menuclose
Back to Main Menu
ForexBrokers.com is committed to the highest ethical standards and reviews services independently. Learn How We Make Money

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 and IFC Markets both earn 4 stars for commissions and fees, but they place differently in our rankings: FXCM sits at #17 of 63 brokers, while IFC Markets is #32 of 63. FXCM’s pricing for forex is slightly higher than the industry average on standard accounts, yet it can become more competitive with its commission-based pricing and volume discounts. IFC Markets’ standard spreads are higher than average, though its ECN account narrows costs and the broker doesn’t charge inactivity fees.

FXCM’s EUR/USD spreads in May 2024 averaged 0.78 pips for its EU, U.K., and Australia entities, and 1.38 pips for its St. Vincent and the Grenadines entity. Its commission-based accounts averaged 0.28 pips (spread only) in May 2024, with an effective cost around 0.74 pips after adding the commission-equivalent of about 0.50 pips per round turn. FXCM’s Active Trader Rebate Program (not available in the U.K. or EU) offers five tiers of rebates from $5 to $25 per million traded, starting at $10 million in monthly volume. As an example, in the U.K. a $25,000 balance and $50 million monthly volume can reduce commissions to $2.50 per side ($5 round turn), bringing the effective EUR/USD cost to about 0.78 pips based on a 0.28-pip core price. Note that spreads can widen during rollover or unusual market conditions.

IFC Markets’ average EUR/USD spread is 1.44 pips, which is higher than the 1.08-pip industry average. For active traders, its ECN account can lower the effective spread to about 1.1 pips after a 0.005% commission on both sides of a trade. The broker’s lack of inactivity fees and available active-trader discounts add some value, but compared with FXCM’s best commission-based and rebate-enabled rates, IFC Markets will often be pricier unless you prefer the simplicity of its ECN setup.

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

Comparing FXCM vs IFC Markets for range of investments: both brokers let you trade forex as CFDs or spot contracts. FXCM lists 440 tradeable symbols and 46 currency pairs, while IFC Markets offers 630 symbols and 49 pairs. Both support copy trading and cryptocurrency CFDs, but neither allows buying actual crypto.

Neither broker offers exchange-traded U.S. shares; however, IFC Markets does provide access to exchange-traded international securities, while FXCM does not. For Range of Investments, both are rated 3.5 out of 5 stars. That said, ForexBrokers.com ranks FXCM 21st out of 63 brokers and IFC Markets 31st, meaning FXCM scores higher in the category even though IFC Markets lists more symbols and includes international share access.

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 3.5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Trading Fees 4/5 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.

More Comparisons

FXCM vs FOREX.com FXCM vs IUX FXCM vs Tickmill FXCM vs IFC Markets FXCM vs Pepperstone FXCM vs XTB IFC Markets vs Pepperstone IFC Markets vs Trading 212 IFC Markets vs IUX IFC Markets vs Interactive Brokers IFC Markets vs XM Group IFC Markets vs FOREX.com

Show all



announcementPlease 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.

Select Brokers

↓×
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxActivTrades
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAvaTrade
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBlackBull Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCapital.com
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCharles Schwab
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCity Index
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCMC Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxEightcap
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxeToro
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxExness
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFOREX.com
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFP Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFXCM
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFxPro
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHFM
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHYCM (Henyep Capital Markets)
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIC Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIFC Markets
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIG
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxInteractive Brokers
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIUX
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxOANDA
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxOcta
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxPepperstone
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxPlus500
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxQuestrade
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSaxo
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSpreadex
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSwissquote
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTickmill
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTrading 212
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxVantage
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxXM Group
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxXTB

Compare

0 of 5
× FXCM
× IFC Markets
Sponsored

+ Add Broker

Close Menu ×

navigate_before navigate_next
Overall Rating FXCM IFC Markets
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trading Fees 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 3.5/5 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 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 (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 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 3.5/5 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
arrow_upward

close
navigate_before navigate_next