IM
IC Markets
3.9 / 5Score: 2 / 4
IC Markets delivers institutional-grade raw spreads and multi-asset access for traders who demand serious execution power.
- Min deposit
- $200
- Max leverage
- 1:500
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- ASIC, CySEC
Reviewed by Experts Updated 9/22/2026
IC Markets vs Nexo: Which Broker Wins in 2026?
IC Markets and Nexo serve very different types of traders — one is a multi-asset powerhouse, the other a crypto-focused entry-level platform. Here's how they stack up on fees, regulation, and platform quality in 2026.
N
Nexo
3.2 / 5Score: 2 / 4
Nexo removes the barrier to entry entirely, letting anyone start trading crypto with zero minimum deposit under FCA oversight.
- Min deposit
- $0
- Max leverage
- 1:1
- Spread from
- 0 pips
- Regulators
- FCA
Overall Winner
IC Markets
Best for Beginners
Nexo
Lowest Fees
IC Markets
Top Regulation
IC Markets
Side-by-side comparison
Core features compared head-to-head.
| Feature | IM IC Markets | N Nexo |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.9 / 5 | 3.2 / 5 |
| Founded | 2007 | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Sydney, Australia | London, UK |
| Regulation | ASIC, CySEC | FCA |
| Fees & Limits | ||
| Min Deposit | $200 | $0 |
| Spreads From | 0 pips | 0 pips |
| Commission | $3.5/lot | $0.5/lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:1 |
| Platforms & Markets | ||
| Trading Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
| Markets Offered | Forex, Cfd, Crypto, Stocks, Indices, Commodities | Crypto |
Trading & non-trading fees
Min Deposit
IC Markets
$200
Nexo
$0
Spreads From
IC Markets
0 pips
Nexo
0 pips
Commission
IC Markets
$3.5/lot
Nexo
$0.5/lot
Deposit Fees
IC Markets
None
Nexo
None
Withdrawal Fees
IC Markets
None
Nexo
None
Pros & cons
IM
IC Markets
Pros
- Holds a higher overall rating of 3.9/5 compared to competitors in this category
- Offers significantly higher leverage of up to 1:500 for those who want it
- Regulated by two respected authorities, ASIC and CySEC, adding a layer of oversight
- Supports six distinct market types, giving traders far more diversification options
- Commission structure of $3.5/lot is transparent and competitive for a raw-spread account
- Compatible with industry-standard platforms MT4 and MT5, plus TradingView charting
- Long operating history since 2007 provides a track record of stability
Cons
- Minimum deposit of $200 is notably higher than Nexo's $0 entry point
- High leverage of 1:500 can amplify losses for inexperienced traders
- Only regulated in two jurisdictions, which may not satisfy traders wanting broader global coverage
- Commission-based pricing means costs can add up for high-volume scalpers
- Not focused on crypto-native features like staking or earn products
N
Nexo
Pros
- No minimum deposit makes it the most accessible entry point for new traders
- Lower commission rate of $0.5/lot compared to many competitors
- Regulated by the FCA, a well-respected tier-1 authority
- Simple proprietary platforms reduce the learning curve for beginners
- No hidden deposit or withdrawal charges on standard methods
Cons
- Limited to crypto markets only, with no access to forex, stocks, or commodities
- Maximum leverage capped at just 1:1, unsuitable for leveraged trading strategies
- Only holds a single regulatory licence, offering less jurisdictional coverage than IC Markets
- No support for MT4, MT5, or TradingView, limiting advanced charting and automation
- Lower overall rating of 3.2/5 reflects a narrower and less flexible service offering
Our expert verdict
Editor's verdict
Overall winner IC Markets
Lowest fees IC Markets
Best regulation IC Markets
Better for beginners Nexo
IC Markets is the clear overall winner in this matchup, earning a 3.9/5 rating compared to Nexo's 3.2/5, thanks to its broader market access, dual tier-1 regulation, and industry-standard trading platforms. Nexo still holds appeal for crypto-only beginners thanks to its $0 minimum deposit, but it simply can't match IC Markets' depth of features for serious traders.
Regulation & Safety
IC Markets operates under the oversight of both ASIC and CySEC, two well-established tier-1 regulatory bodies. This dual-licence structure gives traders added confidence, since it spreads regulatory accountability across two separate jurisdictions.
Nexo, on the other hand, is regulated solely by the FCA. While the FCA is also a highly respected tier-1 regulator, relying on a single licence means Nexo offers less jurisdictional redundancy than IC Markets.
Both brokers are considered safe from a regulatory standpoint, but IC Markets edges ahead here simply due to broader oversight across two authorities rather than one.
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, making headline pricing look similar at first glance. The real difference emerges in commission structure: IC Markets charges $3.5 per lot on its raw-spread accounts, while Nexo charges a lower $0.5 per lot.
Neither broker imposes deposit or withdrawal fees on standard payment methods, which is a welcome feature for cost-conscious traders on both platforms.
For high-volume forex and CFD traders, IC Markets' commission is justified by the breadth of instruments and leverage available. Nexo's lower commission makes sense given its narrower crypto-only focus and lack of leverage.
