Long-term investing

IC Markets Inactivity Fees guide

Inactivity fees are charges some brokers apply when an account records no trades or logins for a defined period. They matter particularly to long-term investors, who may deliberately trade infrequently. This page does not state whether IC Markets currently charges inactivity fees, because such terms vary by entity and change over time. Instead, it explains exactly how to verify the current position from the broker's own documents before you rely on the account for buy-and-hold investing.

Open investing hub Find my broker

IC Markets Inactivity Fees guide cover image

Where inactivity fee terms are actually defined

Inactivity fees, where they exist, are set out in a broker's fee schedule, client agreement, or terms and conditions, and the applicable version depends on which legal entity onboards you. A fee that applies to clients of one regional entity may not apply to another, and terms can be amended with notice. Never rely on a third-party review, a forum post, or an old screenshot. Locate the current documents for your entity, search them for terms like inactivity, dormancy, and maintenance fee, and record the document date and version.

Read the fee schedule and client agreement for the specific entity you would register under.
Search documents for related wording: dormancy, dormant account, maintenance, and administration fees.
Save dated copies of the documents you relied on when opening the account.

Questions to confirm in writing with support

Even careful document reading can leave gaps, so confirm the practical details with the broker's support team and keep the written responses. The definition of activity matters as much as the fee amount: some brokers count logins as activity, others require executed trades. You should also understand what happens when a fee would exceed your cash balance, and whether dormant accounts can be closed or positions affected. These answers determine whether the account suits a low-turnover, long-term approach.

What counts as activity: a login, a deposit, or an executed trade?
After how many months of inactivity would a fee apply, and at what amount and frequency?
Is the fee deducted from cash only, and what happens if the cash balance is insufficient?
Can dormancy lead to account restrictions or closure procedures?

Fitting inactivity terms into a long-term plan

If verification shows an inactivity fee exists, you can often manage it by scheduling periodic contributions or logins, but you should still price it into your expected costs. A small monthly charge on a lightly funded account can meaningfully erode returns over years. Use the brokerage fee calculator at /tools/brokerage-fee-calculator to model the effect alongside commissions and other charges. For broader account selection criteria, see /find-my-broker, and for related guides visit the long-term investing hub at /invest-long-term.

Model any confirmed inactivity fee against your account size and contribution schedule.
Set calendar reminders if a simple periodic action prevents the fee from applying.
Re-check the fee schedule periodically, since terms can change with notice.

Continue researching

Open related InvestorTrip pages before treating this topic as a final decision.

Long-term investing hub

Open related long-term investing guides.

Find my broker

Apply the checklist to broker selection.

Brokerage fee calculator

Estimate account and trading costs.

FAQ

Does IC Markets charge an inactivity fee?

This guide does not confirm current terms. Fee policies vary by entity and can change, so check the current fee schedule and client agreement for the entity you would register with, and confirm the position in writing with support before opening the account.

What usually triggers an inactivity fee at a broker?

Typically a defined period, often measured in months, with no qualifying activity. What qualifies varies by broker: some count logins or deposits, others require executed trades. The exact definition is set out in each broker's own terms, which is why written confirmation matters.

How can long-term investors avoid inactivity fees generally?

First verify whether a fee exists and what counts as activity. If a simple action such as a periodic login or small contribution resets the clock, schedule it. If the fee is unavoidable and material relative to your balance, factor it into your cost comparison when choosing an account.