Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of IFC Markets vs Xtrade, 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 and Xtrade, both established in the early 2000s, are reputable names in the online brokerage landscape. Neither of the brokers is publicly traded nor operates as a bank, ensuring their sole focus is on providing brokerage services. While IFC Markets has one Tier-2 license, Xtrade boasts a slight edge with not only one Tier-2 license but also a Tier-1 license, indicating a higher level of regulatory trust.
When it comes to their Trust Scores as evaluated by ForexBrokers.com, IFC Markets holds a score of 73, marking it as an average risk broker. On the other hand, Xtrade is rated slightly higher at 74, just edging into the more favorable "trusted" category. This comparison provides potential investors with essential insights into the reliability and regulatory compliance of these brokers, aiding in more informed decision-making.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2006 | 2003 |
| 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 between IFC Markets and Xtrade, there are clear differences that might influence your choice depending on your trading needs. IFC Markets offers an average spread for EUR/USD at 1.44 pips, which is slightly above the industry average of 1.08. However, for active traders, the costs are more competitive with IFC’s new ECN account, which provides effective spreads at 1.1 pips, factoring in a 0.005% commission on both trade sides. Additionally, IFC Markets presents financial incentives with no inactivity fees and discounts for active traders.
Xtrade, on the other hand, does not provide detailed average spread data, making it difficult to directly compare its trading costs with those of other brokers. This lack of transparency might pose a challenge for traders looking to understand the full scope of fees involved.
In terms of ratings and rankings, IFC Markets receives a commendable 4-star rating for its commissions and fees, placing it at #39 out of 63 brokers in the category on ForexBrokers.com. Meanwhile, Xtrade has a lower rating of 2.5 stars and ranks at #63, indicating it falls short in providing competitive fee structures. These aspects highlight IFC Markets as a more cost-effective option, particularly for active traders seeking potential savings on trades.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1 | $250 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.44 | N/A |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.1 | 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 IFC Markets and Xtrade on their range of investments, both brokers provide forex trading via CFDs or spot contracts. IFC Markets offers a more extensive selection of tradeable symbols with 630, compared to Xtrade’s 482. However, Xtrade surpasses IFC Markets in offering a higher number of tradeable forex pairs, having 56 against IFC Markets' 49. Notably, neither broker provides direct access to U.S. exchange-traded securities like Apple stocks, but IFC Markets provides access to international exchanges, unlike Xtrade. Copy trading is available with IFC Markets, yet absent from Xtrade's services.
While both brokers allow trading in cryptocurrency derivatives, they do not facilitate the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies. In terms of ratings, both IFC Markets and Xtrade receive a 3.5-star rating for their range of investments. However, according to ForexBrokers.com, IFC Markets holds a slightly better spot at 43rd place out of 63 brokers, whereas Xtrade is ranked 49th. Overall, IFC Markets and Xtrade show strengths in specific areas, providing suitable options depending on your investment preferences.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 630 | 482 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 56 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| 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.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools offered by IFC Markets and Xtrade, both brokers provide free virtual demo accounts, allowing traders to practice without risk. Each broker also has developed its own proprietary trading platform. However, there are several differences in their offerings. IFC Markets provides a Windows-based desktop download platform, while Xtrade does not. Both brokers have web-based trading platforms, but only IFC Markets supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), offering a wider range of popular trading tools. Furthermore, IFC Markets offers copy trading, setting it apart from Xtrade in that regard.
In terms of charting, IFC Markets offers 15 drawing tools while Xtrade provides 100. This difference might appeal to traders who prefer more in-depth chart analysis. Both brokers allow trading directly from stock charts, yet their watch list capabilities differ; IFC Markets supports seven columns or fields, whereas Xtrade offers nine. According to ForexBrokers.com, IFC Markets is ranked 36th for its trading platforms and tools, receiving a rating of 4 stars, suggesting a slight edge over Xtrade, which is ranked 58th with a 3.5-star rating. This comparison underlines that while both brokers are solid choices, IFC Markets may offer an advantage for those seeking more comprehensive trading platform features.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | N/A |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 100 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 9 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of IFC Markets and Xtrade, both platforms offer compatible apps for iPhone and Android devices. However, IFC Markets edges out in functionality by providing stock and forex price alerts, which Xtrade lacks. Another significant advantage of the IFC Markets app is the ability to sync watchlists with a client's online account, ensuring any changes are seamlessly updated across platforms, a feature not available with Xtrade. Additionally, users of the IFC Markets app benefit from 30 technical studies for charting, while Xtrade offers no such tools. Trendline drawing capabilities, along with viewing multiple time frames on stock or forex charts, are further features exclusive to IFC Markets, enhancing its charting and analysis strength.
