Quick Verdict — United Kingdom Traders
Best Overall
FXTM
Higher overall score & more features
Best Spreads
FXTM
Lower trading costs for scalpers
Islamic Accounts
Both Available
Swap-free for United Kingdom Muslims
Best for Beginners
FXTM
Better education & support
1:5000 vs 1:5000
Max leverage
Head-to-head comparison
When comparing IC Markets vs FXTM for United Kingdom traders in 2026, the choice hinges on your trading style and priorities. IC Markets, with a stellar 4.8/5 rating, is renowned for its ultra-low spreads and institutional-grade execution, making it a top pick for scalpers and high-volume traders in the UK. FXTM, scoring 4.3/5, offers a more rounded experience with strong educational resources and a user-friendly platform, appealing to retail traders new to the markets. Both brokers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring your funds are protected under UK law. Whether you prefer funding your account via Bank Transfer, PayPal, or Skrill, both brokers support these local payment methods. This comparison dives into spreads, platforms, regulation, and more, tailored specifically for UK traders seeking a reliable broker in 2026.
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Overall Scores Comparison

IC Markets
ASIC · CySEC · FSA
3.6
CompareBroker score
VS

FXTM
FCA · CySEC · FSCA
3.7
CompareBroker score
Winner
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 | FXTM | Winner |
|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | FXTM |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | FXTM |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | FXTM |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | FXTM |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $200 | $50 | IC Markets |
For United Kingdom traders, trading costs are a critical factor. IC Markets excels with raw spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like GBP/USD, plus a low commission of $3.50 per lot per side. This structure is ideal for scalpers and day traders executing high volumes. FXTM offers standard spreads from 1.0 pips with no commission, which can be costlier for frequent traders but simpler for beginners. Over 100 trades per month, IC Markets saves UK traders significantly on spreads, while FXTM's fixed spreads provide predictability. Always consider your trading volume—IC Markets suits cost-sensitive traders, while FXTM works for those prioritising simplicity.
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Account Types Comparison
| Account Type | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✓ | ✓ |
| Zero spread account | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✓ |
| Min deposit | $200 | $50 |
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Leverage Comparison - United Kingdom Traders
| Entity / Asset | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|
| United Kingdom (offshore) | Up to 1:5000 | Up to 1:5000 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:5000 | 1:5000 |
| 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 United Kingdom Traders
Traders in United Kingdom 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 | FXTM | 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+ | ✗ | IC Markets |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | FXTM |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
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Execution Quality - Speed & Slippage
| Factor | IC Markets | FXTM | Winner |
|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | FXTM |
| 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 differentiator. IC Markets boasts ultra-low latency execution with servers in London, ideal for UK traders seeking speed. It offers No Dealing Desk (NDD) execution with minimal slippage. FXTM also provides NDD execution but with slightly higher latency due to its global server network. For scalpers and high-frequency traders, IC Markets' execution is superior. FXTM's execution is reliable for standard retail trading, but IC Markets wins for precision and speed.
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Regulation & Safety for United Kingdom Traders
| Safety Factor | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|
| 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. 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. This means UK clients benefit from FCA protections, including negative balance protection, segregated client funds, and access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000. Both brokers adhere to strict UK leverage limits (max 30:1 for retail traders) and transparent reporting.
Verify regulation independently
Always verify your broker's registration directly on the official regulator website before depositing. Regulation details for United Kingdom traders may differ by entity.
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Deposits & Withdrawals for United Kingdom
| Payment Method | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|
| 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 (often in 30 minutes),Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 1 to 3 business days. |
United Kingdom traders enjoy convenient funding options with both IC Markets and FXTM. For deposits, Bank Transfer, PayPal, and Skrill are accepted. IC Markets processes deposits instantly via PayPal and Skrill, with no fees, while bank transfers take 1-2 business days. FXTM also supports these methods, with PayPal and Skrill deposits being fee-free and instant. Withdrawals are similarly straightforward: IC Markets typically processes within 24 hours for e-wallets, while FXTM may take 1-2 days. Bank transfer withdrawals can take 2-5 business days with both brokers. UK traders should note that FXTM charges a small fee for certain withdrawal methods, whereas IC Markets is generally fee-free. Always verify minimum deposit requirements—IC Markets starts at $50, FXTM at $10, making FXTM more accessible for smaller budgets.
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Islamic Accounts - Swap-Free for United Kingdom Muslims
| Islamic Account Feature | IC Markets | FXTM |
|---|
| 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 the United Kingdom, both IC Markets and FXTM offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts. IC Markets provides these accounts on request with no additional fees, ensuring no overnight interest is charged or credited. FXTM also offers Islamic accounts, but traders may need to provide documentation confirming their faith. Both brokers comply with Sharia law, allowing UK Muslim traders to trade forex and CFDs without riba (interest). Account features like spreads and commissions remain the same as standard accounts. IC Markets' straightforward process gives it a slight edge, but both are excellent choices for ethical trading.
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 | FXTM | 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 United Kingdom traders. IC Markets offers 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support, with fast response times. FXTM provides 24/5 support via live chat, email, and phone, plus a UK phone line for local queries. Both have comprehensive FAQ sections. FXTM edges ahead with multilingual support and dedicated account managers for VIP clients. For UK traders needing immediate assistance, IC Markets' 24/7 availability is beneficial, while FXTM's localised support is ideal for beginners.
| Mobile Feature | IC Markets | FXTM | 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 | FXTM | Winner |
|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | 50+ videos | Tie |
| Webinars (live) | ✗ | Monthly | 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
FXTM
Pros
+Top-tier regulated
+Islamic swap-free account
Cons
-No TradingView
-No 24/7 support
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Who Should Use Which Broker? - United Kingdom Guide
Choose IC Markets if you...
- Are a scalper or day trader prioritising tight spreads and low commissions.
- Use automated trading strategies and need cTrader or VPS support.
- Trade high volumes and want cost efficiency with raw spreads from 0.0 pips.
- Prefer 24/7 customer support and fast execution with London servers.
Choose FXTM if you...
- Are a beginner or intermediate trader valuing educational resources and demo accounts.
- Want a low minimum deposit of $10 to start trading.
- Prefer a user-friendly platform with integrated learning tools.
- Need localised UK support and a broker with strong FCA compliance history.
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FAQ - IC Markets vs FXTM in United Kingdom
Is IC Markets or FXTM better for United Kingdom?
+Can United Kingdom traders use both brokers legally?
+Which broker has lower spreads for United Kingdom traders?
+How do United Kingdom traders deposit at IC Markets and FXTM?
+Do both brokers offer Islamic accounts for United Kingdom?
+Final Verdict - United Kingdom 2026
FXTM wins overall
For United Kingdom traders in 2026, the choice between IC Markets and FXTM depends on your trading style. 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. FXTM is ideal for beginners or those seeking a comprehensive educational suite and lower entry barriers. Both brokers are FCA-authorised, ensuring your funds are safe under UK law. If you prioritise trading costs and speed, IC Markets is the superior pick. If you value learning and simplicity, FXTM is a strong contender.
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.