IM
IC Markets
3.9 / 5Score: 2 / 4
Deep liquidity, tight spreads, and high leverage built for serious forex and CFD traders.
- Min deposit
- $200
- Max leverage
- 1:500
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- ASIC, CySEC
Reviewed by Experts Updated 9/8/2026
IC Markets vs LHV: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
IC Markets and LHV serve very different traders, but only one delivers the complete package. Our independent research gives IC Markets a 3.9/5 rating against LHV's 3.4/5, driven by superior leverage, market access, and platform variety.
L
LHV
3.4 / 5Score: 2 / 4
Zero minimum deposit and commission-free investing backed by FCA-level regulation.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:5
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- Finantsinspektsioon, FCA
Overall Winner
IC Markets
Best for Beginners
LHV
Lowest Fees
IC Markets
Top Regulation
IC Markets
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | IM IC Markets | L LHV |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.9 / 5 | 3.4 / 5 |
| Founded | 2007 | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | Tallinn, Estonia |
| Regulation | ASIC, CySEC | Finantsinspektsioon, FCA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $3.5/lot | None |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:5 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile, LHV Broker |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Crypto, Stocks, Indices, Commodities | Stocks, Etf, Crypto, Indices |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
IC Markets
$200
LHV
$0
Spreads From
IC Markets
0 pips
LHV
0 pips
Commission
IC Markets
$3.5/lot
LHV
None
Deposit Fees
IC Markets
None
LHV
None
Withdrawal Fees
IC Markets
None
LHV
None
Pros & cons
IM
IC Markets
Pros
- Higher overall rating of 3.9/5 based on our independent research
- Access to significantly higher leverage of up to 1:500
- Broader market coverage spanning six asset classes
- Four supported trading platforms for maximum flexibility
- Transparent, competitive commission structure for active traders
- Strong tier-1 and tier-2 regulatory backing via ASIC and CySEC
- No fees on deposits or withdrawals
Cons
- Higher minimum deposit of $200 compared to LHV's $0
- High leverage can amplify risk for inexperienced traders
- Commission charges apply per lot, unlike LHV's zero-commission model
- Narrower regulatory footprint compared to brokers with FCA-level oversight
- Platform variety may overwhelm absolute beginners
L
LHV
Pros
- No minimum deposit makes the platform highly accessible
- Completely commission-free trading structure
- Long-established broker with roots dating back to 1999
- Strong regulatory backing including the FCA
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- Simplified proprietary platforms suited to beginners
Cons
- Maximum leverage of just 1:5 limits trading flexibility
- Narrower market range with only four asset classes
- No support for MT4, MT5, or TradingView platforms
- Lower overall rating of 3.4/5 compared to IC Markets
- Limited appeal for active forex or CFD traders
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner IC Markets
Lowest fees IC Markets
Best regulation IC Markets
Better for beginners LHV
IC Markets is our recommended pick overall, scoring 3.9/5 versus LHV's 3.4/5 on our independent rating system. IC Markets wins on leverage, market range, platform choice, and low-cost forex trading, making it the stronger option for active traders. LHV remains a credible alternative for beginners who want a $0 minimum deposit and commission-free stock and ETF investing under strong European regulation.
Regulation & Safety
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC and CySEC, two respected tier-1 and tier-2 regulatory bodies known for strict capital adequacy and client fund segregation requirements. This gives forex and CFD traders confidence that their deposits are protected under robust oversight frameworks.
LHV operates under Finantsinspektsioon (Estonia's financial supervisory authority) and the FCA, which is one of the most rigorous regulators globally. Both brokers therefore carry credible, multi-jurisdictional licensing, though IC Markets' regulatory footprint is more tailored to leveraged forex and CFD traders.
Neither broker has a glaring safety concern, and both maintain segregated client accounts with no history of major regulatory action. For traders prioritizing pure oversight strength, this category is essentially a toss-up leaning slightly toward IC Markets due to its forex-specific compliance experience.
Fees & Spreads
Both brokers advertise spreads from 0 pips, but the underlying cost structures differ significantly. IC Markets charges a transparent $3.5 per lot commission on its raw spread accounts, a standard and competitive rate among ECN-style forex brokers.
LHV charges no per-trade commission at all, which can appeal to investors focused on stocks and ETFs rather than high-frequency forex trading. However, its narrower market range means active forex traders won't benefit from this fee model as much as long-term investors would.
Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, which is a welcome point of parity. Overall, IC Markets' fee structure is better optimized for frequent forex and CFD trading, while LHV's zero-commission model suits buy-and-hold stock investors.
Minimum Deposit & Accessibility
LHV clearly wins on accessibility with a $0 minimum deposit requirement, making it an attractive entry point for beginners or those testing the platform with minimal capital. IC Markets requires a $200 minimum deposit, which is still moderate by industry standards but represents a real barrier for smaller accounts.
This difference matters most to newer traders. If you're starting with limited funds, LHV removes that initial hurdle entirely, whereas IC Markets expects a more committed upfront investment.
