IC Markets vs Expert Option

IC Markets vs Expert Option Comparison Table 2024
IC Markets Expert Option
4.8
3.5
United States Flag Traders from US not accepted
United States Flag Traders from US not accepted

IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.

Expert Option is an offshore broker that offers a simple and intuitive trading experience through a bespoke, user-friendly platform. Short-term traders can access 100 popular assets via binary options contracts with payouts up to 95%, free educational resources, and market data available to upper-tier account holders.

Customer Reviews
4
5
Bonus Offer
100% deposit bonus
Comment by Reviewer
"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders." "Expert Option will suit aspiring traders who want to access the financial markets through an options broker with a very easy-to-learn bespoke platform. The user-friendly day trading platform is clear and reliable."
Pros
  • IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
  • With ultra-fast execution speeds averaging 35 milliseconds and deep liquidity, IC Markets provides an optimal trading environment for scalpers, hedgers, and algorithmic traders.
  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
  • You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
  • The broker offers an easy to use, beginner-friendly proprietary trading platform with 4 chart types and social trading features
  • The diverse range of account currencies and 20+ accepted payment methods allow for flexible funding
  • There's a decent range of educational resources, including trading strategies, webinars and platform tutorials
  • The analytical tools for higher-level accounts are a useful addition for experienced day traders
  • High payouts up to 95% are above the industry average
  • There are no deposit and withdrawal fees which is ideal for active traders
  • Minimum deposits are low, starting from $10
Cons
  • While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
  • The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
  • There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
  • Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
  • There's a very small list of binary assets with just 100 on offer compared to 1000+ offered by some competitors
  • Expert Option isn't available in several countries, including the EU, Australia and the US
  • The SVGFSA is a weak financial regulator with limited safeguarding measures
  • Very expensive $50 dormancy fee after 3 months of no trading activity
  • The broker doesn't offer any popular leveraged products such as CFDs
Awards
  • Best MT4/MT5 Broker 2023 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Forex Broker 2022 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Overall Broker 2020 - DayTrading.com
  • Best Trading App 2020 - DayTrading.com
Instruments
CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto Options, Stocks, Commodities, Forex, Crypto, Futures,
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$200 $10
Trading Platforms
  • MT4
  • MT5
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
  • TradingCentral
  • DupliTrade
  • Expert Option Web Platform
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots $1
Regulator
ASIC, CySEC, FSA SVGFSA
Margin Trading
Yes No
STP Account
No No
ECN Account
Yes No
DMA Account
Yes No
MAM Account
Yes No
PAMM Account
Yes No
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
No No
Negative Balance Protection
Yes No
Market Maker
No No
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
Yes No
Mobile Apps
iOS & Android iOS & Android
App Review

IC Markets deliver mobile apps for their cTrader, MT4, MT5 and TradingView  platforms. They have been developed on Android and iOS separately, taking full advantage of the functionality available on each. With raw pricing, and spreads from 0.0, the apps deliver an excellent trading tool for all levels of trader. Yet what really stands out is how they’ve managed to maintain the lightning-fast execution speed IC Markets is known for, right within the apps. It’s a seamless trading experience that feels both professional and highly responsive.

Expert Option has an unusual mobile trading offering in that it balances education with trading, potentially serving new traders. However, our tests reveal very basic quizzes and learning materials that barely scratch the surface of binaries. The ‘Tap Game’ is also gimmicky and does little to serve serious traders.

Android App Rating
4.2
4.2
iOS App Rating
3.1
2.5
Auto Trading
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade ExpertBot
Copy Trading
Yes Yes
Copy Trading Platform
Launched in February 2023, the IC Social app offers an intuitive way to learn, share, and mirror the positions of other traders with just a few clicks. Additionally, the app features risk management tools and supports dedicated trading groups. Alternatively, IC Markets grants access to Signal Start, along with well-known third-party copy trading platforms including ZuluTrade and cTrader Copy. You can study and copy the positions of established VIPs to increase potential returns. Users can find master traders based on asset class and historic returns. A useful leaderboard is available to social traders.
Social Trading
Yes Yes
Trade Signals
Signal Start Only for Platinum and Exclusive accounts
VPS Hosting
Yes No
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No No
Ethical Investing
No No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
$0 $50
Islamic Account
Yes No
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • INR
  • JPY
  • ZAR
  • MYR
  • IDR
  • TRY
  • SEK
  • NOK
  • DKK
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
  • RUB
  • PLN
  • CZK
  • AED
Stock Exchanges
Commodities
CFD Trading
You gain access to over 2,250 CFDs, available for trading 24/5 across popular markets such as forex, commodities, indices, stocks, and bonds. Utilizing deep liquidity and advanced bridge technology, IC Markets ensures optimal conditions for scalpers, hedgers, and algo traders alike. CFD trading not offered
Leverage
1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) N/A
FTSE Spread
1.0 N/A
GBPUSD Spread
0.23 N/A
Oil Spread
0.03 N/A
Stocks Spread
0.02 N/A
Forex Trading
IC Markets maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot. Expert Option traders can access some of the most popular forex pairs including USD/EUR, GBP/USD and GBP/EUR using binary options contracts that payout up to 95%, well above the industry average of around 85%.
Forex App

IC Markets deliver mobile apps for both their cTrader and MT5 platforms. Both have been developed on android and iOS separately, taking full advantage of the functionality available on each. With raw pricing, and spreads from 0.0, the apps deliver an excellent trading tool for all levels of trader. The speed of execution synonymous with IC Markets is retained across their apps.

GBPUSD Spread
0.23 Variable
EURUSD Spread
0.02 Variable
EURGBP Spread
0.27 Variable
Assets
75 6
Cryptocurrency
IC Markets offers 20+ cryptocurrencies which are tradable via CFDs, including lesser-known tokens such as Avalanche, Kusama and Uniswap. Commission-free trading is available, and experienced crypto traders can access high leverage up to 1:200 in the MetaTrader platforms. Traders can speculate on Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) price movements using high/low binary options on a proprietary platform. These are three of the most popular cryptocurrencies on the market, but the offering lacks the variety and volatility offered by less popular tokens.
Spread
BTC 42.036 $5 on any winning trades
Coins
  • BTC
  • BCH
  • DOT
  • DSH
  • EMC
  • EOS
  • ETH
  • LNK
  • LTC
  • NMC
  • PPC
  • XLM
  • XRP
  • ADA
  • BNB
  • DOG
  • UNI
  • XTZ
  • BTC
  • BCH
  • ETH
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
Binary Options
Binary options trading not offered Expert Option is a well-known binary options broker providing access to 100 assets with a $5 charge on winning trades. Payouts are competitive and users can speculate on rising or falling prices with one-click in the web-accessible platform. Binaries are aimed at ultra-short-term traders, ranging from 60 seconds to 5 minutes.
Payout
95%
Expiry Times
60 seconds - 5 minutes
Ladder Options
No No
Boundary Options
No Yes
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