IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers Comparison
Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers IC Markets and Interactive Brokers. Find out which broker is best for you.
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 - IC Markets or Interactive Brokers?
Key differences between the brokers
Below, we show only the differences in trading conditions covered in our reviews. These may include the minimum deposit, available markets, platforms and account types. Compare these details with your requirements.
IC Markets
- Minimum deposit · USD
- 200 USD
- Different platforms
- MetaTrader 5
- MetaTrader 4
- cTrader
- TradingView
- Different markets
- Soft Commodities
- ETF
- Bonds
- Cryptocurrency
Interactive Brokers
- Minimum deposit · USD
- 1 USD
- Different platforms
- IBKR Mobile
- Trader WorkStation (TWS)
- IMPACT
- IBKR Desktop
- Client Portal
- GlobalTrader
- Different markets
- None listed
Comparison Table of IC Markets and Interactive Brokers
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| Broker | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 1977 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.1 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:50 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review |
IC Markets Review
IC Markets is a reliable and versatile broker that offers a wide range of services and tools for trading in the financial markets. The company provides impressive trading instruments, high-quality trading platforms, advanced analytical tools, and valuable education for traders of all levels.
IC Markets is likely most suitable for experienced traders who value deep liquidity, tight spreads, and advanced trading tools. Beginner traders can also benefit from the educational materials offered by the company, but they should be prepared for some additional expenses and a higher minimum deposit requirement.
Pros and Cons of IC Markets
Pros
- A wide range of trading assets.
- Low spreads.
- Variety of trading platforms.
- Quality educational materials.
- Efficient customer support service.
Cons
- High minimum deposit.
IC Markets is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Interactive Brokers Review
Interactive Brokers is one of the largest international brokers, offering extensive opportunities for trading and investing in global financial markets. The company combines high reliability, competitive trading conditions and advanced technological infrastructure. Thanks to its many years of experience, international regulation and continuous service development, Interactive Brokers holds a leading position among brokers for self-directed investing.
Interactive Brokers is primarily suited to experienced traders, active investors and professional market participants who value a wide range of instruments, low fees and advanced trading capabilities. The broker is also an excellent choice for long-term investors building diversified portfolios. For beginners, Interactive Brokers is suitable if they are willing to learn a fairly complex trading infrastructure.
Pros and Cons of Interactive Brokers
Pros
- High reliability and regulation by leading financial authorities.
- A wide range of financial instruments and access to more than 175 markets.
- Low trading commissions and favourable margin lending rates.
- Powerful trading platforms and professional analytical tools.
- A wide range of account types and high-quality educational materials.
Cons
- Complex interface and a steep learning curve for beginners.
- Inconsistent quality of technical support.
- Limited choice of deposit and withdrawal methods.
Interactive Brokers is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Reliability
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| Broker | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 2007 | 1977 |
| Regulated in Countries | Seychelles, Australia, Cyprus, Kenya | United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland |
| Regulators |
IC Markets
IC Markets operates under the regulation of several jurisdictions, including ASIC in Australia, CySEC in Cyprus, and SFSA in the Seychelles, indicating a high degree of regulation.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is highly reliable thanks to strict international regulation, substantial capital and mechanisms protecting client assets.
Pros
- Regulation by SEC, FCA, ASIC and other reputable authorities.
- Strong financial stability and substantial capital.
- Segregation of assets and insurance protection for client accounts.
Cons
- Regulatory fines in 2020 and 2025.
Account Opening
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| Broker | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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IC Markets
The account opening process at IC Markets is well-thought-out, transparent, and detailed, ensuring convenience and ease for clients. However, the high minimum deposit may deter many beginners.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers convenient online account opening with no minimum deposit. However, the detailed application form and strict verification make registration more complex and time-consuming than with many brokers.
Pros
- Fully online registration.
- No minimum deposit.
- Wide choice of account types and base currencies.
Cons
- A lengthy and detailed application form.
- Strict verification requirements.
- Possible delays in document verification.
Account Types
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| Broker | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 3.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.1 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:50 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | Yes | Yes |
| Swap-free Account | Yes | No |
IC Markets
IC Markets' accounts are mainly aimed at experienced and professional traders.
Pros
- ECN accounts
- Ability to copy trades
- Access to VPS
Cons
- No cent accounts
- No fixed spread accounts
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of accounts for investors and traders of all experience levels. Flexible terms, various margin trading modes and specialised accounts can meet virtually any investment need.
Pros
- A wide range of accounts for individual and institutional clients.
- Flexible margin trading options.
- A demo account and no minimum deposit.
Cons
- A complex account type system for beginners.
- High capital requirements for Portfolio Margin.
Commissions
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| Broker | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Spread | from 0 points | from 0.1 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | 0.62 | — |
| Commission | per 1 lot$3.50 | per 1 lot$2.00 |
IC Markets
IC Markets has low commissions. Fees for transactions on ECN accounts and spreads are acceptable to most traders, and the absence of charges for deposits/withdrawals and account inactivity is a significant advantage.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers some of the lowest commissions on the market. Competitive trading rates, favourable margin lending terms and minimal non-trading costs make the broker attractive to traders and investors.
Pros
- Low commissions on stocks, ETFs, Forex and derivatives.
- Favourable margin lending rates.
- No inactivity fee and two free withdrawals per month.
Cons
- Paid subscriptions for some market data.
