Detailed side-by-side analysis of FXPrimus vs ICMarkets
| Feature | FXPrimus | ICMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus. | Sydney, Australia. |
| Type of Broker | ECN, STP | ECN |
| Founded | 2009 | 2007 Older |
| Regulated By | CySEC, VFSC | CySEC, FSA, ASIC |
| Offices | Limassol, Cyprus. | Level 4, 50 Carrington Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, NSW 2000, Australia |
| Supported Languages | English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Hungarian, and Malaysian. | ENGLISH, 简体中文, ไทย, INDONESIA, 한국어, DEUTSCH, FRANÇAIS, PORTUGUES, ESPAÑOL, TIẾNG VIỆT, РУССКИЙ, ITALIANO, БЪЛГАРСКИ, HRVATSKI, 繁體中文, فارس |
IC Markets is the cheaper broker. Raw spreads start from 0.0 pips with competitive commission, making it a clear winner for scalpers and high-volume traders. FXPrimus is generally safer from a conservative trader’s perspective, thanks to its tighter focus on client protection and negative balance safeguards.
For beginners and traders who prioritize structured support, FXPrimus is a better fit. For experienced traders chasing ultra-low spreads, fast execution, and algorithmic trading conditions, IC Markets stands ahead.
Before you choose between FXPrimus and IC Markets, read this: one hidden cost difference could quietly eat your profits faster than you think.
IC Markets delivers lower combined trading costs, tighter raw spreads, and stronger performance metrics for active traders.
FXPrimus prioritises structured risk protection and lower minimum entry costs. But its spreads and commissions are generally wider than IC Markets’ across comparable accounts.
Traders focused on cost efficiency, execution quality, and scalable strategies should favour IC Markets. Cautious or newer traders who value free deposits/withdrawals and personalised support may still consider FXPrimus.
| Feature | FXPrimus | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Spread (EUR/USD) | From ~0 pips with commission | From ~0.0 pips with low commission | IC Markets |
| Minimum Deposit | From USD 15 | From USD 200 | FXPrimus |
| Regulation & Safety | Regulated by CySEC, FSCA & VFSC | Regulated by ASIC, CySEC, FSA & CMA | IC Markets |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, Webtrader | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | IC Markets |
| Best For | Beginners & risk-focused traders | Cost & performance-focused traders | __________ |
| Feature | FXPrimus | ICMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Currencies | 70+ | (60+) |
| Minimum Deposit | $15 | $0 |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:2000 | 1:1000 |
| Minimum Contract Size | 0.01 lots | 0.01 lots |
| ECN/STP Accounts Offered | ||
| Demo Account Expiry | N/A | N/A |
| Islamic Accounts | ||
| Traders from USA |
ICMarkets wins on account of cost efficiency. Its Raw Spread accounts with ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low per-lot commission make it cheaper for scalpers and high-volume traders.
FXPrimus wins for flexible account types, from commission-free beginner accounts to zero-spread options, that suit both new and advanced traders.
Beginner and part-time traders should care most about this comparison; tighter spreads and transparent costs directly affect profitability. Experienced traders, particularly scalpers and EAs, benefit from ICMarkets’ institutional pricing in its Raw Spread account.
| Feature | FXPrimus | ICMarkets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account Types | PrimusCLASSIC, PRO, ZERO, Demo | Standard, Raw Spread, Raw Pro+, Raw, Pro | FXPrimus (more variety) |
| Min. Deposit | $15–$1,000+ | ~$200 | ICMarkets (clear entry) |
| Spread (EUR/USD) | ~1.5 pips (Classic), 0.0 pips (PrimusZERO) | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread) | Tie (both offer 0.0) |
| Commission | $0 (Classic), $5–$10 per lot | $3.50 per lot per side (Raw) | ICMarkets (lower) |
| Swap-Free | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Feature | FXPrimus | ICMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Spread on Majors | 0.0 | 0.0 pips |
| Interest on Margin | ||
| Commission on STP or ECN/STP | N/A | $3.50 |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes |
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes |
| Hedging | ||
| Scalping |
IC Markets is known for its ECN-style trading environment with very tight spreads starting from 0.0 pips, fast execution speeds of under 40 milliseconds, and leverage up to 1:1000.
FXPrimus, on the other hand, also offers leverage up to 1:1000 on selected account types, with trading available through MT4 and MT5. Standard accounts are commission-free. But spreads are wider, starting from 1.5 pips, while PRO accounts offer spreads from 0.0 pips with a $5 commission per lot.
| Feature | FXPrimus | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Leverage | Up to 1:1000 | Up to 1:1000 | Tie |
| Starting Spreads | From 1.5 pips (Standard) | From 0.0 pips | IC Markets |
| Commission | $0 or $5 per lot | Around $7 round per turn | FXPrimus |
| Minimum Deposit | From $15 |
FXPrimus offers solid trading conditions, especially for traders who value negative balance protection. But IC Markets provides a more professional environment for cost-conscious and active traders.
| Feature | FXPrimus | ICMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms Offered | MT4, MT5, WebTrader, cTrader | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView |
| One-Click-Execution | ||
| Mobile Alerts | ||
| Email Alerts | ||
| VPS Offered | ||
| MetaTrader Server Time (winter) | N/A | N/A |
IC Markets wins on platform depth and execution performance. It offers MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView with average execution under 40ms.
