
IC Account Types consist of 5 different account types. cTraders Raw Account, Standard Account, Raw Account, Raw Pro and Raw Pro+ together with Demo accounts and Islamic account options. The minimum deposit amount starts at $0 / R 0 ZAR. Floating pips from 0 pip and maximum leverage 1:500.
Which IC account type is best for South African traders?
The best IC account depends on how you trade. The Standard account may suit beginners because it charges no separate trading commission and includes the broker’s fee in the spread. The Raw Spread MetaTrader account is generally better suited to scalpers, algorithmic traders and active traders who prefer spreads from 0.0 pips with a separate commission.
South Africans who use cTrader or TradingView can choose the cTrader Raw Spread account, while Raw Pro and Raw Pro+ are designed for higher-volume traders with minimum deposits of $5,000 and $100,000 respectively.
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What is the minimum deposit for IC accounts in South Africa?
IC currently lists a $0 minimum deposit for its Standard, Raw Spread MetaTrader and cTrader Raw Spread accounts. The Raw Pro account requires $5000, while Raw Pro+ requires $100,000. A payment provider may still impose its own minimum transaction amount when a South African trader funds an account.
South African clients using the global IC website generally contract with Raw Trading Ltd, which is regulated by the Seychelles FSA under licence SD018 rather than by South Africa’s FSCA.
| 🔍 Feature | IC |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | $0 USD / 0 ZAR |
| 🎁Sign-Up Bonus | None, IC does not offer bonus incentives |
| 💸Fees | Raw accounts: $3.5/side (MT4/5), $3.0/side (cTrader) Standard no commission |
| 📉Spreads & Commissions | Spreads from 0.0 pips (Raw) Standard: ~0.8 pips commission structure applied on Raw accounts |
| 💳Deposit & Withdrawals | 15+ methods
(cards, e‑wallets, wire, crypto) No fees from IC; speed varies by method |
| 🖥️Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView integration desktop, mobile |
| 🛡️Regulation | FSA (Seychelles), |
| 🔐Trust Score | 9/10 based on performance and reviews
(4.8/5 on Trustpilot), global oversight and transparency |
| ⏱️Payout Schedule | Crypto/e‑wallet: within 1 business day cards: 1–3 days bank wire: 2–5 days |
| 📝Sign up | Open Account |
IC Account Types - key points, quick overview:
- Overview
- IC Trust Score
- IC Account Types and Features
- How to open an IC Account step-by-step
- IC at a Glance
- IC Customer Reviews
- Pros and Cons
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
- Ultra-Fast Execution & Deep Liquidity: IC provides lightning-fast trade execution and institutional-grade liquidity, making it ideal for scalping, high-frequency trading, and EA users, especially valuable for precision-driven South African traders.
- Advanced, Flexible Platforms: Offer MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and cTrader, fully equipped with powerful charting, automation tools, and multi-device compatibility, designed to support all trading styles and experience levels.
- Raw Spreads from 0.0 Pips with No Hidden Fees: Traders benefit from highly competitive pricing, transparent fee structures, and spreads starting at 0.0 pips, allowing cost-efficient trading without compromise.
Why do more traders choose IC?
Traders consistently choose IC because it offers an exceptionally seamless and professional trading experience. Its ultra-tight raw spreads, often starting at 0.0 pips, combined with lightning-fast order execution, appeal to scalpers and algorithmic traders. The broker’s No Dealing Desk (NDD) model ensures transparency and fairness, with no requotes or price manipulation.
IC Trust Score

IC Account Types and Features
| Account Type | Minimum Deposit | Pricing Model | Suitable For |
| Raw Spread – MetaTrader | $0 | Spreads from 0.0 pips plus a $3.50 commission per lot, per side | Scalpers, day traders and expert advisors |
| Standard – MetaTrader | $0 | Commission-free trading with spreads from 0.8 pips | New traders and discretionary traders |
| Raw Spread – cTrader/TradingView | $0 | Spreads from 0.0 pips plus a $3 commission per $100,000 traded | Day traders, scalpers and advanced platform users |
| Swap-Free Option | Depends on the underlying account | No conventional overnight swaps; alternative holding charges or conditions may apply | Traders requiring swap-free trading |
| Raw Pro – MetaTrader | $100 | Spreads from 0.0 pips plus a $1.50 commission per lot, per side | High-volume and discretionary traders |
| Raw Pro+ – MetaTrader | $5000 | Spreads from 0.0 pips plus a $1 commission per lot, per side | Professional and very high-volume traders |
cTrader Account
- The cTrader Account caters to traders who favor trading on an Electronic Communication Network (ECN).
