Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IFC Markets vs Octa, 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.
IFC Markets, established in 2006, and Octa, founded in 2011, offer online trading services but come with varying levels of trust and regulation as per ForexBrokers.com ratings. IFC Markets has a Trust Score of 73, positioning it at an average risk level. It holds one Tier-2 license, indicating a trusted regulatory stance. In contrast, Octa holds a similar Tier-2 license and boasts a Trust Score of 72, also categorizing it within the average risk bracket. However, Octa does hold a Tier-1 license, marking it with a slightly higher regulatory endorsement in terms of trust.
Neither IFC Markets nor Octa is publicly traded or operates as a bank, which may influence their market perception compared to more publicly accountable or bank-affiliated institutions. Potential traders should weigh these aspects when choosing a broker to ensure their trading aligns with personal risk preferences and regulatory comfort levels.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2006 | 2011 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of IFC Markets and Octa, both brokers offer competitive options for their users but cater to different priorities. Although average spread data isn't available for IFC Markets, it has secured a 4-star rating in this category and ranks #39 out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com. This suggests that users generally find IFC Markets to offer fair pricing, though specifics on spreads or fees remain elusive.
Octa, on the other hand, has made strides in improving its fee structure over time. Rated 4 stars and ranking #29 among 62 brokers, it competes closely with some of the lowest-cost MetaTrader brokers. Though past pricing issues were a concern, Octa now boasts significant advantages such as no slippage on 97.5% of executed orders and no overnight carry costs. However, prospective traders should be aware of restrictions that may impact high-frequency trading strategies.
At Octa, the fees and spreads you encounter will largely depend on your chosen account type and the regulatory entity overseeing it. With different entities serving clients from regions like the EU, South Africa, and Mwali, spread pricing and platform options (MT4, MT5, and OctaTrader) may vary. Notably, Octa's EU entity lists a slightly tighter spread for EUR/USD, averaging 0.5 pips compared to 0.9 pips under its other entities, though no date range for this data is provided. This evolving pricing model reflects Octa's ambition to remain dynamic and appealing to a wide range of trading needs.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1 | $25 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.44 | 0.9 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When comparing the investment options available through IFC Markets and Octa, both online brokers allow forex trading via CFD or spot contracts. IFC Markets stands out with a wider variety, offering 630 tradeable symbols compared to Octa's 300. In terms of forex pairs specifically, IFC Markets provides 49 pairs while Octa offers 35. Neither broker allows clients to purchase exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges like Apple shares, but both provide access to international securities such as Vodafone shares from the London Stock Exchange.
Both IFC Markets and Octa feature options for copy trading, giving clients the ability to replicate other traders' strategies. However, neither platform supports purchasing actual cryptocurrencies, instead offering cryptocurrency derivatives. For their range of investments, both brokers receive a rating of 3.5 stars out of five. Notably, ForexBrokers.com ranks IFC Markets slightly higher at 43rd out of 62 brokers, while Octa is ranked 52nd in the same category.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 630 | 300 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 35 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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.
Looking to compare the trading platforms and tools of IFC Markets and Octa? Both brokers offer an impressive range of features that cater to both beginner and experienced traders. Whether you're using a desktop or a web browser, both IFC Markets and Octa provide convenient access through a Windows-based platform and a web-based platform. Traders can also explore simulated trading via free virtual demo accounts offered by each broker. As for the platforms, both companies have developed proprietary platforms in-house and also support popular options like MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), but neither offer DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. Additionally, if you're into copy trading, both brokers have you covered.
Charting enthusiasts will appreciate the array of tools provided by both IFC Markets and Octa, including an equal offering of 15 drawing tools for detailed analysis. Both platforms enhance user experience by allowing trades to be made directly from stock charts. When it comes to watchlists, each offers seven fields to help keep your investments organized. With these features, both IFC Markets and Octa receive a solid four-star rating for their trading platforms and tools. However, in terms of ranking by ForexBrokers.com, IFC Markets edges out slightly at #36, compared to Octa's #37 among 62 brokers evaluated.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When choosing between IFC Markets and Octa for mobile trading, both brokers provide essential features for a modern trading experience. Each offers iPhone and Android apps, so you can trade on the go no matter what device you prefer. Both brokers also enable stock or forex price alerts and give you the ability to draw trendlines on charts. You can choose from 30 technical studies to enhance your charting experience, and both platforms allow viewing across various time frames. Additionally, the IFC Markets and Octa apps auto-save drawings on your charts, ensuring your work is preserved. Furthermore, both brokers let you create a watchlist with real-time quotes, offering convenience and ease in tracking your favorite markets.