Minimum Deposit & Accessibility
Nexo has a clear advantage in accessibility, requiring no minimum deposit at all. This makes it an attractive entry point for traders who want to explore crypto markets without committing significant capital upfront.
IC Markets requires a $200 minimum deposit, which is standard for a multi-asset broker offering raw spreads and high leverage, but it does raise the barrier to entry compared to Nexo.
Traders on tight budgets may lean toward Nexo initially, though this comes at the cost of a much narrower product offering.
Trading Platforms & Tools
IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, and TradingView integration alongside a proprietary mobile app, giving traders access to advanced charting, automated Expert Advisors, and custom indicators. This makes it a strong choice for algorithmic and technical traders.
Nexo offers only proprietary web and mobile platforms. These are designed for simplicity and ease of use but lack the depth of third-party charting and automation tools found on IC Markets.
Traders who rely on technical analysis, backtesting, or automated strategies will find IC Markets' platform ecosystem far more capable.
Market Access & Leverage
IC Markets provides access to six market types — Forex, CFDs, Crypto, Stocks, Indices, and Commodities — along with leverage up to 1:500. This makes it suitable for diversified portfolios and leveraged trading strategies.
Nexo is limited strictly to crypto markets with a maximum leverage of 1:1, meaning there's no leveraged trading available at all.
For traders wanting flexibility across asset classes, IC Markets is significantly more versatile. Nexo's simplicity may appeal to those who want to avoid leverage risk entirely.
Our Verdict
IC Markets is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 3.9/5 versus Nexo's 3.2/5 on our independent rating system. Both brokers carry tier-1 regulation, but IC Markets offers a stronger overall package through wider market access, higher leverage, and more advanced trading platforms.
Nexo remains a solid option for beginners starting with minimal capital or those who want crypto-only exposure without leverage risk. However, for the majority of active traders seeking flexibility, tools, and diversification, IC Markets is the stronger overall choice.
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 Nexo 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.
NexoLower 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 3.9 out of 5, while Nexo scores 3.2 out of 5. IC Markets pulls ahead thanks to broader market access, stronger regulatory coverage, and industry-standard trading platforms. That said, Nexo remains a valid choice for traders who specifically want a zero-deposit crypto entry point. Your ideal pick ultimately depends on whether you need multi-asset trading or just crypto exposure.
Both brokers advertise spreads starting from 0 pips, but their commission structures differ meaningfully. IC Markets charges $3.5 per lot, reflecting its raw-spread account model built for active forex and CFD traders. Nexo charges a lower $0.5 per lot, which suits its crypto-only order flow. Neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees on standard payment methods, so the real cost differentiator comes down to trading volume and asset type.
IC Markets requires a minimum deposit of $200 to open a trading account, which is standard for a multi-asset broker offering leverage and raw spreads. Nexo, by contrast, has no minimum deposit requirement at all, making it far more accessible for traders working with a smaller starting budget. This difference alone makes Nexo appealing to absolute beginners testing the waters.
IC Markets is regulated by both ASIC and CySEC, two respected tier-1 financial authorities, giving it broader jurisdictional coverage. Nexo holds a single licence from the FCA, another well-regarded regulator. While both are considered tier-1 regulated, IC Markets' dual-licence structure gives it a slight edge for traders who value redundant regulatory oversight across multiple regions.
IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, TradingView integration, and a proprietary mobile app, giving traders access to advanced charting, automated strategies, and Expert Advisors. Nexo offers only a proprietary web platform and proprietary mobile app, which are simpler but lack third-party charting tools or algorithmic trading support. Traders who rely on automation or custom indicators will find IC Markets far more capable.
Yes, though IC Markets' $200 minimum deposit is higher than Nexo's zero-deposit model, it is still considered accessible within the retail forex and CFD industry. Beginners can start on a standard account and gradually increase position sizing as they gain confidence. However, those with extremely limited capital or who only want crypto exposure may find Nexo's zero-deposit entry more suitable initially.
IC Markets offers leverage up to 1:500, which is significantly higher than Nexo's maximum of 1:1. This makes IC Markets far more suitable for traders using leveraged forex and CFD strategies. Nexo's 1:1 cap reflects its focus on straightforward crypto spot-style exposure rather than leveraged speculation, which may actually appeal to more risk-conscious investors.
IC Markets covers six market types: Forex, CFDs, Crypto, Stocks, Indices, and Commodities, offering extensive diversification opportunities within a single account. Nexo is limited strictly to crypto markets. Traders wanting a one-stop-shop for multiple asset classes will clearly benefit more from IC Markets' broader offering.
Absolutely. There is no restriction preventing traders from holding accounts at both brokers simultaneously. Many traders choose to diversify by using IC Markets for forex, CFD, and stock trading while using Nexo for dedicated crypto exposure, taking advantage of each platform's specific strengths.
IC Markets was founded in 2007, giving it nearly two decades of operating history in the retail forex and CFD space. Nexo was founded more recently in 2018, focusing specifically on crypto and digital asset services. IC Markets' longer track record may provide additional reassurance to traders who prioritize longevity and established reputation.
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.