FP Marketsvs
Interactive BrokersForex Broker Comparison
FP Markets and Interactive Brokers face off on regulation, fees, and platform choices, creating tension between platform diversity and instrument breadth.
Our Verdict
Too close to call0.1 pts apart
FP Markets edges Interactive Brokers on MT4/MT5 support, though overall they stay closely matched.
No commercial relationship. The verdict and scores are entirely editorial. No payment influences this comparison.
Key Differences
- 1FP Markets supports MT4/MT5; Interactive Brokers does not.
- 2FP Markets offers 10,000 instruments; Interactive Brokers offers 17,000.
- 3Interactive Brokers has a proprietary platform; FP Markets does not.
Who should choose FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which broker best suits your trader profile.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets if you want MT4/MT5 and cTrader support with raw spreads and strong ASIC/CySEC regulation.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want broad global market access and a proprietary trading platform.
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
FP Markets offers tighter spreads from 0.00 pips vs 0.20 pips for Interactive Brokers, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.5/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.6 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
True ECN pricing from 0.0 pips + $6 round-turn commission
Supports MT4, MT5, and cTrader, all three major platforms
IRESS platform for direct-access share CFD trading
Strong ASIC and CySEC regulation
Client funds held in segregated accounts
FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
FP Markets
criteria wins
1
Interactive Brokers
criteria win
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FP Markets | 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 |
FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
The scores are close: FP Markets rates 4.5/5 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.
FP Markets 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 FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FP Markets 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.
FP Markets 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 FP Markets's $6 per lot. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day.
FP Markets supports cTrader, IRESS, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, MetaTrader 4, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. FP Markets has exclusive access to cTrader and IRESS and MetaTrader 5 and TradingView and MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS) and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