Moreover, by automatically saving chart drawings and offering real-time watchlist creation, the IFC Markets app provides a streamlined trading experience, unlike Xtrade. Both platforms receive a four-star rating for their mobile apps, although IFC Markets ranks slightly higher at #52 compared to Xtrade's #53 in the Mobile Trading Apps category by ForexBrokers.com. These detailed differences could significantly impact a trader's choice, as they highlight how IFC Markets offers a richer set of trading tools and ease of use features, enhancing the user experience on the go.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | N/A |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research offerings, IFC Markets and Xtrade both provide traders with daily market commentary, ensuring up-to-date insights on current trends. Both brokers have economic calendars to keep users informed about global economic news. However, there is a notable difference in forex news coverage, as Xtrade brings in updates from prestigious sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters, whereas IFC Markets does not offer news from these top-tier sources. Additionally, IFC Markets equips users with a sentiment-based trading tool, which tracks the ratio of long or short positions across different instruments—a feature that Xtrade lacks.
Despite their differences in some areas, neither broker offers technical analysis tools from Autochartist or Trading Central, nor do they include research from TipRanks or Acuity Trading's Signal Centre. Both IFC Markets and Xtrade receive a 3.5-star rating for research. However, based on ForexBrokers.com's rankings, IFC Markets stands at #40 out of 63 brokers, while Xtrade comes in at #52, reflecting a slight edge in research offerings and ranking for IFC Markets.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| 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 it comes to educational resources for beginners, both IFC Markets and Xtrade offer content such as articles and videos focused on forex and CFDs, meeting the minimum requirement of 10 educational pieces. However, IFC Markets stands out with a particular focus on beginner education, providing at least 10 videos tailored specifically for those new to trading. This contrasts with Xtrade, which doesn't offer the same quantity of beginner-targeted videos. Both brokers lack online educational webinars and a searchable archive of past webinars, which could enhance their educational offerings.
Both IFC Markets and Xtrade supply an investor dictionary with over 50 term definitions, making it easier for traders to understand the complex world of investing jargon. In terms of overall education ratings, both are rated at 3.5 stars. However, within a ranking of 63 brokers, IFC Markets holds a higher position at #30 compared to Xtrade's #46. This suggests a slight edge for IFC Markets in the educational category, particularly for those just starting on their trading journey.
| Feature |
IFC Markets
|
Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No |
| 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 IFC Markets is better than Xtrade. IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45, while Xtrade finished with an overall rank of #60.
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
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Xtrade
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 73 | 74 |
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Both IFC Markets and Xtrade do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they both provide options for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers IFC Markets and Xtrade, neither provides ACH or SEPA transfer options, both lack PayPal as a payment method, IFC Markets does not support Skrill but Xtrade does, and both offer Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transfers for depositing or withdrawing funds.
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 | IFC Markets | Xtrade | |
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| Trust Score | 73 | 74 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Xtrade Review |
| Broker Screenshots | IFC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Platforms Gallery (click to expand) | |||
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| Research Gallery (click to expand) | |||
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| Regulation | IFC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 73 | 74 | |
| Year Founded | 2006 | 2003 | |
| 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 630 | 482 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 49 | 56 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.44 | N/A | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.1 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | No | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | IFC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $1 | $250 | |
| 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 | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | No | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | No | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | No | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | IFC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 9 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | N/A | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 100 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | No |
| Mobile Trading | IFC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | No | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | N/A | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | No | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | No |
| Research | IFC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | Yes | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | No | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | No | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | IFC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | No | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | IFC Markets | Xtrade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Xtrade Review |
| Overall | IFC Markets | Xtrade | |
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| Trust Score | 73 | 74 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | Xtrade Review |
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