Head-to-head comparison

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers

A side-by-side look at IC Markets and Interactive Brokers — score, fees, platforms and who each one actually fits best.

IC Markets

Top global candidate
4.8

Active partner program; confirm the available legal entity and trading conditions for your country.

Interactive Brokers

Institutional-grade, lowest cost
4.1

Publicly traded (NASDAQ: IBKR), commission-based pricing instead of spread markup. Affiliate program leans institutional — likely needs direct outreach rather than a self-serve signup.

Quick verdict

IC Markets scores higher overall (4.8 vs 4.1), but a higher score doesn't automatically mean it's the right pick for you.

IC Markets is the stronger fit for low-spread trading, scalping, MT4/MT5/cTrader workflows, while Interactive Brokers is built more around serious traders wanting global market access and low commissions.

Regulation: IC Markets — ASIC (335692), CySEC (362/18), FSA Seychelles (SD018) - operating since 2007. Interactive Brokers — SEC/FINRA (US), FCA (UK) and more.

Minimum deposit: IC Markets — Commonly from $200, depending on entity. Interactive Brokers — No minimum.

Side by side

IC MarketsInteractive Brokers
Best forLow-spread trading, scalping, MT4/MT5/cTrader workflowsSerious traders wanting global market access and low commissions
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingViewTrader Workstation, IBKR Mobile
RegulationASIC (335692), CySEC (362/18), FSA Seychelles (SD018) - operating since 2007SEC/FINRA (US), FCA (UK) and more
Minimum depositCommonly from $200, depending on entityNo minimum

IC Markets strengths

  • Raw spread model
  • Deep platform choice
  • Strong partner program

Interactive Brokers strengths

  • Publicly traded broker
  • Very low commissions
  • Huge global market access

Which one should you pick?

Pick IC Markets if you're mainly after low-spread trading, scalping, MT4/MT5/cTrader workflows. It stands out for raw spread model and deep platform choice.

Pick Interactive Brokers if you're mainly after serious traders wanting global market access and low commissions. It stands out for publicly traded broker and very low commissions.

Common questions

IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers FAQ

Is IC Markets better than Interactive Brokers?

IC Markets scores higher in our rating (4.8 vs 4.1), but Interactive Brokers may still be the better fit if you specifically need serious traders wanting global market access and low commissions.

What's the difference in regulation between IC Markets and Interactive Brokers?

IC Markets: ASIC (335692), CySEC (362/18), FSA Seychelles (SD018) - operating since 2007. Interactive Brokers: SEC/FINRA (US), FCA (UK) and more.

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