Comparison of FOREX.com and Interactive Brokers
| Feature | FOREX.com | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Broker | ||
| Year Founded | 2001 | 1977 |
| Broker Type | MM, DMA | DMA |
| Dealing | B-book, A-book | A-book |
| Execution | Market | Market |
| Regulation | CIMA, FCA, CIRO, CySEC, SFC, JFSA, ASIC, MAS, CFTC, NFA | SEC, FINRA, FCA, CBI, CIRO, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS |
| Platforms | FOREX.com, Ninja Trader, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), TradingView | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR GlobalTrader, FXTrader |
| Spread | ⮕ Average | ⬊ Low |
| Maximum Leverage | 1:50 | 1:50 |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $1 |
| Base Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CHF, JPY, HKD, SGD, SEK, NOK, DKK, NZD, PLN, HUF, CZK, MXN, ZAR, TRY, ILS, KRW, CNH, AED, SAR, MYR, TWD |
| Funding Methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller | Bank Wire, ACH, SEPA/Bank Transfer, Check, Wise/Instarem, Online Bill Pay |
| Inactivity Fee | $15 per month after 12 months | ✖ |
| Interest on Margin | ✔ | ✔ |
| Withdrawal Fee | ✖ | First withdrawal each month free; subsequent bank wires ~ $10 |
| Investor Protection | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), Financialcommission.org | SIPC, FSCS, ICS |
| Protection Size | £85 000 / €20 000 | $500 000 / £85 000 |
| Segregated Accounts | ✔ | ✔ |
| Negative Balance Protection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Guaranteed Stop Loss | ✔ | ✖ |
| Copy Trading | ✖ | ✖ |
| VPS | ✖ | ✖ |
| MAM/PAMM | ✖ | ✖ |
| Scalping Allowed | ✔ | ✔ |
| EAs/Robots | ✔ | ✔ |
| Depth of Market (DOM) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tradable Assets (CFDs) | Currencies, Indices, Stocks, ETFs, Bonds, Metals, Energies, Soft Commodities, Cryptocurrencies | Stocks, ETFs, Options, Futures, Forex, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, CFDs |
| Review | FOREX.com Review | Interactive Brokers Review |
About FOREX.com
FOREX.com is one of the most recognized and trusted forex brokers globally, catering to traders of all levels since its establishment in 2001. Regulated by top-tier financial authorities, including the FCA (UK), CFTC (US), and ASIC (Australia), the broker provides a secure and transparent trading environment. With a wide range of forex pairs, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, FOREX.com offers extensive opportunities for diversification. The broker's advanced trading platforms, including its proprietary platform and MetaTrader 4 (MT4), are equipped with robust charting tools, technical indicators, and risk management features. One of FOREX.com's standout features is its educational content, which includes webinars, trading guides, and market analysis, making it an excellent choice for beginner traders. The broker also offers competitive spreads, fast execution, and flexible account types to suit various trading strategies. However, the absence of support for MetaTrader 5 (MT5) and the relatively high minimum deposit for some accounts might deter certain traders. Despite these minor drawbacks, FOREX.com remains a solid choice for those looking for reliability, regulation, and a wealth of trading resources.
Pros
- Regulated by multiple top-tier authorities (FCA, CFTC, ASIC, etc.)
- Wide range of tradable instruments, including forex, commodities, and crypto
- Advanced proprietary trading platform and support for MetaTrader 4 (MT4)
- Comprehensive educational resources for traders of all levels
- Competitive spreads and fast trade execution
Cons
- No support for MetaTrader 5 (MT5)
- Inactivity fees for dormant accounts
- Limited leverage options for retail traders in certain regions
- Customer support may not be 24/7 in all locations
About Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a global multi-asset broker founded in 1977. Regulated on four continents, IBKR offers direct market access to 150+ exchanges in 33 countries, tight pricing on FX, and some of the lowest commissions in the industry. Clients trade via the powerful Trader Workstation, streamlined Client Portal, or mobile apps, choose from 20+ base currencies, and benefit from SIPC/FSCS investor protection and ESMA-mandated negative balance protection for CFDs.