- This account grants scalpers and day traders full access to market depth, empowering them with more competitive spreads.
- The platform's advanced charting capabilities, level II pricing, and prompt order execution make the renowned cTrader stand out.
| 🔎 Account Feature | ↪️ Value |
| 📌 Trading Platform | cTrader |
| 📍 Commission | $3.00 per lot per side ($6.00 round turn) |
| 📈 Typical Average Spreads | 0.0 – 0.2 pips on EUR/USD |
| 📉 Minimum Deposit Requirement | 0 ZAR ($0) |
| 📊 Leverage | Up to 1:5000 |
| 📔 Maximum positions per account | Unlimited |
| 📚 Server Location | Equinix Data Centers in New York and London |
| 📒 Is micro-trading allowed | Yes (from 0.01 lots) |
| 📑 Currency Pairs | 60+ Forex pairs |
| 🗃️ Index CFD Trading | Yes, major global indices offered |
| ⛔ Stop-out | 50% |
| 🖱️ One-Click Trading offered | Yes |
| ☪️ Islamic Accounts | Yes, swap-free option available |
| 🖥️ Trading Styles accepted | Scalping, hedging, algorithmic, and EAs allowed |
| 💻 Programming Language | C# (cAlgo) |
| 💝 Suitable for | Advanced, algorithmic, and scalping traders |
| 🆓 Is a Demo Account offered | Yes, free demo available |
| 📝Sign up | 👉 Open Account |
Raw Spread Account
- Traders prefer tight spreads, and a commission-based structure usually opts for the Raw Spread Account.
- This account is ideal for high-volume traders because of its direct liquidity from top-tier financial institutions.
- The MetaTrader platforms support this type of account, offering flexibility to users.
| 🔎 Account Feature | ↪️ Value |
| 📌 Trading Platform | MetaTrader 4 and 5 |
| 📍 Commission | $3.5 per side and $7 per round turn |
| 📈 Typical Average Spreads | 0.0 pips |
| 📉 Minimum Deposit Requirement | 0 ZAR ($0) |
| 📊 Leverage | 1:5000 |
| 📔 Maximum positions per account | 200 lots |
| 📚 Server Location | New York |
| 📒 Is micro-trading allowed | Yes |
| 📑 Currency Pairs | 61 |
| 🗃️ Index CFD Trading | Yes |
| ⛔ Stop-out | 50% |
| 🖱️ One-Click Trading offered | Yes |
| ☪️ Islamic Accounts | Yes |
| 🖥️ Trading Styles accepted | Scalping, hedging, expert advisors, algorithmic trading, etc. |
| 💻 Programming Language | MQL4 |
| 💝 Suitable for | Expert advisers, scalpers, |
| 🆓 Is a Demo Account offered | Yes |
| 📝Sign up | 👉 Open Account |
Standard Account
- The Standard Account is a commonly used account type that does not charge any trade commission but has slightly larger spreads than the Raw Spread Account.
- Traders with smaller volumes who prefer a basic cost structure often choose this option.
- This account can be accessed through MetaTrader platforms, which provide various trading instruments and tools.
| 🔎 Account Feature | ↪️ Value |
| 📌 Trading Platform | MetaTrader 4 and 5 |
| 📍 Commission | None |
| 📈 Typical Average Spreads | 0.8 pips |
| 📉 Minimum Deposit Requirement | 0 ZAR ($0) |
| 📊 Leverage | 1:5000 |
| 📔 Maximum positions per account | 200 lots |
| 📚 Server Location | New York |
| 📒 Is micro-trading allowed | Yes |
| 📑 Currency Pairs | 61 |
| 🗃️ Index CFD Trading | Yes |
| ⛔ Stop-out | 50% |
| 🖱️ One-Click Trading offered | Yes |
| ☪️ Islamic Accounts | Yes |
| 🗄️ Trading Styles accepted | Scalping, hedging, expert advisors, algorithmic trading, etc. |
| 📇 Programming Language | MQL4 |
| 💝 Suitable for | Discretionary Traders |
| 🆓 Is a Demo Account offered | Yes |
| 📝Sign up | 👉 Open Account |
Demo Account
- South African traders can benefit from the IC trial account, which offers a low-risk and practical platform to learn about Forex and CFD trading.
- This simulated environment mirrors live market conditions with actual prices while giving users the option of virtual funds for practice.
