AvaTrade vs IC Markets: Which Affiliate Program Pays More in 2026?
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two industry giants — analyzing CPA rates, IB commissions, trading conditions, and long-term earning potential for affiliates
James Wilson
Affiliate Marketing Strategist
15+ years affiliate marketing experience. Generated $2M+ in commissions. Traffic & conversion specialist.
Affiliate Disclosure: CompareForexDeals earns commissions when you sign up through our links. This does not affect our editorial independence. Learn more.
Quick Verdict
Both AvaTrade and IC Markets are top-tier broker affiliate programs, but they serve different affiliate strategies. AvaTrade wins on CPA rates ($1,000 vs $600) and offers a revenue share model that IC Markets lacks. IC Markets wins on trading conditions (0.0 pip raw spreads) and client retention among active traders. For most affiliates, AvaTrade delivers higher upfront earnings, while IC Markets excels for those with high-volume trading audiences.
Choose AvaTrade If:
- - You prioritize higher CPA payouts per client
- - You want a revenue share income stream
- - Your audience includes beginner to intermediate traders
- - You value extensive marketing tools and materials
Choose IC Markets If:
- - Your audience consists of active, high-volume traders
- - Raw spreads and execution speed matter to your clients
- - You want strong client retention for ongoing IB income
- - Your traffic is from Asia-Pacific or Oceania
AvaTrade
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
Basic Information
| Feature | AvaTrade | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 | 2007 | Tie |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | Sydney, Australia | Tie |
| Regulation | 7+ regulators (CBI, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, ADGM, CySEC, ISA) | ASIC, CySEC, FSA (Seychelles) | |
| Instruments | 1,250+ | 2,200+ | |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
Affiliate Commission Rates
| Feature | AvaTrade | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max CPA | $1,000 | $600 | |
| IB Commission | Up to $18/lot | Up to $18/lot | Tie |
| Revenue Share | Available | Not standard | |
| Affiliate Platform | AvaPartner | IC Markets Partners | Tie |
| Cookie Duration | 120 days | 90 days |
Account & Trading Conditions
| Feature | AvaTrade | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $200 | |
| Raw Spread From | 0.9 pips (standard) | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread) | |
| Commission (Raw) | N/A (spread-only) | $3.50/lot per side | Tie |
| Max Leverage | 1:400 | 1:500 | |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, WebTrader | MT4, MT5, cTrader |
Payment & Support
| Feature | AvaTrade | IC Markets | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment Frequency | Monthly | Monthly | Tie |
| Min Payout | $100 | $100 | Tie |
| Payment Methods | Wire, Skrill, Neteller | Wire, Skrill, Neteller, PayPal | Tie |
| Dedicated Account Manager | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Marketing Materials | Extensive | Standard | Tie |
Commission Analysis: Real-World Earnings
Here is how affiliate earnings compare between AvaTrade and IC Markets across different traffic volume scenarios. These calculations assume mixed CPA and IB earnings based on typical affiliate performance tiers.
High Volume Traffic (1,500 lots/month)
Established affiliate with active, high-volume trading clients
AvaTrade
IC Markets
Medium Volume Traffic (500 lots/month)
Growing affiliate with a steady, moderate client base
AvaTrade
IC Markets
Low Volume / New Affiliate (100 lots/month)
New affiliate building an initial client base
AvaTrade
IC Markets
Key Takeaway:
- - AvaTrade leads in total earnings across all volume tiers thanks to higher CPA rates
- - IC Markets matches AvaTrade on maximum IB rates ($18/lot), but achieving top-tier rates requires significant volume
- - AvaTrade's revenue share model adds a third income stream not available at IC Markets
- - IC Markets' superior trading conditions lead to higher client lifetime value, partially offsetting lower CPA
Regulation Comparison
Regulatory coverage directly impacts which regions you can target as an affiliate. A broker with broader regulation allows you to promote to a wider audience with full compliance.
AvaTrade (7+ Regulators)
CBI (Ireland/EU), ASIC (Australia), FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Japan), ADGM (UAE), CySEC (Cyprus), ISA (Israel)
AvaTrade's extensive regulatory portfolio enables affiliates to target traders across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond with full compliance confidence.
IC Markets (3 Regulators)
ASIC (Australia), CySEC (Cyprus/EU), FSA (Seychelles/International)
Fewer licenses, but ASIC and CySEC are among the most respected globally. Covers Australia, the EU/EEA, and international clients through the Seychelles entity.
Affiliate Impact: AvaTrade's broader regulatory coverage means you can confidently promote to traders in more jurisdictions. IC Markets covers the key markets (EU, Australia, international) but AvaTrade's additional licenses in Japan, South Africa, UAE, and Ireland open up more geo-targeting options.
Trading Conditions Comparison
Trading conditions matter for affiliates because they directly affect client satisfaction, retention, and ultimately your ongoing IB commissions. Here is how the two brokers stack up.
AvaTrade
Strengths
- Multi-regulated across 7+ jurisdictions
- Proprietary AvaPartner platform with real-time analytics
- Revenue share model available for long-term income
- Extensive marketing materials and landing pages
- AvaTradeGO mobile app increases client retention
Challenges
- Higher spreads on standard accounts vs raw spread competitors
- No cTrader platform
- CPA tiers require high volumes for maximum rates
- Fewer total instruments than some competitors
IC Markets
Strengths
- World's highest volume forex broker by daily turnover
- Raw Spread from 0.0 pips attracts serious traders
- cTrader platform appeals to professional traders
- High client retention due to excellent trading conditions
- Strong reputation among active, high-frequency traders
Challenges
- Lower CPA rates compared to AvaTrade
- No standard revenue share model
- Fewer regulatory licenses than AvaTrade
- Higher minimum deposit ($200 vs $100)
Who Should Choose Which Broker?
Choose AvaTrade
Best for affiliates with educational content, beginner-focused audiences, or those wanting multiple income streams (CPA + IB + revenue share). AvaTrade's global regulatory footprint lets you target more regions.
Pro Tip:
Segment your traffic by experience level. Send beginners to AvaTrade (education, low deposit) and experienced traders to IC Markets (raw spreads, cTrader). This typically increases conversion rates by 25-40%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which broker pays higher CPA commissions, AvaTrade or IC Markets?
AvaTrade offers higher CPA commissions at up to $1,000 per qualified trader, compared to IC Markets' maximum of $600. However, actual CPA rates depend on the geographic region and volume of referrals you generate.
Can I promote both AvaTrade and IC Markets simultaneously?
Yes, most successful forex affiliates promote multiple brokers to diversify their income and cater to different types of traders. AvaTrade appeals to beginners with its educational resources, while IC Markets attracts experienced traders with raw spreads.
Which broker has better client retention for affiliates?
IC Markets tends to have higher client retention among active traders due to its industry-leading raw spreads and execution speed. This means ongoing IB commissions remain strong. AvaTrade retains well among retail traders thanks to its user-friendly platforms and educational content.
Does AvaTrade or IC Markets offer revenue share for affiliates?
AvaTrade offers a revenue share model through its AvaPartner program, allowing affiliates to earn a percentage of the spread revenue generated by referred clients. IC Markets primarily focuses on CPA and IB commission structures without a standard revenue share option.
Which broker is better for affiliates targeting beginner traders?
AvaTrade is generally better for affiliates targeting beginners due to its lower minimum deposit ($100), extensive educational materials, user-friendly AvaTradeGO app, and broader regulatory coverage that builds trust with new traders.