Pros
- Tier-1 regulation in the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Asia
- Access to 150+ markets across 33 countries and 26 currencies
- Ultra-low spreads and volume-based commissions
- Advanced Trader Workstation plus simple mobile & web platforms
- No minimum deposit for cash accounts and no inactivity fee
- Negative balance protection for EU retail CFD traders
Cons
- Minimum FX order size ~ 20 000 units limits small accounts
- Trader Workstation has a steep learning curve
- No credit/debit-card funding options
- Customer support is not 24/7
FOREX.com & Interactive Brokers Regulation
| Feature | FOREX.com | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Companies | GAIN Global Markets Inc, StoneX Financial Ltd, GAIN Capital - FOREX.com Canada Ltd, StoneX Europe Ltd, GAIN Capital Group LLC, StoneX Financial (HK) Limited, StoneX Securities Co, StoneX Financial PTE Ltd, StoneX Financial Pty Ltd | Interactive Brokers LLC, Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Ltd, Interactive Brokers Ireland Ltd, Interactive Brokers Canada Inc., Interactive Brokers Australia Pty Ltd, Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Ltd, Interactive Brokers India Pvt. Ltd, Interactive Brokers Securities Japan Inc, Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte. Ltd |
Countries | Cayman Islands, United Kingdom, Canada, Cyprus, United States, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Australia | United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia |
Regulators | CIMA, FCA, CIRO, CySEC, SFC, JFSA, ASIC, MAS, CFTC, NFA | SEC, FINRA, FCA, CBI, CIRO, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS |
Investor Protection | UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), Financialcommission.org | SIPC, FSCS, ICS |
Investor Protection Size | £85 000 / €20 000 | $500 000 / £85 000 |
Publicly Traded | ||
Segregated Accounts | ||
Guaranteed Stop Loss | ||
Negative Balance Protection |
Companies
FOREX.com
GAIN Global Markets Inc, StoneX Financial Ltd, GAIN Capital - FOREX.com Canada Ltd, StoneX Europe Ltd, GAIN Capital Group LLC, StoneX Financial (HK) Limited, StoneX Securities Co, StoneX Financial PTE Ltd, StoneX Financial Pty Ltd
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers LLC, Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Ltd, Interactive Brokers Ireland Ltd, Interactive Brokers Canada Inc., Interactive Brokers Australia Pty Ltd, Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Ltd, Interactive Brokers India Pvt. Ltd, Interactive Brokers Securities Japan Inc, Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte. Ltd
Countries
FOREX.com
Cayman Islands, United Kingdom, Canada, Cyprus, United States, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Australia
Interactive Brokers
United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia
Regulators
FOREX.com
CIMA, FCA, CIRO, CySEC, SFC, JFSA, ASIC, MAS, CFTC, NFA
Interactive Brokers
SEC, FINRA, FCA, CBI, CIRO, ASIC, SFC, SEBI, JFSA, MAS
Investor Protection
FOREX.com
UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), Investor Compensation Fund (ICF), Financialcommission.org
Interactive Brokers
SIPC, FSCS, ICS
Investor Protection Size
FOREX.com
£85 000 / €20 000
Interactive Brokers
$500 000 / £85 000
Publicly Traded
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Segregated Accounts
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Guaranteed Stop Loss
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Negative Balance Protection
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Account Types
| Account | FOREX.com | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Market Maker Account | ||
| Account Name | Standard | — |
| Min Deposit | $100 | — |
| Lot Size | 0.01 | — |
| Spread Type | Floating | — |
| Execution | Market | — |
| Min Spread | 0.7 | — |
| Fee | No | — |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 | — |
| Stop Out | 100% | — |
| Margin Call | 120% | — |
DMA Account | ||
| Account Name | DMA | IBKR Pro |
| Min Deposit | $100 | $0 |
| Lot Size | 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Spread Type | Floating | Floating |
| Execution | Market | Market |
| Min Spread | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Fee | $12 per 1 lot | $4 per 1 lot |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 | 1:50 |
| Stop Out | 100% | 50% |
| Margin Call | 120% | 100% |
| Additional Features | ||
| Demo Account | ||
| VIP Account | ||
| Swap-Free Account | ||
| Copy Trading | ||
| VPS | ||
| PAMM/MAM Accounts | ||
Market Maker Account
Account Name
FOREX.com
Standard
Interactive Brokers
—
Min Deposit
FOREX.com
$100
Interactive Brokers
—
Lot Size
FOREX.com
0.01
Interactive Brokers
—
Spread Type
FOREX.com
Floating
Interactive Brokers
—
Execution
FOREX.com
Market
Interactive Brokers
—
Min Spread
FOREX.com
0.7
Interactive Brokers
—
Fee
FOREX.com
No
Interactive Brokers
—
Max Leverage
FOREX.com
1:50
Interactive Brokers
—
Stop Out
FOREX.com
100%
Interactive Brokers
—
Margin Call
FOREX.com
120%
Interactive Brokers
—
DMA Account
Account Name
FOREX.com
DMA
Interactive Brokers
IBKR Pro
Min Deposit
FOREX.com
$100
Interactive Brokers
$0
Lot Size
FOREX.com
0.01
Interactive Brokers
0.01
Spread Type
FOREX.com
Floating
Interactive Brokers
Floating
Execution
FOREX.com
Market
Interactive Brokers
Market
Min Spread
FOREX.com
0.1
Interactive Brokers
0.1
Fee
FOREX.com
$12 per 1 lot
Interactive Brokers
$4 per 1 lot
Max Leverage
FOREX.com
1:50
Interactive Brokers
1:50
Stop Out
FOREX.com
100%
Interactive Brokers
50%
