Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of BDSwiss 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.
BDSwiss and IFC Markets are two online brokers that offer trading solutions to clients globally. Founded in 2012, BDSwiss holds a single Tier-1 license, which classifies it as highly trusted according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, IFC Markets, established in 2006, holds one Tier-2 license, which indicates a trusted level according to the same source. Neither BDSwiss nor IFC Markets is publicly traded or operates as a bank, maintaining a focus solely on brokerage services.
Both brokers share an identical Trust Score of 73 out of 99, placing them in the average risk category according to ForexBrokers.com ratings. This score suggests a similar level of trust from regulators and clients alike when evaluated by industry standards. Despite some differences in their licensing, both companies offer viable options in the trading market, ensuring a competitive edge in providing reliable brokerage services.
| Feature |
BDSwiss
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2012 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
When comparing the commissions and fees of BDSwiss and IFC Markets, both brokers receive a solid four out of five stars in this category. However, their approaches to pricing vary. BDSwiss's Classic account features a spread of 1.5 pips on EUR/USD, which is higher than what industry leaders offer. For those seeking tighter spreads, the Raw account provides a 0.3 pip spread coupled with a $5 commission per side, resulting in an effective spread of 1.3. Meanwhile, the VIP account offers a spread of 1.2 pips, presenting a more competitive option for frequent traders.
In contrast, IFC Markets does not provide average spread data, making direct comparisons more challenging. While both brokers are rated similarly, BDSwiss ranks higher, occupying the 29th position among 62 brokers in ForexBrokers.com's Commissions and Fees category. IFC Markets, on the other hand, is positioned at 39th, indicating a slight difference in their fee structures and overall value for money.
| Feature |
BDSwiss
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $10-$5000 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.3 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | 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.
BDSwiss and IFC Markets are both online brokers providing investment opportunities in various asset classes. BDSwiss offers a broader selection of tradeable symbols with a total of 1081 options, including 53 forex pairs, compared to IFC Markets' 630 tradeable symbols and 49 forex pairs. Both platforms enable forex trading via CFDs or spot contracts and offer cryptocurrency derivatives instead of actual cryptocurrencies. Additionally, both support copy trading, catering to investors interested in mirroring the trades of experienced market participants.
When it comes to exchange-traded securities, neither BDSwiss nor IFC Markets offers access to U.S. exchanges, meaning investors cannot purchase stocks like Apple directly. However, IFC Markets stands out by providing the option to buy shares on international exchanges such as Vodafone on the London Stock Exchange, unlike BDSwiss. In terms of investment range ratings, BDSwiss ranks slightly higher with 4 stars and ranks 34 out of 62 brokers, whereas IFC Markets holds a 3.5-star rating, placing it at 43rd in the same category. This makes BDSwiss a preferable choice for those seeking a more extensive array of investment options.
| Feature |
BDSwiss
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1081 | 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.
Both BDSwiss and IFC Markets offer a comprehensive range of trading platforms and tools that cater to various trading preferences. Each broker provides users with a simulated demo account, allowing traders to practice and refine their strategies without risking real money. Additionally, both brokers have developed their proprietary platforms. For those who prefer using established platforms, BDSwiss and IFC Markets support MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), which are popular among forex traders. Also, they offer Windows-based desktop download platforms and web-based trading options, and both support copy trading. However, neither broker offers DupliTrade or ZuluTrade, which are alternative social trading platforms.
When it comes to charting, BDSwiss and IFC Markets provide 15 drawing tools each and the ability to trade directly from stock charts. They also feature watch lists that display up to seven fields, helping traders monitor market performance efficiently. Although both brokers receive a solid rating of four stars for their trading platforms and tools, BDSwiss holds a slightly higher ranking at #24 compared to IFC Markets, which is ranked #36 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com. This ranking reflects subtle differences that might influence a trader’s choice based on their specific needs and preferences.
| Feature |
BDSwiss
|
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 | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
BDSwiss and IFC Markets both offer comprehensive mobile trading apps available for iPhone and Android users. Both platforms integrate essential features such as price alerts, trendline drawing, and the ability to view various time frames for stocks or forex charts, ensuring a seamless trading experience. Additionally, each app provides users with 30 technical studies for charting and the functionality to auto-save chart drawings, as well as create watchlists with real-time quotes. However, IFC Markets has an edge with watchlist symbol syncing, allowing synchronization between the mobile app and the online account, a feature not offered by BDSwiss.
