IC Markets Leverage 2026 — Complete Guide

IC Markets offers leverage up to 1:500 for global clients and 1:30 for EU clients. Here is everything you need to know about IC Markets leverage by region, instrument, and account type.

IC Markets Leverage by Region

IC Markets leverage limits vary based on your regulatory jurisdiction. The broker operates under three regulators, each with different leverage allowances:

The leverage limits for EU clients are set by ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) regulations and apply to all EU-regulated brokers, not just IC Markets. These limits were introduced in 2018 to protect retail investors from excessive leverage-related losses.

For global clients under FSA or ASIC regulation, IC Markets offers significantly higher leverage. However, higher leverage means higher risk — it amplifies both potential profits and potential losses. IC Markets allows you to set your preferred leverage level, so you can choose a lower setting if you prefer more conservative risk management.

Understanding Leverage in Forex Trading

Leverage allows you to control a larger position with a smaller amount of capital. For example, with 1:100 leverage, a $1,000 deposit allows you to control $100,000 in trading positions. With 1:500 leverage, the same $1,000 controls $500,000.

The margin requirement is the inverse of leverage. At 1:100, you need 1% of the position value as margin. At 1:500, you need 0.2%. IC Markets automatically calculates and displays margin requirements in your trading platform for each position.

It is important to understand that leverage is a double-edged sword. While it amplifies potential profits, it equally amplifies potential losses. A 1% adverse move on a 1:100 leveraged position represents a 100% loss of the invested margin. Responsible risk management — including stop-loss orders, position sizing, and portfolio diversification — is essential when using leverage.

IC Markets provides negative balance protection for retail clients, meaning you cannot lose more than your account balance. This is a regulatory requirement under ASIC and CySEC, and IC Markets extends it to FSA-regulated clients as well. Combined with the ability to set your own leverage level, this provides a reasonable safety framework for leveraged trading.

Choosing the Right IC Markets Leverage

The right leverage depends on your trading style, experience level, and risk tolerance. Here are general guidelines based on our experience with 761 clients:

Beginners: Start with lower leverage (1:30 to 1:100). This limits your downside while you learn. You can always increase leverage later as you gain experience and develop a consistent strategy.

Swing traders: 1:50 to 1:200 is typical. Swing trades are held for days to weeks, so you need enough margin to withstand normal market fluctuations without getting stopped out by temporary adverse moves.

Day traders and scalpers: 1:100 to 1:500 is common. Day trades are closed within hours, limiting overnight risk. Higher leverage allows you to capitalize on small intraday movements with meaningful position sizes.

Regardless of your chosen leverage, always use stop-loss orders and never risk more than 1-2% of your account on any single trade. Leverage is a tool — used responsibly, it enhances your trading. Used recklessly, it can destroy an account in minutes.

IC Markets Margin Calls & Stop Out Levels

IC Markets has a margin call level at 100% and a stop out level at 50%. When your equity falls to 100% of your used margin, you will receive a margin call notification in your trading platform. This is a warning that your account is approaching dangerous levels and that you should consider closing positions or adding funds.

If your equity continues to drop to 50% of used margin, IC Markets will automatically begin closing your positions starting with the largest losing trade. This stop out mechanism exists to protect you from losing more than your deposited funds. With negative balance protection, your account cannot go below zero — any excess losses are absorbed by the broker.

Understanding these levels is crucial when selecting your leverage. Higher leverage means less margin is required per position, but it also means the distance between your entry price and the margin call or stop out level is smaller. A well-capitalized account with appropriate leverage provides a buffer against normal market volatility.

Professional traders who understand these dynamics can use higher leverage effectively by maintaining strict risk management. The key is to never over-leverage your account — keep your total margin usage well below 50% of your equity to maintain a comfortable buffer against adverse market moves.

Leverage & Trading Costs with TradersFXPartner

Leverage and trading costs are interconnected. Higher leverage allows you to open larger positions, which means more lots traded and higher absolute commission costs. This is precisely why our commission discount (up to 21% off) becomes more valuable as your leverage and trading volume increase.

Consider a trader using 1:200 leverage with a $5,000 account on a Raw Spread MT4/MT5 account. This leverage allows positions up to 10 standard lots. Without our discount, 10 lots would cost $70 in commission per round turn. With our commission discount, the cost drops to $49 — saving $21 on that single trade. For an active trader making multiple trades per day, these savings compound rapidly.

Whatever leverage you choose, combining it with our commission discount (up to 21% off) ensures your trading costs remain as low as possible. Open your IC Markets account through our referral link and start saving from your very first trade.

IC Markets Leverage — FAQ