However, there are some differences to consider, particularly in syncing features. IFC Markets offers watchlist symbol syncing between its mobile app and online account, ensuring any changes made in one location reflect in the other. On the other hand, Octa does not provide this syncing capability, which might be a key factor for traders who operate across multiple devices. In terms of user ratings, both mobile apps receive four stars out of five, reflecting similar levels of user satisfaction. Yet, Octa holds a better rank at #35 compared to IFC Markets' #52 in the Mobile Trading Apps category according to ForexBrokers.com, which may suggest a stronger overall preference among users.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
In the realm of online trading, both IFC Markets and Octa strive to offer valuable resources for traders seeking market research. Both brokers provide daily market commentary and encompass an economic calendar to track global news events. However, when diving deeper into specialized resources, differences emerge. Octa stands out by delivering forex news from prestigious sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, coupled with advanced tools from Autochartist. In contrast, IFC Markets takes a unique approach by offering a sentiment-based trading tool that indicates long or short positions across various instruments, a feature Octa lacks.
Despite similar offerings in some areas, Octa's superior provision of news and analysis tools secures its higher research rating of 4 out of 5 stars, compared to IFC Markets' 3.5 stars. This distinction is underscored by Octa’s placement at #27 among 62 brokers in ForexBrokers.com's research rankings, while IFC Markets holds the #40 spot. Both brokers exhibit strengths in specific areas, allowing traders to choose according to their research preferences and trading strategies.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | Yes |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources available to beginners from online brokers IFC Markets and Octa, both platforms excel in offering a wide array of educational content. IFC Markets and Octa both provide a minimum of 10 educational pieces such as articles, videos, and archived webinars focusing on forex or CFDs. Additionally, each broker has developed at least 10 beginner and advanced videos, making it easier for users to understand trading concepts at different skill levels. They also offer comprehensive investor dictionaries with over 50 investing terms, adding to their robust educational offerings. While IFC Markets ranks higher for education at #30 in the category compared to Octa at #42, Octa slightly outshines IFC Markets with a higher education rating of 4 stars compared to 3.5 stars.
However, the two brokers differ significantly in their webinar offerings. Octa hosts monthly online educational webinars and maintains a searchable archive of these recorded sessions, providing users with continued learning opportunities. Conversely, IFC Markets does not offer monthly webinars or a searchable archive of recorded sessions, potentially limiting the learning experience for those who prefer live or interactive content. This could be why Octa maintains a higher user satisfaction rating regarding educational content. For beginners looking for comprehensive educational support, Octa's additional offerings could provide an advantageous starting point. Nonetheless, both brokers provide valuable resources to help new traders enhance their understanding and skills in the forex and CFD market.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | Yes |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that IFC Markets is better than Octa. IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45, while Octa finished with an overall rank of #47.
IFC Markets is a well-established broker that has been in operation for 17 years. Forex traders at IFC Markets gain access to multiple trading platforms, a growing range of tradeable markets, and a balanced offering of research and educational content. However, IFC Markets’ Trust Score suffers due to the broker’s limited range of regulatory licenses.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Octa
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 73 | 72 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Commissions & Fees |
|
|
| Platform & Tools |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
Neither IFC Markets nor Octa offer the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but both provide options for purchasing cryptocurrency derivatives.
In a comparison of online brokers, both IFC Markets and Octa do not support ACH or SEPA transfers and PayPal for deposits or withdrawals, while they offer Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options, with Octa additionally supporting Skrill for fund transactions.
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.
Select Brokers
↓×Compare
0 of 5| Overall Rating | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platform & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 73 | 72 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Octa Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Mobile Trading Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Research Gallery (click to expand) |
| ||
| Education Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| Regulation | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 73 | 72 | |
| Year Founded | 2006 | 2011 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | Yes | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | 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). | No | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 630 | 300 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 35 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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 | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.44 | 0.9 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1 | $25 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | Yes | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | Yes | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | Yes | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | Yes | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | Octa Review |
| Overall | IFC Markets | Octa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Commissions & Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Platform & Tools |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 73 | 72 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Octa Review |
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Plus500
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill