed spreads protect against slippage during news events, a trade-off worth considering for New Zealand-based traders.

IC Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, offering New Zealand traders advanced charting tools, algorithmic trading via Expert Advisors (EAs), and low-latency execution. AvaTrade provides its proprietary WebTrader, plus MetaTrader 4 and 5, along with social trading platforms like DupliTrade and ZuluTrade. For Kiwi traders who value automation and speed, IC Markets is the clear winner. AvaTrade’s platforms are more intuitive for beginners and include copy trading features that allow you to follow experienced traders, which is beneficial if you are new to forex.

IC Markets is renowned for its ultra-fast execution speeds, averaging under 40 milliseconds, thanks to its Equinix NY4 data center and no-dealing-desk (NDD) model. AvaTrade uses a market maker model, which can result in slightly slower execution but offers fixed spreads and guaranteed stops. For New Zealand scalpers and high-frequency traders, IC Markets provides superior execution quality. AvaTrade’s execution is reliable for standard trading but may experience requotes during volatile markets.

Both IC Markets and AvaTrade are regulated by the local financial regulator, ensuring they adhere to strict client fund segregation, negative balance protection, and transparent reporting. IC Markets is also regulated by ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus), while AvaTrade holds licenses in multiple jurisdictions including the EU and Japan. For New Zealand traders, this means your funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks, and you are protected from broker insolvency. Both brokers also participate in the local dispute resolution scheme, offering an extra layer of security.

New Zealand traders can fund their accounts using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT at both IC Markets and AvaTrade. IC Markets processes deposits instantly via e-wallets and crypto, while Bank Transfers typically take 1-2 business days. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-3 days for bank transfers. AvaTrade offers similar processing times, with minimum deposits starting at $100 (AvaTrade) versus $200 (IC Markets). Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but withdrawal fees may apply for bank transfers. USDT deposits are particularly convenient for Kiwi traders who prefer cryptocurrency transactions, as they are fast and low-cost.

Both IC Markets and AvaTrade offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for New Zealand Muslim traders, complying with Sharia law by eliminating overnight interest charges. IC Markets provides swap-free accounts automatically upon request for all account types, including Raw Spread and Standard. AvaTrade requires a simple application and offers swap-free accounts for standard and VIP accounts. It is important to note that Islamic accounts may have restrictions on holding positions for extended periods (e.g., 10-14 days) to prevent abuse. Both brokers support these accounts with the same trading conditions as regular accounts, including access to all payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT.

IC Markets offers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with a dedicated team for New Zealand clients. AvaTrade provides similar support hours but also includes a local New Zealand phone number and support in English. Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections and educational resources. Response times are typically under 30 seconds for live chat, ensuring quick assistance for Kiwi traders.