Forex.comvs
Interactive BrokersStock Broker Comparison
Two brokers clash over global market access and cost structures in a stock focused comparison. The tension centers on exchange reach, trading platforms, and regulatory strength.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsClear Winner
Interactive Brokers wins on editorial score, scoring 4.8 to Forex.com's 3.9, and offers broader market access and commission-free US stock trading through IBKR Lite.
Interactive Brokers
4.8/5
Forex.com
3.9/5
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges covered: Interactive Brokers 150 vs Forex.com 8.
- 2Commission model: IBKR Lite offers commission-free US stock trading; Forex.com has none.
- 3Dividend reinvestment: IBKR supports DRIP; Forex.com does not.
Who should choose Forex.com vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Forex.com if…
Choose Forex.com if you want share CFDs on 8 exchanges and multi jurisdictional regulation. Share CFDs only; there is no real ownership or dividend entitlement.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want access to 150 exchanges and IPO access. You also get fractional shares and commission-free US stock trading with IBKR Lite.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Interactive Brokers wins for low-cost trading due to IBKR Lite commission-free US stocks.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
Forex.com vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | 0.2 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | $2/lot▼ lower |
Forex.com vs Interactive Brokers Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- NFA, CFTC, and FCA regulated, accessible to US residents who cannot use most CFD brokers
- Share CFDs on MT4, MT5, and proprietary Web Trader from a single account
- Reuters news and integrated economic calendar in the Web Trader
- No inactivity fee for actively funded accounts
Cons
- Narrowest stock selection (220+) among regulated multi-platform equity CFD brokers
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
6
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Forex.com | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Pass |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
Forex.com vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Interactive Brokers rates 4.8/5 versus 3.9/5 for Forex.com. Interactive Brokers edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Interactive Brokers lists tighter spreads from 0.2, compared with Forex.com's 1. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
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 Forex.com provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Forex.com lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Interactive Brokers lists up to 1:4. 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 trade, lower than Forex.com's $7 per trade. Lower commissions benefit active traders who execute many trades per day. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
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).
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free stock trading while Forex.com does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Forex.com scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
