This guide explains how IC Markets bonus campaigns work across entities, covering eligibility checks, net-deposit calculations, qualifying Forex volume rules, common disqualification triggers, and the full account opening workflow.
Rules & Terms of Bonus Promotions of ICMarkets Table of Contents
- The core structure of IC Markets bonus campaigns
- Eligibility rules you see repeatedly
- Deposit rules: “net deposit” is the number that usually matters
- Trading-volume rules: what counts and what does not
- Reward mechanics: how bonuses are credited and how they can be used
- Combining promotions: stacking is usually restricted
- Disqualification, cancellation, and clawbacks (the part traders ignore)
- What IC Markets bonus campaigns look like in practice
- IC Markets Account Opening Steps for Forex Trading
- What you need before you start
- Step one: choose the account path that matches your IC Markets entity
- Step two: create your profile and confirm your email
- Step three: complete the application form carefully
- Step four: pick your trading account settings for Forex
- Step five: upload your verification documents
- Step six: wait for approval and receive your login details
- Step seven: log in to the secure client area
- Step eight: create additional trading accounts if you need them
- Step nine: fund the account inside the client area
- Step ten: connect your trading platform and start Forex trading
In Forex, a “bonus promotion” is never free money with no strings. It is a structured offer with specific eligibility rules, deposit requirements, trading-volume targets, and disqualification triggers. If you treat a bonus like a simple discount, you risk missing the rules that decide whether you receive it, whether it can be withdrawn, and whether it can be removed later.
With IC Markets, the first fact to understand is that bonus availability depends on the IC Markets entity and the campaign.
- IC Markets (EU) Ltd does not offer bonuses.
- IC Markets Global states that it does not offer deposit bonuses as a standard feature.
- Separate campaign-style promotions can exist under specific terms, typically tied to a particular region, client type, and set of conditions.
So when people talk about “IC Markets bonus promotions,” they are usually referring to campaigns (limited offers with their own terms), not an always-on welcome bonus.
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The core structure of IC Markets bonus campaigns
Across the official campaign terms, the logic is consistent:
- 1. You must be eligible (often “new client,” legal age, correct residence, correct IC Markets entity).
- 2. You must register for the campaign within its stated registration window (missing registration is treated as giving up the reward).
- 3. You must meet minimum deposit and minimum trading-volume requirements (both are required; doing only one is not enough).
- 4. Only specific instruments and trade behaviors count for volume (commonly Forex and metals; time-in-trade rules apply; hedging is excluded in multiple campaigns).
- 5. The company can refuse, cancel, reclaim, or deduct the bonus if it identifies abuse, ineligibility, or non-genuine trading intent.
This matters for Forex traders because bonus rules often change the practical “cost” and “risk” of trading. For example, a deposit made today can stop being “qualifying” if you withdraw before you complete volume, because the campaign may measure net deposits rather than gross deposits.
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Eligibility rules you see repeatedly
New client and “first-time user” requirements
Many campaigns are designed for new clients, often defined as first-time users of IC Markets trading services. If you already held an account before the campaign’s start, you typically do not qualify.
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Residency and entity restrictions
Some promotions are restricted by country of residence, and require the trading account to be opened under a particular IC Markets entity (commonly the Seychelles-regulated setup in the campaign documents).
One reward per person (ID-based enforcement)
Campaign rules commonly limit rewards to one per eligible client, using identity verification logic (the same ID is treated as the same person). Opening multiple accounts does not multiply rewards.
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Joint accounts treated as one participant
Where joint accounts exist, campaigns typically treat them as one client for bonus purposes.
Employees and related parties excluded
Some campaign terms exclude employees and certain closely connected parties from participation.
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Deposit rules: “net deposit” is the number that usually matters
In multiple campaign terms, the qualifying deposit is not simply “how much you deposited.” It is calculated using net deposit, generally described as:
Net deposit = deposits − withdrawals
That means:
- If you deposit and then withdraw before you qualify, your effective deposit can drop.
- If your net deposit falls into a lower tier than your trading volume tier (or the reverse), the campaign can award the lower tier reward.
Some campaigns also exclude certain funding sources from being counted as qualifying deposit, such as rebate transfers or internal transfers between profiles/accounts.
Trading-volume rules: what counts and what does not
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Volume is usually measured in standard lots and “round-turn”
Many campaigns set volume targets in lots, often referencing round-turn trading (opening and closing a trade).
