IC Markets Alternative: Why Traders Switch to LHFX

IC Markets is a solid broker with deep liquidity and tight spreads. But it is not the right fit for everyone. Here is how LHFX compares and where each broker makes more sense.

Lower commissions, a $10 minimum deposit, and crypto withdrawals in under 20 minutes. See the full breakdown below.

Quick Comparison

LHFX vs IC Markets at a glance.

Feature
LHFX
IC Markets
Commission
$3 per side
$3.50 per side (Raw)
Minimum Deposit
$10
$200
Spreads
From 0.0 pips
From 0.0 pips
Leverage
Up to 1:500
Up to 1:1000
Platforms
MT5, LHFX Trade
MT4, MT5, cTrader
Instruments
138
3,500+
Execution
STP/ECN
ECN
Regulation
FSC Mauritius, FSCA South Africa
ASIC, CySEC, FSA Seychelles
Crypto Withdrawals
Under 20 minutes
1-3 business days
Islamic Account
Yes
Yes

Where LHFX Wins

The areas where LHFX offers a clear advantage over IC Markets.

Lower Commission

$3 per side vs $3.50 per side. On 100 lots per month, that saves you $100. The savings add up quickly for active traders.

$10 Minimum Deposit

Start trading with $10 at LHFX vs $200 at IC Markets. That is a 20x lower barrier to entry for traders testing a new broker or starting with a small account.

Faster Withdrawals

Crypto payouts processed in under 20 minutes at LHFX. IC Markets typically takes 1-3 business days for most withdrawal methods.

Simpler Account Structure

One account with everything included. No choosing between Standard, Raw Spread MT4/MT5, or cTrader accounts. You get raw spreads and STP/ECN execution from the start.

No Dealing Desk

STP/ECN execution with no requotes. Hedging and scalping are allowed without restrictions. No strategy limitations of any kind.

Where IC Markets Wins

IC Markets has genuine strengths. Here is where they come out ahead.

More Instruments

3,500+ instruments vs 138 at LHFX. If you need niche exotic pairs or specific stocks, IC Markets has a wider selection.

Higher Leverage

Up to 1:1000 vs 1:500 at LHFX. For traders who want maximum leverage, IC Markets goes higher.

Multiple Platforms

MT4, MT5, and cTrader are all available. LHFX offers MT5 only. If you rely on MT4 or prefer cTrader, IC Markets supports both.

ASIC Regulation

Australian regulation is generally considered top-tier. LHFX is regulated by the FSC in Mauritius and FSCA in South Africa.

Who Should Choose LHFX

  • Traders who want the lowest possible commission ($3 vs $3.50 per side)
  • Traders starting with smaller accounts ($10 vs $200 minimum)
  • Traders who need fast crypto withdrawals
  • Traders who prefer simplicity (one account type, one platform)
  • Traders in Africa, the Middle East, or Asia who value FSCA/FSC regulation
Open an LHFX Account

Who Should Stick with IC Markets

  • Traders who need access to 3,500+ instruments
  • Traders who prefer MT4 or cTrader
  • Traders who want 1:1000 leverage
  • Traders who prioritize ASIC regulation

Making the Switch

Moving from IC Markets to LHFX takes minutes, not days.

1

Open an LHFX Account

$10 minimum deposit. Registration takes about 2 minutes.

2

Verify Your Identity

Upload a government-issued ID. Most verifications complete within a few hours.

3

Fund and Start Trading

Deposit via crypto, Skrill, or Neteller and place your first trade on MT5 or LHFX Trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Try LHFX?

$10 minimum deposit. $3 per side commission. Raw spreads from 0.0 pips. Crypto withdrawals in under 20 minutes.