IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers
Head-to-head comparison of fees, platforms, regulation, and trading conditions to help you choose the right EU broker in 2026.
CFD risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Quick Verdict
Score Comparison
Trading Conditions
| Condition | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Min Deposit | $200 | None |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw Spread), 0.6 pips (Standard) | 0.1 pips (average with commission) |
| Commission | $3.50 per lot per side (Raw Spread), None (Standard) | $2.00 per lot (tiered, volume-based discounts) |
| Leverage (Retail) | 30:1 | 30:1 |
| Leverage (Pro) | 500:1 | 200:1 |
| Swap-Free | Yes | No |
| Withdrawal Fee | Free (broker absorbs international wire fees up to certain volumes) | Free (1 per month, then varies by method) |
Platform Comparison
IC Markets Platforms
- MetaTrader 4
- MetaTrader 5
- cTrader
- TradingView
Standard, Raw Spread (MT4/MT5), Raw Spread (cTrader)
Interactive Brokers Platforms
- Trader Workstation (TWS)
- IBKR Mobile
- IBKR GlobalTrader
- Client Portal
Individual, Joint, IRA, Advisors, Institutional
Regulation & Safety
IC Markets Regulation
ASIC
CySEC
FSAICF up to EUR 20,000 (via CySEC entity)
Interactive Brokers Regulation
SEC
FCA
CBI
MNBIrish Investor Compensation Scheme up to EUR 20,000
Overall Verdict
Both brokers score equally overall at 9.1/10. The best choice depends on your specific priorities: review the individual category scores above to decide which broker better fits your trading style.
CFD Risk Warning
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
This website is for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute investment advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. EU retail leverage limits apply (ESMA): up to 30:1 on major FX pairs, 20:1 on minor FX, 20:1 on major indices, 10:1 on commodities, 5:1 on equities, 2:1 on crypto.