FP Markets vs Interactive Brokers 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

FP Markets, established in 2005 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, operates under the regulatory oversight of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). These regulatory bodies ensure that FP Markets adheres to strict compliance standards, offering a degree of confidence to traders. The broker provides fund protection schemes that include segregated client funds, which adds an extra layer of security for investors.

Interactive Brokers, founded in 1978, boasts a more extensive regulatory framework, being regulated by prominent authorities such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and ASIC. This extensive global regulation network ensures a high level of safety and compliance, with client funds held in segregated accounts as well, offering robust investor protection.

Fees & Spreads

FP Markets offers competitive spreads starting from 0 pips on their Raw account, though it charges a commission of $3 per lot per side. The minimum deposit required to open an account is $100, which is relatively low compared to industry standards, making it accessible for a broad range of traders. The broker allows for maximum leverage of up to 1:500, but traders should be mindful of potential overnight fees that can accumulate on positions held overnight.

In contrast, Interactive Brokers offers spreads starting from 0.2 pips and is renowned for its very low commissions, set at 0.005 per share, which is particularly attractive for stock traders. There is no minimum deposit required to open an account, which can be appealing to beginners. However, the leverage offered is relatively low at 1:4, reflecting its focus on risk management. Interactive Brokers also imposes an inactivity fee for small accounts, which can be a disadvantage for less active traders.

Trading Platforms

FP Markets provides a versatile trading experience with access to popular platforms like MetaTrader 4 (MT4), MetaTrader 5 (MT5), TradingView, and a proprietary mobile platform. These platforms cater to a wide range of traders, offering customisability and advanced charting tools. On the other hand, Interactive Brokers uses its proprietary web and mobile platforms, renowned for their advanced trading tools and extensive market analysis features, making them ideal for experienced traders seeking comprehensive analytical capabilities.

Who Should Choose FP Markets?

• Traders seeking low spreads starting from 0.0 pips on Raw accounts.
• Individuals looking to trade with high leverage up to 1:500.
• Traders who prefer using TradingView for chart analysis.
• Beginner traders who appreciate a low minimum deposit of $100.

Who Should Choose Interactive Brokers?

• Professional traders requiring access to a wide array of 150+ markets.
• Investors looking for very low commissions of 0.005 per share.
• Traders who prioritise top-tier, global regulatory oversight.
• Advanced users seeking sophisticated trading tools and market research.

Our Verdict

For beginners, FP Markets is the better choice due to its lower minimum deposit and user-friendly platforms. However, for professional traders and those focused on fees, Interactive Brokers wins with its extensive market access and low commission structure.