FXCMvs
Interactive BrokersCrypto Exchange Comparison
FXCM and Interactive Brokers clash over crypto approach and regulation. The scene tests platform depth and asset ownership against multi jurisdictional oversight.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsby 0.2 pts
Interactive Brokers edges FXCM on the editorial score with a higher rating (4.0 vs 3.8). FXCM trails despite its long history.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1FXCM is FCA and ASIC regulated with FSCS protection.
- 2FXCM provides Trading Station with professional quantitative tools.
- 3IBKR offers real crypto ownership, not CFDs.
Who should choose FXCM vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose FXCM if…
Choose FXCM if you value FCA and ASIC regulation and access to the Trading Station with professional quantitative tools. FXCM also benefits from a long trading heritage since 1999 and robust platform coverage.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers for real crypto ownership, not CFDs. IBKR operates under SEC, FINRA and FCA oversight with transparent commissions of 0.12 to 0.18 percent.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Best for security
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Interactive Brokers wins for security due to broad multi jurisdictional oversight.
Best for low fees
Recommended
FXCM vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  FXCM |  Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $50 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 0.4 pips | 0.2 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 2.00% |
FXCM vs Interactive Brokers Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- FCA and ASIC regulated, high regulatory standard with FSCS protection
- Trading Station with professional quantitative analysis tools (FXCM Apps)
- Long track record since 1999 in institutional-grade retail trading
Cons
- Banned from US market (CFTC action 2017), not available to US clients
- Crypto selection is limited to major pairs
FXCM vs Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
FXCM
criteria win
1
Interactive Brokers
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | FXCM | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Cold storage for assets | Fail | Fail |
| Proof of reserves published | Fail | Fail |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees | ||
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Staking available | Fail | Fail |
| DeFi integration | Fail | Fail |
| NFT trading | Fail | Fail |
| 500+ coins listed | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
FXCM vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: FXCM rates 3.8/5 and Interactive Brokers rates 4/5. Interactive Brokers has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Interactive Brokers lists a lower spread from 0.2, compared with FXCM's 0.4. Crypto trading costs are typically quoted as a percentage of the trade value; check each exchange's full fee schedule, as maker/taker rates and volume discounts vary.
Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, while FXCM requires at least $50. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both FXCM and Interactive Brokers hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each exchange's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and both exchanges provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FXCM offers up to 2:1 on perpetual or margin products, versus Interactive Brokers's 1:1 cap. Margin and futures trading carry higher risk than spot crypto; confirm product availability and jurisdiction-specific limits on each exchange's website.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for FXCM are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Crypto fees are typically quoted as maker/taker rates rather than fixed per-trade commissions; check each exchange's fee schedule for volume-based discounts.
FXCM supports ZuluTrade, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. FXCM has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 4 and NinjaTrader. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS).
Interactive Brokers scores better on fee criteria (no deposit fee, no inactivity fee). Always check both exchanges' current fee schedules, as maker/taker rates and withdrawal fees vary and are subject to change.