- The demo is ideal for individuals new to trading who want to develop their techniques or seasoned experts looking towards improved strategy-building options on MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, or cTrader - each complete with its analytical tools, indicators, and charts.

Islamic Account
- The Islamic Account is designed for South African traders who adhere to Islamic finance principles.
- This account type complies with Sharia law, which limits interest accumulation and avoids swaps on overnight positions.
- It is intended to allow Muslim traders to engage in forex trading without jeopardizing their religious beliefs.

Professional Account
- The Professional Account at IC is designed to fulfill the needs of professional traders in South Africa who meet certain criteria.
- This specialized account type offers several benefits to improve the trading experience for those with a firm financial market foundation.
- Professional clients in South Africa have access to greater leverage than regular clients, giving them greater trading potential.

| 🧾 Feature | 🏅 Raw Pro+ | ⚡ Raw Pro |
| 💻 Platform | MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) | MetaTrader (MT4/MT5) |
| 📉 Spreads (from) | 0.0 pips | 0.0 pips |
| 💵 Commission (per lot, per side) | $2.00 | $3.00 |
| 📊 Trading Costs | Lower commission for active traders | Standard low-commission structure |
| 🚀 Ideal For | High-volume and frequent traders | Active traders seeking competitive pricing |
| 📈 Liquidity | Deep institutional liquidity | Deep institutional liquidity |
| 🧠 Strategy Support | Scalping, EAs, algorithmic trading | Scalping, EAs, algorithmic trading |
| 📉 Minimum Deposit | $5000 | $100 |
| 📍 Additional Perks | Premium pricing + support | Premium pricing + support |
| 📝Sign up | 👉 Open Account | 👉Open Account |
What account types does IC offer?
IC offers three account types: Standard, Raw Spread (cTrader), and Raw Spread (MetaTrader). Raw accounts have ultra-low spreads and commissions, while the Standard account is commission-free with slightly wider spreads.
Does IC support Islamic accounts?
Yes, IC offers Swap-Free Islamic accounts for Muslim traders. These accounts follow Shariah principles and remove overnight interest, available on both Standard and Raw accounts upon request and approval.
How to open an IC Account step-by-step
Step 1: Go to the "Start Trading"
- Begin by going to the IC website. Go to the "Start Trading" section to begin the account creation procedure.
Step 2: Fill out the Form
- Once on the registration page, carefully fill out the form with your current and accurate contact information.
Step 3: Tell us more about yourself
- Select the type of trading account that best suits your trading tastes and ambitions.
- After selecting your desired account type, you must authenticate your identity. You will be required to submit certain documents to comply with regulatory requirements.
- This usually entails presenting a clear photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license, and confirmation of residency.
Step 4: The verification process begins
- The verification process begins when you have provided the required papers.
- The specialist team at IC will review your application, which normally takes around a day.
- During this time, they will verify the legitimacy of the submitted documents and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the chosen account type.
- After successful verification, you will be notified that your application has been accepted.
- You can now fund your trading account with the desired amount.
- IC accepts various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets.
- Select the best way for you to begin your deposit. You can now begin trading in the financial markets with your trading account fully funded and ready to go.
Step 3: Tell us more about yourself
- Select the type of trading account that best suits your trading tastes and ambitions.
- After selecting your desired account type, you must authenticate your identification. You will be required to submit certain documents to comply with regulatory requirements.
- This usually entails presenting a clear photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license, and confirmation of residency.
Step 4: The verification process begins
- The verification process begins when you have provided the required papers.
- The specialist team at IC will review your application, which normally takes around a day.
- During this time, they will verify the legitimacy of the submitted documents and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the chosen account type.
- After successful verification, you will be notified that your application has been accepted.
- You can now fund your trading account with the desired amount.
- IC accepts various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets.
- Select the best way for you to begin your deposit. You can now begin trading in the financial markets with your trading account fully funded and ready to go.
How to Close an Account
To close a live trading account with IC, South African traders can follow these steps:
- Contact IC customer care team to begin the account cancellation procedure. You can contact them via email, phone, or live chat. Ensure you provide them with your account information and convey your wish to discontinue your account.
- IC may provide explicit account deactivation instructions on its website or through its customer care agents. You should thoroughly read its website or contact customer service for account closing instructions.
- While IC does not provide a direct option for permanent account deletion, you can hide trade accounts within the Client Area. It.