Eligible instruments are commonly limited
Across campaign terms, the volume that counts is commonly limited to Forex pairs and metal CFDs (not every CFD category).
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Minimum time in the market is enforced
A repeated rule: only trades held open for at least a minimum time count toward the volume requirement. This blocks “instant in-and-out” activity from being counted.
Hedging is often excluded from “effective orders”
Multiple campaigns define “effective positions” and explicitly state that hedging positions are not counted toward qualification volume.
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Deadlines are campaign-based, and sometimes “days after deposit/approval”
Even without naming calendar dates, a key pattern is that volume must be completed:
- within a defined number of days after the initial deposit, or
- within a defined number of days after account approval,
depending on the campaign.
Reward mechanics: how bonuses are credited and how they can be used
Campaign terms describe specific reward delivery methods:
- Rewards are credited to the trading account specified at registration.
- Rewards may be usable for trading on MT4, MT5, or cTrader.
- Some campaign terms state the reward can be withdrawn as cash; others provide rewards as credit bonus and/or a gift card depending on the campaign design.
A practical Forex takeaway: “credit bonus” and “cash” do not behave the same way on every broker or campaign. In these IC Markets campaign terms, the payout method is defined at campaign level—so two promotions can look similar but behave differently when you try to withdraw.
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Combining promotions: stacking is usually restricted
Campaign terms often include a “no stacking” rule:
- The promotion cannot be used together with other offers unless the campaign explicitly allows it.
Some campaigns also state they can run alongside other offers, but each promotion’s requirements must be completed separately.
For Forex traders, this matters because “I joined two offers” does not mean “one set of trades qualifies for both.” The campaigns can require separate qualification logic.
Disqualification, cancellation, and clawbacks (the part traders ignore)
The strictest language in campaign terms focuses on enforcement:
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Genuine trading intent
Campaign terms can require genuine trading intent and allow the company to remove rewards if it identifies abuse, exploitation, fraud, or activity inconsistent with the promotion’s purpose.
Forfeit, withhold, reclaim, or deduct
Where a client is ineligible or violates terms, the company can:
- cancel the bonus,
- withhold the bonus,
- reclaim the bonus, or
- deduct the utilized portion from the trading account.
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Company discretion and final interpretation
Terms commonly give the company the authority to interpret and decide matters related to the promotion and eligibility.
Changes and early termination
Campaign terms can allow the company to amend the terms or end the campaign under its own discretion, including without prior notice (as described in the campaign documents).
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What IC Markets bonus campaigns look like in practice
Below are common campaign categories and the exact types of conditions they use.
Deposit bonus campaigns
A deposit bonus campaign can set:
- a minimum initial deposit,
- a minimum lot target,
- tiered rewards based on deposit and volume,
- a maximum bonus cap,
- a rule that the lower tier determines the final bonus if deposit and volume tiers don’t match.
One published deposit bonus structure shows tier steps where higher deposits require higher lots and pay higher rewards, with a stated maximum cap for the campaign.
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High-value tiered bonus campaigns
A “large bonus pool” campaign can operate on:
- minimum net deposit,
- minimum lots completed within a defined number of days,
- escalating tiers with larger rewards,
- an explicit maximum reward per eligible client,
- a strict one-time-per-ID rule,
- exclusions for internal/rebate transfers when calculating qualifying deposit.
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Referral and invite campaigns
A referral campaign can include:
- a referrer who invites a friend,
- a referee who must deposit and trade a minimum volume,
- a welcome bonus paid only after the referee qualifies,
- limits on how many entries a referrer can earn,
- a rule that previously referred or previously registered people do not count,
- restrictions that referrals should be people with a direct/personal relationship (campaign-defined).
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Seasonal reward campaigns
Seasonal campaigns can offer:
- tiered rewards tied to deposit size and trading volume,
- rewards delivered as trading credit and/or gift cards depending on tier,
- net deposit calculation rules,
- one-time participation rules,
- restrictions on combining with other offers unless stated.
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VPS and hosting campaigns (a “bonus” that isn’t cash)
Not every promotion is money credited to your Forex account. Some promotions are service-based, like a VPS campaign:
- A VPS campaign can provide a complimentary hosting period after account verification and an initial deposit threshold.
- Continued free access after the trial period can require meeting a monthly minimum trading volume, and access can be revoked if the volume is not met.
- VPS services are often provided by third parties, with no guarantee of uninterrupted service and specific prohibited uses (malware, abuse, unlawful activity).