FXPrimus focuses on MT4 and MT5 with built-in risk controls and client protection layers. Choose IC Markets for scalping, EAs, and advanced tools. Choose FXPrimus for structured retail trading with stronger safety emphasis.
| Feature | FXPrimus | IC Markets | Profit Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | Industry standard, EA compatible |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | More order types, depth of market |
| cTrader | No | Yes | Advanced ECN interface |
| TradingView | No | Yes | Advanced charting + social insights |
| VPS Support | Limited | Yes (for eligible accounts) | Stable algo trading |
IC Markets provides more platform diversity, including cTrader and TradingView, alongside MT4 and MT5. FXPrimus supports MT4 and MT5 but lacks cTrader and TradingView integration.
| Feature | FXPrimus | ICMarkets |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Pairs | 28 | 61+ |
| CFD's | ||
| Metals | ||
| Oil | ||
| Indices | ||
| Stocks | ||
| Futures | ||
| Binary Options |
IC Markets wins on sheer asset volume. Over 2,100+ instruments across 7 asset classes. FXPrimus offers fewer instruments but covers core markets well.
| Asset Class | FXPrimus | IC Markets | Who Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Pairs | 50+ pairs | 60+ pairs | IC Markets |
| Indices | 15+ global indices | 25+ global indices | IC Markets |
| Commodities | Gold, Silver, Oil & more (10+) | 20+ commodities | IC Markets |
| Stocks (CFDs) | 100+ stock CFDs | 2,000+ global shares | IC Markets |
| Cryptocurrencies | 5+ major crypto CFDs | 20+ crypto CFDs | IC Markets |
| Bonds | Not a core offering | Available | IC Markets |
| Futures CFDs | Limited | Available | IC Markets |
| Total Instruments | ~130+ | 2,100+ | IC Markets |
IC Markets offers significantly more instruments, including 2,000+ stock CFDs and broader index, commodity, and crypto coverage. FXPrimus focuses on major forex pairs and core CFDs but has a much smaller overall catalog.
ICMarkets provides broader and faster funding options, including more e-wallet and local methods. FXPrimus covers basics, but with slower bank options and fewer instant choices.
ICMarkets wins the most payment flexibility and speed. It supports 15+ funding options, including instant cards, e-wallets, crypto, and bank transfers. These are making it easier and faster for active traders to fund and withdraw.
FXPrimus still offers solid options, but fewer methods and slower bank processing make it less versatile for high-frequency traders.
Traders who prioritize fast, global funding choices should prefer ICMarkets. Those who want straightforward, fee-free basic methods may find FXPrimus adequate but limited relative to ICMarkets.
| Feature | ICMarkets | FXPrimus | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card (Instant) | Yes (Instant) | Yes (Instant) | Tie |
| E-Wallets | Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, UnionPay | Skrill, Neteller, FasaPay | ICMarkets |
| Crypto Funding | Yes (BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT) | Yes (Crypto) | Tie |
| Wire Transfer | Yes (2–5 business days) | Yes (1–4 business days) | FXPrimus |
| Local Bank Options | Yes (varies by region) | Yes (local bank transfers) | Tie |
| No Broker Fees | Yes | Yes | Tie |
Traders who prioritize structured risk protection, regulated oversight, and moderate trading volume. Scalpers, high-volume traders, and algorithmic traders seeking lower all-in cost and fast ECN execution.
| Choose FXPrimus if | ICMarkets |
|---|---|
| Capital preservation matters more than ultra-low spreads. | Scalp or trade high frequency. |
| Prefer strong client protection messaging. | Run EAs or automated systems. |
| Trade moderate volume. | Trade a large volume monthly. |
| Value structured onboarding. | Prioritize raw spreads and lower commission. |
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC and CySEC, and it operates under stricter capital and compliance standards.
FXPrimus focuses more on structured client protection and negative balance safeguards.
Cost-driven and high-volume traders should care about regulatory depth. Risk-sensitive beginners should care about protection layers.
ICMarkets holds stronger top-tier regulation due to ASIC oversight. FXPrimus provides solid client protection but operates under fewer Tier-1 authorities. Traders prioritizing maximum regulatory depth lean toward ICMarkets.
| Safety Factor | FXPrimus | ICMarkets | Who Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier-1 License | CySEC | ASIC | ICMarkets |
| Years Operating | Since 2009 | Since 2007 | ICMarkets |
| Client Fund Segregation | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Negative Balance Protection | Yes | Yes (Retail) | Tie |
| Compensation Scheme (EU entity) | Yes (CySEC) | Yes (CySEC) | Tie |
FXPrimus may feel more suitable for traders who want a broker with negative balance protection, a lower starting deposit, and a simpler account structure. IC Markets for traders who care more about tighter spreads, faster execution, and fewer trading restrictions.
For ultra-low spreads and ECN execution, few retail brokers consistently undercut IC Markets; alternatives may match it in specific areas like copy trading or regional regulation. But IC Markets remains one of the strongest choices for cost-focused and high-volume traders.
FXPrimus is considered a solid broker for traders who prioritize client fund protection, regulated oversight, and structured risk controls over the absolute lowest spreads.
The main risks include potentially higher all-in trading costs compared to ultra-low-cost ECN competitors and the general market risks inherent in leveraged CFD trading, which can amplify both gains and losses.