- Before closing your account, ensure you've withdrawn any remaining funds from your trading account. Follow the withdrawal instructions to transfer your balance to your preferred payment method.
- After you have completed the relevant requirements, IC should confirm the closure of your account. This confirmation proves your account was successfully closed and must be kept for your records and future reference.
IC at a Glance
| 🔎Broker | IC |
| Company Information | |
| 📅Year Founded | 2007 |
| 👨💼 Current CEO | Andrew Budzinski |
| 🏗️ Founder/s | Andrew Budzinski |
| 🧑🏻💻Amount of staff | 852 |
| 👩💻Amount of active traders | 180,000+ |
| 🌐Publicly Traded (Listed Company) | No |
| Regulation and Security | |
| 🛡️Regulation | FSA |
| 🌎Country of regulation | Australia, Cyprus, Seychelles |
| 💻Account Segregation | Yes |
| 🪫Negative balance protection | Yes |
| 🔋Investor Protection Schemes | Yes |
| 🔐 Two-step Authentication | Yes |
| Account Types and Features | |
| ➕Accounts | cTrader, Raw Spread, standard |
| 💳Institutional Accounts | Yes |
| 👨💼Managed Accounts | Yes |
| 📇Minor account currencies | AUD, USD, JPY, EUR, NZD, SGD, GBP, CAD, HKD, CHF, RMB, |
| 💰Minimum Deposit | $0 USD |
| Trading Conditions | |
| 🕞Average deposit/withdrawal processing time | Instant for deposits, 1-2 business days for withdrawals |
| 🪙Fund Withdrawal Fee | Free, but may vary based on payment method and account type |
| 📊Spreads from | From 0.0 pips |
| 💸Commissions | $3 per lot per side |
| 💱Number of base currencies supported | 10+ |
| 🚀Swap Fees | Overnight financing fees apply |
| 📈Leverage | Up to 1:5000 |
| 📏Margin requirements | 100 USD traded, 1 USD margin |
| ☪️Islamic account (swap-free) | Yes |
| 💻Demo Account | Yes |
| ⌛Order Execution Time | Typically within milliseconds |
| 📆VPS Hosting | Yes |
| Trading Instruments | |
| 🧾CFDs-Total Offered | over +2200 |
| 🗠CFD Stock Indices | 25+ |
| ⚖️CFD Commodities | 22+ s |
| 📜CFD Shares | 1,600+ |
| 👀 Watch list | Yes |
| 📢 Trade Alerts | No |
| 📉 Trading Stocks with GP | Yes |
| 📊 Trading Indices with GP | Yes |
| 💱 Swap on the trading board | Yes |
| Deposits and Withdrawals | |
| 💳Deposit Options | Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Bpay, FasaPay, Poli |
| 💵Withdrawal Options | Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Bpay, FasaPay, Poli |
| 🎁 Welcome Bonus | No |
| Trading Platforms and Tools | |
| 💻Trading Platforms | MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), cTrader |
| 👩💻OS Compatibility | Windows, Mac (via emulation), Android, iOS |
| 🖥️Forex trading tools | Yes |
| Customer Support | |
| 🗣️Live chat availability | Yes 24/7 |
| 📱Customer Support email address | support@ic.com |
| 👾Social media Platforms | Facebook, Twitter, |
| 🗣️Languages supported on Website | 15 + |
| Educational Resources and Support | |
| 🎓 Beginners Trader friendly UX | Yes |
| 🖺Forex course | Yes |
| 🧏♀️Webinars | Yes |
| 📚Educational Resources | Yes, articles, videos, and tutorials |
| Partnerships and Programs | |
| 🪪Affiliate program? | Yes |
| 👨🏫Amount of partners | Over 2 500+ |
| 📋IB Program | Yes |
| 🏃♂️➡️Do they sponsor any notable events or teams? | Yes, the Qatar Economic Forum 2026 |
| 🪙Rebate program | Yes |
| 💬 Community Forum | No |
| South African Trader Specific Information | |
| 🌐 Official Website address | www.icmarkets.com |
| 👍 Official Facebook Page | Yes |
| 🐦 Official Twitter Page | Yes |
| ▶️ Official Youtube Channel | Yes |
| 🏢 Official Linkedin Page | Yes |
| 📸 Official Instagram Page | Yes |
| 🌍 South African Specific Information | |
| Does IC Accept South African Traders? | Yes |
| Is IC regulated by the South African regulatory body (FSCA)? | No |
| Does IC offer an Affiliate Program for South African Traders? | Yes |
| Does IC allow opening trading accounts in ZAR (South African Rand)? | Yes |
| 📝Sign up | 👉Open Account |
IC Customer Reviews
- Trusted for Transparency & Low Costs: Traders consistently praise IC for its ultra-tight spreads, clear fee structure, and fair pricing, making it a top choice for cost-conscious and professional traders alike.
