Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of eToro 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.
When comparing online brokers eToro and IFC Markets, it's essential to consider their regulatory credentials and trust scores. Founded in 2007, eToro holds three Tier-1 licenses, which are regarded as highly trusted according to ForexBrokers.com. Additionally, eToro has one Tier-2 license and achieves a Trust Score of 93 out of 99, marking it as a highly trusted platform. Despite not being a bank or publicly traded, eToro's regulatory status provides users with significant assurance.
On the other hand, IFC Markets, established in 2006, does not have any Tier-1 licenses, but it does hold one Tier-2 license. It is also neither a bank nor publicly listed on a stock exchange. With a Trust Score of 73, IFC Markets is considered to carry an average risk. While both brokers are not publicly traded or banks, eToro stands out in terms of regulatory trust due to its multiple Tier-1 licenses and higher trust score.
| Feature |
eToro
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
When evaluating the commissions and fees for online brokers eToro and IFC Markets, there are several key differences to consider. eToro, renowned for its market-making functions, applies a typical variable spread of 1 pip on the EUR/USD, slightly above the industry average. While eToro's spreads may not be the main attraction, its strength lies in its social copy trading platform, which draws many retail traders to its service. Additionally, eToro features a VIP club known as the eToro Club, offering five tiers of membership from Silver to Diamond. These tiers, which require balances ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, provide benefits such as access to Trading Central, discounts on withdrawal and deposit fees, and personalized account management.
In comparison, IFC Markets does not provide average spread data, leaving some uncertainty regarding its typical trading fees. However, despite this lack of transparency, both brokers are competitively rated. eToro boasts a commendable 4.5 stars for commissions and fees, while IFC Markets isn't far behind with a respectable 4 stars. These ratings reflect the overall value that each broker offers to traders, considering both the costs associated with trading and the additional services provided.
In terms of overall ranking by ForexBrokers.com in the Commissions and Fees category, eToro holds the #22 spot out of 62 brokers assessed, signaling a strong position in the market. IFC Markets secures a place at #39, indicating a solid yet slightly less competitive standing compared to eToro. Both brokers offer unique advantages, with eToro being particularly attractive to those interested in social trading, while IFC Markets may appeal to those seeking alternative benefits not specified in standard spread data.
| Feature |
eToro
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50-$10,000 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | Yes | 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.
Comparing eToro with IFC Markets reveals clear distinctions in their investment offerings. eToro boasts an impressive arsenal with 5,461 tradeable symbols, significantly overshadowing IFC Markets' 630 available symbols. In terms of forex pairs, eToro has a modest advantage, providing access to 55 pairs compared to IFC Markets' 49. Additionally, eToro allows clients to invest in exchange-traded securities on both U.S. and international exchanges, offering opportunities to own shares like Apple and Vodafone directly. In contrast, IFC Markets provides access to international exchange-traded securities only, thus limiting exposure to U.S. markets. Both platforms allow cryptocurrency trading, but eToro uniquely supports the purchase of actual cryptocurrencies, whereas IFC Markets sticks to derivatives.
For traders interested in utilizing social trading strategies, both platforms offer copy trading features. Overall, eToro's diverse range of investments earns it a 5-star rating and ranks it 10th out of 62 brokers in the Range of Investments category on ForexBrokers.com. By comparison, IFC Markets receives a 3.5-star rating and ranks 43rd, highlighting eToro's broader appeal for those seeking a varied investment portfolio.
| Feature |
eToro
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5461 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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.
When comparing the trading platforms and tools of eToro and IFC Markets, both brokers offer a free virtual demo account, allowing traders to practice without financial risk. Each company has developed its own proprietary platforms, ensuring a unique trading experience tailored to their respective users. However, when it comes to desktop platforms, IFC Markets stands out with a Windows-based desktop download option, whereas eToro focuses exclusively on a web-based platform. Both brokers provide web-based platforms, and they cater to social traders by offering copy trading features, allowing users to mimic the trades of successful investors. A significant distinction is that IFC Markets supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, popular platform choices among forex traders, while eToro does not support these options.
In terms of charting tools, eToro boasts an impressive 161 drawing tools, compared to IFC Markets' 15. However, IFC Markets provides the ability to trade directly from stock charts, a feature eToro lacks. For those interested in organizing their investments, eToro offers six columns for creating watch lists, while IFC Markets offers slightly more with seven. Based on reviews, eToro receives a slightly higher rating of 4.5 stars for its trading platforms and tools, outshining IFC Markets' 4 stars. Additionally, when ranked among 62 brokers in the Trading Platforms and Tools category by ForexBrokers.com, eToro secures the 8th position, while IFC Markets is ranked 36th, indicating a stronger market presence for eToro in this category.
| Feature |
eToro
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes |
| DupliTrade | No | No |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 104 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 161 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
eToro and IFC Markets both provide iPhone and Android apps that deliver essential trading features for users. Both platforms allow traders to set up price alerts and sync their watchlists with their online accounts, ensuring a seamless experience across devices. eToro stands out with its extensive range of 104 technical studies available for charting within its app. This is significantly more than the 30 offered by IFC Markets. However, IFC Markets offers additional charting flexibility, allowing users to draw trendlines and auto-save their chart drawings, which is not available in the eToro app.
