Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Markets.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.
When evaluating online brokers, it is important to consider their regulatory standings and trust ratings to ensure your investments are in safe hands. Markets.com, established in 1999, has built a strong reputation in the industry with a Trust Score of 93 out of 99, reflecting a highly trusted status according to ForexBrokers.com. This broker holds three highly trusted Tier-1 licenses and one trusted Tier-2 license, which adds to its reliability, although it is neither publicly traded nor a bank.
IFC Markets, which came onto the scene in 2006, holds a Trust Score of 73 out of 99. This score indicates an average risk profile, supported by the broker's single Tier-2 license while lacking any Tier-1 licenses. Like Markets.com, IFC Markets is not listed on a stock exchange and does not operate as a bank. When selecting between these brokers, Markets.com may offer a more secure regulatory framework, making it a noteworthy option for those prioritizing trust and protection in their trading activities.
| Feature |
Markets.com
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1999 | 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 | 1 | 1 |
When comparing Markets.com and IFC Markets in terms of commissions and fees, investors can identify distinct differences. At Markets.com, we lack specific average spread data, so potential customers need to consider other criteria when evaluating its cost structure. Markets.com is rated 3.5 stars for commissions and fees by ForexBrokers.com, placing it at rank #50 among 63 brokers in this category. This suggests that while Markets.com offers certain advantages, it might not be the best choice for those focused solely on trading costs.
On the other hand, IFC Markets displays a clearer picture with regards to its fees. The average spread for trading EUR/USD at 1.44 is above the industry average of 1.08, making it less attractive for cost-conscious traders. However, IFC Markets provides a competitive edge for active traders through its new ECN account, where effective spreads improve to 1.1 pips after incorporating a 0.005% commission on both trade sides. Additionally, the lack of inactivity fees and availability of active trader discounts add further financial benefits for dedicated users. IFC Markets receives a higher rating of 4 stars, securing the #39 position out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com's list for the Commissions and Fees category.
In summary, while Markets.com offers a moderate fee structure without detailed spread data, IFC Markets stands out with its specialized accounts and absence of inactivity charges, potentially making it more attractive for busy traders. Understanding these differences can help investors choose the broker that best aligns with their trading activity and financial goals.
| Feature |
Markets.com
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 1.1 |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | 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.
Markets.com and IFC Markets both offer a variety of investment options, making them popular choices among online brokers. Markets.com provides a wider range of tradeable symbols, offering 2,179 options, compared to IFC Markets' 630. In terms of forex pairs, Markets.com also leads with 57 available pairs, while IFC Markets offers 49. Both platforms allow users to engage in forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts and provide the opportunity to trade in cryptocurrency derivatives, although neither offers the ability to purchase actual cryptocurrencies. Additionally, both Markets.com and IFC Markets support copy trading.
Despite their similarities, a key difference lies in the availability of exchange-traded securities. Markets.com does not offer clients the ability to invest in exchange-traded securities on either U.S. or international exchanges. IFC Markets provides access to international exchange-traded securities, allowing clients to buy shares like Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange. When it comes to range of investments, Markets.com receives a 4-star rating and ranks 29 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, while IFC Markets garners a 3.5-star rating and is ranked 43rd. This makes Markets.com slightly more appealing for those seeking a diverse array of investment opportunities.
| Feature |
Markets.com
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 2179 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 57 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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.
Markets.com and IFC Markets both offer a wide range of trading platforms and tools, making them suitable choices for traders looking for versatility. Both brokers provide simulated trading through free virtual demo accounts and have proprietary platforms developed in-house. Traders can access Windows-based desktop download and web-based browser trading platforms with both brokers. Additionally, both Markets.com and IFC Markets support popular trading platforms such as MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), along with offering copy trading services. However, neither broker supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade.