For algorithmic Forex traders using MT4/MT5 EAs or cTrader automation, VPS promotions can be valuable—but they are still governed by strict usage and eligibility rules.
IC Markets EU offers no bonuses.
IC Markets Global does not provide deposit bonuses as a standard account feature.
When IC Markets promotions do appear, they are campaign-based and typically enforce the same rule set:
- eligibility is restricted (often new clients, specific residences, specific entity),
- registration is mandatory,
- qualification requires both net deposit and trading volume,
- only certain instruments count (commonly Forex and metals),
- minimum time-in-trade rules apply,
- hedging can be excluded from volume,
- one reward per person is enforced,
- bonus removal and clawback rights exist for violations or abuse.
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IC Markets Account Opening Steps for Forex Trading
Opening a Forex trading account with IC Markets follows a clear sequence: create a profile, verify your email, complete the application, pass identity checks, receive your login details, then fund the account inside the secure client area and connect your platform.
IC Markets operates through more than one regulated entity, and the workflow is broadly the same, but some rules (such as which identity documents are accepted and the maximum leverage) depend on the entity your account is opened under.
What you need before you start
You do not need anything complex to begin the application, but you do need to have your verification materials ready so the approval process does not stall.
You will need:
- A photo identification document (examples include passport or national ID; acceptance rules vary by entity).
- A proof of residential address document that shows your full name and address (common examples include a bank statement or a utility bill).
- An email address you can access immediately (email verification is part of the flow).
If you are opening an account for a company, IC Markets’ due diligence process also requires corporate documentation and identification for relevant people connected to the entity (directors, beneficial owners, and authorized operators).
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Step one: choose the account path that matches your IC Markets entity
IC Markets uses the same general concept across entities: you open an online profile, then create one or more trading accounts inside the client area. The client area is where funding, account management, and extra account creation happen.
A key practical point for Forex traders: the same broker brand name can offer different conditions depending on the entity (for example, leverage caps for retail clients under EU regulation are different from offshore structures).
Step two: create your profile and confirm your email
For IC Markets (EU), the profile creation process is explicitly laid out in its FAQ flow:
- Fill the online registration form to create your profile
- Receive an email verification link
- Verify your email and continue the application
For IC Markets Global, the help centre describes the first phase in simple terms: you open a live account via the application link, complete the online form, and after approval you receive both your trading account login and your secure client area login details by email.
This email step matters because the secure client area is the control panel for your Forex trading account setup and funding.
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Step three: complete the application form carefully
After your email is verified, you move from “registration” into the full account application. This is the stage where you provide the information needed for compliance checks and account configuration.
While the exact screens vary by entity, the application typically includes:
- Personal details (name, contact information, residential address)
- Regulatory disclosures (confirmations and acknowledgements)
- Client classification where required (such as retail vs professional in regulated environments)
- Trading account preferences (platform, pricing model, base currency, leverage)
For EU accounts, the process is explicitly described as “verify, complete the application and submit your documents,” and only after documents are approved do you receive live trading login details.
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Step four: pick your trading account settings for Forex
This is where many traders make choices that affect spreads, commissions, platform tools, and leverage.
Choose the account type (pricing model)
IC Markets commonly uses two pricing structures for Forex:
- Standard style pricing (spread-only pricing approach)
- Raw Spread style pricing (raw pricing plus commission)
In the EU materials, IC Markets (EU) states it offers two types: Standard and Raw Spread, and it also explains the difference in how commission and mark-up work.
For Forex traders, this decision is about how you pay trading costs:
- If you prefer a simpler “all-in spread” feel, Standard is aligned with that model.
- If you prefer raw pricing and accept a clear commission line item, Raw Spread is aligned with that model.
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Choose your platform (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView)
IC Markets supports major platform choices across its offering, including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and TradingView connections.
Your platform choice changes your workflow:
- MT4: widely used for Forex; strong EA ecosystem.
- MT5: multi-asset layout, more order types, and a different automation environment.
- cTrader: depth-of-market style execution and cTrader automation tools.
- TradingView connection: charting and social features paired with broker execution through the linked account flow.
For IC Markets (EU), the TradingView connection flow is described as: log in to the client area, open a TradingView trading account inside IC Markets, then connect the account.
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Choose your base currency
Base currency matters because it affects conversion costs when you deposit and withdraw.
For IC Markets (EU), the FAQ states base currencies include EUR, USD, and GBP.
Other entities support a broader range of base currencies, but the key rule stays the same: pick the currency that best matches how you fund the account to reduce conversion friction.
