Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of Swissquote 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 Swissquote and IFC Markets, Swissquote stands out with its founding in 1996 and status as a publicly traded entity, indicating its solid presence in the financial sector. As a bank, Swissquote boasts of holding five Tier-1 licenses, which are regarded as highly trustworthy. This places it among the elite in terms of regulatory confidence. Complementing these licenses is a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 99 out of 99, classifying Swissquote as a highly trusted broker.
On the other hand, IFC Markets, founded in 2006, is not a publicly traded company nor a bank. It holds neither Tier-1 licenses nor the associated high-trust status but has one Tier-2 license, indicating a recognizable level of regulatory oversight. Its Trust Score rating from ForexBrokers.com is 73 out of 99, reflecting an average risk category. While both brokers offer trading services, Swissquote appears to provide more assurance through its regulatory credentials and trust ratings.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No |
| Bank | Yes | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When comparing Swissquote and IFC Markets for their trading commissions and fees, both brokers bring unique offerings to the table. Swissquote stands out as a Swiss banking powerhouse, but this prestige comes at a cost. With a 3.5-star rating, Swissquote's commissions and fees are not the most competitive, positioning it at #53 out of 63 brokers in this category. Its UK entity offers four different accounts, with the Elite account providing the most competitive spreads for active traders who can meet the $10,000 deposit requirement. Meanwhile, the Luxembourg branch and Swiss operations present varied account types and spreads, from 0.8 to 1.7 pips, with substantial deposit requirements up to $50,000.
IFC Markets offers a more appealing spread structure, earning a 4-star rating and a #39 ranking. Though its average spread for EUR/USD is 1.44 pips, slightly above the industry average, it redeems itself with the new ECN account option. This account type caters to active traders by offering more favorable spreads at 1.1 pips, factoring in a 0.005% commission on both sides of a trade. Further enhancing its appeal, IFC Markets does not charge inactivity fees and offers discounts for active traders, providing a financial edge for those frequently engaged in trading activities.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1000 | $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 | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | 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.
In comparing Swissquote and IFC Markets, Swissquote stands out with a broader range of investment opportunities. While both platforms provide forex trading as CFDs or spot contracts, Swissquote offers a wider selection of tradable forex pairs, numbering 80, compared to IFC Markets’ 49 pairs. Moreover, Swissquote provides access to a total of 472 tradeable symbols, slightly fewer than IFC Markets' 630. However, Swissquote holds an advantage by allowing investors to purchase exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, such as shares in Apple or Vodafone, which is not possible with IFC Markets for U.S. securities.
Furthermore, Swissquote allows clients to directly buy actual cryptocurrencies, not just derivatives, offering more flexibility for digital asset enthusiasts. Both brokers support cryptocurrency derivatives and copy trading, catering to a range of investment preferences. Overall, Swissquote's diverse investment offerings earn it a 5-star rating for its range of investments, securing the #2 spot on ForexBrokers.com's list out of 63 brokers. In contrast, IFC Markets is rated 3.5 stars and ranks 43rd, reflecting its more limited options.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 472 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of Swissquote and IFC Markets, both offer extensive resources but cater to slightly different needs. Both brokers provide virtual demo accounts for simulated trading, a useful feature for those looking to practice their trading strategies. Each broker has developed a proprietary platform in-house and offers platforms compatible with Windows, web browsers, MetaTrader 4 and 5, and copy trading options. However, neither supports DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. A distinguishing factor is the variety of technical drawing tools available; Swissquote offers a more extensive selection of 75 tools compared to IFC Markets' 15. Moreover, Swissquote facilitates a richer watch list experience with 11 columns, offering a detailed overview compared to IFC Markets' 7 columns.
In terms of ratings for trading platforms and tools, Swissquote is slightly ahead, receiving a 4.5 out of 5 stars, while IFC Markets is rated 4 stars. The competitive edge of Swissquote is further highlighted in rankings by ForexBrokers.com, where it stands at #12 out of 63 brokers, overshadowing IFC Markets, which holds the #36 spot. Both platforms support immediate trading capabilities from charts, allowing traders to execute trades directly with ease. Overall, the choice between Swissquote and IFC Markets may come down to personal preferences related to tool availability and ranking credibility.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
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) | 86 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 75 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of Swissquote and IFC Markets, both options are available for iPhone and Android users, providing a convenient platform for stock and forex trading on the go. Each app supports price alerts and allows users to create watchlists with real-time quotes. Swissquote and IFC Markets each include 30 technical studies for charting and provide the ability to draw trendlines and view different time frames, such as daily, weekly, or intraday. Both apps also automatically save any chart drawings, ensuring seamless transitions between devices for users who trade on the move.
