IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers

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When comparing Interactive Brokers and IC Markets, both brokers offer competitive fees, but they cater to different types of traders. IC Markets is ideal for Forex and CFD trading, offering low spreads and commission-based accounts, while Interactive Brokers provides access to global markets with a tiered commission structure. When choosing the best broker from Interactive Brokers or IC Markets, it depends on your trading strategy and preferred market access.

Both Interactive Brokers and IC Markets are well-known among traders, with numerous reviews often mentioning their execution speed and reliable platforms. While IC Markets specializes in low-cost Forex and CFD trading, which is great for traders who execute multiple trades daily, Interactive Brokers provides broad market access, including stocks, options, and futures. Traders can check Interactive Brokers and IC Markets reviews to see how they compare in terms of features, pricing, and user experience.

When looking at Interactive Brokers and IC Markets trading, fee structures are a key factor. IC Markets is a strong choice for active traders because of its low spreads and commission-based pricing. Meanwhile, Interactive Brokers offers a tiered pricing model, which can be more cost-effective for those trading large volumes across different asset classes. Understanding these differences can help traders decide which one suits their needs better.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers

This article compares IC Markets and Interactive Brokers, two well-known trading platforms with different strengths. IC Markets is popular among Forex and CFD traders due to its low spreads and fast execution speeds, while Interactive Brokers stands out for its global market access and extensive investment options. Both brokers have strong regulatory backing, making them reliable choices for traders.

The comparison covers key factors such as fees, trading conditions, available assets, and platform features. You'll find insights on commission structures, supported markets, and tools like MetaTrader (IC Markets) and Trader Workstation (Interactive Brokers). Additionally, the article looks at deposit and withdrawal methods, customer support, research resources, and promotions to help traders choose the right platform.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trader, understanding trading fees, regulations, and available instruments is crucial. This guide breaks down the differences between these two brokers, making it easier to decide which one suits your needs.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers
Feature	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
Overall	4.7	4.9
Regulation	5	5
Fees	4.9	4.9
Trading assets	4.6	5
Investment instruments	4.9	4.2
Platforms and charting tools	4.4	5
Deposit and withdrawal	4.6	4.1
Research	4.3	4.7
Education	4.4	4.5
Support	4.6	4.2
Bonuses	2.5	3.1
Open an account	Open an account Your capital is at risk.	Open an account Your capital is at risk.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: pros and cons

IC Markets and Interactive Brokers are well-established brokerage firms, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Traders looking for the pros and cons of IC Markets and Interactive Brokers will find that IC Markets is known for its low spreads, fast execution speeds, and strong algorithmic trading support, making it popular among Forex and CFD traders. In contrast, Interactive Brokers is a good option for investors who want a variety of assets, offering access to stocks, options, and futures. However, while IC Markets is more beginner-friendly, Interactive Brokers has a steeper learning curve due to its complex platform and extensive trading tools.

For those weighing their options, an IC Markets and Interactive Brokers comparison shows how their trading conditions and services differ. IC Markets operates under the Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) and is regulated by ASIC, ensuring strict compliance with industry standards. Meanwhile, Interactive Brokers is regulated in several countries, which makes it a trusted broker worldwide, with licenses in the U.S., U.K., and Europe. While IC Markets excels in Forex and CFD trading with tight spreads and deep liquidity, Interactive Brokers offers an extensive range of investment products beyond Forex, catering to long-term investors.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: pros and cons
Pros and cons	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
Overall pros	World biggest Forex broker, over 180,000 clients and $1.11 trln monthly turnover Advanced ECN trading Order execution speed 40 mc Free VPS Trading servers in New York and London Strong regulation 2000+ trading assets, 60+ currency pairs EUR/USD average spread 01 pip	Access to 135 markets in 33 countries 30.000+ trading instruments Regulated in the US, UK and 8 other countries Advanced trading platform Free stocks for registration Low fees Low margin rates Nasdaq Listed company 25 supported account currencies
Overall cons	No Forex bonuses	Long and complex registration procedure

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: safety and regulation

Both IC Markets and Interactive Brokers are regulated brokers, offering a high level of security for traders. They are classified under Tier-1 regulation, meaning they meet strict financial standards. Both brokers are licensed by ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission), ensuring compliance with Australian financial laws. Additionally, they provide investor protection of up to €20,000, offering some security in case of broker insolvency.

