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Side-by-Side Comparison Independent Updated Oct 2, 2026

Interactive Brokers vs FXCM 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Choosing between Interactive Brokers and FXCM depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Interactive Brokers is headquartered in Greenwich, USA, while FXCM operates from London, UK. Interactive Brokers has the longer track record, established in 1978, compared to FXCM which was founded in 1999. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.

Interactive Brokers

FXCM

Higher ratedInteractive Brokers logo

Interactive Brokers

4.4/ 5
Visit Interactive Brokers →Full review
VS
Interactive BrokersFXCM
BrokerRank Score4.4/5 ✓3.7/5
Min. Deposit$0 ✓$50
Spread from0.2 pips0.2 pips
Max Leverage1:41:400 ✓
RegulationSEC, CFTC, FCA ✓FCA, ASIC
PlatformsProprietary Web, Proprietary MobileMT4, Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Quick VerdictBrokerRank recommends
Best for Beginners
Interactive BrokersFXCM
Best for Low Fees
Interactive BrokersFXCM
Best for Regulation
Interactive BrokersFXCM
Best Overall
Interactive BrokersFXCM
Quick Answer

Interactive Brokers is the better choice overall, scoring 4.4/5 vs 3.7/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, Interactive Brokers offers lower spreads (0.2 pips).

See full side-by-side comparison below

Interactive Brokers vs FXCM: Key Differences

Feature

Interactive Brokers

Winner

FXCM

Our Rating
4.4 / 5
3.7 / 5
Min. Deposit
$0
$50
Max Leverage
Spread From
0.2 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
$0.005/lot
None
Regulated By
Platforms
Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
MT4, Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile
Markets
Stocks, Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities
Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities
Founded
1978
1999
Headquarters
Greenwich, USA
London, UK
Score
3 / 4
1 / 4

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Fees Comparison

Fee

Interactive Brokers

FXCM

Lower fees
Spread From
0.2 pips
0.2 pips
Commission
$0.005/lot
None
Deposit Fee
None
None
Withdrawal Fee
None
None

Regulation & Trust

Interactive Brokers holds licences from SEC, CFTC, FCA. FXCM is regulated by FCA, ASIC.

Markets & Assets

Both brokers offer access to Forex, Cfd, Indices, Commodities markets. Interactive Brokers additionally covers Stocks.

Fees & Spreads

On spreads, Interactive Brokers is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.2 pips, compared to 0.2 pips at FXCM.

Trading Platforms

Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. FXCM offers MT4, Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

Minimum Deposit

Interactive Brokers requires no minimum deposit, while FXCM sets a minimum deposit of $50. This makes Interactive Brokers accessible to traders with any budget.

Overall Ratings

BrokerRank scores Interactive Brokers at 4.43/5 and FXCM at 3.66/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Interactive Brokers leads overall with a clear advantage.

BrokerRank Verdict

Interactive Brokers is our recommended pick in this comparison, scoring 4.43/5 versus FXCM's 3.66/5. Interactive Brokers holds more tier-1 licences (SEC, CFTC, FCA), offering stronger regulatory protection. Interactive Brokers is more accessible for new traders with its lower minimum deposit requirement. FXCM is still a solid option for traders who prefer FXCM's specific platform or market selection, but Interactive Brokers offers a stronger overall package for the majority of traders.

Who Should Choose Which?

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers

4.4/5

Top pick

Choose Interactive Brokers if you want…

  • Higher overall rating (4.4/5)
  • No minimum deposit
  • More regulatory licences (5)
  • More market types (5)
FXCM

FXCM

3.7/5

Choose FXCM if you want…

  • No per-trade commission
  • Higher leverage (up to 1:400)
  • More platforms (3 supported)

Also consider

View all rankings

We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.

#1ForTrade logo
ForTrade
4.3
FCA
Visit
#2FxPro logo
FxPro
4.1
FCA
Visit
#3Plus500 logo
Plus500
4.0
MAS
Visit

80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

#4AvaTrade logo
AvaTrade
4.0
MAS
Visit
#6XM logo
XM
3.9
Visit

Both Interactive Brokers & FXCM are available in

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Is Interactive Brokers better than FXCM?

Interactive Brokers scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Interactive Brokers holds a 4.4/5 rating vs FXCM's 3.7/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.

2

Which has lower fees, Interactive Brokers or FXCM?

Interactive Brokers offers spreads from 0.2 pips, while FXCM starts at 0.2 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.

3

What is the minimum deposit for Interactive Brokers vs FXCM?

Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0. FXCM requires $50.

4

Which broker is safer, Interactive Brokers or FXCM?

Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, CFTC, FCA, MAS, ASIC, while FXCM holds licences from FCA, ASIC.

5

What trading platforms do Interactive Brokers and FXCM support?

Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. FXCM supports MT4, Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.

6

Can I use both Interactive Brokers and FXCM?

Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.

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