List & Comparison of ICMarkets' Account Types & Platforms

Standard account

The Standard account uses a spread-only model: no commission is charged, and trading costs are built into the spread. On IC Markets Global pages, Standard is shown as a MetaTrader account with spreads shown from a low starting point, depending on the instrument and market conditions.

What this means in practical Forex terms:

Your cost per trade is simpler to read because it is mostly “spread in pips × pip value.”
You do not calculate commission per lot when estimating cost.
This structure fits discretionary trading styles where simplicity matters as much as tight pricing.

Raw Spread account on MetaTrader

The Raw Spread account on MetaTrader separates pricing into two parts:

Raw spreads that can start from very low values on liquid pairs
A commission per lot per side on MetaTrader (for the Global Raw Spread account, IC Markets describes a commission of $3.50 per lot per side).

This is the account structure that traders typically use when they care about the tightest spread feed and don’t mind a clear commission line item.

In Forex cost terms, the key point is this:

If you trade actively, the raw-plus-commission model often makes your “all-in” cost more stable to estimate, because the commission is fixed per unit and the spread portion is frequently very tight on major pairs in liquid hours.

cTrader Raw account and TradingView trading

IC Markets links TradingView trading to the cTrader Raw account. In other words, you trade on TradingView using the broker connection, but the account behind it is a cTrader Raw account.

The commission logic is different from MetaTrader:

For cTrader and TradingView, IC Markets states commission is $3 per USD 100,000 traded, per side, converted into the account base currency at the spot rate.

If you like TradingView charts and want the Trading Panel execution workflow, this compatibility rule matters: TradingView trading is tied to the cTrader Raw account structure.

Raw Pro and Raw Pro+ tiers

IC Markets Global also lists Raw Pro and Raw Pro+ as additional MetaTrader pricing tiers. These are shown with:

Lower per-lot commission than the standard Raw Spread tier
Higher minimum deposit requirements
A different “position orders per account” limit compared with other tiers

From the account overview table on IC Markets Global, the key differences are:

Raw Pro+: lower commission per lot per side and a higher stated minimum deposit than Raw Spread
Raw Pro: a middle tier between Raw Pro+ and Raw Spread on both commission and minimum deposit

These tiers are aimed at traders who want a reduced commission schedule and can meet the higher funding requirement shown on the account overview.

Starter tier

IC Markets Global also lists a Starter tier with:

A spread-based structure shown with a wider “spreads from” figure than Standard
A stated minimum deposit figure on the account overview

This type of tier is straightforward to understand: it is designed around simple pricing with a wider spread floor than Standard.

A clear comparison: which account changes your Forex cost the most?

When you compare IC Markets accounts, the cost driver is different depending on how you trade:

If you trade often or scalp

The Raw Spread model is built for tight pricing plus commission. Because spreads can be very low on liquid Forex pairs, your total cost becomes “raw spread + commission.” On MetaTrader, IC Markets describes the Raw Spread commission per lot per side; on cTrader/TradingView it is per USD 100k per side.

If you place fewer trades and want simplicity

The Standard account removes the commission line item and bundles cost into the spread. That makes it easier to estimate cost quickly while scanning charts and placing discretionary trades.

If you want TradingView execution

TradingView trading runs through the cTrader Raw account connection. That automatically places you in the cTrader/TradingView commission model rather than the MetaTrader per-lot model.

If you want reduced commission and can fund more

Raw Pro and Raw Pro+ exist specifically to change the commission schedule, with higher funding requirements shown on the account overview.

Platform comparison for Forex trading on IC Markets

Account type decides pricing. Platform decides execution workflow, automation tools, and charting habits. IC Markets supports MetaTrader and cTrader families, plus TradingView trading through the cTrader connection.

MetaTrader 4 for Forex

MetaTrader 4 is a Forex-focused platform with:

Desktop, web, and mobile access
Automated trading support through Expert Advisors
A large ecosystem of indicators and scripts
Standard order types used in day-to-day Forex trading

IC Markets describes its MetaTrader server setup and low-latency execution environment on its platform pages, which is directly relevant to scalping and automated Forex strategies.

