SmartProfitFX vs IC Markets
IC Markets is a forex and CFD broker known for Raw Spread-style pricing, MetaTrader, cTrader, TradingView access, and a broad CFD market list. SmartProfitFX powered by Eightcap is a different route: it is built for eligible traders who want Eightcap-powered access with SmartProfitFX's $1 lower round-trip commission advantage versus opening directly with Eightcap.
Verdict
IC Markets should be judged first as a direct broker: Raw Spread pricing, cTrader and TradingView availability, product range, regulation, and entity fit. SmartProfitFX is judged as a partner route into Eightcap-powered access with a clear commission advantage versus Eightcap direct.
Already want this account route
SmartProfitFX makes the most sense when the trader already wants the Eightcap-powered account path and wants the $1 lower round-trip commission advantage versus going directly to Eightcap.
Want IC Markets directly
IC Markets can be the better fit when the trader specifically wants IC Markets' direct relationship, Raw Spread account structure, cTrader setup, TradingView access, or product/entity mix.
Compare all-in cost
Headline spreads are only part of the cost. Commission, swaps, conversion fees, funding costs, platform-specific pricing, and regional entity rules can change the final outcome.
Quick comparison
Research checked May 20, 2026. Broker terms, platforms, and entity availability can change, so verify current account terms before opening or funding an account.
| Category | SmartProfitFX | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Eligible traders who want an Eightcap-powered account path through SmartProfitFX and want to preserve the $1 lower round-trip commission advantage versus opening directly with Eightcap. | Traders who want a direct IC Markets account, Raw Spread pricing, cTrader or TradingView access, or a broker relationship outside the Eightcap-powered route. |
| Pricing model | Eightcap-powered pricing. Eightcap's official account page lists Standard and Raw account styles, including raw-style spreads from 0.0 pips. SmartProfitFX's commercial point is the $1 lower round-trip commission versus Eightcap direct, where the relevant account terms apply. | IC Markets lists Raw Spread, cTrader Raw Spread, Standard, Raw Pro, and Raw Pro+ options. Its official account page shows Raw Spread from 0.0 pips with $3.50 commission per lot per side, cTrader Raw Spread from 0 pips with $3.00 per USD 100k, and Standard from 0.8 pips with no commission. |
| Platforms | Eightcap-powered platform access, including MetaTrader and TradingView-style access where available by account and region. | IC Markets promotes MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, WebTrader, IC Social, Signal Start, and ZuluTrade access, depending on account and region. |
| Markets | Forex and CFD market access through Eightcap-powered account infrastructure, including forex, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and crypto derivatives where eligible. | IC Markets' official range-of-products page lists forex, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency, and futures CFDs, with availability varying by platform and entity. |
| Regulation | SmartProfitFX is not the regulated broker. The broker relationship is powered by Eightcap entities and should be evaluated through Eightcap's applicable entity disclosures. | The researched IC Markets global pages describe Raw Trading Ltd as regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority under Securities Dealer license SD018. |
| US users | SmartProfitFX's existing FAQ states that USA is not allowed. | IC Markets' global site says Raw Trading Ltd does not provide services to residents of several countries including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Iran, and North Korea. |
IC Markets account types and pricing
IC Markets searchers usually want the difference between Raw Spread, cTrader Raw Spread, Standard, and newer Raw Pro options. Those facts come first, before comparing IC Markets with SmartProfitFX powered by Eightcap.
