A head-to-head comparison of FXTM and Interactive Brokers across regulation, trading costs, platforms, and editorial scoring.
CySEC and FCA-regulated broker with broad emerging-market reach, strong copy trading via MyFXBook integration, and a low $10 minimum deposit that makes it accessible to first-time traders.
Listed broker with global market access, lowest financing rates we benchmark, and the powerful TWS workstation.
Interactive Brokers edges ahead with a score of 4.6/5 vs FXTM's 4.2/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Which broker wins for each type of trader, based on costs, safety, platforms, and editorial scoring.
Interactive Brokers offers tighter spreads from 0.2 pips vs 1.5 pips for FXTM, reducing trading costs.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Interactive Brokers has a cost edge: tighter spreads from 0.2 pips.
Interactive Brokers offers more exclusive platform options: Proprietary Web/Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS), a proprietary platform.
Interactive Brokers edges out FXTM with a higher editorial score (4.6/5 vs 4.2/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new traders.
| Editorial score | 4.2/ 5 | 4.6/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Score Breakdown | ||
Trust & Regulation 40% weight | 4.2 / 5 | 4.8 / 5▲ |
Fees & Spreads 30% weight | 3.9 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Platforms & Tools 20% weight | 4.0 / 5 | 4.6 / 5▲ |
Customer Support 10% weight | 4.3 / 5▲ | 4.0 / 5 |
| Founded | 2011 | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus | Greenwich, United States |
| Min deposit | $10 | No minimum |
| Spreads from | 1.5 pips | 0.2 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $2/lot |
| Max leverage | 1000:1 | 50:1 |
| Withdrawal fee | Free | First withdrawal/month free |
| Regulators | FCA FSCA CySEC FSC | SEC FCA CMF ASIC JFSA SEBI AMF SFC FINRA DFSA CMVM NFA IIROC CNV FSC CBI CNB MFSA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 | Proprietary Web/Mobile Trader Workstation (TWS) |
| Active bonuses | ||
| Visit broker | Visit FXTM | Visit Interactive Brokers |
Pros
Low $10 minimum deposit on Micro accounts
Strong copy trading via FXTM Invest platform
Extensive education - webinars, video courses, and market analysis
Multilingual support in 20+ languages
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
MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 supported
Mobile trading app available
Transparent pricing with clear cost disclosure
24/5 live chat support
Phone support available
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
Standard account spreads are not ECN-competitive
Platform choice limited to MT4 and MT5
Mauritius FSC entity offers less investor protection than FCA/CySEC
No proprietary platform
Limited charting capabilities
Cons
Steeper learning curve on TWS
No MT4 / MT5
No MetaTrader support
No 24/5 live chat
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | FXTM | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Customer Support | ||
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
| Multilingual support | Pass | Pass |
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Interactive Brokers ranks higher with a score of 4.6/5 vs 4.2/5 for FXTM. The best choice still depends on your individual trading needs; FXTM and Interactive Brokers may each suit different trader profiles.
Interactive Brokers offers tighter spreads starting from 0.2 pips, compared to FXTM's spreads from 1.5 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 FXTM requires at least $10. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both FXTM 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.
FXTM offers maximum leverage of 1000:1, 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.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and Interactive Brokers offers Proprietary Web/Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS); FXTM exclusively offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5; Interactive Brokers exclusively offers Proprietary Web/Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS).
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