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IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: which broker is better in 2026?

We compare IC Markets 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

CriteriaIC MarketsInteractive Brokers
Overall score 4.1 4.3
Regulation & safety 3.5 4.5
Fees & deposit 4.5 4.5
Platform & assets 4.5 4.5
User support 4.0 3.5
Trust score80/10087/100
Minimum depositVaries by account type — check the official siteVaries by account type — check the official site
Demo accountAvailableAvailable
PlatformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, WebTrader, IC Mobile AppTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, Client Portal (web), IBKR Mobile, API (TWS/Web)
Fee modelSeveral account types (Raw Spread, Standard, Raw Pro/Pro+, cTrader Raw Spread, Swap Free) — the fee structure per account type has not been verified in detailKnown for very low costs (tiered/fixed) — among the cheapest in the industry for stocks/futures/forex; structure varies per product/region

Pros & cons

IC Markets
  • One of the most popular raw-spread ECN brokers for scalping/algo trading (very low costs)
  • Very complete platform selection (MT4/MT5/cTrader/TradingView)
  • Regulated by ASIC (Australia) + CySEC for certain entities
  • A class-action record (reported since 2024) alleging it misled investors — no verdict yet, but a relevant public fact
  • Many clients via offshore entities (Seychelles/Bahamas)
  • Leverage is 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

IC Markets

Exact license numbers not yet verified — the official site mentions multi-regulation but the detailed regulation page was inaccessible during our check. Verify directly with the regulator (ASIC, CySEC, or the Seychelles FSA depending on the entity) before signing up.

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.