- Reliable Performance & Platform Variety: Users appreciate the broker’s fast trade execution and robust access to platforms like MetaTrader 4/5 and cTrader, offering stability even during high-volatility periods.
| 🔍Aspect | 🔖Details |
| 🌟Overall Rating | 4.8/5 – Highly rated for competitive pricing, reliability, and advanced trading infrastructure. |
| 👏Customer Satisfaction | Positive – Clients appreciate low spreads, fast execution, and diverse trading instruments. |
| 📞Customer Service | Responsive and professional – Available 24/7 via live chat, email, and phone in multiple languages. |
Customers Ratings
| 🌐 Platform | 📝 Feedback Summary | ⭐ Rating |
![]() | Generally positive feedback users appreciate competitive spreads, fast execution, and reliable customer support. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
![]() | Mixed reviews many users commend the broker's services and support, while some report issues with fund withdrawals and account closures. | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
![]() | Predominantly negative reviews users report concerns about withdrawal issues and customer service responsiveness. | ⭐☆☆☆☆ |
![]() | Generally positive users highlight the platform's user-friendly interface and efficient customer support. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
![]() | IC is generally positive, with many users praising the broker's competitive spreads, reliable trading platforms, and excellent customer support. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
![]() | Highly positive reviews users praise the broker's reliability, competitive spreads, and prompt customer service. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Easy demo registration process | Demo account expires after 30 days of inactivity |
Conclusion
IC consists of 5 different account types. cTraders Raw Account, Standard Account, Raw Account, Rwa Pro and Raw Pro+ together with Demo accounts and Islamic account options. Minimum deposit amount starts at $0 / R 0 ZAR. Floating pips from 0 pip and maximum leverage 1:5000
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IC Demo Account – Step by Step
Frequently Asked Questions
What account types does IC offer?
IC offers three main account types: Standard, Raw Spread (cTrader), and Raw Spread (MetaTrader). Each account is designed for different trading styles, with varying spreads, commissions, and platform compatibility to suit beginners, scalpers, and professional traders.
What is the difference between Standard and Raw Spread accounts?
The Standard account has no commission but slightly higher spreads, while Raw Spread accounts offer ultra-low spreads starting from 0.0 pips with a fixed commission per trade. Raw accounts are preferred by scalpers and high-frequency traders seeking tighter pricing.
Which IC account is best for beginners?
The Standard account is generally best for beginners because it has no commission fees and a simpler cost structure. New traders can focus on learning without worrying about calculating commissions, while still accessing competitive spreads and reliable execution speeds.
What is the minimum deposit for IC accounts?
IC typically requires a minimum deposit of around $0 to open a live trading account. This amount provides sufficient margin for trading and helps ensure traders can manage positions effectively while maintaining proper risk management practices.
Do IC account types support MT4 and MT5?
Yes, IC supports both MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms. The Raw Spread and Standard accounts are available on MT4 and MT5, while cTrader accounts are specifically designed for traders who prefer advanced order execution features.
Are spreads different across IC account types?
Yes, spreads vary depending on the account type. Standard accounts have slightly wider spreads with no commission, while Raw Spread accounts offer tighter spreads close to zero, combined with a commission fee per trade for transparent pricing.
Can I switch between IC account types?
Yes, traders can open multiple accounts under one profile and switch between them. However, you cannot directly convert one account type into another; instead, you must create a new account and transfer funds if needed.
Which IC account is best for scalping?
Raw Spread accounts are ideal for scalping due to their low spreads and fast execution speeds. The combination of tight pricing and low latency makes them suitable for high-frequency strategies that depend on small price movements.
Do IC accounts charge commissions?
Only Raw Spread accounts charge commissions, typically a fixed fee per lot traded. The Standard account does not charge commissions but includes costs within the spread, giving traders flexibility to choose a pricing model that suits their strategy.
Are IC accounts suitable for professional traders?
Yes, IC accounts are suitable for professional traders due to their low spreads, deep liquidity, and fast execution. Raw Spread accounts, in particular, provide institutional-grade pricing, making them ideal for advanced strategies and high-volume trading.
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