Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of AvaTrade vs IFC Markets, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, range of investments, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 51% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
AvaTrade and IFC Markets, both founded in 2006, offer online trading platforms but differ significantly in regulatory standing. AvaTrade holds a notable advantage with four Tier-1 licenses, which ForexBrokers.com considers highly trusted, alongside three Tier-2 licenses. This contributes to AvaTrade's impressive Trust Score of 94 out of 99, indicating it's highly trusted in the industry. In contrast, IFC Markets does not possess any Tier-1 licenses and holds only one Tier-2 license, resulting in a Trust Score of 73. This places IFC Markets in the average risk category for traders.
Neither AvaTrade nor IFC Markets is publicly traded or operates as a bank, which is common among many online brokers. However, AvaTrade's superior regulatory approvals and higher Trust Score could offer greater assurance to traders seeking a secure trading partner. While both platforms enable access to a wide range of financial markets, AvaTrade's regulatory credentials and trust ratings might make it a preferred choice for those prioritizing safety and reliability.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2006 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When it comes to evaluating the commissions and fees of AvaTrade and IFC Markets, AvaTrade emerges with generally favorable spreads. As of June 2024, AvaTrade offers spreads just under one pip (0.9 pips), aligning with the industry average, though slightly above entry-level accounts from competitors like CMC Markets and Tickmill. For professional traders who qualify, AvaTrade presents even more competitive spreads at 0.6 pips, making them comparable to options like FP Markets.
In contrast, IFC Markets does not provide specific average spread data. This lack of transparency might pose a challenge for traders seeking detailed insights into potential trading costs. Despite this, IFC Markets achieves a respectable customer rating regarding commissions and fees, indicating satisfactory performance in this area.
In the star ratings, AvaTrade shines with a 4.5 out of 5 stars for its commissions and fees, ranking 12th out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. IFC Markets, while slightly lower in rating at 4 stars, holds the 39th position in the same category. These rankings highlight AvaTrade's slight edge in terms of cost-effectiveness and client satisfaction in trading fees.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.93 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.61 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Low Spread Forex Brokers.
When evaluating the range of investments offered by AvaTrade and IFC Markets, both brokers cater well to forex traders by providing opportunities to trade forex as a CFD or spot contract. AvaTrade shines with a larger selection, offering a total of 1,260 tradeable symbols and 53 forex pairs, while IFC Markets provides 630 tradeable symbols and 49 forex pairs. This broader offering contributes to AvaTrade's higher customer rating of 4 stars in investment range compared to IFC Markets, which is rated 3.5 stars.
In terms of exchange-traded securities, neither AvaTrade nor IFC Markets offers direct access to buying shares on U.S. exchanges, such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL). However, IFC Markets provides access to international equities, allowing clients to invest in companies like Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange, an option unavailable with AvaTrade. Both brokers support crypto trading via derivatives rather than actual cryptocurrencies and offer options for copy trading. AvaTrade's superior ranking, coming in at #32 out of 62 brokers for investment range, also underscores its broader offerings compared to IFC Markets' #43 position.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1260 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 53 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
Dive deeper: Best Copy Trading Platforms.
Choosing the right trading platform is crucial for traders of all levels, and both AvaTrade and IFC Markets offer compelling options. AvaTrade stands out with its proprietary platform and a suite of platforms including MT4 and MT5, providing flexibility for varying trading styles. Both brokers offer the convenience of Windows-based desktop and web-based platforms. Notably, AvaTrade provides advanced copy-trading features through both DupliTrade and ZuluTrade, which enhances its appeal for those seeking automated trading solutions. In terms of charting, AvaTrade offers 13 drawing tools and a user-friendly experience that allows trading directly from stock charts. Additionally, AvaTrade offers a well-rounded experience with simulated trading through free demo accounts, making it an enticing choice for both beginners and seasoned traders.
On the other hand, IFC Markets also provides a strong lineup with its proprietary platform alongside standard options like MT4 and MT5. It offers a web-based experience that mirrors the convenience AvaTrade provides. However, when it comes to copy trading, IFC Markets doesn’t support DupliTrade and ZuluTrade, which may limit automation options for users. Charting needs are well met with 15 drawing tools, and both platforms allow trades directly from charts, ensuring seamless operation. Simulated trading is also available, allowing users to sharpen their skills without financial risks. Although IFC Markets is rated 4 stars for its trading platforms and tools, falling slightly behind AvaTrade's 4.5-star rating, it still serves as a viable option for those seeking comprehensive trading services. AvaTrade ranks 13th out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, compared to IFC Markets, which ranks 36th, highlighting AvaTrade's slightly superior offering in this category.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 80 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 13 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
AvaTrade and IFC Markets both provide mobile trading apps for iPhone and Android, making them accessible for users who prefer trading on the go. Both platforms offer stock and forex price alerts, along with watchlist symbol syncing, which helps users to stay up to date across different devices. AvaTrade stands out with 73 technical studies available for charting, significantly more than the 30 offered by IFC Markets. Both apps allow you to draw trendlines and view multiple time frames on stock or forex charts, although only IFC Markets’ app allows auto-saving of these drawings. Both apps support creating watchlists with real-time quotes, enabling traders to track their investments efficiently.
