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.
Quick Verdict
IC Markets scores higher overall at 9.4/10 vs 9.1/10.
Score Comparison
Trading Conditions
| Condition | IC Markets | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Min Deposit | $200 | None |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.0 pips (Raw), 0.6 pips (Standard) | 0.1 pips (average with commission) |
| Commission | $3.50 per lot per side (Raw), 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 (bank transfer may incur fees from bank) | Free (1 per month, then varies by method) |
Platform Comparison
IC Markets Platforms
- MetaTrader 4
- MetaTrader 5
- cTrader
- TradingView
Standard, Raw Spread, cTrader Raw
Interactive Brokers Platforms
- Trader Workstation (TWS)
- IBKR Mobile
- IBKR GlobalTrader
- Client Portal
Individual, Joint, IRA, Advisors, Institutional
Regulation & Safety
IC Markets Regulation
ICF (Investor Compensation Fund) up to EUR 20,000
Interactive Brokers Regulation
Irish Investor Compensation Scheme up to EUR 20,000
Overall Verdict
IC Markets takes the overall win with a score of 9.4 vs 9.1, winning 4 out of 7 individual categories compared to Interactive Brokers's 3.
In terms of costs, IC Markets also leads on fees. On the regulatory front, IC Markets though Interactive Brokers has a regulatory edge.
Choose IC Markets if you prioritise its strengths in the categories where it leads. Choose Interactive Brokers if you value the specific areas where it scores higher, such as regulation, education, and more.
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.