Forex.comvs
Interactive BrokersForex Broker Comparison
Two globally regulated brokers clash over costs, platforms, and market reach. The debate hinges on instrument variety and platform depth.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsby 0.4 pts
Interactive Brokers edges Forex.com on the editorial score, with a higher 4.6/5 versus 4.2, and it also offers far more instruments.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1Forex.com offers MT4 and MT5.
- 2Forex.com imposes an inactivity fee; Interactive Brokers does not.
- 3Interactive Brokers provides about 17,000 instruments versus Forex.com's 400.
Who should choose Forex.com vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose Forex.com if…
Choose Forex.com if you want MT4/MT5 and a raw spread option.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want a broad instrument universe and no inactivity fee.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Interactive Brokers offers tighter spreads from 0.20 pips vs 1.00 pips for Forex.com, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Forex.com vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.3 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Forex.com vs Interactive Brokers Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
One of the few brokers accepting US retail forex clients
Deep research tools including macro analysis
Raw spread account with competitive $7 round-turn commission
MT4, MT5 and proprietary platforms
Regulated by top-tier authorities (FCA, ASIC, CySEC)
Forex.com vs Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
Forex.com
criteria wins
1
Interactive Brokers
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Forex.com | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Transparent pricing page | Pass | Pass |
| Platforms & Tools | ||
| MT4/MT5 available | Pass | Fail |
| Proprietary platform | Pass | 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 |
Forex.com vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: Forex.com rates 4.2/5 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.
Interactive Brokers starts from 0.2 pips, tighter than Forex.com's 1 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, which matters most for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, while Forex.com requires at least $100. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Forex.com 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.
Forex.com lists maximum leverage of 50:1, 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 Forex.com's $7 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Forex.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS).