That said, IC Markets' $200 requirement is not unusual for a broker offering deep forex liquidity and high leverage, and many traders will find this a reasonable trade-off for the added capabilities.
Trading Platforms & Tools
IC Markets supports four platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, and a proprietary mobile app. This breadth gives traders flexibility to choose between industry-standard MetaTrader tools, advanced charting via TradingView, or simplified mobile execution.
LHV offers a proprietary web platform, a proprietary mobile app, and its LHV Broker service. These are functional and sufficient for stock and ETF investing but lack the depth of third-party charting and algorithmic trading support that MT4/MT5 and TradingView provide.
For traders who rely on automated strategies, custom indicators, or multi-asset charting, IC Markets' platform ecosystem is substantially more capable. LHV's tools are better suited to straightforward, long-term portfolio management.
Market Range & Leverage
IC Markets provides access to six market categories: Forex, CFDs, Crypto, Stocks, Indices, and Commodities, alongside leverage up to 1:500. This makes it a genuine multi-asset broker capable of serving forex scalpers, CFD traders, and diversified portfolio holders alike.
LHV covers Stocks, ETFs, Crypto, and Indices, with leverage capped at just 1:5. This conservative leverage ceiling reflects LHV's positioning as an investment-focused broker rather than a high-leverage trading platform.
Traders seeking maximum flexibility and leveraged exposure will gravitate toward IC Markets, while those wanting a simpler, lower-risk investment experience may prefer LHV's more restrained approach.
Our Verdict
IC Markets earns our top recommendation with a 3.9/5 rating, driven by its superior leverage, broader market access, richer platform lineup, and forex-optimized fee structure. It's the stronger all-around choice for active traders and those wanting flexibility across asset classes.
LHV, scoring 3.4/5, still holds genuine appeal for beginners and cost-conscious investors thanks to its $0 minimum deposit and commission-free structure. It's a legitimate choice for those focused on stocks, ETFs, and simpler long-term investing rather than leveraged forex trading.
Ultimately, your decision should hinge on trading style: choose IC Markets for depth, leverage, and multi-asset flexibility, or LHV if you want a low-barrier entry point into stock and ETF investing under solid European regulation.
Verdict summary
The bottom line — category winners and our final pick based on ratings.
Editor's verdict
IC Markets wins overall
IC Markets edges out LHV overall based on our expert rating score.
IM
Highest Rated
IC Markets
3.9 / 5 / 5
Category winners
Overall winner
Based on overall expert rating (3.9/5).
IC MarketsBetter for beginners
Stronger onboarding and educational resources.
LHVLower trading costs
More competitive spreads and baseline commissions.
IC MarketsStronger regulation
Higher trust based on tier-1 regulatory oversight.
IC Markets
Frequently asked questions
Based on our independent rating system, IC Markets scores higher overall at 3.9/5 compared to LHV's 3.4/5. IC Markets pulls ahead thanks to its broader market range, higher leverage ceiling, and more diverse platform lineup, though LHV remains competitive for beginner-focused investing.
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, but IC Markets applies a $3.5 per lot commission while LHV charges no commission at all. Active forex traders often find IC Markets' transparent commission model more cost-effective at volume, while LHV's zero-commission approach benefits lower-frequency stock and ETF investors.
IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 to open a trading account, while LHV has no minimum deposit requirement at all. This makes LHV significantly more accessible for beginners or those wanting to test the platform with minimal upfront capital.
IC Markets is regulated by ASIC and CySEC, while LHV holds licences from Finantsinspektsioon and the FCA. Both brokers carry credible, reputable regulatory oversight, so the choice largely comes down to which jurisdiction's protections matter most to you as a trader.
IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, TradingView, and a proprietary mobile app, giving traders extensive charting and automation options. LHV offers a proprietary web platform, a proprietary mobile app, and its LHV Broker service, which are more streamlined but lack third-party charting integrations.
IC Markets offers leverage up to 1:500, making it suitable for experienced traders comfortable with amplified risk and reward. LHV caps leverage at 1:5, reflecting its more conservative, investment-oriented approach to stocks, ETFs, and indices.
Yes, LHV is well-suited to beginners thanks to its $0 minimum deposit, commission-free structure, and simplified proprietary platforms. It's especially appealing for new investors focused on stocks and ETFs rather than leveraged forex or CFD trading.
IC Markets is purpose-built for forex trading with tight spreads, high leverage, and MT4/MT5 support, making it the stronger choice for currency traders. LHV's market range does not prominently feature forex, focusing instead on stocks, ETFs, crypto, and indices.
Yes, there is nothing preventing you from holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many traders use IC Markets for active forex and CFD trading while maintaining an LHV account for long-term stock and ETF investing.
LHV was founded in 1999, giving it a longer operating history than IC Markets, which was established in 2007. Both brokers have built solid reputations over their respective histories, though longevity alone shouldn't be the deciding factor in your choice.
Risk warning: Trading CFDs and forex involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Please consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.