AvaTrade receives a 4.5-star rating for its mobile trading app, ranking 13th out of 62 brokers as per ForexBrokers.com, showcasing its strong performance in mobile trading. On the other hand, IFC Markets, with a 4-star rating, is positioned at 52nd in the same category. While both platforms offer comprehensive mobile trading experiences, AvaTrade's higher rating and broader set of technical features give it an edge for users seeking more in-depth charting tools. However, if auto-saving drawings is a priority, IFC Markets might be the app of choice. Each platform has its unique strengths, ensuring that traders have reliable tools to suit their preferences.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 73 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
When it comes to market research offerings, AvaTrade and IFC Markets present traders with unique strengths. AvaTrade stands out by providing forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg and Reuters. Additionally, AvaTrade equips traders with advanced tools from Trading Central to enhance technical analysis, alongside offering a sentiment-based trading tool for better market insights. On the other hand, IFC Markets excels in offering daily market commentary, giving traders up-to-date insights to aid their decision-making processes. Both platforms provide comprehensive economic calendars that keep investors informed about global news events.
In terms of overall research ratings, AvaTrade earns a commendable 4 stars, whereas IFC Markets is rated at 3.5 stars. Out of 62 brokers evaluated by ForexBrokers.com, AvaTrade holds the 34th spot in the Research category, while IFC Markets is ranked 40th. These rankings reflect AvaTrade's slight edge in research resources, despite IFC Markets' commitment to daily commentaries. Both brokers furnish traders with essential tools, albeit with distinct approaches to market insights.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing the educational resources available at AvaTrade and IFC Markets, beginners can expect valuable offerings from both brokers. AvaTrade provides an extensive suite of educational materials, with over ten articles, videos, and archived webinars focused on forex and CFDs. They also host monthly webinars, accompanied by a searchable archive of past sessions, allowing clients to learn at their own pace. AvaTrade further supports beginner traders with over ten videos tailored to new learners, as well as advanced content for seasoned investors. Additionally, AvaTrade includes an investor dictionary with more than 50 investing terms, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. This extensive range of resources earns AvaTrade a commendable 4-star rating for education and positions them as the second-ranked broker in this category among 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
In contrast, IFC Markets also delivers a well-rounded suite of educational resources, including over ten articles, videos, and archived webinars centered on forex and CFDs. Although they do not offer monthly webinars or a searchable webinar archive, they compensate with a solid foundation for beginner and advanced traders through dedicated video content. Like AvaTrade, IFC Markets includes a comprehensive investor dictionary, enhancing their educational toolkit. While rated slightly lower with a 3.5-star rating for education, IFC Markets still provides valuable resources, ranking 30th in the education category out of 62 brokers in the ForexBrokers.com review. Despite fewer interactive options, IFC Markets holds a respectable position, particularly for those focused on self-paced learning through structured materials.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Brokers for Beginners.
After testing 62 of the best forex brokers, our research and account testing finds that AvaTrade is better than IFC Markets. AvaTrade finished with an overall rank of #13, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #44.
AvaTrade is a trusted global brand best known for offering an extensive selection of trading platforms for forex and CFD traders, as well as exceptional educational content that helped it nab Best in Class honors for Beginners in the ForexBrokers.com 2025 Annual Awards.
| Feature |
AvaTrade
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IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 94 | 73 |
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Both AvaTrade and IFC Markets do not allow the purchase of actual (delivered) cryptocurrency but do offer the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers AvaTrade and IFC Markets, AvaTrade stands out by offering PayPal and Skrill as options for depositing or withdrawing account funds, in addition to Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, while IFC Markets, also allowing for Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, does not provide the option to use PayPal or Skrill; neither broker supports ACH or SEPA transfers.
Please note:
We review each broker’s overall global offering – a “Yes” checkmark in our Compare Tool does not guarantee the availability of any specific features in your country of residence. To verify the availability of any features within your country of residence, please contact the broker directly.
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0 of 5| Overall Rating | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 94 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | AvaTrade Review |
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| Regulation | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 94 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2006 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 4 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 3 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | No | No | |
| USA (CFTC Authorized) | No | No | |
| New Zealand (FMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | Yes | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1260 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 53 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | No | No | |
| Cryptocurrency (Derivative) | Yes | Yes | |
| Disclaimers | Note: Crypto CFDs are not available to retail traders from any broker's U.K. entity, nor to U.K. residents (except to Professional clients). |
| Cost | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 0.93 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.61 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | Yes | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | Yes | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | Yes | No | |
| ZuluTrade | Yes | No |
| Trading Tools | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 80 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 13 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 73 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | No | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | Yes | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | Yes | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/JPY | Yes | Yes | |
| EUR/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CHF | Yes | Yes | |
| USD/CAD | Yes | Yes | |
| NZD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| AUD/USD | Yes | Yes | |
| Review | AvaTrade Review |
| Overall | AvaTrade | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 94 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | AvaTrade Review |
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