Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Saxo 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 comparing online brokers Saxo and IFC Markets, it's clear that Saxo, established in 1992, stands out with a stellar Trust Score of 99 according to ForexBrokers.com. Unlike IFC Markets, which was founded in 2006 and has a Trust Score of 73, Saxo also operates as a bank, enhancing its reputation in financial markets. Saxo holds an impressive seven Tier-1 licenses, indicating a high level of trust, whereas IFC Markets does not hold any Tier-1 licenses. Both brokers have one Tier-2 license, which is seen as trusted but not as reliable as Tier-1.
Neither Saxo nor IFC Markets are publicly traded, with Saxo's status as a bank further contributing to its exceptional standing. The significant presence of Tier-1 licenses for Saxo places it in the "highly trusted" category, while IFC Markets' single Tier-2 license reflects a more average risk level. For those seeking a broker with a substantial trust factor, Saxo emerges as a compelling choice, providing oversight and security that are key factors in the financial trading world.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1992 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
Saxo and IFC Markets take different approaches to commissions and fees. As of November 2023, Saxo’s average EUR/USD spreads were 1.1 pips on its Classic account, 1.0 on Platinum, and 0.9 on VIP, with minimums roughly 0.2 pips lower (Classic min about 0.9). Platinum and VIP pricing sits closer to the industry average, while Classic is slightly higher. IFC Markets’ average EUR/USD spread is 1.44 pips, above the industry average of 1.08, but its ECN account brings effective pricing to about 1.1 pips after a 0.005% commission on both sides of the trade. IFC also avoids inactivity fees and offers discounts for active traders.
For forex, Saxo is spread-only (commission-free), with one exception: if you trade under 50,000 units per month, there’s a $3-per-side ticket fee. Saxo also waives share-trading custody fees if you opt into securities lending. Account tiers matter for pricing: Classic has a $0 minimum deposit; Platinum requires $200,000 (AUD 300,000 in Australia for forex) or a loyalty upgrade; VIP requires $1,000,000 or a high-volume loyalty upgrade—and offers the biggest savings. IFC Markets’ key cost lever is its ECN account, where the small commission aims to offset wider standard spreads.
Ratings and rankings: Saxo earns 5/5 stars for commissions and fees and ranks #8 out of 63 brokers. IFC Markets earns 4/5 stars and ranks #32 out of 63. In short, high-volume traders who can reach Saxo’s upper tiers may see sharper all-in costs, while IFC’s ECN option narrows the gap and its lack of inactivity fees may appeal to less frequent traders.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $1 |
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.0 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 1.1 |
| Non-wire bank transfer | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
Saxo and IFC Markets both let you trade forex either as spot or as CFDs (contracts where you speculate on price changes without owning the asset). Saxo offers a far wider selection overall with about 71,000 tradeable symbols and 190 forex pairs, compared with IFC Markets’ 630 symbols and 49 forex pairs. For stocks, Saxo supports buying exchange-traded shares on U.S. markets (like Apple on NASDAQ) and on international exchanges, while IFC Markets offers exchange-traded shares only on international exchanges. Both brokers support crypto via CFDs, and neither allows buying the actual coins.
IFC Markets includes copy trading, while Saxo does not. For range and depth of markets, Saxo is rated 5 stars and ranks #3 out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, whereas IFC Markets is rated 3.5 stars and ranks #31. In short, pick Saxo if you want the broadest market access and the ability to invest in U.S. stocks; choose IFC Markets if you prefer a smaller lineup with the option to copy trade.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 71000 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 190 | 49 |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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.
Saxo vs IFC Markets: Both brokers make it easy to test-drive with a free demo (paper trading) account and each offers its own proprietary platform. You can trade on Windows desktop and in a web browser with either broker, and both let you place orders directly from a chart. Key differences: IFC Markets supports copy trading and offers MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), while Saxo does not provide copy trading or MetaTrader. If you prefer MetaTrader or social features, IFC Markets has the edge; if you’re focused on a polished in-house platform, Saxo stands out.
Ratings reflect that gap in execution quality: according to ForexBrokers.com, Saxo earns 5 stars for Trading Platforms and Tools and ranks #3 out of 63 brokers, while IFC Markets earns 4 stars and ranks #29. In short, both are capable for chart trading on web and desktop, but Saxo scores higher overall, and IFC Markets adds MetaTrader and copy trading for traders who want those options.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 61 | 30 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
Saxo and IFC Markets both deliver fully featured mobile trading for iPhone and Android. Each app supports stock and forex price alerts, synced watchlists that mirror changes across mobile and web, and drawing tools like trendlines that auto-save on your charts. If you want a consistent experience across devices with core trading tools, both brokers check the key boxes.