MetaTrader 5 for Forex and multi-asset

MetaTrader 5 expands the MetaTrader workflow with:

A multi-asset structure (Forex plus other CFD categories)
Depth of Market display features
Automation support through MQL5 and a strategy testing environment

IC Markets states MT5 is offered on its account types (Raw Pricing and Standard), so your choice of Standard vs Raw Spread is still the pricing decision, while MT5 is the workflow decision.

cTrader for execution tools and C# automation

cTrader is designed around execution and order control features that many active Forex traders prioritize:

Depth of market and advanced order handling
A modern interface that suits fast decision-making
cTrader Automate support for algorithmic trading in C#

IC Markets also supports cTrader copy trading through the cTrader ecosystem, which matters if you want strategy following inside the same platform family.

TradingView for charting-first Forex workflows

TradingView is often used as a charting-first environment. With IC Markets, the important operational rule is simple:

You can trade on TradingView with IC Markets only through the cTrader Raw account connection.

That affects both pricing (per USD 100k commission model) and how you manage accounts in the client area when you move funds between platform accounts.

Region-based differences that affect account comparison

IC Markets operates through different regulated entities, and core trading conditions can vary by entity, including leverage limits and how account options are presented.

For example, IC Markets EU describes account choices around Standard and Raw Spread, and shows leverage limits consistent with its regulatory regime.

IC Markets Global lists a wider set of pricing tiers (including Raw Pro and Raw Pro+) in its account overview.

This is not a minor detail for Forex traders: the same account name can sit inside different regulatory settings, and that changes leverage, margin behavior, and sometimes platform-side configuration.

How to choose the best IC Markets combination for your Forex style

A clean setup for spread-only Forex trading

Choose:

Standard account
MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5

This fits traders who want to read trading cost mainly through the spread and keep the workflow simple.

A cost-focused setup for scalping and EAs

Choose:

Raw Spread account
MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5

This aligns with raw pricing plus a clear per-lot commission on MetaTrader. It is also consistent with algorithmic trading workflows built around Expert Advisors.

A TradingView-first setup for Forex execution

Choose:

cTrader Raw account
Trade through TradingView connection

This is the direct path when TradingView charts are your main workspace and you want broker-connected execution inside the Trading Panel.

A reduced-commission MetaTrader setup with higher funding

Choose:

Raw Pro or Raw Pro+ (where offered)
MetaTrader platform

These tiers exist to change the commission schedule and are shown with higher minimum deposits on the account overview table.

IC Markets account selection is easiest when you keep it structured:

Decide whether you want spread-only pricing or raw spread plus commission.
Then pick the platform that matches your workflow: MetaTrader for classic EA-driven Forex routines, cTrader for execution tools and C# automation, or TradingView when you want TradingView-based charting and broker-connected execution through the cTrader Raw account.

How to open an account with IC Markets for Forex trading

Opening a Forex trading account with IC Markets is a structured process: you create a profile, complete an application, set up a trading account configuration, and submit identity documents for verification. After approval, you receive trading login details and access to the Secure Client Area, where you can manage platforms, accounts, and funding.

Choose the IC Markets entity that will hold your account

IC Markets operates through more than one regulated entity. The steps to register look similar, but the trading conditions and protections can differ by entity and client classification. The account-opening process always starts with choosing the correct registration path for your region.

A clean way to think about it is:

Your entity sets the legal account framework and client classification rules
Your account type sets your pricing model for Forex (spread-only or raw spread plus commission)
Your platform sets your trading workflow (MetaTrader, cTrader, or TradingView connection)

Once you start the application, you complete personal details, provide background information, set trading account parameters, then confirm declarations.

Start with the live account application or begin with a demo

IC Markets supports both demo and live trading accounts.

A demo account is used to test platforms, spreads, order types, and execution flow without depositing funds.
A live account is the real Forex trading account used for deposits, withdrawals, and actual positions.

