FXTM vs Interactive Brokers Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of FXTM and Interactive Brokers across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
FXTM offers share CFDs on 180+ global stocks via MT4 and MT5 under CySEC and FCA regulation - a well-regulated broker with a strong emerging market presence and integrated FXTM Invest copy trading for equity strategies.
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 FXTM's 3.7/5.
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 FXTM does not, making Interactive Brokers the more cost-effective choice for frequent stock traders.
FXTM 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 FXTM with a higher editorial score (4.8/5 vs 3.7/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
FXTM vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 3.7/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | 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 | 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 | None | 2 offers |
| Visit broker | Visit FXTM | Visit Interactive Brokers |
FXTM vs Interactive Brokers Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- CySEC and FCA regulated - strong dual-jurisdiction for EU and UK client protection
- FXTM Invest copy trading enables following of equity-focused Strategy Managers
- 180+ share CFDs via MT4 and MT5 with strong emerging market accessibility
- No inactivity fee; multilingual support in 35+ languages
- Narrowest stock range (180+) among regulated multi-platform equity CFD brokers
- Share CFDs only - no real ownership, ISA, or dividend entitlement
- FSC Mauritius entity provides substantially lighter regulatory protection
- Limited stock analytical tools beyond standard MT4/MT5 charting
- 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
FXTM vs Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
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, 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 | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
FXTM vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Interactive Brokers ranks higher with a score of 4.8/5 vs 3.7/5 for FXTM. 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 FXTM 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.
FXTM 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.
Both FXTM and Interactive Brokers require a minimum deposit of no minimum to open a live trading account.
FXTM supports MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 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: FXTM 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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