FP Marketsvs
Interactive BrokersStock Broker Comparison
FP Markets and Interactive Brokers vie with different strengths, from regulated dual models to global market access and platform depth. The matchup tests fee structures, access, and long-term investing features.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsClear Winner
Interactive Brokers is the overall winner, scoring higher on editorial score (4.8 vs 4.1) and delivering broader market access across 150 exchanges.
Interactive Brokers
4.8/5
FP Markets
4.1/5
Key Differences
- 1Number of exchanges: FP Markets 15, Interactive Brokers 150.
- 2Commission model: Interactive Brokers offers commission-free US stock trading; FP Markets charges commissions.
- 3Proprietary platform: Interactive Brokers has Trader Workstation; FP Markets lacks a single proprietary platform.
Who should choose FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose FP Markets if…
Choose FP Markets if you want IRESS direct-access share CFDs and ASIC and CySEC oversight.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want access to 150 exchanges and IPO opportunities.
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 commission-free US stock trading via IBKR Lite.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0 pips▼ lower | 0.2 pips |
| Commission / lot | $6/lot | $2/lot▼ lower |
FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- IRESS platform provides genuine DMA access to ASX, NYSE, LSE, and other exchanges
- 10,000+ share CFDs available on MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView
- ASIC and CySEC regulation, among the strongest regulatory profiles for a mid-tier broker
- No platform fee for standard share CFD trading (IRESS fee only for DMA users)
Cons
- IRESS DMA incurs a monthly fee (~AUD 55), uneconomical for low-frequency traders
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
5
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | FP Markets | 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 | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Interactive Brokers rates 4.8/5 versus 4.1/5 for FP Markets. Interactive Brokers edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
FP Markets lists tighter spreads from 0, compared with Interactive Brokers's 0.2. 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 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 FP Markets provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
FP Markets 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 FP Markets's $6 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.
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.
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free stock trading while FP Markets 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.
FP Markets 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.