| IC Markets topic | Official IC Markets detail | How it affects the SmartProfitFX comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | IC Markets' official account overview lists Standard on MetaTrader with $0 commission per lot per side and spreads from 0.8 pips. | Best compared against SmartProfitFX when the user wants simple spread-inclusive pricing instead of raw-style pricing plus commission. |
| Raw Spread account | IC Markets lists its MetaTrader Raw Spread account with spreads from 0.0 pips and $3.50 commission per lot per side, or $7.00 per lot round turn. | This is the IC Markets account most likely to attract low-spread searches. SmartProfitFX still has a separate $1 lower round-trip advantage versus opening directly with Eightcap. |
| cTrader Raw Spread | IC Markets lists cTrader Raw Spread with cTrader and TradingView access, spreads from 0 pips, and $3.00 commission per USD 100k. | This is important for traders who search specifically for IC Markets cTrader or TradingView access. SmartProfitFX should not be positioned as the cTrader choice. |
| Average EUR/USD spread | IC Markets' official spreads page says its average EUR/USD spread is 0.1 pips, while its searchable table lists EURUSD Raw Spread from 0.0. Its account overview separately lists Standard spreads from 0.8 pips. | This is useful IC Markets benchmark data. A fair all-in comparison still needs account type, commission treatment, spread source, and live market conditions on both sides. |
| Minimum deposit and server details | IC Markets' account table lists $0 minimum deposit for Raw Spread, cTrader, and Standard, and identifies New York server location for MetaTrader accounts and London server location for cTrader. | This helps IC Markets compete on low-friction and execution-location searches, while the SmartProfitFX argument remains the Eightcap-powered route and commission advantage versus Eightcap direct. |
IC Markets platforms, markets, and regulation
IC Markets is strongest in this comparison when the trader values Raw Spread positioning, cTrader/TradingView access, or the IC Markets product list. SmartProfitFX is strongest when the trader wants the SmartProfitFX powered by Eightcap path and the SmartProfitFX pricing advantage.
MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
IC Markets' official account and platform materials list MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, WebTrader, IC Social, Signal Start, and ZuluTrade access, with availability depending on account and region.
Forex, indices, commodities, stocks
IC Markets' range-of-products page lists 61 currency pairs, 25 indices, over 20 commodity CFDs, more than 2,100 stocks from ASX, Nasdaq, and NYSE, plus bonds, cryptocurrency CFDs, and futures CFDs.
Seychelles FSA on global site
The researched IC Markets global pages state that Raw Trading Ltd is regulated by the Seychelles Financial Services Authority as a Securities Dealer under license number SD018. Entity choice affects protections, leverage, products, and eligibility.
Why the $1 round-trip advantage matters
The SmartProfitFX case is narrow and specific: the account path is Eightcap-powered, and SmartProfitFX pricing is $1 lower per round trip than opening directly with Eightcap.
SmartProfitFX advantage
If a trader already wants Eightcap-powered access, SmartProfitFX's $1 lower round-trip commission gives a clear reason not to bypass SmartProfitFX and go directly to Eightcap.
- $1 lower per round trip versus opening directly with Eightcap.
- Eightcap-powered account experience.
- Account-opening links preserve SmartProfitFX attribution.
Where the advantage stops
The $1 advantage applies to SmartProfitFX versus opening directly with Eightcap. It does not automatically mean SmartProfitFX is cheaper than IC Markets in every product, account type, market condition, currency, or jurisdiction.
- Spreads can move in live markets.
- Commission schedules can vary by platform and entity.
- Funding, conversion, swap, and overnight costs may also matter.
Cost and account detail
IC Markets can be competitive on raw-spread positioning, platform choice, and direct-account control. SmartProfitFX has a different advantage: its Eightcap-powered route is $1 lower per round trip than opening directly with Eightcap.
What the pricing advantage means
SmartProfitFX powered by Eightcap should be compared against opening directly with Eightcap. If a trader already wants Eightcap-powered access, the $1 lower round-trip commission gives a practical reason to use SmartProfitFX instead of going straight to Eightcap.
- $1 lower round-trip commission versus Eightcap direct.
- Eightcap official account materials list Standard and Raw account styles.
- Raw-style pricing can involve lower headline spreads plus a separate commission.
- Traders should still check swaps, funding, conversion, and entity-specific account terms.
How IC Markets pricing compares
IC Markets' Raw Spread and cTrader Raw Spread models are built for traders who want low headline spreads with commission charged separately. This can be attractive, but the exact all-in cost depends on platform, account currency, instrument, and market conditions.
- Standard-style pricing generally packages cost into the spread.
- Raw Spread pricing separates spread and commission.
- Official IC Markets pages show platform-specific commission schedules.
- Commission and spreads vary by exact entity and base currency.
