FXCM vs Interactive Brokers Forex Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of FXCM and Interactive Brokers across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Veteran FCA-regulated broker with strong API support, MT4, and the proprietary Trading Station platform.
VS
Score 4.6 / 5
2 bonusesListed broker with global market access, lowest financing rates we benchmark, and the powerful TWS workstation.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsby 0.5 pts
Interactive Brokers edges ahead with a score of 4.6/5 vs FXCM's 4.1/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
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 0.2 pips vs 0.4 pips for FXCM, reducing trading costs.
Best for safety & regulation
It's a tie
Both equally suited
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Best for active traders
Recommended
Interactive Brokers has a cost edge: raw/ECN spreads, tighter spreads from 0.2 pips.
Best for platform choice
Recommended
FXCM offers more exclusive platform options: MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader, a proprietary platform.
Best for beginners
Recommended
Interactive Brokers edges out FXCM with a higher editorial score (4.6/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
FXCM vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Forex Broker Comparison
Score
= highlighted score shows which broker leads in that category| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.1 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Founded | 1999 | 1978 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom | Greenwich, United States |
| Min deposit | $50 | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 0.4 pips | 0.2 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $2/lot |
| Max leverage | 400:1 | 50:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free for first per month | First withdrawal/month free |
| Regulators | FCA ASIC | SEC FINRA FCA CMF SEBI ASIC JFSA CMVM AMF SFC DFSA NFA IIROC CNV FSC CBI CNB MFSA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 Proprietary Web/Mobile NinjaTrader | Proprietary Web/Mobile Trader Workstation (TWS) |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit FXCM | Visit Interactive Brokers |
FXCM vs Interactive Brokers Forex Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
Strong APIs (REST, FIX)
Trading Station + MT4
FCA regulated
Client funds held in segregated accounts
Negative balance protection
Investor compensation scheme coverage
No deposit fees
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Proprietary trading platform available
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
Withdrew from US market in 2017
No raw spread account option
Inactivity fee applies
Cons
Steeper learning curve on TWS
No MT4 / MT5
No MetaTrader support
No 24/5 live chat
FXCM vs Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
FXCM
criteria wins
2
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FXCM | 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 | Fail | 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 |
FXCM vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Interactive Brokers ranks higher with a score of 4.6/5 vs 4.1/5 for FXCM. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; FXCM and Interactive Brokers may each suit different trader profiles.
Interactive Brokers offers tighter spreads starting from 0.2 pips, compared to FXCM's spreads from 0.4 pips. Tighter spreads lower the cost per trade, particularly valuable for high-frequency and scalping strategies.
Interactive Brokers has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while FXCM requires at least $50. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXCM and Interactive Brokers hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Both are considered safe. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners: Interactive Brokers has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum), lowering the barrier to entry; both brokers offer negative balance protection. Also weigh up educational resources and customer support quality before deciding.
FXCM offers maximum leverage of 400:1, while Interactive Brokers offers up to 50:1. Available leverage varies by account type, instrument, and jurisdiction. Higher leverage amplifies both potential profits and losses. Always use appropriate risk management.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 per lot on commission-based accounts. Commission details for the other broker are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing.
FXCM supports MetaTrader 4, Proprietary Web/Mobile, NinjaTrader and Interactive Brokers offers Proprietary Web/Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS); both support Proprietary Web/Mobile; FXCM exclusively offers MetaTrader 4, NinjaTrader; Interactive Brokers exclusively offers Trader Workstation (TWS).
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Score 4.1 / 5
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