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OANDA vs IFC Markets 2025

ForexBrokers.com

Written by ForexBrokers.com

February 05, 2025

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

OANDA
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: $0
  • Trust Score: 93
  • Tradeable Symbols (Total): 3928 info
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

OANDA and IFC Markets are both well-regarded online brokers, but they have different backgrounds and regulatory standings. Founded in 1996, OANDA has established itself with a high Trust Score of 93 out of 99, placing it in the category of highly trusted brokers. OANDA boasts seven Tier-1 licenses, indicating strong regulatory oversight. Meanwhile, IFC Markets, founded a decade later in 2006, is rated with a Trust Score of 73, marking it as average risk in terms of trust, and holds one Tier-2 license, with no Tier-1 licenses to enhance its regulatory profile.

Both OANDA and IFC Markets are privately owned and are not publicly traded on any stock exchange. Additionally, neither broker operates as a bank. These differences in regulatory compliance and history can be crucial factors for traders when selecting a platform that aligns with their safety and security expectations.

Feature OANDA logoOANDA
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Year Founded info 1996 2006
Publicly Traded (Listed) info No No
Bank info No No
Tier-1 Licenses info 7 0
Tier-2 Licenses info 0 1
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 1 1

Fees

When comparing the commissions and fees of OANDA and IFC Markets, both brokers offer a range of options, making them appealing to different trader preferences. OANDA is known for its high forex trading costs, due to high effective spreads on its default and core pricing models. OANDA's spreads are comparable to giants like FOREX.com and FxPro, yet the minimum spread often slightly exceeds those offering sub-pip spreads. However, with the core pricing model, despite the inclusion of a $10 commission per round turn on a $100,000 currency standard lot, the total cost becomes more competitive at approximately 1.4 pips for the EUR/USD pair. For commissions and fees, OANDA is rated 4 out of 5 stars and ranks #34 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.

On the other hand, IFC Markets presents a slightly less aggressive cost structure, with the average spread for the EUR/USD pair being 1.44, slightly higher than the industry average of 1.08. However, their ECN account offers a more appealing rate for active traders, with effective spreads of 1.1 pips when considering the 0.005% commission on both sides of trades. Unlike OANDA, IFC Markets does not impose inactivity fees and provides active trader discounts, adding to its cost-effectiveness in certain scenarios. IFC Markets matches OANDA with a 4-star rating for commissions and fees, although it is ranked slightly lower at #39 in the same category.

Overall, while both OANDA and IFC Markets offer a variety of trading conditions to suit different needs, they each have unique advantages and limitations. OANDA's strength lies in its automated execution and transparency in pricing, alongside offering small micro lot trades, while IFC Markets shines with its absence of inactivity fees and favorable terms for active traders. Depending on specific trading requirements, either broker may offer the optimal cost structure for individual trading strategies.

Feature OANDA logoOANDA
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Minimum Deposit info $0 $1
Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard info 1.61 info 1.44 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 1.61 info 1.1 info
Active Trader or VIP Discounts info Yes info Yes
ACH or SEPA Transfers info Yes info No
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes info No
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes info No
Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) info Yes info Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.

Featured Offers


Range of investments

When comparing the range of investments offered by OANDA and IFC Markets, it's clear there are key differences that might influence your choice. OANDA stands out by providing access to 3,928 tradeable symbols, including 68 forex pairs. They offer both forex CFDs and spot contracts, ensuring flexibility for forex trading enthusiasts. Additionally, OANDA caters to cryptocurrency enthusiasts with the ability to buy actual cryptocurrencies, in addition to derivatives. Although OANDA does not offer exchange-traded securities on U.S. or international exchanges, it compensates with diverse forex and cryptocurrency options, earning it a 4-star rating in the Range of Investments category.

On the other hand, IFC Markets offers 630 tradeable symbols with 49 forex pairs, also providing both forex CFDs and spot contracts. While it doesn't offer the option to purchase actual cryptocurrencies, traders can still engage in cryptocurrency derivatives. One advantage IFC Markets holds is the offering of exchange-traded securities on international exchanges, such as shares from the London Stock Exchange. However, it ranks slightly lower with a 3.5-star rating for its range of investments. Despite these differences, both OANDA and IFC Markets offer copy trading options for those looking to emulate successful trading strategies.

Feature OANDA logoOANDA
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes info Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 3928 info 630
Forex Pairs (Total) info 68 49
U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) info No No
Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) info No Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes info Yes
Cryptocurrency (Physical) info Yes No
Cryptocurrency (Derivative) info Yes info 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

Both OANDA and IFC Markets provide comprehensive trading platforms that cater to diverse trading needs. They each offer a proprietary platform, ensuring a custom-built user experience, alongside compatibility with MetaTrader 4 and 5, serving traders who prefer these popular platforms. Additionally, both brokers offer simulated trading with free virtual demo accounts, allowing users to hone their skills before entering the real market. For accessibility, web-based platforms and Windows desktop downloads are available from both brokers, making it easy to access your trading setup from various devices. Traders also have access to copy trading on both platforms, though neither supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade.