Platforms and markets
Platform choice may be the main reason to pick IC Markets over the SmartProfitFX route. SmartProfitFX is focused around Eightcap-powered access; IC Markets promotes direct MetaTrader, cTrader, TradingView, copy-trading, and social-trading options.
| Area | SmartProfitFX | IC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Platform strength | Best when the trader wants the Eightcap-powered path and is comfortable with Eightcap-supported platform access. | Best when the trader values IC Markets' direct platform choice, especially cTrader, TradingView, or Raw Spread MetaTrader workflows. |
| Automation and charting | Relevant for traders using MetaTrader-style workflows or TradingView-style charting where available. | Relevant for traders who compare MetaTrader, cTrader, TradingView, VPS, copy trading, and social-trading workflows side by side. |
| Markets | SmartProfitFX pages focus on Eightcap-powered forex, commodities, indices, shares, and crypto derivative access where eligible. | IC Markets official market materials promote forex, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency, and futures CFDs, with platform/entity limitations. |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clear practical reason to use the SmartProfitFX route if the trader wants Eightcap-powered access.
- $1 lower round-trip commission versus Eightcap direct.
- Simple partner pathway focused around one broker relationship.
Cons
- SmartProfitFX is not the regulated broker itself.
- Eligibility depends on Eightcap-powered account restrictions and SmartProfitFX's non-US limitation.
- Users who specifically want IC Markets' direct Raw Spread, cTrader, or TradingView ecosystem may not prefer this route.
Pros
- Direct account relationship with IC Markets rather than an Eightcap-powered partner path.
- Raw Spread, cTrader Raw Spread, Standard, Raw Pro, and Raw Pro+ account options on the researched global account page.
- Broad CFD market coverage advertised by IC Markets, including forex, indices, commodities, stocks, bonds, crypto, and futures CFDs.
Cons
- Does not preserve SmartProfitFX attribution.
- Does not provide the SmartProfitFX $1 lower round-trip commission advantage versus Eightcap direct.
- Actual costs still depend on spread, commission, platform, account type, and region.
Who should choose which?
| Choose this route | When it makes sense |
|---|---|
| SmartProfitFX | You want Eightcap-powered execution and platform access, you are eligible under SmartProfitFX/Eightcap rules, and the $1 lower round-trip commission versus Eightcap direct matters to you. |
| IC Markets | You specifically want IC Markets' direct relationship, Raw Spread account structure, cTrader or TradingView access, or its product set, and you are comfortable comparing its full cost structure against the SmartProfitFX powered by Eightcap route. |
IC Markets comparison FAQ
Short answers for the IC Markets searches this page is designed to satisfy.
Is SmartProfitFX better than IC Markets?
SmartProfitFX is the better fit when an eligible trader wants the SmartProfitFX powered by Eightcap route and values the $1 lower round-trip commission versus opening directly with Eightcap. IC Markets may be the better fit when the trader wants IC Markets' direct relationship, Raw Spread account structure, cTrader, or TradingView access.
What is the biggest pricing difference?
The clearest SmartProfitFX cost point is the $1 lower round-trip commission versus opening directly with Eightcap. IC Markets publishes Raw Spread, cTrader Raw Spread, and Standard account models, including raw spreads from 0.0 and separate commission on raw-style accounts.
Does IC Markets offer cTrader and TradingView?
Yes. IC Markets lists cTrader and TradingView access alongside MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 in its official platform and account materials. Availability can still depend on account type, platform, and region.
Can US traders use SmartProfitFX?
The SmartProfitFX FAQ says USA is not allowed. This page is written for eligible non-US users comparing SmartProfitFX powered by Eightcap against IC Markets.
Open through SmartProfitFX
Use the SmartProfitFX path if you want the SmartProfitFX powered by Eightcap route and want SmartProfitFX to receive attribution for the account opening.
Related broker comparisons
Use the rest of the comparison cluster for context. Live pages are linked here so users and search engines can move between the broker comparisons naturally.
Sources checked
Checked May 20, 2026. Source links are provided so the factual basis of the comparison can be reviewed.
