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FXCM vs IFC Markets 2026

ForexBrokers.com

Written by ForexBrokers.com

February 05, 2025

In this head to head comparison of FXCM vs IFC Markets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

FXCM
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: Starts from $50
  • Trust Score: 95
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 440
IFC Markets
4/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $1
  • Trust Score: 73
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 630

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.

Regulation

FXCM and IFC Markets are online brokers with different regulatory profiles. FXCM, founded in 1999, is publicly traded and not a bank; IFC Markets, founded in 2006, is not publicly traded and is also not a bank. According to ForexBrokers.com, FXCM has a Trust Score of 95/99 (highly trusted), while IFC Markets scores 73/99 (average risk).

Licensing helps explain the gap. FXCM holds four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses—designations ForexBrokers.com views as highly trusted and trusted, respectively. IFC Markets holds one Tier-1 license and no Tier-2 licenses. On ForexBrokers.com’s scale, 90–99 is highly trusted, 80–89 trusted, 70–79 average risk, 60–69 high risk, and under 59 not trusted.

Feature FXCM logoFXCM
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Year Founded info 1999 2006
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes No
Bank info No No
Tier-1 Licenses info 4 1
Tier-2 Licenses info 2 0
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 0 5

Fees

Comparing commissions and fees, FXCM generally comes in cheaper than IFC Markets on EUR/USD when you use its commission-based pricing, while both have options that can suit different trading styles. FXCM’s commission-based accounts averaged a 0.28-pip core spread in May 2024, with an effective cost near 0.74 pips after commissions; its standard account averaged 0.78 pips in the EU, U.K., and Australia (and 1.38 pips via its St. Vincent & the Grenadines entity). IFC Markets’ average EUR/USD spread is 1.44 pips, while its newer ECN account offers an effective ~1.1 pips after a 0.005% commission on both sides. For commissions and fees, FXCM is rated 4.5/5 stars and ranks 17th out of 63 brokers, whereas IFC Markets is rated 4/5 stars and ranks 32nd out of 63.

FXCM also offers an Active Trader Rebate Program (not available in the U.K. or EU) with five tiers that can return $5–$25 per million traded if you do at least $10 million in monthly volume. Requirements vary by region; for example, in the U.K., a $25,000 balance and $50 million in monthly volume can bring commissions down to $2.50 per side ($5 round-turn), which produced about a 0.78‑pip effective spread based on a 0.28‑pip core. As with any forex broker, remember that spreads can widen during rollover or fast markets.

IFC Markets is simpler on fees: the headline EUR/USD spread averages 1.44 pips, but active traders can improve pricing by switching to the ECN account for about 1.1 pips all-in after commissions. The broker does not charge inactivity fees and offers active-trader discounts, which can help lower total costs over time. Still, for pure EUR/USD costs, FXCM’s commission-based setup typically edges IFC’s standard and ECN pricing, while IFC’s no-inactivity-fee policy may appeal to intermittent traders.

Feature FXCM logoFXCM
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Minimum Deposit info Starts from $50 $1
Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account info 0.9 info 1.44 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.8 info 1.1 info
Non-wire bank transfer info Yes No
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes No
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes No
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.

Featured Offers


Range of investments

FXCM and IFC Markets both support forex trading as CFDs and spot contracts, and each offers copy trading. FXCM lists 440 tradeable symbols with 46 forex pairs, while IFC Markets provides a larger catalogue of 630 symbols and 49 forex pairs. Neither broker lets you buy U.S.-listed exchange-traded stocks directly, but IFC Markets does offer access to actual international shares (not CFDs), which FXCM does not. For crypto, both brokers offer cryptocurrency CFDs but do not support buying delivered crypto.

In ForexBrokers.com’s Range of Investments category, FXCM earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #21 out of 63 brokers, while IFC Markets scores 3.5 stars and ranks #31. Choose FXCM if you prefer a higher-rated range with strong CFD and forex coverage, or consider IFC Markets if you want more total symbols and the ability to buy real international stocks alongside CFD and forex trading.

Feature FXCM logoFXCM
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 440 630
Forex Pairs (Total) info 46 info 49
U.S. Stocks (Shares) info No No
Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) info No Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
Cryptocurrency (Underlying) info No No
Cryptocurrency (CFDs) info 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.

Trading platforms and tools

Comparing FXCM vs IFC Markets on trading platforms and tools: both brokers offer free demo (paper) accounts, proprietary platforms built in-house, a Windows-based desktop download, and a web-based browser platform. Copy trading is available at both, as is MetaTrader 4 (MT4). You can trade directly from charts and use technical indicators for analysis with either broker. The standout difference is MetaTrader 5 (MT5): IFC Markets supports MT5, while FXCM does not.

For quality and recognition, ForexBrokers.com rates FXCM 5 out of 5 stars for Platforms & Tools and ranks it #4 out of 63 brokers. IFC Markets earns 4 out of 5 stars and ranks #29 out of 63. If you want higher-rated platform tools, FXCM is the stronger pick; if MT5 access is essential, IFC Markets is the way to go while still getting desktop and web platforms, a proprietary option, and copy trading.

Feature FXCM logoFXCM
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info No Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 115 30
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.

Forex trading apps

FXCM and IFC Markets both offer mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android. Each app supports stock and forex price alerts, watchlist syncing between mobile and web, drawing trendlines on charts, and auto-saving those drawings. You’ll get the core tools you need on either platform.

The key difference is charting depth. FXCM’s app includes 59 technical studies, while IFC Markets offers 30. FXCM is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #16 out of 63 brokers for Mobile Trading Apps on ForexBrokers.com; IFC Markets is rated 4 stars and ranks #34. If you want a wider range of built-in indicators, FXCM has the edge. If you just need the essentials with alerts and syncing, IFC Markets is a solid option.