If your goal is immediate live trading, start with the live account application. If you want to confirm platform layout, symbols, and order ticket behavior first, start with a demo and move to live after you are comfortable with the workflow.

Create your profile and confirm your email

The first stage is profile creation. You provide basic registration details and confirm your email address.

This step matters because:

Your email becomes the primary channel for account notices and login credentials.
Email verification links your registration to a confirmed contact method.
The Secure Client Area is tied to your verified profile.

After email confirmation, you proceed to the full application.

Complete the application sections in the correct order

The live account application follows a consistent section flow. You will move through five main parts:

Your personal details

This section collects identity information used to create the account profile. Expect fields such as:

Full legal name
Nationality
Date of birth
Residential address
Contact phone number

You must enter details that match your documents. If the spelling, address format, or identification details do not match, verification delays happen because the documents cannot be cleanly linked to the account holder.

Tell us more about yourself

This part collects background information used for compliance and client profiling. You provide information such as:

Employment status
Financial background categories
Trading experience and product familiarity
General trading objectives or purpose of the account

On regulated entities, this section supports compliance checks and can include suitability or appropriateness-style questions based on local rules. The key is consistency: your answers should align with the overall account use you intend.

Trading account configuration

This is where you build the actual trading account that will connect to your platform. You choose items like:

Account type (pricing model)
Platform
Base currency
Leverage settings (where available by entity and classification)

This is the most important step for Forex traders because it determines your cost structure and platform tools.

Review

You review your submitted information and confirm it is accurate. Treat this as a final check before submission. Incorrect details here commonly cause delays later.

Declaration

You accept legal declarations and confirmations required to open the account. This includes statements related to client agreements, risk understanding, and compliance requirements.

After submission, the account is reviewed, and once approved you receive your trading account credentials and Secure Client Area access.

Choose the right account type for Forex costs

IC Markets account types are designed around how you pay for Forex trading.

Standard pricing

A Standard-style account uses a spread-only model. The cost is primarily embedded in the spread, and there is no separate commission line item for Forex trades on that pricing model.

This structure fits traders who want:

Simple cost visibility from spreads
Easy trade cost estimation without commission calculations
A clean workflow for discretionary trading

Raw spread pricing

A Raw Spread-style account separates pricing into:

Tight raw spreads close to the market feed
A separate commission charge tied to trade size

This structure fits traders who want:

Lower spreads as the core cost component
A clear commission model that scales with volume
A cost structure suited to frequent trading, scalping, or algorithmic trading

IC Markets also offers tiered raw pricing in some regions, where the commission schedule and minimum deposit expectations differ by tier. When those tiers are available in your account configuration options, they exist to adjust commission levels and account entry requirements.

Choose the platform that matches your Forex workflow

Platform choice is not cosmetic. It affects execution tools, automation language, charting, and how you manage your daily trading routine.

MetaTrader 4

MetaTrader 4 is widely used for Forex trading workflows that rely on:

Classic chart layouts and indicator libraries
Expert Advisors for automation
A stable interface for manual or systematic Forex trading
Desktop, web, and mobile access

MT4 is heavily associated with Forex-first trading routines and remains popular for traders who use EAs and custom indicators.

MetaTrader 5

MetaTrader 5 expands the MetaTrader toolset and is typically chosen when you want:

A multi-asset platform structure
More advanced testing and automation environment features
A broader platform framework for Forex plus other CFD categories

For many traders, MT5 is a natural choice if they want the MetaTrader workflow with a broader platform architecture.

cTrader

cTrader is built around execution tools, order control, and a modern interface design. It is commonly chosen for:

Depth-of-market tools and fast order handling
Advanced order placement and management features
Algorithmic trading in a C# environment through the cTrader automation suite
A trading layout that prioritizes execution workflow

If your Forex trading style emphasizes execution detail and order control, cTrader is often the most direct fit.

