Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Capital.com vs IFC Markets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 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.
Capital.com, established in 2016, and IFC Markets, founded in 2006, both offer online brokerage services, yet differ significantly in their regulatory standings. Capital.com boasts a higher ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 87, marking it as a trusted platform. In comparison, IFC Markets holds a Trust Score of 73, placing it in the average risk category. Neither company is publicly traded or operates as a bank. However, Capital.com holds three Tier-1 licenses, renowned for high trust, while IFC Markets has none. Both brokers maintain one Tier-2 license, recognized as trusted but less stringent than Tier-1 regulations.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2016 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
Capital.com offers competitive pricing that slightly surpasses the industry standard. It provides options for universal accounts catering to retail traders and professional accounts for those qualifying as elective professional traders, with the caveat that professional clients do not enjoy the same regulatory protections as retail clients. The average spread for the EUR/USD pair is notably low at 0.67 pips, which was confirmed to be 0.6712 in April 2024. This makes Capital.com an attractive option for those seeking cost-effective forex trading. Capital.com is rated at 5 stars for commissions and fees and is ranked #3 out of 63 brokers in the Commissions and Fees category by ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, IFC Markets presents an average spread for the EUR/USD pair at 1.44, higher than the industry average of 1.08, and thus, slightly less competitive. However, for active traders, IFC Markets offers an ECN account where effective spreads improve to 1.1 pips, accounting for a 0.005% commission on both trade sides. Furthermore, IFC Markets does not charge inactivity fees and offers discounts for active trading, adding financial incentives for frequent traders. For its commissions and fees, IFC Markets holds a 4-star rating and ranks #39 among 63 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.67 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.67 | 1.1 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing the range of investments available through online brokers Capital.com and IFC Markets, traders will find different strengths with each platform. Capital.com offers a broad selection with 5,585 tradeable symbols, including 125 forex pairs as CFDs, giving users numerous options to explore. While it doesn’t support the trading of exchange-traded securities on either U.S. or international exchanges, it does offer cryptocurrency derivatives. IFC Markets, on the other hand, provides 630 tradeable symbols and 49 forex pairs as CFDs. Although its range is narrower, IFC Markets does allow trading of exchange-traded securities on international exchanges, and it supports copy trading for those interested in mirroring the strategies of other traders.
Both platforms accommodate cryptocurrency trading through derivatives but not through actual delivery. In terms of ratings and rankings for their range of investments, Capital.com receives a commendable 4.5 stars and holds the 21st spot out of 63 brokers ranked by ForexBrokers.com. On the flip side, IFC Markets is rated at 3.5 stars and ranks 43rd in the same category. This comparison highlights Capital.com as a leading choice for those seeking a wider variety of tradeable options, while IFC Markets might attract those interested in copy trading and international exchange securities.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5585 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 125 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
When comparing online trading platforms, Capital.com and IFC Markets both offer comprehensive tools to cater to traders of all levels, but they have their distinctions. Both brokers support simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts, which is ideal for beginners to practice without risk. Each also offers proprietary platforms and MetaTrader 4 (MT4), along with Windows-based, desktop download, and web-based trading platforms for versatile access. However, IFC Markets provides a slightly broader range of platform compatibility by offering MetaTrader 5 (MT5), while Capital.com does not. Copy trading is available with IFC Markets, but not with Capital.com, offering a unique avenue for traders interested in mimicking the strategies of successful investors.
Charting tools further differentiate the two, with Capital.com providing a rich suite of 60 drawing tools compared to IFC Markets' 15, although both allow trading directly from stock charts. For watch lists, Capital.com also offers greater customizability with 11 columns compared to IFC Markets’ 7. These enhancements likely contribute to Capital.com’s superior rank for trading platforms and tools, rated 4.5 stars and ranked #10 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, IFC Markets holds a 4-star rating and is positioned at #36. Overall, both brokers offer reliable and efficient platforms but cater to slightly different needs and preferences in the trading community.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 97 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 60 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of Capital.com and IFC Markets, both offer apps for iPhone and Android, enabling users to trade on the go. They both support features like stock and forex price alerts, as well as the ability to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames. Moreover, each app provides 30 technical studies for charting and allows the creation of watchlists with real-time quotes. However, there's a notable difference in watchlist symbol syncing. Capital.com's app does not sync watchlists with the online account, whereas IFC Markets offers this functionality, ensuring seamless access to watchlists across platforms.
In terms of user ratings and rankings, Capital.com edges ahead with a 4.5-star rating compared to IFC Markets' 4-star rating for their mobile trading apps. According to ForexBrokers.com, Capital.com is ranked 11th out of 63 brokers in the Mobile Trading Apps category, showcasing its higher standing compared to IFC Markets, which is ranked 52nd. Whether you prioritize higher ratings or seamless syncing, both apps provide strong foundations for mobile trading, catering to different user preferences and needs.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Both Capital.com and IFC Markets provide daily market commentary, ensuring that traders have access to the latest insights. However, Capital.com distinguishes itself by delivering forex news from renowned sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, a feature not available on IFC Markets. Although neither platform incorporates advanced analysis tools from Autochartist or Trading Central, they both support sentiment-based trading tools that help traders gauge market mood by showing the ratio of long or short positions on various instruments.
When it comes to exclusive market research, Capital.com once again stands out with offerings from TipRanks, unlike IFC Markets. Both brokers provide an economic calendar, keeping traders informed about key global events. Ultimately, Capital.com receives a higher rating for research with 4.5 stars, ranking 14th out of 63 brokers, while IFC Markets holds a lower spot with 3.5 stars, ranked 40th according to ForexBrokers.com.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources available for beginners at Capital.com and IFC Markets, both brokers provide a wealth of knowledge to help new traders get acquainted with forex and CFDs. Both platforms offer at least ten educational pieces in various formats such as articles, videos, and archived webinars, all focusing on these trading subjects. Despite their rich content offerings, neither broker holds live educational webinars monthly. However, Capital.com pulls ahead by offering a searchable archive of previously recorded webinars, providing more resource accessibility for learners.
In terms of video education, both Capital.com and IFC Markets provide at least ten beginner and ten advanced trading videos, catering to both novice and seasoned traders. They also offer an investor dictionary with over 50 investing terms, aiding in demystifying trading jargon. Ratings and rankings reinforce these findings, with Capital.com receiving a 4.5-star rating and securing the 8th spot out of 63 brokers in the Education category according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, IFC Markets has a 3.5-star rating and is ranked 30th. This indicates that Capital.com may offer a slightly more comprehensive educational experience for budding traders.
| Feature |
Capital.com
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Capital.com is better than IFC Markets. Capital.com finished with an overall rank of #10, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
Capital.com stands out for its quality research, strong educational content, and innovative web platform. Capital.com holds fewer regulatory licenses and offers a narrower range of markets than some of the best brokers, but still significantly outperforms the industry average.
| Feature |
Capital.com
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IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 87 | 73 |
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Both Capital.com and IFC Markets do not offer the option to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they both allow investors to purchase cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers Capital.com and IFC Markets, Capital.com provides more diverse payment options, allowing deposits and withdrawals via PayPal, Skrill, Visa/Mastercard, and bank wires, while IFC Markets supports only Visa/Mastercard and bank wires, with neither supporting ACH or SEPA transfers.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 87 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Capital.com Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
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| Regulation | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 87 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2016 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5585 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 125 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.67 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.67 | 1.1 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $10 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 97 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 60 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | Capital.com Review |
| Overall | Capital.com | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 87 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Capital.com Review |
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