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FXCM
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Interactive Brokers

FXCM vs Interactive Brokers: which broker is better in 2026?

We compare FXCM and Interactive Brokers — two forex & CFD brokers — side by side across regulation, fees, platforms, minimum deposit, and our editorial scores. Based on our overall editorial score, Interactive Brokers edges ahead (4.3/5), but the right choice depends on what matters most to you — check the breakdown below.

Side-by-side comparison

CriteriaFXCMInteractive Brokers
Overall score 3.5 4.3
Regulation & safety 3.0 4.5
Fees & deposit 3.5 4.5
Platform & assets 4.0 4.5
User support 3.5 3.5
Trust score68/10087/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsTrading Station (web/desktop/mobile), MetaTrader 4, TradingView (integrated), APITrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, Client Portal (web), IBKR Mobile, API (TWS/Web)
Fee modelSpread model or spread + commission (Active Trader) — varies; exact figures not yet verifiedKnown for very low costs (tiered/fixed) — among the cheapest in the industry for stocks/futures/forex; structure varies per product/region

Pros & cons

FXCM
  • An established broker since 1999 with the mature Trading Station & MT4 platforms
  • Now backed by a large financial group (Jefferies/StoneX)
  • International entities regulated by FCA/ASIC/FSCA
  • Permanently banned from the US market (2017) + a US$7 million fine for hiding a conflict of interest — a serious regulatory record
  • Trust was dented by that case; verify the entity serving your region
  • Leveraged products are high-risk
Interactive Brokers
  • Top-tier regulation & transparency — a US public company (Nasdaq: IBKR) supervised by SEC/FINRA/CFTC + many global regulators
  • Among the cheapest costs in the industry; very broad global market access
  • Very powerful TWS platform & API for professional/algorithmic traders
  • The TWS platform has a steep learning curve — less beginner-friendly
  • Customer support is more self-service (not hand-holding), suited to technical users
  • Interface & account structure can feel complex at first

Regulation at a glance

FXCM

International entities regulated by the FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), FSCA (South Africa), and others. IMPORTANT: FXCM has been permanently banned from the US market since 2017 (see the risk note).

Interactive Brokers

A US public company (Nasdaq: IBKR) with entities regulated by SEC/FINRA/CFTC (US), FCA (UK), IIROC (Canada), MAS (Singapore), ASIC (Australia), the Central Bank of Ireland, and others. One of the most regulated & financially transparent brokers.