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FXCM vs IFC Markets 2025

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 both well-established online brokers, with FXCM having been founded in 1999, and IFC Markets entering the scene in 2006. FXCM is publicly traded, adding an extra layer of transparency for investors, while IFC Markets is privately held. Neither company operates as a bank, which is something potential investors often consider when evaluating their options.

When it comes to trust and regulation, FXCM stands out with a high Trust Score of 95 out of 99 on ForexBrokers.com, backed by four Tier-1 licenses and two Tier-2 licenses. In comparison, IFC Markets has a Trust Score of 73, reflecting an average risk profile with no Tier-1 licenses, but holding one Tier-2 license. These factors are crucial for investors aiming to assess the security and reliability of their chosen online broker.

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 0
Tier-2 Licenses info 2 1
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 0 1

Fees

FXCM vs. IFC Markets: on commissions and fees, FXCM typically delivers lower trading costs on EUR/USD than IFC Markets, though FXCM’s pricing is described as slightly higher than the industry average overall. Using May 2024 data, FXCM’s standard account averaged 0.78 pips in the EU, U.K., and Australia (1.38 pips for its St. Vincent & the Grenadines entity). FXCM’s commission-based pricing averaged a 0.28-pip core spread, with an effective cost around 0.74 pips after commission. By comparison, IFC Markets’ average EUR/USD spread is 1.44 pips (above the 1.08-pip industry average), while its ECN account posts an effective 1.1 pips after the 0.005% commission on both sides. Ratings and rankings: FXCM earns 4 stars and ranks #25 of 63 for Commissions and Fees; IFC Markets also earns 4 stars and ranks #40 of 63.

FXCM offers tiered active-trader pricing that can lower costs for high-volume clients. The Active Trader Rebate Program (not available in the U.K. or EU) has five tiers and requires at least $10 million in monthly volume, paying rebates from $5 to $25 per million traded. In the U.K., qualified accounts (e.g., $25,000 balance and $50 million monthly volume) can see commissions reduced to $2.50 per side ($5 round-turn), which can keep effective EUR/USD costs near 0.78 pips based on a 0.28-pip core quote. As with most brokers, spreads can widen during rollover or volatile market conditions.

IFC Markets’ headline spread of 1.44 pips on EUR/USD is less competitive than many peers, but its ECN account narrows the effective cost to about 1.1 pips after commission. The broker does not charge inactivity fees and offers active-trader discounts, which can help frequent traders. Overall, IFC Markets holds a 4-star rating for Commissions and Fees and ranks #40 of 63, while FXCM also holds 4 stars and ranks higher at #25.

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.

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Range of investments

Comparing the range of investments, IFC Markets offers a wider selection with 630 tradeable symbols versus FXCM’s 440. IFC Markets also edges out FXCM on currency choice, with 49 forex pairs compared to 46. Both brokers let you trade forex as either CFDs or spot, support copy trading, and offer cryptocurrency CFDs (but not actual coins).

When it comes to exchange-traded shares, neither broker offers access to U.S. stocks. FXCM does not provide exchange-traded international shares, while IFC Markets does offer exchange-traded securities on international exchanges. For Range of Investments, both earn 3.5 out of 5 stars. In the ForexBrokers.com rankings, IFC Markets places #44 out of 63 brokers, while FXCM ranks #48.

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

FXCM vs IFC Markets: both brokers check the key boxes for trading platforms and tools. Each offers a free demo account for paper trading, a proprietary in-house platform, a Windows desktop download, and a web-based platform. Copy trading is available at both, and each supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4). If you need MetaTrader 5 (MT5), IFC Markets has it while FXCM does not. Both also let you place trades directly from charts. Specific counts for chart indicators and watchlist fields weren’t provided.

When it comes to quality scores, ForexBrokers.com rates FXCM 5 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools and ranks it #6 out of 63 brokers, while IFC Markets earns 4 stars and ranks #37. In short, choose FXCM if you prioritize higher-rated platform tools, and consider IFC Markets if MT5 access is a must for your strategy.

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, so you can trade on the go. Each app supports price alerts to help you track forex or stocks and offers watchlist syncing, meaning the lists you create on your phone match what you see in your web account. Both apps let you draw trendlines on charts, and your drawings auto-save, so your analysis stays put when you reopen the app.

Where they differ most is charting depth and overall ratings. FXCM packs in 59 technical studies compared with 30 at IFC Markets, giving chart-focused traders more tools to work with. According to ForexBrokers.com, FXCM’s mobile app earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #16 out of 63 brokers, while IFC Markets scores 4 stars and ranks #53. If you want more indicators and a higher-rated experience, FXCM stands out. If you need the essentials—alerts, synced watchlists, and drawing tools—IFC Markets still covers the basics well.

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

Comparing market research features, both FXCM and IFC Markets provide daily market commentary, an economic calendar, and a sentiment tool that shows the long/short ratio across instruments. FXCM goes further with forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, plus third‑party research from Trading Central and TipRanks. Neither broker offers tools from Autochartist or Acuity Trading.

These differences show up in the scores: FXCM earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for Research and ranks #11 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while IFC Markets scores 3.5 stars and ranks #41. If you want premium news and extra research add‑ons, FXCM is the stronger pick; if you only need the essentials—commentary, calendar, and sentiment—IFC Markets covers the basics.

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

Comparing FXCM vs IFC Markets for beginner education: both brokers provide forex and CFD education with well over 10 learning pieces. Each offers at least 10 beginner videos and at least 10 advanced videos, so you can move from the basics to more advanced strategies at your own pace. FXCM also runs online client webinars at least once a month, giving beginners a chance to ask questions live, while IFC Markets does not offer monthly webinars.

Independent ratings back up the difference in depth and delivery. FXCM’s education earns 4.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #14 out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. IFC Markets scores 3.5 out of 5 stars and ranks #30. If you want frequent live sessions plus strong overall education, FXCM is the better fit; if you mainly want on-demand videos, both brokers cover beginner and advanced topics.

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 #15, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.

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 3.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 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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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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Overall Rating FXCM IFC Markets
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 3.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 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 0
Tier-2 Licenses info 2 1
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 0 1
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 (SFC 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
Commissions & Fees 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 3.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 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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