Choose your leverage setting
Leverage settings depend on the entity and client classification.
- IC Markets (EU) states leverage up to 1:30 for retail clients, and up to 1:500 for professional clients.
- IC Markets Global highlights up to 1:500 leverage in its platform and Forex materials.
In some product pages, leverage also varies by platform for specific markets (for example, different leverage caps are shown for cTrader/TradingView versus MT4/MT5 on certain product categories).
A clean way to handle this during account opening: select the leverage you actually plan to use, then adjust later inside the client area if your entity supports leverage changes there.
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Step five: upload your verification documents
IC Markets requires identity verification before a live trading account is opened, and it describes this requirement in multiple official help and policy pages.
Across entities, the standard expectation is:
- Photo ID (to verify identity)
- Proof of address (to verify residence)
Identity document rules can differ by entity
This is important: the accepted ID types are not identical across all IC Markets entities.
For IC Markets (EU), the FAQ lists what the identity document must include (photo, document number, full name, date of birth, expiry date) and explicitly states that national driver’s licenses are not accepted.
For IC Markets Global, the AML policy shows photo ID examples that include passport, national ID, and driver’s license, and it also lists typical proof-of-residence documents.
So the most reliable approach is simple: use a passport or national ID for photo ID and a bank statement or utility bill for proof of address, since these categories are repeatedly accepted across the official descriptions.
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Proof of address expectations
For EU accounts, the proof of residence examples include: bank statement, credit card statement, electricity bill, water or gas bill, council tax bill, tax letter, landline bill, television services bill, or internet bill.
For Global policy materials, proof of residence examples include utility bills, bank statements, or government-issued documents, with recency requirements expressed in “days.”
Step six: wait for approval and receive your login details
Once you submit the application and documents, the account goes into review.
IC Markets (EU) states that after your documents are approved, you receive your live trading login details by email, then you log in to the secure client area, fund the account, and start trading.
IC Markets Global describes the same sequence: once the online application is approved, you receive your trading account login details and secure client area login details by email.
For EU accounts, it also states document verification “could take up to 24 working hours.”
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Step seven: log in to the secure client area
The secure client area is where your account becomes operational. It is also where you manage:
- Trading account details
- Opening additional live or demo accounts
- Funding and transaction history (depending on entity layout)
IC Markets help materials describe client area access as using the login instructions received via email after registration, and it also provides password reset processes through the client area.
Step eight: create additional trading accounts if you need them
A common Forex setup is to create multiple accounts for different strategies (manual trading vs EA trading, or separate risk buckets). IC Markets allows multiple accounts under the same profile, and its help centre describes creating additional demo or live accounts through the client area.
This is also the point where you can set up:
- A demo account for platform testing and strategy rehearsals
- A second live account with a different platform (for example, MT5 plus cTrader)
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Step nine: fund the account inside the client area
Funding is done inside the secure client area.
For IC Markets (EU), the FAQ states deposits are made solely within the secure client area, and it also lists broad deposit method categories such as cards, eWallets, and wire transfers.
Funding rules are not “just a payment step” in Forex. They tie into compliance controls. A key operational constraint shown in the client area help materials is that third-party transactions are not allowed, meaning the funding source must match the account holder.
IC Markets also states minimum deposit thresholds in its official materials for some entities, including a minimum of USD 200 (or currency equivalent) in its Global FAQs and start-trading content, and EUR 200 (or currency equivalent) in the EU FAQ.
Step ten: connect your trading platform and start Forex trading
After funding, you move to execution:
- Download and install your platform (MT4/MT5/cTrader) or use web access where supported
- Log in using the trading account credentials sent to your email
- Confirm the correct server and account type
- Place your first Forex trade with your intended risk controls (position sizing, stop-loss placement, and margin awareness)
If your plan is TradingView-based execution, IC Markets (EU) describes the connection workflow through its TradingView integration steps: log in to the client area, open the TradingView trading account inside IC Markets, and connect it.
If you want a simple “do-this-in-order” map for opening your IC Markets Forex account, this is the sequence IC Markets itself describes across its entity help pages:
- Register your profile
- Verify your email
- Complete the application
- Upload identity and proof-of-address documents
- Receive live account login details by email after approval
- Log in to the secure client area
- Fund the trading account within the client area
- Connect your platform and trade
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Please check IC Markets official website or contact the customer support with regard to the latest information and more accurate details.
Please click "Introduction of IC Markets", if you want to know the details and the company information of IC Markets.
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