Two widely regulated brokers clash over cost, platforms, and global reach. The tension centers on platform choice and instrument range shaping trader priorities.
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose if…
Choose EightCap if you want MT4/MT5, cTrader and TradingView on one account.
Choose if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want 17,000 markets and the Trader Workstation platform.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.4 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Pros
MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView all available on one account
Capitalise.ai code-free automation included at no extra cost
ASIC (391441) and FCA (921296) dual regulation
Razor account: raw EUR/USD from 0.0 pips at $7 round-turn commission
No minimum deposit on Standard account
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | EightCap | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, CFTC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Pass |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS) | Pass | Pass |
| Fees & Spreads | ||
| Raw/ECN spreads available | Pass | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | Pass |
| No inactivity fee | Pass | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Fail | Pass |
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
The scores are close: EightCap rates 4.3/5 and Interactive Brokers rates 4.6/5. 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.
EightCap starts from 0 pips, tighter than Interactive Brokers's 0.2 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, while EightCap requires at least $100. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both EightCap and Interactive Brokers hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker'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 brokers provide negative balance protection. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
EightCap lists maximum leverage of 500:1, while Interactive Brokers lists up to 50:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 per lot, lower than EightCap's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
EightCap supports cTrader, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. EightCap has exclusive access to cTrader and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS) and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
EightCap offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.20 pips for Interactive Brokers, reducing trading costs.
Interactive Brokers wins for regulation with many top-tier authorities and segregated client funds.
Interactive Brokers wins for active traders due to 17,000 markets and the Trader Workstation.
Interactive Brokers is better suited for scalpers: lower commission ($2/lot).
EightCap wins for platform choice with MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView on one account.
EightCap wins for beginners due to no minimum deposit on Standard account.
Interactive Brokers wins for instrument variety with 17,000 markets versus EightCap's 800.
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.6 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
|---|
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.5 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
|---|
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.2 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
|---|
| Founded | 2009 | 1978 |
|---|
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Australia | Greenwich, United States |
|---|
| Min Deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
|---|
| Spreads From | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.2 pips |
|---|
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $2/lot▼ lower |
|---|
| 0.7 pips | 0.4 pips▼ lower |
| Max Leverage | 500:1 | 50:1▲ higher |
|---|
| Inactivity Fee | $10/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNetellerCrypto | Bank transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal Fee | Free | First withdrawal/month free |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC FCA SCB | ASIC JFSA AMF FCA DFSA CMF MFSA IIROC CBI CNB SEBI SFC NFA CMVM SEC CNV FSC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | cTrader MetaTrader 5 TradingView MetaTrader 4 | Trader Workstation (TWS) Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses |
|---|
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Pros
Available to US residents
Lowest margin rates in industry
150+ global markets
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
Raw spread account available
No deposit fees
No inactivity fee
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
Advanced charting tools included
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
Phone support available
Multilingual customer support
Cons
$100 minimum on Razor ECN account
Shorter public track record than IC Markets or Pepperstone
Research and educational content thinner than larger peers
Not available to US residents
No proprietary platform
Cons
Steeper learning curve on TWS
No MT4 / MT5
No MetaTrader support
No 24/5 live chat
Interactive Brokers edges EightCap on the editorial score 4.6 to 4.3, making it the overall winner.
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 4.3 / 5
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