When it comes to charting tools, IFC Markets stands out with 15 drawing tools compared to Markets.com's 4. Furthermore, IFC Markets offers the ability to trade directly from a stock chart, a feature not available with Markets.com. While both brokers offer watch lists, IFC Markets provides slightly more customization with 7 columns compared to Markets.com's 6. Overall, both brokers are similarly rated at 4 stars for their trading platforms and tools. However, Markets.com is ranked #27 by ForexBrokers.com, ahead of IFC Markets, which is positioned at #36 out of 63 brokers in this category.
| Feature |
Markets.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 | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 89 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 4 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Both Markets.com and IFC Markets provide comprehensive mobile trading experiences with their iPhone and Android apps. Users of either platform can receive stock and forex price alerts and sync their watchlists across devices, ensuring that adjustments are seamlessly incorporated into their online accounts. While Markets.com defaults to MT4 for technical studies and does not support multiple time frame views, IFC Markets steps ahead by offering 30 technical studies and multiple time frame options. Both platforms facilitate drawing trendlines directly on charts, although only IFC Markets will automatically save these drawings for later reference.
In terms of watchlist functionality, Markets.com and IFC Markets both allow users to create lists with real-time quotes, providing quick access to market data. Despite similarities in overall features, Markets.com’s app falls slightly short related to chart view customization compared to IFC Markets. However, both mobile apps share a collective rating of 4 out of 5 stars in terms of user satisfaction. Notably, Markets.com ranks higher at #33 in the mobile trading apps category according to ForexBrokers.com, compared to IFC Markets, which stands at #52 among 63 brokers.
| Feature |
Markets.com
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When comparing Markets.com to IFC Markets in terms of market research, both platforms cater to traders with their daily market commentaries and economic calendars that outline important upcoming news events globally. However, Markets.com sets itself apart by providing forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, adding value to those traders looking for in-depth insights from renowned entities. In contrast, IFC Markets lacks this feature, which might be a consideration for those prioritizing access to premium news outlets.
Both brokers offer sentiment-based trading tools that highlight market trends by presenting ratios of long and short positions across various instruments, which can be invaluable for decision-making. Neither Markets.com nor IFC Markets provide tools from Autochartist or Trading Central, nor do they include services from TipRanks or Acuity Trading. In terms of research ratings, Markets.com outperforms IFC Markets with a 4-star rating, securing the 17th spot among 63 brokers, while IFC Markets garners a 3.5-star rating, positioned at 40th. This suggests that for those prioritizing extensive research features, Markets.com could be a preferable choice.
| Feature |
Markets.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 | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing Markets.com and IFC Markets in terms of educational resources for beginners, both brokers bring unique strengths to the table. Markets.com offers monthly online educational client webinars, which is a valuable feature for those seeking live interaction and learning experiences. They also provide a solid collection of beginner videos, making it easier for new traders to grasp essential trading concepts. However, Markets.com falls short in offering a dedicated forex or CFDs education section and does not provide an investor dictionary, which can be crucial for newcomers trying to understand investing terminology.
On the other hand, IFC Markets excels in providing a comprehensive range of educational materials, with over 10 pieces focused solely on forex and CFDs. This makes it an attractive choice for beginners who prefer a more self-paced learning approach. Additionally, IFC Markets has an investor dictionary, which is a helpful resource for understanding investment terms. Nonetheless, the lack of monthly webinars may be a downside for those who thrive on live educational sessions. In terms of rankings, both brokers are closely matched, with Markets.com rated slightly higher at 4 stars compared to IFC Markets' 3.5 stars, but ranked lower overall on ForexBrokers.com for the Education category.
| Feature |
Markets.com
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Markets.com is better than IFC Markets. Markets.com finished with an overall rank of #23, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
Thanks to its web-based MarketsX platform, Markets.com is easy to use and new trader friendly. However, Markets.com is pricey and lacks the feature-rich trading tools required to compete with the best trading platforms.
| Feature |
Markets.com
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IFC Markets
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|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 93 | 73 |
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While neither Markets.com nor IFC Markets allows the purchase of actual delivered cryptocurrency, both offer the opportunity to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
Both Markets.com and IFC Markets do not support ACH, SEPA, or PayPal transactions, but Markets.com stands out by offering Skrill as an option for deposits and withdrawals, whereas both platforms accept Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire 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 | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
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| Broker Screenshots | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
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| Regulation | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 93 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1999 | 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 | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Markets.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) | No | 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) | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 2179 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 57 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | 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 | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | N/A | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | 1.1 | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | 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 | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | No | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 89 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 4 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | (default on MT4, none on Markets app) | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | No | Yes |
| Research | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | No | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Markets.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 | No | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review |
| Overall | Markets.com | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review |
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