However, there are some differences. IFC Markets offers watchlist symbol syncing, enabling users to sync changes across devices seamlessly, while Swissquote does not support this feature. Ratings also vary, with Swissquote boasting a 4.5-star rating and ranking 12th out of 63 brokers for mobile trading apps according to ForexBrokers.com. On the other hand, IFC Markets has a 4-star rating and stands at 52nd place in the same category. This makes Swissquote a more highly regarded choice for users valuing ratings and overall app performance, while IFC Markets might appeal to those looking for watchlist syncing capabilities.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| 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.
When comparing the market research features offered by Swissquote and IFC Markets, notable differences and key strengths can be observed. Swissquote stands out with its integration of forex news from leading sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, ensuring traders have access to credible and comprehensive news. Additionally, the availability of Autochartist tools provides users with advanced technical and fundamental analysis capabilities. These offerings contribute to Swissquote receiving a four-star rating for research excellence, ranking it at number 16 out of 63 brokers, illustrating its superior research resources compared to many competitors.
On the other hand, IFC Markets provides robust market insights but lacks the top-tier forex news coverage available with Swissquote. Instead, it offers unique tools, such as a sentiment-based trading tool that highlights market positions, giving traders an edge in understanding market trends. While both brokers offer daily market commentary and economic calendars, the absence of resources like Autochartist and top-tier news sources results in IFC Markets receiving a slightly lower research rating of 3.5 stars, placing it at number 40 out of 63 brokers. This comparison highlights the different strengths each broker offers, catering to varied trader preferences.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When it comes to educational resources for beginners, both Swissquote and IFC Markets offer a variety of materials, ensuring that newcomers to the world of forex and CFDs have access to essential learning tools. Swissquote excels in providing diverse educational content. They offer more than 10 pieces of educational material focusing on forex and CFDs, complemented by regular monthly webinars to help clients learn in real-time. In addition, Swissquote has a searchable archive of these webinars for future reference. Their collection of beginner and advanced educational videos breaks down trading topics clearly, and their expansive investor dictionary makes understanding complex investing terms straightforward. Rated four stars for education and ranked 21st out of 63 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, Swissquote demonstrates a strong commitment to educating new traders.
IFC Markets also offers more than ten educational pieces on forex and CFDs, making solid groundwork available for beginners. Like Swissquote, they provide comprehensive video libraries for both beginner and advanced traders, along with a valuable investing term dictionary. However, their educational offerings fall slightly short in the webinar department, as they do not conduct regular online educational client webinars or provide an archive of past sessions. Rated at 3.5 stars for education and ranked 30th by ForexBrokers.com, IFC Markets still provides significant resources for traders but doesn't match Swissquote's interactive learning opportunities.
| Feature |
Swissquote
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| 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 63 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that Swissquote is better than IFC Markets. Swissquote finished with an overall rank of #11, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
Traders choose Swissquote for its quality research and vast multi-asset offering – as long as they are willing to pay a premium to have their brokerage account held with a Swiss bank.
| Feature |
Swissquote
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IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 |
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Swissquote stands out by allowing users to purchase actual delivered cryptocurrency in addition to cryptocurrency derivatives, while IFC Markets only provides options for buying cryptocurrency derivatives, not the actual digital currency itself.
When comparing the online brokers Swissquote and IFC Markets, Swissquote outshines by offering multiple funding options including ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, and Skrill, alongside Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas IFC Markets provides more limited deposit and withdrawal methods, supporting only Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires.
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 | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Swissquote Review |
| Broker Screenshots | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
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| Regulation | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 1996 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | Yes | No | |
| Bank | Yes | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 5 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 2 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | 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) | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 472 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 80 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 | Swissquote | 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 | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1000 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | Swissquote | 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 | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 11 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 86 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 75 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes | |
| 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 | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Swissquote Review |
| Overall | Swissquote | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 99 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Swissquote Review |
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