FXCM vs IFC Markets Comparison: Which Is Better for Traders?
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - FXCM or IFC Markets?
Our pick: IFC Markets
Based on multiple factors - spreads and fees, available assets and instruments, execution quality, platform usability, support level, and educational resources - IFC Markets looks preferable to FXCM.
IFC Markets scored 4.3/5 and ranks 26 in our all Forex brokers list, whereas FXCM has 4.3/5 and ranks 28.
This is not financial advice. See the full comparison below.
Who is FXCM suitable for?
FXCM is suitable for traders of all levels. Beginners will find educational materials and helpful analytics, while experienced traders will appreciate various instruments and flexible platforms.
Who is IFC Markets suitable for?
IFC Markets is suitable for traders looking for various trading instruments and platforms but may not be ideal for those who require an ECN account.
Comparison Table of FXCM and IFC Markets
| Broker | FXCM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1999 | 2005 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Canada, Israel, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | British Virgin Islands, Malaysia |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.4 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:400 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Review | FXCM Review | IFC Markets Review |
FXCM Review
FXCM represents a comprehensive solution that will benefit traders of all levels — from beginners to professionals. Beginners will appreciate the accessible educational materials and analytics, while experienced traders can use various instruments and flexible platform settings.
However, it's essential to consider drawbacks such as fees for account inactivity and the limited variety of trading accounts. These factors may be particularly significant for traders who do not plan to trade actively or are looking for more options for customization.
The broker offers a good balance between high-quality services and reasonable rates, making it an attractive choice for a broad spectrum of traders.
Pros and Cons of FXCM
Pros
- Diverse methods for deposit and withdrawal.
- Wide range of markets and products for trading.
- A broad spectrum of trading platforms.
- Extensive and quality materials for making informed decisions.
- Quick and efficient help in solving emerging issues.
Cons
- Insufficient variety of trading accounts.
- Inactivity fees and commissions for bank transfer withdrawals.
- Protracted account opening and verification process.
FXCM is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
IFC Markets Review
IFC Markets is a reliable and licensed broker, offering a broad spectrum of trading instruments and platforms for investors of various experience levels. With multilingual support and extensive educational resources, the company aims to provide its clients with a comfortable and efficient trading environment.
IFC Markets could be a suitable choice for investors seeking a variety of trading instruments and platforms.
Pros and Cons of IFC Markets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Educational materials for traders of all experience levels.
- Tools for creating synthetic tools are available.
Cons
- High swaps.
IFC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
| Broker | FXCM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1999 | 2005 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Canada, Israel, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | British Virgin Islands, Malaysia |
| Regulators |
FXCM
FXCM is a well-regulated broker with numerous licenses from various global organizations.
IFC Markets
The broker demonstrates high reliability, confirmed by multi-jurisdictional regulation and professional indemnity insurance.
Pros
- Multi-jurisdictional regulation.
- Insurance against professional liability.
Cons
- Lack of regulation in countries with stricter requirements.
Account Opening
| Broker | FXCM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
FXCM
The account opening process at FXCM is logically organized and efficient, providing clear steps for traders. The structured system and quick verification make this process convenient and straightforward.
Pros
- Clear and structured registration form.
Cons
- Verification waiting time can take up to 3 days.
IFC Markets
Opening an account with IFC Markets is relatively simple and convenient.
Account Types
| Broker | FXCM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
|
|
| Minimum Deposit |
|
|
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.4 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:1000 | 1:400 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Demo Account | ||
| Swap-free Account |
FXCM
FXCM offers two types of accounts: Mini for beginners and Standard for experienced traders. Although the choice is not vast, both accounts are well adapted for their target audiences.
Pros
- Mini account available - akin to a cent account.
- Option for copy trading through ZuluTrade.
- Demo and Islamic accounts available.
Cons
- Limited selection of account types.
- No account with fixed spreads.
IFC Markets
IFC Markets offers a good selection of accounts that meet the requirements of various categories of traders, though there are some limitations.
Pros
- A wide selection of trading accounts.
- Swap-free accounts for Islamic traders.
- PAMM accounts available.
Cons
- Absence of STP and ECN accounts.
Commissions
| Broker | FXCM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 3.2/5 | 3/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.4 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 1.2 | 1.4 |
| Commission per Lot |
FXCM
Commissions at FXCM are average. The broker offers favorable conditions for long-term trading thanks to competitive spreads and swaps. However, there is an inactivity fee and a fee for fund withdrawal.
Pros
- Competitive spreads and swaps.
- Rebate program for active traders.
Cons
- Inactivity fee.
- Fee for withdrawals via bank transfer.
IFC Markets
IFC Markets offers competitive spreads, but high swaps can make long-term trading difficult.
Deposit and Withdrawal
| Broker | FXCM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
|
|
FXCM
FXCM offers a wide range of methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, including cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- Variety of deposit methods.
