Alpaca Trading vs IC Markets - BrokerCue
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Broker Comparison

Alpaca Trading vs IC Markets

Compare Alpaca Trading and IC Markets side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

API-driven and algorithmic traders

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading wit…

VS
IC Markets

IC Markets

Active forex and CFD traders

IC Markets is a Forex and CFD broker offering MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, with raw spreads from 0.0 pi…

Head-to-head comparison

Alpaca Trading vs IC Markets
Feature Alpaca Trading IC Markets
Minimum deposit - Raw Spread, cTrader and Standard accounts: $0; Raw Pro: $5,000; Raw Pro+: $100,000
Stock trading fee Commission: Free for self-directed retail API accounts; SEC fee and FINRA TAF pass-through on sell transactions ASX market data fee fixed at $22 AUD per month; ASX Share CFDs minimum commission fee of $7 AUD per trade
Regulators FINRA, SIPC, FinCEN FSA, CySEC
Best for API-driven and algorithmic traders Active forex and CFD traders
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
-
Forex
-
CFDs
-
Crypto
Bonds
-
Options
-
Futures
-
Fractional Shares
-
Margin
-
Demo Account

Pros & cons

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks, ETFs and options for self-directed retail API accounts
  • Paper trading environment available at no cost
  • Fractional shares supported
  • 24/5 extended trading hours on 100+ US stocks
  • Multi-leg options strategies supported
  • FINRA/SIPC member with up to $500,000 SIPC protection
  • Margin available at 4x intraday and 2x overnight
  • Securities lending program with potential income for shareholders

Cons

  • Platform is primarily API-driven; web and mobile apps are available but offer fewer features than conventional retail brokerage interfaces
  • Crypto accounts are not protected by FDIC or SIPC
  • Domestic wire withdrawals cost $25; international wires cost $50
  • Outbound ACATS transfer costs $100
  • Not suited for investors who prefer a full-featured retail brokerage app
  • Commission-free status may not apply to accounts opened through business partners
IC Markets

IC Markets

Pros

  • Raw spreads start from 0.0 pips
  • Raw Spread, cTrader and Standard accounts have $0 minimum deposit
  • Standard account shows $0 commission
  • IC charges no additional deposit or withdrawal fees
  • Average execution speed is under 40ms
  • 24-hour trading on over 100 leading US stocks
  • Free demo account is available

Cons

  • Raw Pro+ requires a $100,000 minimum deposit
  • Raw Pro requires a $5,000 minimum deposit
  • MetaTrader Raw Spread charges $3.50 per lot per side
  • ASX market data costs $22 AUD per month
  • ASX Share CFDs have a $7 AUD minimum commission per trade
  • International bank wire withdrawals may take up to 14 days
  • Withdrawal processing fee may apply if deposits were not used for trading
Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading with a paper trading environment and margin accounts.

Visit Alpaca Trading Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

IC Markets

IC Markets

IC Markets is a Forex and CFD broker offering MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, with raw spreads from 0.0 pips and forex, stocks, bonds, futures and crypto CFDs.

Visit IC Markets Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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