However, neither Interactive Brokers nor IC Markets hold FCA (UK), FINRA (U.S.), or BaFin (Germany) regulations, which are considered key regulatory bodies in Europe and the U.S. While both brokers are regulated under FSA Seychelles, they do not have CFTC (U.S.), MAS (Singapore), or FSCA (South Africa) approval.

This means traders outside Australia should verify local regulatory protections before choosing a broker. Despite this, IC Markets and Interactive Brokers remain trusted platforms with strong security measures and compliance standards.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: safety and regulation
Safety and regulation	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
Max. regulation Level	Tier-1	Tier-1
Investor protection	€20,000	€20,000
FCA UK regulation	No	No
FINRA (U.S)	No	No
BaFin (Germany)	No	No
ASIC (Australia)	Yes	Yes
CFTC (U.S)	No	No
MAS	No	No
FSCA SA	No	No
BVIFSC	No	No
VFSC	No	No
FSA (Seychelles)	Yes	Yes

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: trading conditions

The trading conditions of Interactive Brokers and IC Markets differ based on trader needs. IC Markets requires a $200 minimum deposit, while Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, offering more flexibility. IC Markets provides up to 1:500 leverage, ideal for Forex and CFD traders, whereas Interactive Brokers limits leverage to 1:50, catering to lower-risk investing.

Comparing the Interactive Brokers and IC Markets platform, IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, and cTrader for Forex trading, while Interactive Brokers provides IB Trader Workstation, IBKR GlobalTrader, and Client Portal for multi-asset investing. IC Markets focuses on Forex, indices, and commodities, while Interactive Brokers grants access to 30,000+ assets, including stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds.

Traders evaluating Interactive Brokers with IC Markets’ minimum deposit and platform options should consider their strategy. IC Markets suits high-leverage Forex and CFD traders, while Interactive Brokers is ideal for those seeking global market access with professional tools.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: trading conditions
Trading conditions	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
Minimum deposit	$200	$0
Trading platforms	MT4, MT5, cTrader	IB Trader Workstation, IBKR GlobalTrader, Client Portal
Max leverage (Futures)	1-500	1-50
Supported markets	Forex, futures, CFDs on indices, commodities, metals, stocks and bonds	Stocks, Forex, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Stock options, Commodity Futures, Currency futures, Cryptocurrencies, Robo-portfolios, hedge funds
Trading assets	2000+	30000+
Trading accounts	cTrader, Raw Spread, Standard	Cash account, margin account
Base account currencies	USD, AUD, GBP, CHF, JPY, NZD, SGD, CAD, HKD, BTC	USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CZK, DKK, HKD, HUF, ILS, JPY, MXN, NZD, NOK, PLN, SGD, SEK, CHF, CNH

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: fees

Both IC Markets and Interactive Brokers have competitive fees, making them a great choice for traders who focus on cost efficiency. Standard accounts at both brokers offer a minimum EUR/USD spread of 0.8 pips, with a maximum of 1.0 pips. For ECN accounts, IC Markets and Interactive Brokers fees include a commission of $3.5 per lot, with ultra-low ECN spreads starting from 0.1 pips.

When comparing IC Markets and Interactive Brokers account options, traders will find that neither broker charges deposit or withdrawal fees, making transactions cost-effective. Additionally, both brokers waive inactivity fees, allowing traders to keep an account open without incurring extra costs. This transparency in pricing makes both platforms attractive for those looking to avoid hidden charges.

