IC Markets vs HotForex

IC Markets vs HotForex Comparison Table 2024
IC Markets HotForex
4.8
4

HotForex is #13 in our CFD broker rankings.

HotForex is now HF Markets. See our review of HF Markets for our latest findings and expert verdict.
United States Flag Traders from US not accepted
United States Flag Traders from US 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.

HotForex, now HF Markets, is a hugely popular broker with millions clients and authorization from several trusted regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. Leveraged CFDs are available on popular asset classes alongside industry-leading software, flexible account types and an accessible minimum deposit.

Customer Reviews
4
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." "HotForex is a great all-rounder that will serve traders of all experience levels. We appreciate the regulated and secure trading environment, low minimum deposit, wide market access and user-friendly copy trading solution."
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.
  • Unlimited usage demo account
  • Easy to sign up with no starting deposit
  • Range of deposit and withdrawal methods
  • Transparent fee and commission structures
  • Hugely popular brand with millions of traders
  • Advanced mobile apps with full trading access
  • Market-leading insurance for up to €5,000,000
  • Virtual private server (VPS) integration support
  • Regulated by tier-one agencies including the FCA
  • Various account types plus Islamic and joint accounts
  • Comprehensive educational platform and trading tools
  • Live chat option with customer support available in 27 languages
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.
  • No cryptocurrency trading
  • No proprietary trading software
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
  • Top 100 Companies - World Finance Magazine
  • Best Forex Broker Asia - Global Business Review Magazine 2021
  • Best Customer Service Experience - Global - World Business Outlook
  • Best Client Fund Security Global - International Business Magazine 2021
  • Most Transparent Broker - The European - Global Banking & Finance Review Awards
Instruments
CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto CFDs, Forex, Stocks, ETFs, Commodities
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$200 $100
Trading Platforms
  • MT4
  • MT5
  • cTrader
  • TradingView
  • TradingCentral
  • DupliTrade
  • MT4
  • MT5
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
0.01 Lots 0.01 Lots
Regulator
ASIC, CySEC, FSA FCA, DFSA, FSCA, CySEC, FSC, CMA, JFSA
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
STP Account
No No
ECN Account
Yes Yes
DMA Account
Yes Yes
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 Yes
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.

Android App Rating
4.2
iOS App Rating
3.1
Auto Trading
Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, cBots on cTrader, Myfxbook AutoTrade HotForex supports automated trading through access to MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, both of which have extensive expert advisor integration systems.
Copy Trading
Yes No
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.
Social Trading
Yes No
Trade Signals
Signal Start Yes
VPS Hosting
Yes No
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No Yes
Ethical Investing
No No
Custodial Account
No No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
$0
Islamic Account
Yes Yes
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • CAD
  • AUD
  • NZD
  • JPY
  • CHF
  • HKD
  • SGD
  • USD
  • EUR
  • GBP
  • PLN
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. HotForex has CFD trading in stocks and shares, indices, ETFs, metals, energies, agricultural commodities and forex. Leverage is in line with the relevant regulatory jurisdictions and spreads are tight with no hidden charges.
Leverage
1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) 1:30
FTSE Spread
1.0 1.16
GBPUSD Spread
0.23 1.8
Oil Spread
0.03 0.05
Stocks Spread
0.02 Variable
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. HotForex has CFD trading on over 50 major, minor and exotic currency pairs with MT4 and MT5 accounts. This is a strong selection of currencies with advanced analysis software available to plan and execute trades.
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 1.8
EURUSD Spread
0.02 1.3
EURGBP Spread
0.27 1.5
Assets
75 50
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. Crypto trading not offered
Spread
BTC 42.036
Coins
  • BTC
  • BCH
  • DOT
  • DSH
  • EMC
  • EOS
  • ETH
  • LNK
  • LTC
  • NMC
  • PPC
  • XLM
  • XRP
  • ADA
  • BNB
  • DOG
  • UNI
  • XTZ
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
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