IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers
Can't decide between IC Markets and Interactive Brokers? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Executive Summary
IC Markets and Interactive Brokers are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. IC Markets scores 97/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, while Interactive Brokers leads with 98/100.
On pricing, IC Markets offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.02 pips vs 0.1 pips). IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, cTrader while Interactive Brokers offers TWS, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR APIs, giving Interactive Brokers more platform options.
For regulation, IC Markets holds licenses from ASIC, CySEC, FSA while Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, FCA, SFC, MAS, CIRO, CBI. Both brokers offer segregated client funds and are considered safe for retail trading.
The Verdicts
Most Trusted
Interactive Brokers scores higher in our TrustMetrics system (98/100) compared to IC Markets (97/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
IC Markets offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0.02 pips, beating the 0.1 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $0, Interactive Brokers is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 97/100 | 98/100 ✓ |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | 0.0 pips | $0 commission (IBKR Lite) |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.02 pips ✓ | 0.1 pips |
| Commission | $7.00/lot | $0.20 min/order |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | 18ms | < 10ms |
| Max Leverage | 1:500 | 1:50 |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 | $0 ✓ |
| Instruments | 2,250+ | 10,000+ |
| Account Types | Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader Raw | IBKR Lite, IBKR Pro |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | TWS, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR APIs |
| Top Regulators | ASIC, CySEC, FSA | SEC, FCA, SFC, MAS, CIRO, CBI |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-2 business days | 1-3 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $0 (No inactivity fee) | $0 (Eliminated in 2021) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Phone | 24/6 Live Chat, Email, Phone, Ticket System |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose IC Markets if...
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You prefer cTrader's advanced order management
- ✓You are a scalper or algorithmic trader
Choose Interactive Brokers if...
- ✓You want to start with a very low minimum deposit
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
IC Markets Overview
Advantages
- ✓ True 0.0 pip spreads during London and NY sessions
- ✓ Industry-leading 18ms execution speed
- ✓ Free Equinix NY4 VPS for active traders
- ✓ No trading restrictions (perfect for EAs)
- ✓ Transparent $6/lot commission on cTrader
Drawbacks
- × No proprietary trading platform or TradingView integration
- × Education section is basic compared to competitors
- × No deposit bonus or welcome offers
Interactive Brokers Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Access to 150+ markets in 34 countries — unmatched global reach
- ✓ Publicly traded on NASDAQ (IBKR) with $15B+ market cap — ultimate transparency
- ✓ Industry-lowest margin rates starting at 5.83% (Benchmark + 1.5%)
- ✓ Fractional shares, options, futures, bonds, and forex all in one account
- ✓ Advanced order types and algos via Trader Workstation (TWS)
- ✓ IBKR Lite offers $0 commissions on US stocks and ETFs
Drawbacks
- × TWS has a steep learning curve — intimidating for complete beginners
- × No MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 support
- × Customer support can have long wait times during peak hours
- × Limited deposit methods — no e-wallet support (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal)
- × Currency conversion fee of 0.002% (min $2) for non-base currency trades
Algorithmic Deep Dive
Data Updated: Sep 2026🛡️ Safety & Regulation
Tier-1 Licenses
💸 Pricing Economics
⚡ Technical Capabilities & Execution
Platform Support
- MT4✓✗
- MT5✓✗
- cTrader✓✗
- TradingView✗✗
IC Markets Execution
You get the standard suite: MT4, MT5, and cTrader. Our recommendation? Skip MetaTrader and use cTrader. The Level 2 pricing depth and advanced order management are vastly superior for scalping. We ran automated EAs 24/5 on MT5 without a single dropped connection or rejected order.
Interactive Brokers Execution
IBKR offers four platforms: the legendary Trader Workstation (TWS), the newer IBKR Desktop, the mobile app, and the web-based Client Portal. TWS remains the most powerful retail trading platform ever built — featuring 100+ order types, advanced algorithmic execution, real-time risk analytics, and options strategy builders. IBKR Desktop is a more modern, streamlined alternative that's easier to learn. Both performed flawlessly during our testing with sub-10ms execution speeds.
The Bottom Line: IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers
- ✓ Scalping
- ✓ Algorithmic Trading
- ✓ Low Spreads
- ✓ ECN Trading
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0.02 pips)
- ✓ Global Market Access
- ✓ Low Margin Rates
- ✓ Professional Trading
- ✓ Multi-Asset Investing
- ✓ Institutional-Grade Execution
- ✓ No minimum deposit
Both brokers are featured in our top broker rankings. Your choice should depend on your specific trading style, preferred platform, and geographical location.
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