TradingView connection

TradingView is charting-first, and with IC Markets it is commonly used when you want:

TradingView charting as your main workspace
Broker-connected order placement through TradingView’s trading panel workflow
A linked account structure tied to the supported account configuration for that connection

This path is for traders who want TradingView charts at the center of their routine while still executing directly through the broker connection.

Set your base currency carefully

Your base currency affects how deposits, withdrawals, and trading costs appear in your account. The key rules are simple:

Choose a base currency that matches your main funding currency to reduce unnecessary conversion.
Keep your base currency consistent with your long-term plan to avoid operational friction.

Once the account is opened, changing base currency is not always handled as a simple switch. Many brokers treat base currency as a property of the specific trading account, which means a new trading account may be required for a different base currency setup.

Understand what documents are required for verification

IC Markets verifies identity before fully activating live trading access and withdrawal functionality. The standard document set for an individual account includes:

Proof of identity

A government-issued photo ID is required. Common accepted formats include:

Passport
National identity card
Driver’s license

The document must be clear and valid. Blurry images, cropped edges, glare, or incomplete sides cause rejections.

Proof of address

A proof of residential address document is required. Common accepted formats include:

Utility bill
Bank statement
Tax document or official address document

The document must show your name and address clearly. If your address in the application differs from the document, verification slows down because the match is not clean.

Corporate accounts and authorized persons

If you open a business account, the document set expands to cover:

Identity of directors and authorized operators
Proof of address for key persons
Ownership or shareholder documentation
Company registration and control structure documents

This is standard compliance structure for corporate onboarding, because the broker must verify who controls and operates the account.

Submit documents through the Secure Client Area

Document submission is handled inside the Secure Client Area. This keeps sensitive identity files within a controlled system rather than being scattered across email threads.

For a smooth upload:

Use high-resolution photos or scans
Upload full document pages, not partial images
Ensure the document is readable without zooming
Keep file names simple and consistent

Once submitted, the verification review begins. After approval, your live trading credentials are issued and confirmed by email, and your Client Area becomes fully functional for account management tasks.

Complete compliance checks and client classification steps

Depending on the entity, account opening includes compliance checks such as:

Identity verification
Anti-money-laundering controls
Client classification logic (retail or professional, where applicable)
Appropriateness-style questions for certain regulated frameworks

This is not optional. It is part of how the broker is allowed to provide Forex and CFD trading services under the rules of the entity’s jurisdiction.

After approval, you receive:

Secure Client Area login details
Trading platform login credentials for your selected account
Server information for MetaTrader accounts, where required
Instructions to access web and mobile platforms

At this stage, your live account exists and can be funded. You can also create additional demo or live accounts inside the Client Area if you want multiple platforms or base currencies.

Fund your account and keep deposits compliant

Once the account is active, you can fund it from within the Client Area. Funding rules are designed to align with compliance and fraud prevention standards.

Key operational rules you should follow:

Deposit from a payment source in your own name
Avoid third-party payments
Use consistent funding methods to keep withdrawals smooth
Keep your deposit method records consistent with your account holder identity

These rules exist because withdrawal processing follows a compliance logic that checks account holder details and the funding trail.

After funding, complete your platform setup:

MetaTrader setup

Install MT4 or MT5 on desktop or mobile
Enter account login and server details
Confirm symbol list includes your target Forex pairs
Set chart templates, indicators, and watchlists

cTrader setup

Log in via web or install the desktop application
Confirm your symbols, order settings, and preferred chart layouts
Configure automation tools if you trade with algorithms

TradingView setup

Log into TradingView
Connect the broker through the supported integration path
Confirm the linked account is visible in the trading panel
Test order ticket behavior with small trade sizes before scaling up

Common mistakes that slow down approval

Most account-opening delays are caused by avoidable errors:

Address in the form does not match the proof-of-address document
ID image is cropped, blurry, or incomplete
Name spelling differs across documents
Uploads show glare or unreadable text
The account configuration is inconsistent with the profile details

Fixing these quickly keeps your onboarding smooth.