IC Markets vs FP Markets 2026: Complete Comparison for Spain Traders
Which broker is better for Spain traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
Quick Verdict — Spain Traders
Choosing between IC Markets and FP Markets is a critical decision for Spain traders looking for a reliable forex broker in 2026. Both brokers are globally recognized, with IC Markets holding a 4.8/5 rating and FP Markets a 4.7/5 rating, making them top contenders for retail traders in Spain. The Spanish trading environment is dynamic, with many traders seeking low-cost, high-speed execution and access to global markets. IC Markets is known for its ultra-tight spreads and MetaTrader platforms, while FP Markets stands out for its comprehensive asset coverage and user-friendly tools. Both accept local payment methods like Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT, which are popular among Spain traders. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your trading goals, risk appetite, and local needs, considering factors like regulation, costs, and platform support.
Overall Scores Comparison
Trading Costs - Spreads & Commissions
| Instrument | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FP Markets |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FP Markets |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FP Markets |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FP Markets |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 | FP Markets |
For Spain traders, trading costs can significantly impact profitability, especially for high-frequency or high-volume traders. IC Markets offers a Raw Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a commission of $3.5 per lot per side, while FP Markets has a similar Raw account with spreads from 0.0 pips and a $3 per lot per side commission. On standard accounts, IC Markets has spreads starting from 0.6 pips with no commission, whereas FP Markets starts from 1.0 pips. For Spain traders trading 10+ lots per month, IC Markets may be slightly cheaper overall due to tighter raw spreads. However, FP Markets’ lower commission can offset this for certain currency pairs. Both brokers are cost-competitive, but IC Markets edges ahead for scalpers and day traders in Spain.
Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $100 |
Leverage Comparison - Spain Traders
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
Trading Instruments - Assets Available
| Asset Class | IC Markets | FP Markets | 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+ | FP Markets |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
Platforms Comparison
| Platform | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✓ |
| cTrader | ✓ | ✓ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✓ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Spain traders have access to industry-leading platforms from both brokers. IC Markets offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), and cTrader, providing flexibility for algorithmic and manual traders. FP Markets supports MT4, MT5, and its proprietary WebTrader, which is beginner-friendly. For Spain traders who rely on automated trading or complex strategies, IC Markets’ cTrader support is a plus. FP Markets’ platform suite is more integrated with educational resources, which may benefit newer traders. Both brokers offer mobile apps for trading on the go, essential for Spain’s active trading community.
Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FP Markets |
| 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 |
Execution quality is a top priority for Spain traders, especially scalpers and day traders. IC Markets boasts an average execution speed of 40ms on its MetaTrader servers, with no requotes on its Raw Spread account. FP Markets offers execution speeds of around 60ms, which is still fast but slightly slower. Both brokers use No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution, ensuring transparency. For Spain traders seeking the fastest fills, IC Markets has a slight edge.
Regulation & Safety for Spain Traders
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | ASIC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for Spain traders, as the local financial regulator (CNMV) does not oversee these offshore brokers. IC Markets is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), while FP Markets is regulated by ASIC and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Neither broker is regulated by the CNMV, meaning Spain traders lack local investor protection. However, both brokers adhere to strict global standards, such as client fund segregation and negative balance protection. Spain traders should weigh the benefits of lower costs against the absence of local regulation.
Deposits & Withdrawals for Spain
| Payment Method | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 24 hours |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is seamless for Spain traders at both IC Markets and FP Markets, thanks to support for Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, and USDT. IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200, while FP Markets has a lower minimum of $100, making FP Markets more accessible for beginners. Bank Transfers are reliable but slower (1-3 business days), while Skrill and Neteller are instant and widely used in Spain. USDT deposits are gaining popularity among Spain traders for their low fees and speed. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for e-wallets and 2-5 days for bank transfers. Both brokers do not charge internal fees, but Spain traders should check their bank’s fees for international transfers.
Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for Spain Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | FP Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
For Muslim traders in Spain, both IC Markets and FP Markets offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by eliminating overnight interest charges. These accounts are available on request and can be set up on standard or raw spread accounts. IC Markets provides Islamic accounts with no additional fees, while FP Markets also offers them without extra cost, though some instruments may have limited swap-free availability. Spain traders should note that Islamic accounts may have reduced leverage on certain assets. Both brokers ensure that religious requirements are met without compromising trading conditions.
Customer Support Comparison
| Support Feature | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | IC Markets |
Customer support is crucial for Spain traders, and both brokers offer 24/7 multilingual support. IC Markets provides live chat, email, and phone support in English and Spanish, with response times under 5 minutes. FP Markets also offers 24/7 support in Spanish via live chat and phone, with slightly longer response times. For Spain traders, FP Markets’ Spanish-language educational resources and webinars are a plus, while IC Markets’ faster support is ideal for urgent issues.
Mobile App Comparison
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | FP Markets | 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 | ✗ | ✓ | FP Markets |
Education & Research Tools
| Resource | IC Markets | FP Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | IC Markets |
Real User Reviews - Trustpilot
Pros & Cons of Each Broker
IC Markets
FP Markets
Who Should Use Which Broker? - Spain Guide
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Are a scalper or day trader requiring ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips
- Prefer advanced platforms like cTrader for algorithmic trading
- Trade high volumes and want the lowest overall costs
- Value faster execution speeds and 24/7 support in Spanish
Choose FP Markets if you...
- Are a beginner trader looking for a lower minimum deposit ($100)
- Want access to a broader range of tradable assets, including stocks and ETFs
- Prefer a more user-friendly platform with educational resources in Spanish
- Need a broker with a slightly lower commission on raw accounts
FAQ - IC Markets vs FP Markets in Spain
Final Verdict - Spain 2026
After a thorough comparison, both IC Markets and FP Markets are strong choices for Spain traders, but the best broker depends on your specific needs. IC Markets wins for low-cost, high-speed trading with a 4.8/5 rating, making it ideal for experienced scalpers and algorithmic traders. FP Markets, with a 4.7/5 rating, is more beginner-friendly and offers a wider asset range. Spain traders using Bank Transfer, Skrill, Neteller, or USDT will find both brokers accommodating. However, since neither is regulated by the local financial regulator (CNMV), traders should proceed with caution and consider using smaller deposits initially. For most Spain retail traders, IC Markets offers the best value, while FP Markets is a solid alternative for those prioritizing education and asset diversity.