FXTM and Interactive Brokers face off as multi-asset brokers offering crypto exposure through different models. The tension centers on regulation, costs, and asset depth.
Interactive Brokers edges FXTM on editorial score due to stronger trust and regulation and the option of real crypto ownership.
Find out which crypto exchange best suits your trading profile.
Choose FXTM if…
Choose FXTM if you want 24/5 live chat support, a low $10 minimum deposit, and MT4/MT5 access with 7 coins.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want real crypto ownership on a regulated platform with 9 coins and no minimum deposit.
Which exchange wins for each type of crypto trader, based on security, fees, coin selection, and editorial scoring.
Interactive Brokers wins for security, supported by SEC/FINRA oversight and a broad multi-jurisdictional framework.
| Criteria | ||
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min Deposit | $10 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads From | 1.5 pips | 0.2 pips▼ lower |
| Taker Fee | N/A | 2.00% |
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXTM | 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 | Fail | 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 |
The scores are close: FXTM rates 3.7/5 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 FXTM's 1.5. 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 FXTM requires at least $10. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders looking to start with a smaller crypto investment.
Both FXTM 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.
FXTM 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 FXTM 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.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 5, MetaTrader 4, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. FXTM has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS) and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
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.
Interactive Brokers has transparent commissions, reducing hidden costs.
Interactive Brokers provides a broader coin selection with 9 options.
FXTM is more beginner-friendly due to low minimum deposit and educational resources.
Equally matched on DeFi and Web3 capabilities as neither offers DeFi features.
| N/A |
| 0.4 pips |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerFasaPay | Bank transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | First withdrawal/month free |
|---|
| Regulators | FSCA FCA CySEC FSC | JFSA IIROC DFSA FCA CNB CMVM CNV ASIC AMF SEC MFSA SFC SEBI CBI CMF NFA FSC FINRA |
|---|
| Cold Storage | No | No |
|---|
| Proof of Reserves | No | No |
|---|
| Staking | No | No |
|---|
| DeFi Integration | No | No |
|---|
| NFT Trading | No | No |
|---|
| 500+ Coins | No | No |
|---|
| P2P Trading | No | No |
|---|
| Crypto Earn / Savings | No | No |
|---|
| Token Launchpad | No | No |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.7 / 5
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