- A complex fee structure and additional exchange fees.
Deposit and Withdrawal
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| Broker | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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IC Markets
IC Markets offers multiple options for depositing and withdrawing funds, but possible fees from banks and payment systems should be considered, along with some restrictions on withdrawal methods.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers reliable deposit and withdrawal methods with low fees. Support for bank transfers, Wise and stablecoins makes payments convenient, although the availability of these methods depends on the region.
Pros
- No deposit fees.
- Two free withdrawals per month.
- Support for Wise and stablecoins.
Cons
- No direct deposits by bank card or popular e-wallets.
- International bank transfers may take several days.
- The availability of payment methods depends on the country.
Markets and Products
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| Broker | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 61 | 85 |
| Precious Metals | 7 | 2 |
| Energy Carriers | 5 | 2 |
| Soft Commodities | 8 | - |
| Indices | 25 | 13 |
| Stocks | 2175 | 8500 |
| ETF | 38 | - |
| Bonds | 10 | - |
| Cryptocurrency | 21 | - |
IC Markets
IC Markets offers various trading instruments, including currency pairs, CFDs on metals, energy resources, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers an exceptionally wide range of financial instruments with access to more than 175 markets. The variety of assets makes the broker a versatile solution for active trading and long-term investing.
Pros
- Access to more than 175 markets across 40 countries.
- A vast selection of stocks, ETFs, bonds and derivatives.
- Support for Forex, CFDs and cryptocurrencies.
Cons
- The availability of some instruments depends on the country.
Trading Platforms
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| Broker | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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IC Markets
IC Markets provides powerful and functional trading platforms suitable for various trader categories.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of trading platforms with powerful analytical tools, varied order types and automation capabilities. The broker's solutions are suitable for both beginner investors and professional traders.
Pros
- A wide range of desktop, web and mobile platforms.
- Advanced analysis and risk management tools.
- Support for TradingView and algorithmic trading via API.
Cons
- Difficulty learning to use the professional platform TWS.
- Paid subscriptions for some market data.
Analytics
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| Broker | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
IC Markets
IC Markets provides its clients with an extensive set of analytical tools and materials, which can assist them in successful trading in the financial markets.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers powerful analytical resources with professional research, fundamental and technical analysis, market screeners and portfolio assessment tools. The analytics are suitable for both investors and active traders.
Pros
- A wide range of free analytical tools.
- Professional research and market news.
- Advanced risk and portfolio analysis tools.
Cons
- Paid subscriptions for selected research and market data.
- Some tools are complex for beginners.
Education
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| Broker | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
IC Markets
IC Markets offers a wide range of educational resources, from interactive video lessons to webinars and podcasts, demonstrating care for their clients and a commitment to providing all the necessary resources for successful trading.
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers high-quality, diverse education for traders of all levels. Free courses, webinars, video tutorials and practical sessions cover a broad range of topics, from investment basics to complex trading strategies.
Pros
- A wide range of free courses, webinars and podcasts.
- Education for beginners and professionals.
- Practical training using a demo account.
Customer Support
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| Broker | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 3/5 |
| Email Support | ||
| Hotline Phones | ||
| Social Media |
IC Markets
IC Markets provides a variety of communication channels, ensuring support service accessibility for clients. Numerous client reviews indicate the support team's quick response and high professionalism.
Pros
- Positive reviews about professional support
- Multiple channels for support communication
- Support is available 24/7
Cons
- Only international call option is available
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers several contact channels and qualified assistance with trading matters. However, response times and the effectiveness of problem resolution are inconsistent, as reflected in mixed customer reviews.
Pros
- Support by phone, live chat and tickets.
- Nearly 24-hour service on business days.
- Staff expertise in trading matters.
Cons
- Long wait times for responses from support agents.
- Slow resolution of complex issues.
- The need for repeated follow-ups.
Comparisons of IC Markets and Interactive Brokers with other brokers
Conclusion
When choosing between IC Markets and Interactive Brokers, match their platforms, markets, account types and funding terms to your needs.
Before opening an account, verify fees, regulation, support and service availability for your country in the sections above.
FAQ
Which broker is better: IC Markets or Interactive Brokers?
IC Markets ranks higher than Interactive Brokers in our editorial ranking. That does not make it a universal choice: compare fees, markets, platforms, account types and support.
Which broker is better for beginners: IC Markets or Interactive Brokers?
Beginners should compare availability in their country, account types, minimum deposit, trading platforms and customer support.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — IC Markets or Interactive Brokers?
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 IC Markets and Interactive Brokers?
IC Markets: MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, cTrader, TradingView. Interactive Brokers: IBKR Mobile, Trader WorkStation (TWS), IMPACT, IBKR Desktop, Client Portal, GlobalTrader. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with IC Markets and Interactive Brokers?
IC Markets: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Bonds, Cryptocurrency. Interactive Brokers: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by IC Markets and Interactive Brokers?
IC Markets: Standard, Raw Spread cTrader, Raw Spread. Interactive Brokers: Cash, Margin (Reg T), Portfolio Margin. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by IC Markets and Interactive Brokers?
IC Markets: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Bpay, FasaPay, Klarna, Swift, SEPA, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, POLi, Rapidpay. Interactive Brokers: Bpay, Swift, Automated Clearing House (ACH), SEPA, Online banking. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — IC Markets or Interactive Brokers — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