When it comes to viewing different time frames on charts and creating watchlists with real-time quotes, both eToro and IFC Markets excel in providing these functionalities. According to ForexBrokers.com, eToro is highly rated with 4.5 stars and is ranked #11 out of 62 brokers for its mobile trading app. In contrast, IFC Markets holds a 4-star rating and is ranked #52. While eToro offers more extensive charting features, IFC Markets provides a few unique tools for chart personalization, which might appeal to certain traders.
| Feature |
eToro
|
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 | 104 | 30 |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | No | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes |
| Mobile Watchlist | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Forex Trading Apps.
Both eToro and IFC Markets provide daily market commentary and an economic calendar for tracking global news events, catering to traders seeking to stay informed. However, while eToro and IFC Markets offer sentiment-based trading tools to gauge market trends, eToro stands out by integrating advanced research resources such as Trading Central and TipRanks, which IFC Markets does not offer. Additionally, neither platform provides forex news from top-tier sources like Bloomberg or Dow Jones, or research tools from Autochartist and Acuity Trading.
When it comes to research ratings, eToro holds a higher ranking with 4.5 stars and is positioned at #13 out of 62 brokers, according to ForexBrokers.com. In contrast, IFC Markets earns 3.5 stars and is ranked #40. This indicates a stronger emphasis and success in market research offerings on eToro's part, making it a more comprehensive choice for traders who prioritize advanced analytical tools and diverse research insights.
| Feature |
eToro
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No |
| Autochartist | No | No |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes |
| TipRanks | Yes | No |
| Signal Centre (Acuity Trading) | No | No |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
Dive deeper: Best Brokers for Forex Research.
When comparing eToro and IFC Markets, beginners may find eToro more beginner-friendly due to its extensive educational offerings. eToro provides over ten educational materials focused on forex and CFDs, ranging from articles to videos and archived webinars. These resources are designed to help new traders grasp complex trading concepts with ease. In addition, eToro hosts monthly online webinars to engage users in interactive learning, and a searchable archive of past webinars allows learners to revisit content at their convenience. eToro also caters to beginners with a variety of educational videos specifically tailored for them, alongside an investor dictionary that clarifies over 50 investing terms. These factors contribute to eToro’s favorable education rating of 4.5 stars, positioning it at rank #5 in education among 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, IFC Markets also offers more than ten educational pieces, including articles and videos, to help novices and experienced traders alike. However, it lacks the continuous learning opportunities provided by eToro’s webinars and does not offer a searchable archive of past sessions. While it offers educational videos for both beginners and advanced traders, it still falls short in some areas compared to eToro. With a comprehensive investor dictionary similar to eToro's, IFC Markets provides a solid foundation for beginners to learn terminology. Despite these offerings, the broker receives a lower education rating of 3.5 stars and holds the #30 spot in ForexBrokers.com’s education ranking.
| Feature |
eToro
|
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 eToro is better than IFC Markets. eToro finished with an overall rank of #9, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
eToro is a winner for its easy-to-use copy-trading platform, where traders can copy the trades of experienced investors – or receive exclusive perks for sharing their own trading strategies.
| Feature |
eToro
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IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 73 |
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In comparing online broker platforms, eToro offers the ability to purchase both actual cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency derivatives, whereas IFC Markets provides options solely for trading cryptocurrency derivatives.
In comparing online brokers, eToro offers a more extensive range of deposit and withdrawal options than IFC Markets, providing ACH or SEPA transfers, PayPal, and Skrill alongside Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, whereas IFC Markets only supports Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire transactions.
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 | eToro | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | eToro Review |
| Broker Screenshots | eToro | IFC Markets | |
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| Regulation | eToro | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 93 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2007 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 3 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | eToro | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ASIC Authorised) | Yes | 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) | eToro | 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 | eToro | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 5461 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 55 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| Cryptocurrency (Physical) | Yes | 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 | eToro | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | N/A | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | Yes | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | Yes | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | eToro | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $50-$10,000 | $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 | Yes | No |
| Trading Platforms | eToro | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Desktop Platform (Windows) | No | Yes | |
| Web Platform | Yes | Yes | |
| Social Trading / Copy Trading | Yes | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | No | Yes | |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | No | Yes | |
| cTrader | No | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | eToro | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 6 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 104 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 161 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | No | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | eToro | 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 | 104 | 30 | |
| Mobile Charting - Draw Trendlines | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Multiple Time Frames | Yes | Yes | |
| Mobile Charting - Drawings Autosave | No | Yes | |
| Mobile Economic Calendar | No | Yes |
| Research | eToro | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | No | No | |
| Autochartist | No | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | Yes | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | eToro | 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 | eToro | 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 | eToro Review |
| Overall | eToro | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 93 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | eToro Review |
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