When it comes to tools, OANDA stands out with an impressive 431 drawing tools for charting compared to IFC Markets' 15, offering a more extensive range for technical analysis. Both platforms allow direct trading from stock charts, providing a seamless experience for quick trades. OANDA offers six columns for watch lists against IFC Markets' seven, accommodating various preferences in monitoring market movements. Both brokers receive a 4-star rating for Trading Platforms and Tools. However, OANDA ranks higher, placed 15th out of 63 brokers on ForexBrokers.com, while IFC Markets is ranked 36th, highlighting a marginal edge for OANDA in this category.

Feature OANDA logoOANDA
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Proprietary Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes info Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info Yes info Yes
DupliTrade info No No
ZuluTrade info No No
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 81 30
Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) info 431 15
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Watchlists - Total Fields info 6 7
View More

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

Forex trading apps

When it comes to mobile trading apps, both OANDA and IFC Markets cater to users on the go with apps available for iPhone and Android devices. They each provide features like stock and forex price alerts, the ability to draw trendlines on charts, and access to multiple time frames for thorough analysis. Chart enthusiasts will be pleased with the 30 technical studies available on both apps, ensuring ample tools for accurate market assessment. Real-time quotes can be tracked through custom watchlists on both platforms, though it's worth noting that only IFC Markets offers watchlist symbol syncing with the online account.

While both OANDA and IFC Markets offer solid mobile trading platforms, there are some distinctions in their reception among users. OANDA's app shines with a five-star rating for mobile trading, placing it at #7 out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, IFC Markets lands at #52 with a four-star rating. These ratings might influence the decision for traders who are looking for the top-tier performance of an app and prefer integration across multiple devices. Ultimately, both platforms deliver dependable mobile solutions for trading enthusiasts, though OANDA may have the edge for those prioritizing app recognition and high user satisfaction.

Feature OANDA logoOANDA
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Watchlist Syncing info No Yes
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 30 30
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlist info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.

Market research

When comparing the market research features of online brokerages OANDA and IFC Markets, there are a few key differences to consider. Both platforms provide daily market commentary and offer insightful economic calendars that display important global news events. However, OANDA stands out by offering forex news from reputable sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, whereas IFC Markets does not feature news from these top-tier providers. Additionally, OANDA includes technical analysis tools from Autochartist, a resource not available through IFC Markets.

Both OANDA and IFC Markets offer sentiment-based trading tools, providing insights into market positions across various currency pairs. However, neither broker incorporates research tools from companies like Trading Central or Acuity Trading. OANDA's comprehensive market research capabilities have earned it a high Research category rating of 5 stars, ranking it 5th out of 63 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, IFC Markets holds a lower rating of 3.5 stars and is ranked 40th in the same category.

Feature OANDA logoOANDA
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Daily Market Commentary info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes No
Autochartist info Yes No
Trading Central (Recognia) info No No
Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs info Yes Yes
TipRanks info No No
Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) info No No
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes

Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.

Beginners and education

When it comes to educational resources for beginners, OANDA and IFC Markets both offer essential tools to help newcomers understand forex and CFDs. Both brokers provide a minimum of 10 educational materials, such as articles and videos, dedicated to these topics, making them reliable sources for learning. However, OANDA takes it a step further by offering monthly online educational webinars for clients, while IFC Markets does not have this feature. Additionally, OANDA provides a searchable archive of previously recorded webinars, giving learners a chance to catch up on past sessions, a feature absent in IFC Marketsโ€™ offerings.

Both OANDA and IFC Markets deliver at least 10 beginner-focused educational videos and a similar number of advanced tutorials for experienced traders. They also offer investors a dictionary with definitions of over 50 investing terms. Despite these similarities, OANDA stands out with a higher education rating of five stars compared to IFC Markets' 3.5 stars. In the ForexBrokers.com ranking, OANDA holds the 22nd spot out of 63 brokers for educational resources, while IFC Markets is ranked 30th, further highlighting OANDAโ€™s stronger educational offerings for traders starting in the market.

Feature OANDA logoOANDA
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Education (Forex or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Client Webinars info Yes No
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes No
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Investor Dictionary (Glossary) 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 OANDA is better than IFC Markets. OANDA finished with an overall rank of #12, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.

A trusted global brand, OANDA stands out for its reputation and quality market research. Its regulatory track record is strong, and its support for third-party features bolsters its overall offering.

