FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of FP Markets and Interactive Brokers across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FP Markets offers direct-access share CFD trading via IRESS alongside standard MT4/MT5/cTrader share CFDs - a differentiated dual-model approach under ASIC and CySEC regulation that suits both ECN forex traders and equity-focused clients.
Interactive Brokers offers unrivalled market access and the lowest commissions in the industry for active stock traders. The TWS platform is extremely powerful but has a steep learning curve for beginners.
Interactive Brokers comes out ahead with an editorial score of 4.8/5 compared to FP Markets's 4.1/5.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free trading while FP Markets does not, making Interactive Brokers the more cost-effective choice for frequent stock traders.
FP Markets has a stronger safety profile: top-tier regulation, compensation scheme, segregated funds, negative balance protection.
Interactive Brokers is better suited for long-term investing: fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access.
Interactive Brokers has the edge for active traders: commission-free trading, advanced charting.
Interactive Brokers edges out FP Markets with a higher editorial score (4.8/5 vs 4.1/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.1/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum |
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
| IPO access | No | Yes |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | ASIC CySEC | SEC FCA CMF ASIC JFSA SEBI AMF SFC FINRA DFSA CMVM NFA IIROC CNV FSC CBI CNB MFSA |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 4 MetaTrader 5 cTrader TradingView IRESS | Proprietary Web/Mobile Trader Workstation (TWS) |
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
| Visit broker | Visit FP Markets | Visit Interactive Brokers |
FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- 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)
- IRESS DMA incurs a monthly fee (~AUD 55) - uneconomical for low-frequency traders
- CFD-only for most share access; DMA limited to IRESS users
- IRESS has a steeper learning curve than MetaTrader or TradingView
- Not available to US residents
- Access to 150+ global markets across 33+ countries
- Industry-leading low commissions for active traders
- IBKR Lite tier offers commission-free US stock trading
- Powerful TWS platform with DMA, options, and API access
- Regulated by SEC, FINRA, FCA, ASIC and other Tier 1 bodies
- IPO access available through IBKR IPO platform
- TWS platform has a very steep learning curve
- IBKR Pro's tiered commission structure is complex
- Customer service can be slow for account-level queries
- Minimum activity fees may apply on smaller 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.
| 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
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Interactive Brokers ranks higher with a score of 4.8/5 vs 4.1/5 for FP Markets. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free stock trading while FP Markets does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can significantly reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
FP Markets scores higher on our regulatory safety criteria, with top-tier regulatory oversight, segregated client funds, compensation scheme coverage. For stock investors, regulatory safety is critical — always confirm a broker's specific licences and investor protections before depositing funds.
Interactive Brokers has a lower minimum deposit of no minimum required, while FP Markets requires at least $100. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders starting with limited capital.
FP Markets supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, IRESS and Interactive Brokers offers Proprietary Web/Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS). Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: Interactive Brokers has a lower minimum deposit (no minimum); FP Markets offers negative balance protection; Interactive Brokers has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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