Interactive Brokers vs IC Markets 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between Interactive Brokers and IC Markets depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Interactive Brokers is headquartered in Greenwich, USA, while IC Markets operates from Sydney, Australia. Interactive Brokers has the longer track record, established in 1978, compared to IC Markets which was founded in 2007. 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
IC Markets
| Interactive Brokers | IC Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.4/5 ✓ | 3.9/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 ✓ | $200 |
| Spread from | 0.2 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:4 | 1:500 ✓ |
| Regulation | SEC, CFTC, FCA ✓ | ASIC, CySEC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
Interactive Brokers is the better choice overall, scoring 4.4/5 vs 3.9/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, IC Markets offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowInteractive Brokers vs IC Markets: Key Differences
Interactive Brokers
WinnerIC Markets
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Fees Comparison
Interactive Brokers
IC Markets
Regulation & Trust
Interactive Brokers holds licences from SEC, CFTC, FCA. IC Markets is regulated by ASIC, CySEC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Forex, Cfd, Indices markets. Interactive Brokers additionally covers Commodities. IC Markets adds Crypto.
Fees & Spreads
On spreads, IC Markets is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, compared to 0.2 pips at Interactive Brokers.
Trading Platforms
Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. IC Markets offers MT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Mobile.
Minimum Deposit
Interactive Brokers requires no minimum deposit, while IC Markets sets a minimum deposit of $200. This makes Interactive Brokers accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores Interactive Brokers at 4.43/5 and IC Markets at 3.87/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Interactive Brokers leads overall with a clear advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Interactive Brokers
4.4/5
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.4/5)
- No minimum deposit
- More regulatory licences (5)
- More established (est. 1978)
IC Markets
3.9/5
Choose IC Markets if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
- Higher leverage (up to 1:500)
- More market types (6)
- More platforms (4 supported)
Also consider
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.
Both Interactive Brokers & IC Markets are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Interactive Brokers better than IC Markets?
Interactive Brokers scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Interactive Brokers holds a 4.4/5 rating vs IC Markets's 3.9/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, Interactive Brokers or IC Markets?
Interactive Brokers offers spreads from 0.2 pips, while IC Markets starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Interactive Brokers vs IC Markets?
Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0. IC Markets requires $200.
4Which broker is safer, Interactive Brokers or IC Markets?
Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, CFTC, FCA, MAS, ASIC, while IC Markets holds licences from ASIC, CySEC.
5What trading platforms do Interactive Brokers and IC Markets support?
Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. IC Markets supports MT4, MT5, TradingView, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both Interactive Brokers and IC Markets?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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