Examining IC Markets and Interactive Brokers spreads, traders will notice that both brokers offer tight pricing, particularly for Forex trading. IC Markets is favored by high-frequency traders for its low spreads and ECN pricing, while Interactive Brokers provides tiered pricing models that benefit traders dealing with larger volumes. The choice between the two ultimately depends on trading style and cost preferences.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: fees
Fees	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
Standard acc. spread EUR/USD, min pips	0,8	0,8
Standard acc. spread EUR/USD, max pips	1,0	1,0
ECN commission	3,5	3,5
ECN spread EUR/USD	0,1	0,1
Deposit fee, %	No	No
Withdrawal fee, %	No	No
Withdrawal fee, USD	No	No
Inactivity fee, $	No	No

A conversion fee may be applied as withdrawals and deposits are conducted in USD. Any other currency will have to be converted.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: trading assets

When comparing Forex assets available at Interactive Brokers and IC Markets, the two brokers differ in their range of offerings. IC Markets provides over 2,000 trading instruments, with a strong focus on Forex, as well as CFDs on stocks, indices, metals, energy, and bonds. In contrast, Interactive Brokers offers a much broader selection, exceeding 30,000 assets, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and stock options. This makes Forex trading at Interactive Brokers and IC Markets appealing to different types of traders — those prioritizing Forex and CFDs may find IC Markets more suitable, while traders looking for a highly diversified portfolio might prefer Interactive Brokers.

When evaluating Interactive Brokers and IC Markets trading instruments, both brokers support Forex and CFDs. However, Interactive Brokers offers a wider range of financial products, including direct stock ownership, mutual funds, and futures trading. On the other hand, IC Markets specializes in Forex trading, providing access to CFDs with tight spreads and high leverage. This makes IC Markets more attractive to active traders, while Interactive Brokers is a solid choice for investors who want exposure to traditional markets.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: trading assets
Asset name	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
Overall	2000+ trading assets	30000+
Forex	Yes	Yes
Stocks	Yes (CFD)	Yes
Metals	Yes (CFD)	Yes
Cryptocurrencies	Yes (CFD)	Yes
Energy	Yes (CFD)	Yes
Indices	Yes (CFD)	Yes
ETFs	Yes (CFD)	Yes
Bonds	Yes (CFD)	Yes
Mutual funds	No	Yes
Stock options	No	Yes
Futures trading	Yes (CFD)	Yes
Binary options	No	No

IC Markets or Interactive Brokers: investment programs

The IC Markets and Interactive Brokers platforms are designed for different types of traders and investors, offering distinct investment programs to match their needs. IC Markets focuses on copy trading and MAM/PAMM accounts, which allow traders to follow experienced investors or manage multiple accounts efficiently. However, it does not provide managed investment portfolios or automated financial products.

On the other hand, Interactive Brokers offers a different set of investments programs, such as robo-portfolios, hedge funds, and bonds. These options are appealing to investors who want long-term options and automated investment solutions. However, unlike IC Markets, Interactive Brokers does not support copy trading or MAM/PAMM accounts, which are ideal for active Forex traders.

When choosing between IC Markets and Interactive Brokers investment programs, it depends on how you want to trade or invest. If you’re looking for copy trading and flexible account management, IC Markets is a strong choice. Meanwhile, investors who want hands-off investing with a variety of assets may prefer Interactive Brokers.

IC Markets or Interactive Brokers: investment programs
Asset name	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
Copy trading	Yes	No
MAM/PAMM	Yes	No
Managed accounts	No	No
Other	No	Robo-portfolios, hedge funds, Bonds

Trading platforms: Interactive Brokers or IC Markets

The Interactive Brokers and IC Markets platform options have different features designed for various traders. IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader, so traders get access to charting tools, automation, and fast order execution. In contrast, Interactive Brokers offers IB Trader Workstation, IBKR GlobalTrader, and Client Portal, which are built for professional traders handling multiple asset classes.

When looking at Interactive Brokers and IC Markets trading, the key difference is in their focus. IC Markets is centered around Forex and CFD trading, offering widely used third-party platforms that are easy to navigate. Meanwhile, Interactive Brokers provides proprietary platforms with advanced tools for stock, ETF, and futures trading, which is ideal for investors who want access to different markets.

Traders choosing between the Interactive Brokers and IC Markets platform options should think about how they trade. IC Markets works well for Forex and CFD traders who need fast execution, while Interactive Brokers is a better fit for investors who trade multiple asset classes and need institutional-grade tools.