Margin Call
FOREX.com
120%
Interactive Brokers
100%
Additional Features
Demo Account
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
VIP Account
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Swap-Free Account
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Copy Trading
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
VPS
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
PAMM/MAM Accounts
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Funding and Fees
| Feature | FOREX.com | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Base currencies | USD, EUR, GBP | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CHF, JPY, HKD, SGD, SEK, NOK, DKK, NZD, PLN, HUF, CZK, MXN, ZAR, TRY, ILS, KRW, CNH, AED, SAR, MYR, TWD |
Deposit and withdrawal methods | Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller | Bank Wire, ACH, SEPA/Bank Transfer, Check, Wise/Instarem, Online Bill Pay |
Inactivity fee | $15 per month after 12 months | |
Interest on margin | ||
Withdrawal fee | First withdrawal each month free; subsequent bank wires ~ $10 |
Base currencies
FOREX.com
USD, EUR, GBP
Interactive Brokers
USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD, CHF, JPY, HKD, SGD, SEK, NOK, DKK, NZD, PLN, HUF, CZK, MXN, ZAR, TRY, ILS, KRW, CNH, AED, SAR, MYR, TWD
Deposit and withdrawal methods
FOREX.com
Bank Wire, Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller
Interactive Brokers
Bank Wire, ACH, SEPA/Bank Transfer, Check, Wise/Instarem, Online Bill Pay
Inactivity fee
FOREX.com
$15 per month after 12 months
Interactive Brokers
Interest on margin
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Withdrawal fee
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
First withdrawal each month free; subsequent bank wires ~ $10
Trading Platforms and Conditions
| Feature | FOREX.com | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Trading Platforms | FOREX.com, Ninja Trader, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), TradingView | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR GlobalTrader, FXTrader |
Execution Speed | 0 ms | 4 ms |
Scalping | ||
Expert Advisors (EAs) | ||
Depth of Market (DOM) | ||
Spread | average | low |
Trading Platforms
FOREX.com
FOREX.com, Ninja Trader, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), TradingView
Interactive Brokers
Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR GlobalTrader, FXTrader
Execution Speed
FOREX.com
0 ms
Interactive Brokers
4 ms
Scalping
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Expert Advisors (EAs)
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Depth of Market (DOM)
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Spread
FOREX.com
average
Interactive Brokers
low
Trading Assets
| Asset | FOREX.com | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Currencies | 91 | 87 |
Indices | 54 | 23 |
Stocks | 5500 | 8139 |
Cryptocurrencies | 12 | 11 |
Bonds | 14 | 87 |
Metals | 16 | 4 |
Energies | 14 | 10 |
Soft Commodities | 22 | 15 |
ETFs | 318 | 532 |
Currencies
FOREX.com
91
Interactive Brokers
87
Indices
FOREX.com
54
Interactive Brokers
23
Stocks
FOREX.com
5500
Interactive Brokers
8139
Cryptocurrencies
FOREX.com
12
Interactive Brokers
11
Bonds
FOREX.com
14
Interactive Brokers
87
Metals
FOREX.com
16
Interactive Brokers
4
Energies
FOREX.com
14
Interactive Brokers
10
Soft Commodities
FOREX.com
22
Interactive Brokers
15
ETFs
FOREX.com
318
Interactive Brokers
532
Education and Analytics
| Feature | FOREX.com | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Economic Calendar | ||
Indicators | ||
Robots | ||
Signals | ||
Autochartist | ||
Expert Analytics | ||
News Feed | ||
Education Articles | ||
Webinars | ||
Seminars |
Economic Calendar
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Indicators
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Robots
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Signals
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Autochartist
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Expert Analytics
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
News Feed
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Education Articles
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Webinars
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Seminars
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Customer Support
| Contact | FOREX.com | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
Email | global.support@forex.com | help@interactivebrokers.com |
Phone | — | +18774422757 |
Facebook | ||
LinkedIn | — | |
YouTube | YouTube | YouTube |
Instagram | — | |
Twitter |
Email
FOREX.com
Interactive Brokers
Phone
FOREX.com
—
Interactive Brokers
LinkedIn
FOREX.com
—
Interactive Brokers
Instagram
FOREX.com
—
Interactive Brokers
Which Broker is Better?
After comparing FOREX.com and Interactive Brokers, FOREX.com comes out ahead as our overall pick. It ranks higher in our internal scoring and delivers a stronger balance of pricing (spreads/fees), platform experience, and product range. That said, the runner-up may still be a better fit if you prioritize specific needs—like a particular account type, funding method, or niche instruments. This is not financial advice; always choose a broker that matches your goals and local regulatory requirements.
More Comparisons
Andriy Bondarenko
Broker Analyst
Andriy is a seasoned expert in broker reviews with over a decade of experience in finance and trading. Under his leadership, the team produces in-depth and unbiased analyses of leading trading platforms.