- Fast processing of withdrawal requests.
- No broker commissions for depositing.
Cons
- Commission for withdrawals via bank transfer.
IFC Markets
IFC Markets provides numerous methods for depositing and withdrawing funds without additional commissions, ensuring convenience and savings for traders.
Pros
- Wide choice of deposit and withdrawal methods.
- No broker commissions on financial transactions.
Cons
- Withdrawals can only be made through the same method as deposits.
- Withdrawal requests may take up to 2 business days to process.
Markets and Products
| Broker | FXCM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 41 | 53 |
| Precious Metals | 3 | 7 |
| Energy Carriers | 7 | 4 |
| Soft Commodities | 4 | 16 |
| Indices | 15 | 12 |
| Stocks | 3512 | 461 |
| ETF | 280 | 4 |
| Cryptocurrency | 23 | 14 |
FXCM
FXCM provides a wide range of trading instruments, making it attractive for various categories of traders. Different markets, from Forex to stocks and cryptocurrencies, are available.
Pros
- Good selection of markets and instruments.
Cons
- Some competitors have even more CFDs.
IFC Markets
IFC Markets offers extensive financial instruments, providing flexibility for traders' diverse strategies.
Trading Platforms
| Broker | FXCM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
FXCM
FXCM offers a wide choice of trading platforms with high functionality, meeting the needs of different traders.
Pros
- Wide choice of platforms for different trading styles.
- Advanced analytical tools in Trading Station.
- Support for algorithmic and social trading through Capitalise AI and ZuluTrade.
IFC Markets
The IFCM platforms include MT4, MT5, and the proprietary NetTradeX terminal, offering a broad selection with advanced features.
Analytics
| Broker | FXCM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
FXCM
FXCM offers comprehensive analytical tools, from trading signals to expert research. These resources not only simplify trading decisions but also help to improve strategy.
Pros
- Wide range of analytical tools.
- Professional signals and market analysis.
- Personalized trading applications.
Cons
- Some tools may require a subscription or active account.
- Lack of analytics localization in different languages.
IFC Markets
IFCM provides a comprehensive analytical toolkit but lacks automated updates for economic news and some tools for self-analysis.
Education
| Broker | FXCM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 5/5 |
FXCM
The broker offers quality webinars and helpful guides that make the learning process informative and interactive.
Pros
- Webinars with experts for direct interaction.
- Detailed Forex guides.
- Materials suitable for traders of all levels.
Cons
- Lack of video courses.
- No podcasts for audio learning.
IFC Markets
The wealth and quality of educational resources presented by IFCM set the broker apart from competitors.
Customer Support
| Broker | FXCM | IFC Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Email Support |
|
|
| Hotline Phones |
|
|
| Social Media |
Whatsapp
YouTube
Twitter
Skype
Telegram
Messenger
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedInFXCM
FXCM's technical support is highly rated for its variety of communication channels and quick response. Customer reviews confirm the professionalism and efficiency of the staff.
Pros
- Multiple channels of communication, including WhatsApp and live chat.
- Available 24/5.
- High degree of customer satisfaction.
Cons
- There may be telephone charges for international calls.
IFC Markets
Customers highly rate the technical support of IFC Markets for its rapid and professional service, though it is unavailable 24/7.
Comparisons of FXCM and IFC Markets with other brokers
Conclusion
IFC Markets stands out as the better overall pick, while FXCM trails on aggregate criteria.
IFC Markets scored 4.3/5 and ranks 26 in our rating; FXCM has 4.3/5 and ranks 28.
We explain the reasons above in detail — fees, platforms, reliability, support, and more.
FAQ
Which broker is better: FXCM or IFC Markets?
IFC Markets comes out ahead by overall rank (score 4.3/5, position 26) versus FXCM (score 4.3/5, position 28).
Which broker is better for beginners: FXCM or IFC Markets?
IFC Markets is often a smoother start thanks to simpler onboarding and stronger baseline metrics. Still, your tools and budget should drive the final choice.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — FXCM or IFC Markets?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with FXCM and IFC Markets?
FXCM: MetaTrader 4, Trading Station, TradingView. IFC Markets: NetTradeX, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with FXCM and IFC Markets?
FXCM: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. IFC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by FXCM and IFC Markets?
FXCM: Standard. IFC Markets: NetTradeX Standard Fixed, NetTradeX Standard Floating, NetTradeX Beginner Fixed, NetTradeX Beginner Floating, MT4 Standard Fixed, MT4 Micro Fixed, MT5 Standard Floating, MT5 Micro Floating. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by FXCM and IFC Markets?
FXCM: Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, Swift, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, UnionPay. IFC Markets: Volet, WebMoney, Perfect Money, Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — FXCM or IFC Markets — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