Feature FXCM logoFXCM
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Price Alerts info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlists - Syncing info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 59 30
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.

Market research

Both FXCM and IFC Markets publish daily market commentary and include an economic calendar. Each also offers a sentiment tool that shows long and short positioning across markets. Beyond these basics, FXCM pulls ahead by providing forex news from top-tier sources (such as Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones), plus research from Trading Central and stock insights via TipRanks. IFC Markets does not offer those third-party services. Neither broker includes tools from Autochartist or Acuity Trading.

These differences are reflected in independent ratings: FXCM scores 4.5 out of 5 for Research and ranks #11 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while IFC Markets holds 3.5 out of 5 and ranks #30. If premium news and analyst-grade tools are important to you, FXCM is the stronger choice. If you mainly want daily commentary, sentiment data, and an economic calendar, IFC Markets covers those essentials.

Feature FXCM logoFXCM
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Daily Market Commentary (Articles) info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes No
Autochartist info No No
Trading Central info Yes No
Client sentiment data info Yes Yes
TipRanks info Yes No
Acuity Trading info No No
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.

Beginners and education

FXCM vs IFC Markets for beginners: both brokers provide forex and CFD education that clears the basic bar of at least 10 learning pieces. Each offers a sizable set of beginner videos—plus at least 10 advanced videos for when you’re ready to go deeper. One key difference is live learning: FXCM runs client webinars at least once a month, while IFC Markets does not, which can matter if you like interactive sessions and Q&A.

Independent ratings tilt in FXCM’s favor for education overall. FXCM scores 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks 13th out of 63 brokers for Education at ForexBrokers.com. IFC Markets earns 3.5 out of 5 stars and ranks 25th. If live webinars are high on your list, FXCM is the more beginner-friendly choice; if you mainly want video lessons, both brokers can get you started.

Feature FXCM logoFXCM
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Webinars info Yes No
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.

Winner

After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that FXCM is better than IFC Markets. FXCM finished with an overall rank of #10, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #33.

For traders who appreciate advanced trading tools and quality market research, FXCM is a winner, especially for algorithmic trading. Its range of tradeable markets is fairly narrow, however, and the pricing at FXCM is just average.

Feature FXCM logoFXCM
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 95 73
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Trading Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trading Platforms 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 4.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with FXCM or IFC Markets?

FXCM vs IFC Markets: neither online broker lets you buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but both offer cryptocurrency CFD trading.

What funding options does each broker offer?

In a head-to-head comparison of deposit and withdrawal options, FXCM offers ACH/SEPA transfers, PayPal, Skrill, and bank wires, whereas IFC Markets lacks ACH/SEPA, PayPal, and Skrill but does support bank wires, and Visa/Mastercard availability is not specified for either broker.

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Overall Rating FXCM IFC Markets
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trading Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Trading Platforms 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 4.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 95 73
Winner check_circle
Review FXCM Review
Broker Screenshots FXCM IFC Markets
Broker Gallery (click to expand) info
FXCM mobile app watchlist. FXCM web platform. FXCM research web articles market analysis. FXCM education articles
Regulation FXCM IFC Markets
Trust Score info 95 73
Year Founded info 1999 2006
Publicly Traded (Listed) info Yes No
Bank info No No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info
Tier-1 Licenses info 4 1
Tier-2 Licenses info 2 0
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 0 5
Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) FXCM IFC Markets
Australia (ASIC Authorised) info Yes
Canada (CIRO Authorised) info Yes
Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) info No
Japan (FSA Authorised) info No
Singapore (MAS Authorised) info No
Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) info
United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) info Yes
USA (CFTC Authorized) info No
New Zealand (FMA Authorised) info No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info
Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) FXCM IFC Markets
Kenya (CMA Authorised) info
Israel (ISA Authorised) info Yes
South Africa (FSCA Authorised) info Yes Yes
UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) info No
India (SEBI Authorised) info No
Jordan (JSC Authorised) info
Investments FXCM IFC Markets
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 440 630
Forex Pairs (Total) info 46 info 49
U.S. Stocks (Shares) info No No
Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) info No Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
Cryptocurrency (Underlying) info No No
Cryptocurrency (CFDs) info 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 FXCM IFC Markets
Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account info 0.9 info 1.44 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 0.8 info 1.1 info
Inactivity Fee info Yes No
Order execution: Agency info Yes Yes
Order execution: Market Maker info Yes Yes
Funding FXCM IFC Markets
Minimum Deposit info Starts from $50 $1
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes No
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes No
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
Non-wire bank transfer info Yes No
Trading Platforms FXCM IFC Markets
Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Copy Trading info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info No Yes
cTrader info No No
Trading Tools FXCM IFC Markets
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Price Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 115 30
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Charts can be saved info Yes Yes
Mobile Trading FXCM IFC Markets
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Price Alerts info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] info
Mobile Watchlists - Syncing info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 59 30
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave info Yes Yes
Mobile Research - Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Research FXCM IFC Markets
Daily Market Commentary (Articles) info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes No
Autochartist info No No
Trading Central info Yes No
TipRanks info Yes No
Client sentiment data info Yes Yes
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Education FXCM IFC Markets
Webinars info Yes No
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Major Forex Pairs FXCM IFC Markets
GBP/USD [DELETED] info
USD/JPY [DELETED] info
EUR/USD info Yes Yes
USD/CHF [DELETED] info
USD/CAD [DELETED] info
NZD/USD [DELETED] info
AUD/USD [DELETED] info
Review FXCM Review
Overall FXCM IFC Markets
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trading Fees 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Trading Platforms 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 4.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 95 73
Winner check_circle
Review FXCM Review
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