IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers Crypto Exchange Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of IC Markets and Interactive Brokers across security, fees, coin selection, staking, and editorial scoring.
Score 4.1 / 5
IC Markets offers crypto CFDs on 20+ pairs via MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView with ECN-adjacent execution and ASIC/CySEC regulation - a competitive regulated route to digital asset CFD exposure for active traders.
VS
Score 4 / 5
Interactive Brokers offers real cryptocurrency ownership (not CFDs) on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and select altcoins via its regulated IBKR platform - backed by SEC, FINRA, and FCA oversight, making it one of the safest regulated routes to crypto for sophisticated investors.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
IC Markets and Interactive Brokers are extremely closely matched with scores of 4.1/5 and 4/5. The right choice depends on your individual trading priorities.
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
Both exchanges show an equally strong security profile across cold storage, proof of reserves, and regulatory oversight.
Best for low fees
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both exchanges offer equivalent fee conditions — no deposit fee and no inactivity fee.
Best for beginners
Recommended
IC Markets edges out Interactive Brokers with a higher editorial score (4.1/5 vs 4/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new crypto traders.
Best for coin selection
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
Coin-selection data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's supported assets page to compare the number of tradeable cryptocurrencies.
Best for DeFi & Web3
Insufficient data
Data not yet available
DeFi and NFT feature data is not yet available for this pair. Check each exchange's Web3 product pages directly.
IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Crypto Exchange Comparison
| Criteria |  IC Markets |  Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial Score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
| Min. Deposit | $200 | No minimum |
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC FSCA | CMF JFSA ASIC FSC AMF FINRA DFSA CMVM NFA SEC SFC IIROC FCA CBI CNB SEBI MFSA CNV |
| 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 |
| Visit exchange | Visit IC Markets | Visit Interactive Brokers |
IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers Crypto Exchange Pros & Cons
Pros
- ECN-adjacent raw spreads on crypto CFDs - tighter than most retail market makers
- All four platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView) support crypto CFDs from one account
- ASIC and CySEC regulated with segregated client funds and negative balance protection
- No inactivity fee; 24/7 customer support across multiple channels
Cons
- CFDs only - no real crypto ownership, staking, or on-chain withdrawals
- Narrower coin selection (20+) than dedicated exchanges offering hundreds of tokens
- No DeFi access or NFT trading
- Not available to US residents
Pros
- Real crypto ownership (not CFDs) - Bitcoin, Ethereum, and major alts in your IBKR account
- SEC, FINRA, FCA, and ASIC regulated - strongest multi-jurisdictional framework available
- 0.12–0.18% transparent commission - no spread markup on underlying price
- Manage crypto alongside stocks, ETFs, bonds, and forex in a single platform
Cons
- Narrow selection (~9 coins) - no access to altcoins, DeFi, or NFTs
- No staking or crypto-to-crypto trading
- No self-custody wallet withdrawals
- US clients face 24/7 availability restrictions due to regulatory requirements
IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each exchange meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
IC Markets
criteria win
0
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two exchanges differ
| Criteria | IC Markets | 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 | Pass | 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 |
IC Markets vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, IC Markets ranks higher with a score of 4.1/5 vs 4/5 for Interactive Brokers. The best choice still depends on your individual needs — security, coin selection, fees, and staking offerings all matter.
IC Markets and Interactive Brokers show a similar security profile in our data. Both should be evaluated on cold storage practices, proof of reserves, regulatory oversight, and whether client funds are held separately from operational funds.
IC Markets and Interactive Brokers appear similar on fee criteria in our data. Compare each exchange's trading fee schedule directly, as crypto fees vary by asset, volume tier, and payment method.
Neither IC Markets nor Interactive Brokers is listed as offering staking in our data. Check each exchange's website directly for the most up-to-date staking offerings, as this feature changes frequently.
Interactive Brokers has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while IC Markets requires at least $200. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
For beginners: Interactive Brokers has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); IC Markets has a higher overall editorial score. Also consider each exchange's educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of their user interface before deciding.
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