Trading platforms: Interactive Brokers or IC Markets
Trading platforms	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
MT4	Yes	No
MT5	Yes	No
cTrader	Yes	No
Appropriate platform	IC Markets terminal	IB Trader Workstation, IBKR GlobalTrader, Client Portal
Others	No	No

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: deposit and withdrawal methods

Both Interactive Brokers and IC Markets offer multiple withdrawal methods, including bank wire and card transactions, so traders can transfer money safely. Neteller is also supported for quick funding. However, neither broker allows BTC, Wise, Payoneer, or USDT, which might be a downside for traders who prefer crypto withdrawals. Even so, the Interactive Brokers and IC Markets withdrawal process is efficient, with no extra fees, allowing traders to access their funds without unnecessary costs.

When it comes to the Interactive Brokers and IC Markets minimum deposit, there’s a key difference. IC Markets requires a $200 deposit, making it accessible for Forex and CFD traders. Meanwhile, Interactive Brokers has no required deposit, giving beginners the freedom to start with any amount.

For those considering the Interactive Brokers and IC Markets deposit process, both brokers make it easy for traders to deposit funds using banks or e-wallets. While IC Markets is ideal for Forex traders who need fast access to their trading capital, Interactive Brokers is a good choice for investors who want access to different markets and more funding options.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: deposit and withdrawal methods
Вeposit and withdrawal methods	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
Bank wire	Yes	Yes
Bank сard	Yes	Yes
Neteller	Yes	Yes
BTC	No	No
Wise	No	No
Payoneer	No	No
USDT	No	No

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: research

The Interactive Brokers and IC Markets research types cater to different trader needs. Both brokers provide news feeds, fundamental data, and chart analysis, ensuring traders have access to real-time market insights. These features help traders make informed decisions based on both technical and fundamental factors.

When comparing Interactive Brokers with IC Markets research types, IC Markets offers trading ideas, giving traders potential strategies and market opportunities. Interactive Brokers does not provide trading ideas but focuses more on in-depth market data and analytics, which benefits investors managing diverse portfolios.

Both brokers send email reports, keeping traders updated on market trends. IC Markets is ideal for traders seeking actionable insights, while Interactive Brokers suits those who rely on extensive data for strategic investing.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: research
Research type	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
News feed	Yes	Yes
Fundamental data	Yes	Yes
Chart analysis	Yes	Yes
Trading ideas	Yes	No
E-Mail reports	Yes	Yes

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: education

When it comes to Interactive Brokers and IC Markets, their approach to education provides traders with valuable learning resources. Both brokers offer demo accounts (paper trading), allowing users to test strategies without risk. Additionally, their educational materials include webinars, articles, and videos, helping traders develop a deeper understanding of market trends and trading techniques. Whether someone is interested in Forex trading or broader financial education, Interactive Brokers and IC Markets education programs cater to different learning needs.

For those just starting out, both Interactive Brokers and IC Markets have resources designed for beginners. IC Markets specializes in Forex and CFD trading, making it a great option for new traders who want to understand leverage and execution strategies. On the other hand, Interactive Brokers offers a broader financial education, covering stocks, ETFs, and portfolio management, which can be particularly useful for long-term investors.

Neither broker provides a cent account, meaning beginners must start with a standard account. However, IC Markets is better suited for those who want to focus on Forex trading, while Interactive Brokers is a solid choice for beginners interested in multi-asset investing with professional tools.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: education
Education type	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
Demo-account/Paper trading	Yes	Yes
Webinars	Yes	Yes
Articles	Yes	Yes
Videos	Yes	Yes
Cent account	No	No

Interactive Brokers vs IC Markets: support

The Interactive Brokers and IC Markets support services provide traders with multiple ways to get assistance. Both brokers offer 24/5 customer support, ensuring traders can access help during trading hours. They provide support through email, phone, and online chat, allowing users to resolve issues quickly.

When comparing Interactive Brokers and IC Markets live chat options, IC Markets focuses on direct customer assistance through traditional channels, while Interactive Brokers offers additional support via a community forum and software bug reports, which can be useful for traders needing technical troubleshooting.