Despite the similarity in their offering, BDSwiss and IFC Markets differ in rankings and overall ratings. Both have earned a solid 4-star rating for their mobile trading apps. However, BDSwiss is positioned more favorably, ranked #23 out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, significantly ahead of IFC Markets, which sits at #52. This ranking distinction might influence potential users who prioritize broker standings in their decision-making process.
| Feature |
BDSwiss
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Both BDSwiss and IFC Markets provide daily market commentary to keep investors informed of recent developments. While neither offers forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg or Reuters, BDSwiss stands out with its inclusion of technical analysis tools from both Autochartist and Trading Central, providing traders with a deeper level of insight. IFC Markets, on the other hand, does not feature these tools but offers a sentiment-based trading tool that presents the ratio of long or short positions across various currency pairs, appealing to those interested in market sentiment.
Both brokers equip users with an economic calendar to track significant upcoming global events, aiding in strategic decision-making. BDSwiss earns a higher research rating of 4 stars compared to IFC Markets’ 3.5 stars, reflecting more advanced resources and tools that support market analysis. According to ForexBrokers.com, BDSwiss is ranked #23 out of 62 brokers in the Research category, whereas IFC Markets holds the #40 spot. This suggests BDSwiss offers a slightly more comprehensive research experience for traders looking to enhance their market understanding.
| Feature |
BDSwiss
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes |
| TipRanks | No | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
BDSwiss and IFC Markets both offer a range of educational resources to assist beginners in the world of forex and CFD trading. Each provides more than ten pieces of educational content such as articles, videos, and archived webinars. When it comes to interactive learning, BDSwiss stands out by offering monthly online webinars for its clients, adding a personal touch to its educational offerings. IFC Markets, however, does not offer such webinars. Additionally, BDSwiss provides access to a searchable archive of past webinars, allowing learners to revisit the material at their convenience, while IFC Markets lacks this feature.
Both brokers cater to beginners by offering at least ten educational videos on trading topics specifically designed for novice traders. They also extend their support to advanced traders with additional video content targeting experienced investors. Beyond video resources, BDSwiss and IFC Markets both provide an investor dictionary that defines over fifty investing terms, helping traders understand complex terminology. BDSwiss is rated 4 stars for education and is ranked 19th out of 62 brokers. In contrast, IFC Markets holds a slightly lower education rating of 3.5 stars and ranks 30th in the same lineup. This comparison highlights BDSwiss as the preferred choice for comprehensive educational support.
| Feature |
BDSwiss
|
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 BDSwiss is better than IFC Markets. BDSwiss finished with an overall rank of #36, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #44.
The BDSwiss brand caters to over 1.6 million registered forex and CFD traders, and offers the full MetaTrader platform suite alongside its own proprietary mobile app. BDSwiss demonstrates good order execution statistics and provides access to over 1,000 tradable symbols – though its spreads are higher than industry leaders.
| Feature |
BDSwiss
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 73 | 73 |
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Neither BDSwiss nor IFC Markets provide the option to purchase actual, delivered cryptocurrency, but both offer the ability to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing BDSwiss and IFC Markets in terms of deposit and withdrawal options, BDSwiss supports ACH and SEPA transfers, Skrill, Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas IFC Markets offers Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires but lacks options like ACH, SEPA transfers, and Skrill that BDSwiss provides, and both brokers do not support PayPal.
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 | BDSwiss | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 73 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | BDSwiss Review |
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| Regulation | BDSwiss | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 73 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2012 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 0 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 2 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | BDSwiss | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Canada (CIRO Authorised) | No | No | |
| Hong Kong (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Japan (SFC Authorised) | No | No | |
| Singapore (MAS Authorised) | No | No | |
| Switzerland (FINMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| United Kingdom (U.K.) (FCA Authorised) | Yes | 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) | BDSwiss | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | No | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | BDSwiss | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1081 | 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 | BDSwiss | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.6 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 1.3 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | No | Yes |
| Funding | BDSwiss | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $10-$5000 | $1 | |
| PayPal (Deposit/Withdraw) | No | No | |
| Skrill (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | No | |
| Visa/Mastercard (Credit/Debit) | Yes | Yes | |
| Bank Wire (Deposit/Withdraw) | Yes | Yes | |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | BDSwiss | 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 | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | BDSwiss | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 30 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 15 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | BDSwiss | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android App | Yes | Yes | |
| Apple iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlist Syncing | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Indicators / Studies | 30 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Research | BDSwiss | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | No | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | BDSwiss | 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 | BDSwiss | 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 | BDSwiss Review |
| Overall | BDSwiss | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 73 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | BDSwiss Review |
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