Quick Verdict — Italy Traders
Best Overall
IC Markets
Higher overall score & more features
Best Spreads
Exness
Lower trading costs for scalpers
Islamic Accounts
Both Available
Swap-free for Italy Muslims
Best for Beginners
IC Markets
Better education & support
1:5000 vs 1:2
Max leverage
Head-to-head comparison
For Italy traders navigating the forex market, IC Markets and Exness stand out as two of the most reliable offshore brokers, each offering unique advantages. IC Markets is renowned for its ultra-low spreads and professional-grade trading platforms, making it a top choice for active traders who prioritize cost efficiency. Exness, on the other hand, attracts a broader audience with flexible leverage, low minimum deposits, and instant withdrawal processing. Both brokers support popular local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, ensuring seamless deposits and withdrawals for Italian clients. While IC Markets is stronger for scalpers and algorithmic traders, Exness appeals to beginners and those seeking high leverage. This comparison examines their regulation, costs, platforms, and services specifically for Italy traders in 2026, helping you decide which broker aligns with your trading style and goals.
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Overall Scores Comparison

IC Markets
ASIC · CySEC · FSA
3.6
CompareBroker score
Winner
VS

Exness
FCA · CySEC · ASIC
3.5
CompareBroker score
Trading Costs
Spreads, commissions
Platforms
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TV
Regulation
Safety, oversight
Customer Support
24/5, chat, phone
Education
Webinars, guides
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Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | IC Markets | Exness | Winner |
|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Exness |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Exness |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Exness |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Exness |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 | Exness |
For Italy traders, trading costs are a critical factor, especially for those trading EUR/USD or other major pairs. IC Markets offers a Raw Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3.50 per lot per side, resulting in a total cost of about $7 per lot round-turn. Exness Standard account has variable spreads from 0.3 pips with no commission, while its Zero account offers spreads from 0.0 pips with a $3.5 per lot commission. For high-volume traders, IC Markets' lower spreads can save hundreds of dollars monthly, while Exness may be more cost-effective for low-volume traders due to its no-commission Standard account. Both brokers offer competitive costs, but IC Markets edges ahead for active Italy traders.
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Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | IC Markets | Exness |
|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $10 |
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Leverage Comparison - Italy Traders
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | Exness |
|---|
| Italy (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:2 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:2 |
| 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 Italy Traders
Traders in Italy typically open accounts under offshore entities with up to 1:500 leverage. High leverage significantly increases risk.
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Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | IC Markets | Exness | 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 | ✗ | ✗ | Exness |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
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Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | IC Markets | Exness | Winner |
|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Exness |
| 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 ultra-fast execution, with average speeds of 40ms, using Equinix NY4 and LD4 servers. Exness also offers fast execution, averaging 50ms, with servers in London, New York, and Singapore. For Italy traders, both brokers provide reliable order execution, but IC Markets' lower latency and no requotes make it ideal for scalping and high-frequency strategies. Exness execution is still strong but slightly slower under high volatility.
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Regulation & Safety for Italy Traders
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | Exness |
|---|
| 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. For Italy traders, these international licenses provide a level of security, but they are not under the direct oversight of CONSOB, Italy's local financial regulator. , ICF up to €20,000 for
CySEC) but should be aware that offshore regulation may limit some local protections.
Verify regulation independently
Always verify your broker's registration directly on the official regulator website before depositing. Regulation details for Italy traders may differ by entity.
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Deposits & Withdrawals for Italy
| Payment Method | IC Markets | Exness |
|---|
| 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 | crypto takes 30–60 minutes, and bank cards or wires take 1 to 5 business days |
Both IC Markets and Exness offer convenient deposit and withdrawal methods for Italy traders, including Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 for most methods, while Exness allows deposits from $10, making it more accessible for beginners. Processing times are instant for Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, while Bank Transfer may take 1-3 business days. Exness is known for its instant withdrawal processing, often completed within seconds, whereas IC Markets processes withdrawals within 1-2 business days. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but Exness covers withdrawal fees for most methods, while IC Markets may pass on third-party charges. Italy traders should consider their preferred payment method and withdrawal speed when choosing between the two.
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Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Italy Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | Exness |
|---|
| 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 Exness offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Italy Muslim traders who require Sharia-compliant trading. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts on all account types, including Raw Spread and Standard, with no swap fees on overnight positions. Exness offers Islamic accounts on Standard and Cent accounts only, and traders must request activation via customer support. Both brokers require clients to confirm their Muslim faith and that the account is not used for speculative purposes. For Italy traders seeking flexibility, IC Markets' broader availability of Islamic accounts is an advantage, while Exness' simpler process may suffice for those on Standard accounts.
Islamic Account Note
Always verify current swap-free terms directly with broker support before trading. Admin fees or holding period restrictions may apply.
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Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | IC Markets | Exness | Winner |
|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✓ | Exness |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and phone, with dedicated Italian-speaking agents available during business hours. Exness also provides 24/7 support with live chat and email, and has a comprehensive Italian FAQ section. Both brokers respond quickly, but IC Markets is slightly faster for complex queries. Italy traders can expect professional assistance from both, though Exness' phone support is limited to certain regions.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | Exness | 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 |
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Education & Research Tools
| Resource | IC Markets | Exness | Winner |
|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
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Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
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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
Exness
Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+Islamic swap-free account
+24/7 customer support
Cons
-No TradingView
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Who Should Use Which Broker? - Italy Guide
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Are an active day trader or scalper needing ultra-low spreads and fast execution.
- Prefer using cTrader for advanced charting and order management.
- Trade high volumes and want the lowest possible trading costs.
- Value a broker with a strong reputation among professional traders.
Choose Exness if you...
- Are a beginner or low-volume trader seeking a low minimum deposit of $10.
- Need instant withdrawals and flexible payment methods like USDT.
- Prefer high leverage options (up to 1:2000) for smaller accounts.
- Want a broker with a simple, user-friendly platform and no commission on Standard accounts.
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FAQ - IC Markets vs Exness in Italy
Is IC Markets or Exness better for Italy?
+Can Italy traders use both brokers legally?
+Which broker has lower spreads for Italy traders?
+How do Italy traders deposit at IC Markets and Exness?
+Do both brokers offer Islamic accounts for Italy?
+Final Verdict - Italy 2026
IC Markets wins overall
For Italy traders, the choice between IC Markets and Exness depends on trading style and priorities. IC Markets excels with tighter spreads, cTrader, and professional-grade execution, making it ideal for active and high-volume traders. Exness stands out with low minimum deposits, instant withdrawals, and flexible leverage, catering to beginners and those seeking convenience. Both brokers support local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, and operate under reputable international regulators. Considering local factors, IC Markets is better for cost-focused traders, while Exness is more accessible for those starting or trading smaller amounts. Ultimately, your decision should align with your trading frequency, capital, and platform preferences.
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.