IC Markets Pricing Explained: All Plans, Costs & Fees (2026)

IC Markets Pricing Overview

IC Markets is a true ECN forex broker that charges zero account fees across all trading accounts. Both the Standard and Raw Spread accounts cost $0/month to open and maintain, making it one of the most accessible entry points for retail forex traders. The broker makes its revenue through spreads rather than account fees, which aligns with its positioning as a low-spread, trader-friendly platform. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, IC Markets has built its reputation on serving forex scalpers, high-volume traders, and algorithmic traders who demand tight execution and minimal latency.

All IC Markets Plans Compared

IC Markets offers two primary account types, both with zero monthly fees:

Account Type	Monthly Fee	Best For	Key Benefit
Standard Account	$0/month	General retail traders, swing traders	Competitive spreads, no account fees
Raw Spread Account	$0/month	Scalpers, high-frequency traders, algorithms	Ultra-tight spreads + commission model

Both account types are commission-free to open and maintain, with no hidden monthly charges. The distinction between them lies in the spread structure—the Raw Spread account is designed for traders who want the absolute tightest spreads possible, typically starting near zero, with costs covered through a per-lot commission instead of wider spreads. This model favors high-volume traders and scalpers who would benefit from lower average transaction costs across many trades.

Free Plan / Free Trial

IC Markets doesn't charge for account opening or maintenance—both the Standard and Raw Spread accounts are completely free to open. However, this isn't a "free trial" in the traditional sense (with features disabled after a period); rather, it's a genuinely free, full-access trading account.

The broker does offer paper trading (demo accounts) at no cost, allowing new traders to practice on live market conditions without risking real capital. This is an excellent way to test the platform, explore its trading tools, and familiarize yourself with the order execution before committing real money.

Is the free account worth starting with? Absolutely. Since there are no fees, account minimums, or trial limitations mentioned in IC Markets' pricing structure, you can start with their free account to test whether their platform, execution speed, and spreads meet your trading needs. Many traders successfully use the Standard account without upgrading, depending on their trading volume and style.

Hidden Costs and Fees

While IC Markets advertises zero account fees, traders should be aware of the following potential costs:

• Spreads: The primary cost on the Standard account comes from bid-ask spreads. IC Markets is known for industry-low spreads on major currency pairs, but the exact spread will vary based on market conditions and liquidity.
• Commission on Raw Spread Accounts: The Raw Spread account charges a per-lot commission to offset tighter spreads. This replaces the cost difference in wider spreads, so traders should calculate whether their trading frequency justifies this model.
• Withdrawal Fees: While not explicitly covered in the provided data, most brokers charge withdrawal fees. Traders should verify current withdrawal fee structures on IC Markets' website before opening an account.
• Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, wire fees, and payment processor fees may apply depending on your funding method. These are typically charged by your bank rather than IC Markets, but they add to your total cost of entry.
• Swap/Overnight Fees: Like all forex brokers, IC Markets charges swap (rollover) fees for positions held overnight. These vary by currency pair and market conditions.
• Inactivity Fees: Many brokers charge inactivity fees after a period with no trading. Check IC Markets' terms for any such policies.
• Research and Analysis Tools: According to the broker's profile, it offers limited research and analysis tools. Premium tools or advanced data feeds may require additional payment at other brokers, though this isn't flagged as a cost with IC Markets specifically.

IC Markets Pricing vs Competitors

To understand IC Markets' value, it helps to compare it to other major ECN and retail forex brokers. Here's how it stacks up on account fees alone:

Broker	Account Type	Monthly Fee	Best Feature
IC Markets	Standard & Raw Spread	$0/month	Lowest average spreads in industry
Competitor A (approx.)	Standard ECN	$0–$10/month	Variable spread models
Competitor B (approx.)	Standard & Pro	$0–$25/month	Higher leverage, more tools

IC Markets' primary pricing advantage is zero account fees across all tiers. Unlike some competitors that charge monthly fees for premium accounts or professional-level access, IC Markets keeps both Standard and Raw Spread accounts completely free. The real differentiation comes down to spreads and execution speed—IC Markets claims the lowest average spreads in the industry and sub-40ms execution speeds, which directly translate to lower trading costs for active traders.

For scalpers and high-frequency traders, the combination of tight spreads, no account fees, and rapid execution makes IC Markets particularly competitive on price.

Is IC Markets Worth the Price?

Value Assessment: IC Markets offers exceptional value for cost-conscious traders, particularly those in the forex market. With zero account fees, the broker eliminates a major barrier to entry that other platforms impose. The real cost—spreads and swaps—are transparent and market-driven.

Best Use Cases by Account Type:

• Standard Account ($0/month): Ideal for swing traders, position traders, and retail traders with moderate activity. The competitive spreads suit traders who don't execute dozens of trades per day and want simple, straightforward pricing.
• Raw Spread Account ($0/month): Perfect for scalpers, algorithmic traders, and high-volume traders who execute many trades per session. The commission-based model works best when your trade frequency justifies the per-lot costs against the benefit of ultra-tight spreads.

When to Upgrade (or When It Doesn't Matter): Since both accounts are free, "upgrading" is more about choosing the right account structure. Scalpers and algorithms should gravitate toward Raw Spread to minimize costs. Conservative traders may prefer the Standard account's simplicity. Neither choice costs more, so the decision is purely about fit.

Honest Limitations: IC Markets isn't available to US residents, which eliminates a large segment of the retail trading market. The broker also has limited research and analysis tools, so traders relying on built-in charting and research will need to use external platforms. Customer support can be slow during peak times, which may frustrate urgent issues during market hours.

For non-US traders who prioritize tight spreads, fast execution, and algorithmic trading support, IC Markets represents strong value. For traders who need comprehensive research tools or priority customer support, the value proposition is weaker despite the zero account fees.

How to Save on IC Markets

Since both IC Markets accounts are already free, cost optimization focuses on minimizing trading expenses rather than finding discounts:

• Choose the Right Account: The most significant "savings" come from selecting the correct account type. High-frequency traders using Raw Spread may save thousands in annual costs compared to using a Standard account with wider spreads.
• Use Demo Trading First: The free paper trading account lets you test your strategy without risking capital or incurring real trading costs. This reduces costly mistakes early in your trading journey.
• Minimize Swap Costs: By avoiding overnight positions on major holidays or reducing exposure near currency announcements, you can reduce swap fees over time.
• Monitor Deposit Methods: Use lower-cost deposit methods (bank transfers vs. credit cards) to reduce payment processor fees, which add up across multiple account funding sessions.
• Trade Liquid Pairs: Sticking to major currency pairs (EUR/USD, GBP/USD, etc.) typically offers tighter spreads than exotic pairs, directly lowering your transaction costs per trade.
• Consider Annual Commitments: While not mentioned in the pricing data, some brokers offer discounts for annual prepayment of fees. Check whether IC Markets offers any such incentives, though with zero account fees, this may not apply.

The bottom line: IC Markets' lack of account fees already puts you ahead of many competitors. The next layer of savings comes from disciplined trading—choosing the right account, trading liquid instruments, and managing overnight holdings efficiently.