IC Markets is a globally recognised forex and CFD broker known for its ultra-tight spreads, fast execution, and institutional-grade liquidity. A key consideration for any trader—especially beginners—is understanding the minimum deposit requirement, as it directly impacts accessibility, funding flexibility, and account choice. This article explains the IC Markets minimum deposit policy in full and why it matters depending on your trading goals and strategy.
Minimum Deposit at IC Markets
IC Markets has a minimum deposit of $200 for all live account types. This applies to the following:
- Raw Spread (MetaTrader or cTrader)
- Standard Account (MetaTrader only)
- Islamic Swap-Free Accounts
This minimum is consistent whether you’re depositing in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, or another supported base currency (converted accordingly). It ensures traders can access institutional-style pricing while maintaining enough margin to avoid premature stop-outs.
Why IC Markets Requires a $200 Minimum
Liquidity Access and Execution Quality
IC Markets connects clients to Tier 1 liquidity providers and ECN pricing models. A minimum of $200 allows sufficient capital for margin and order routing without compromising execution speed or depth of market.
Account Risk Management
For strategies like scalping or day trading—popular among IC Markets users—adequate equity is vital. $200 supports practical position sizing under standard leverage (up to 1:500, depending on regulation and region).
Regulatory and Operational Standardisation
IC Markets is regulated in multiple jurisdictions (including ASIC, CySEC, and FSA Seychelles), which requires responsible funding and AML compliance. A unified minimum deposit streamlines onboarding and client verification processes.
IC Markets Deposit Methods and Funding Times
IC Markets supports a wide range of payment methods with zero deposit fees:
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa/MasterCard) – Instant
- Bank Wire Transfer – 2–5 business days
- PayPal, Neteller, Skrill – Instant
- UnionPay, Bpay, POLi, FasaPay – Region-specific
- Cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, USDT) – Within 1 hour (third-party conversion applies)
All deposits are processed into segregated client accounts. Traders report fast funding speeds and minimal slippage post-deposit, particularly during volatile sessions.
What Happens If You Deposit Less Than $200?
IC Markets does not permit live trading on accounts funded with less than the $200 threshold. If a smaller amount is sent by mistake, the balance will be held in the account, but orders will be rejected until the full minimum is met. However, traders can still access:
- The IC Markets Demo Account, with no deposit required
- Educational resources, platform tutorials, and 24/7 support
Best Practices When Funding Your IC Markets Account
Use a Funding Method in Your Own Name
To comply with anti-money laundering regulations, always deposit from an account registered in your name. Third-party payments will be rejected.
Choose the Right Base Currency
Depositing in your native or trading currency avoids unnecessary conversion fees. IC Markets supports multiple base currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, SGD, and JPY.
Plan for Margin Buffer
While $200 is the minimum, traders are advised to deposit slightly more (e.g. $250–$300) to cover spreads, commission charges (for Raw accounts), and overnight swap fees where applicable.
Key Takeaways
- The minimum deposit at IC Markets is $200 across all live accounts
- Funding is instant for most e-wallets and cards, with zero deposit fees
- Proper funding helps maintain margin health and trading continuity
- Demo accounts are available with no deposit required
- Always use your own payment method and plan for extra buffer above $200
Real-World Case Study
Traders transitioning from demo to live accounts report the $200 entry point as a sweet spot—high enough to allow serious trade management, but low enough to be accessible for beginners. One user, a London-based swing trader, found that starting with $300 gave enough breathing room for 3–4 positions with 1:100 leverage without triggering margin calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum deposit for IC Markets?
The minimum deposit for IC Markets is $200 for all account types, including Standard and Raw Spread accounts.
Can I trade with less than $200 on IC Markets?
No, you cannot place live trades with less than $200. However, your balance will remain in your account until it’s topped up to meet the threshold.
Does IC Markets charge deposit fees?
No, IC Markets does not charge any deposit fees regardless of the payment method used.
How long do IC Markets deposits take to reflect?
Most deposits are processed instantly, but bank wires can take 2–5 business days depending on your country.
Can I deposit using crypto at IC Markets?
Yes, IC Markets supports crypto deposits via third-party processors. Funds are converted into your account’s base currency on arrival.
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