Feature OANDA logoOANDA
IFC Markets logoIFC Markets
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 93 73
Range of Investments 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with OANDA or IFC Markets?

When comparing OANDA and IFC Markets for cryptocurrency trading, OANDA provides the ability to buy both actual cryptocurrencies and derivatives, while IFC Markets only offers cryptocurrency derivatives.

What funding options does each broker offer?

OANDA provides a variety of options for depositing and withdrawing funds, including ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, Skrill, Visa or Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas IFC Markets supports Visa or Mastercard and bank wires but lacks ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, and Skrill as options.




announcementPlease note:

We review each brokerโ€™s overall global offering โ€“ a โ€œYesโ€ 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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Compare

0 of 5
Overall Rating OANDA IFC Markets
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 93 73
Winner check_circle
Review OANDA Review
Broker Screenshots OANDA IFC Markets
Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) info
Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) info
Research Gallery (click to expand) info
Education Gallery (click to expand) info
Regulation OANDA IFC Markets
Trust Score info 93 73
Year Founded info 1996 2006
Publicly Traded (Listed) info No No
Bank info No No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info No
Tier-1 Licenses info 7 0
Tier-2 Licenses info 0 1
Tier-3 Licenses info 0 0
Tier-4 Licenses info 1 1
Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) OANDA IFC Markets
Australia (ASIC Authorised) info Yes No
Canada (CIRO Authorised) info Yes No
Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) info No No
Japan (SFC Authorised) info Yes No
Singapore (MAS Authorised) info Yes No
Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) info No No
United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) info Yes No
USA (CFTC Authorized) info Yes No
New Zealand (FMA Authorised) info No No
Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). info Yes info No
Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) OANDA IFC Markets
Kenya (CMA Authorised) info No No
Israel (ISA Authorised) info No No
South Africa (FSCA Authorised) info No Yes
UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) info No No
India (SEBI Authorised) info No No
Jordan (JSC Authorised) info No No
Investments OANDA IFC Markets
Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) info Yes info Yes
Tradeable Symbols (Total) info 3928 info 630
Forex Pairs (Total) info 68 49
U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) info No No
Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) info No Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes info Yes
Cryptocurrency (Physical) info Yes No
Cryptocurrency (Derivative) info Yes info 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 OANDA IFC Markets
Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard info 1.61 info 1.44 info
All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active info 1.61 info 1.1 info
Active Trader or VIP Discounts info Yes info Yes
Inactivity Fee info Yes No
Execution: Agency Broker info No Yes
Execution: Market Maker info Yes Yes
Funding OANDA IFC Markets
Minimum Deposit info $0 $1
PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes info No
Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes info No
Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) info Yes info Yes
Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) info Yes Yes
ACH or SEPA Transfers info Yes info No
Trading Platforms OANDA IFC Markets
Proprietary Platform info Yes Yes
Desktop Platform (Windows) info Yes Yes
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Social Trading / Copy Trading info Yes info Yes
MetaTrader 4 (MT4) info Yes Yes
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) info Yes info Yes
cTrader info No No
DupliTrade info No No
ZuluTrade info No No
Trading Tools OANDA IFC Markets
Virtual Trading (Demo) info Yes Yes
Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Watchlists - Total Fields info 6 7
Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) info 81 30
Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) info 431 15
Charting - Trade From Chart info Yes Yes
Charts can be saved info Yes Yes
Mobile Trading OANDA IFC Markets
Android App info Yes Yes
Apple iOS App info Yes Yes
Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields info Yes Yes
Mobile Watchlist info Yes Yes
Watchlist Syncing info No Yes
Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies info 30 30
Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames info Yes Yes
Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave info Yes Yes
Mobile Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Research OANDA IFC Markets
Daily Market Commentary info Yes Yes
Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) info Yes No
Autochartist info Yes No
Trading Central (Recognia) info No No
TipRanks info No No
Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs info Yes Yes
Economic Calendar info Yes Yes
Education OANDA IFC Markets
Education (Forex or CFDs) info Yes Yes
Client Webinars info Yes No
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes No
Videos - Beginner Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Videos - Advanced Trading Videos info Yes Yes
Investor Dictionary (Glossary) info Yes Yes
Major Forex Pairs OANDA IFC Markets
GBP/USD info Yes Yes
USD/JPY info Yes Yes
EUR/USD info Yes Yes
USD/CHF info Yes Yes
USD/CAD info Yes Yes
NZD/USD info Yes Yes
AUD/USD info Yes Yes
Review OANDA Review
Overall OANDA IFC Markets
Overall Rating info 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Commissions & Fees 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Range of Investments 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Platforms & Tools 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Mobile Trading 5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Research 5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Education 4/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Trust Score info 93 73
Winner check_circle
Review OANDA Review
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