Both brokers ensure responsive service, but the choice depends on preference. IC Markets is better for traders who prefer quick, direct support, while Interactive Brokers suits those who appreciate community discussions and technical issue reporting.

Interactive Brokers vs IC Markets: support
Support features	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
Working days	24/5	24/5
E-mail	Yes	Yes
Phone	Yes	Yes
Online chat	Yes	Yes
Other	No	Community forum, Software bug reports

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: Forex bonuses and promo

The promotions and deals available at Interactive Brokers and IC Markets differ significantly. While both brokers provide competitive trading services, their offers do not include traditional Forex bonuses. Interactive Brokers and IC Markets offers vary in structure, with IC Markets focusing on low spreads and strong trading conditions, while Interactive Brokers provides a referral program that allows clients to earn up to $1,000 in IBKR stock when referring new traders.

When evaluating the IC Markets and Interactive Brokers bonus programs, it’s clear that IC Markets prioritizes its trading environment over promotional incentives, whereas Interactive Brokers rewards clients through its referral system. This structure can be particularly useful for traders who actively introduce others to the platform.

Both brokers also have affiliate programs, but their structures cater to different audiences. IC Markets pays affiliates a percentage of trading commissions, making it attractive for professional marketers, while Interactive Brokers offers flat referral payments, giving traders the opportunity to earn stock-based rewards instead.

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: Forex bonuses and promo
Promo	IC Markets	Interactive Brokers
Forex bonus	Not offered	No
Affiliate program	% of trading commissions	As a Referrer you can earn up to USD 1000 of IBKR stock. The Refer a Friend program allows eligible IBKR clients to refer people to IBKR for a flat fee payment. Residents of Japan, Spain and Israel are not eligible to participate in the program.

Conclusion

This IC Markets vs. Interactive Brokers comparison covers fees, trading conditions, platforms, and investment options. IC Markets excels in Forex and CFD trading with low spreads, 1:500 leverage, and MT4/MT5/cTrader platforms, while Interactive Brokers offers 30,000+ assets, no minimum deposit, and advanced proprietary platforms. Both have strong regulations, competitive fees, and educational resources, but IC Markets suits Forex traders, and Interactive Brokers caters to multi-asset investors.

Both brokers provide secure transactions, 24/5 support, and affiliate programs instead of Forex bonuses. IC Markets is best for low-cost, fast-execution Forex trading, while Interactive Brokers is ideal for diverse asset exposure with professional-grade tools. Your choice depends on trading style and market preference.

FAQs

What should I start Forex trading with?

Novice traders should explore trading using a demo account to learn the market and how to work on the trading platform without the risk of suffering losses. At the same time, it is advisable to review the educational materials of the broker and learn trading basics. Then you can deposit the minimum required amount to perform a small number of transactions. If you manage to close several months in a row in the black, without substantial drawdowns on the account, then you can try increasing your deposit. Also trying to copy trades automatically is a good option for a start.

What amount should I start trading with?

The minimum deposit of $10 may be enough to trade on the cent account. However, for trading on Standard/ECN accounts, experts recommend starting with at least $200-500. With this amount, you can use not a very big leverage. Remember, getting carried away with the margin is the main cause of losses among beginners.

What should I take into consideration when choosing a broker?

Experts recommend looking at the broker’s reliability first and foremost. The other important features include basic trading conditions, commissions and fees, and customer reviews. If brokers are approximately the same in terms of basic criteria, you need to choose based on your experience and tasks. One broker may be good for professionals and another – for novice traders.

Is it possible to be scammed by a broker with a license from a reputable regulator?

In theory, yes. But in practice, it takes so much time and money to comply with the requirements of reputable regulators that it is not worth it for scammers to bother obtaining a legitimate license.

Team that worked on the article

Alamin Morshed is a contributor at Traders Union. He specializes in writing articles for businesses that want to improve their Google search rankings to compete with their competition. With expertise in search engine optimization (SEO) and content marketing, he ensures his work is both informative and impactful.

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Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).