For charting depth, Saxo offers 64 technical studies compared with IFC Markets’ 30, giving Saxo an edge for traders who rely on more indicators. That advantage shows up in third-party evaluations: Saxo’s mobile apps earn 5 stars and rank #3 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, while IFC Markets earns 4 stars and ranks #34. In short, IFC Markets covers the essentials, while Saxo is better suited to traders who want more advanced charting and higher-rated mobile performance.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 64 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Comparing market research at Saxo vs IFC Markets: both brokers deliver daily market commentary, a sentiment tool that shows long/short positioning, and an economic calendar. The key differences show up in news and analysis tools. Saxo includes forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg, Reuters, or Dow Jones, and offers tools from Autochartist for technical and fundamental insights. IFC Markets does not provide those. Neither broker includes Trading Central, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading tools.
For overall quality, Saxo earns a 5-star Research rating and ranks #1 out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com. IFC Markets holds a 3.5-star Research rating and ranks #30. In short, IFC Markets covers the essentials, while Saxo adds premium news and extra analysis features that can help active traders dig deeper.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central | No | No |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Acuity Trading | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
Saxo vs. IFC Markets for beginner education: both brokers give you at least 10 beginner-focused trading videos to help you learn the basics of forex and CFDs, and each also offers 10+ advanced videos for when you’re ready to go deeper. The big difference is live learning: Saxo runs online educational webinars at least once a month, while IFC Markets does not. If you prefer guided sessions with instructors and the chance to ask questions, Saxo has the edge; if you’re fine with on-demand video lessons alone, IFC Markets can still fit the bill.
Quality-wise, Saxo earns 5 stars for Education and ranks 12th out of 63 brokers at ForexBrokers.com, reflecting strong structure and breadth for beginners. IFC Markets scores 3.5 stars and ranks 25th out of 63, making it a decent option for self-paced learners but not as strong for live, ongoing training. In short, beginners who value webinars and a more complete learning path should lean toward Saxo, while IFC Markets suits those who want a simpler, video-led approach.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Saxo is better than IFC Markets. Saxo finished with an overall rank of #3, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #33.
Saxo is an exclusive multi-asset broker with brilliant research and a superb trading platform experience – as well as a stunning selection of over 40,000 securities.
| Feature |
Saxo
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
|
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 |
| Range of Investments |
|
|
| Trading Fees |
|
|
| Trading Platforms |
|
|
| Research |
|
|
| Mobile Trading |
|
|
| Education |
|
|
Saxo vs IFC Markets: neither broker lets you buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but both provide cryptocurrency CFD trading.
Comparing Saxo vs IFC Markets: both brokers support bank wire transfers for account deposits and withdrawals, do not offer ACH/SEPA, PayPal, or Skrill, and provide no specified information on Visa or Mastercard availability.
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 | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Trading Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Trading Platforms |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Saxo Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broker Gallery (click to expand) |
|
| Regulation | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1992 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | ||
| Tier-1 Licenses | 7 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | ||
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Japan (FSA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | ||
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | ||
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | ||
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | |||
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | ||
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA, FSRA, or SCA Authorised) | Yes | ||
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | ||
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) |
| Investments | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 71000 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 190 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stocks (Shares) | Yes | No | |
| Global Stocks (Non-U.S. Shares) | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Underlying) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (CFDs) | 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 | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average spread (EUR/USD) - Standard account | 1.0 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | 1.1 | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Order execution: Agency | Yes | Yes | |
| Order execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| Non-wire bank transfer | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Desktop Trading Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Copy Trading | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No |
| Trading Tools | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 61 | 30 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Price Alerts | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist [DELETED] | |||
| Mobile Watchlists - Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 64 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Trendlines Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Research - Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary (Articles) | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Client sentiment data | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD [DELETED] | |||
| USD/JPY [DELETED] | |||
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF [DELETED] | |||
| USD/CAD [DELETED] | |||
| NZD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| AUD/USD [DELETED] | |||
| Review | Saxo Review |
| Overall | Saxo | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
|
| |
| Trading Fees |
|
| |
| Range of Investments |
|
| |
| Trading Platforms |
|
| |
| Mobile Trading |
|
| |
| Research |
|
| |
| Education |
|
| |
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Saxo Review |
IG
CMC Markets
FOREX.com
XTB
eToro
AvaTrade
Pepperstone
FP Markets
Tickmill