Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of FP Markets 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.
FP Markets, established in 2005, and IFC Markets, founded a year later, are both prominent online brokers, although neither is publicly traded or operates as a bank. When evaluating their trust levels, FP Markets takes the lead with a ForexBrokers.com Trust Score of 89, categorizing it as a trusted broker. This higher score is backed by FP Markets' possession of two Tier-1 licenses, recognized as highly trusted, along with one Tier-2 license, which is regarded as trusted.
In comparison, IFC Markets holds a Trust Score of 73, which places it in the average risk category according to ForexBrokers.com. IFC Markets lacks any Tier-1 licenses but does have one Tier-2 license, indicating a measure of trust. For traders prioritizing regulatory standing, FP Markets offers a stronger position due to its higher trust score and licensing credentials.
| Feature |
FP Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2005 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
FP Markets stands out as a top choice for traders seeking cost-effective trading, thanks to its competitive pricing, especially through its commission-based Raw ECN accounts. With an impressive five-star rating for commissions and fees and a #6 rank out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com, FP Markets is recognized for offering one of the best values in the industry. The broker's spread for the Raw ECN account averages 0.1 pips, with an all-in cost of 0.8 pips on the EUR/USD as of October 2023. On the other hand, its Standard account features higher spreads averaging 1.1 pips for EUR/USD. Traders have multiple options with FP Markets' CTrader platform and the Iress suite, suitable for both low-cost entrants and high-balance traders, though its Iress ViewPoint account is less budget-friendly without the right qualifications.
IFC Markets, while offering a reliable trading experience, falls behind FP Markets in terms of commission and fee structures. The broker earns a respectable four-star rating in the same category but is ranked #39 out of 62 brokers. IFC Markets does not provide average spread data, making it challenging for potential clients to fully gauge its cost effectiveness compared to FP Markets.
Ultimately, when comparing FP Markets and IFC Markets in terms of commissions and fees, FP Markets clearly provides a more competitive edge with its high ratings and awards. It is especially favorable for traders looking for a cost-efficient platform with a range of options tailored to different trading styles and financial capabilities. In contrast, IFC Markets may suit those looking for a more standardized but still robust offering without the detailed information on spreads.
| Feature |
FP Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 AUD | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | 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 comparing the range of investments at FP Markets and IFC Markets, both brokers provide opportunities for trading in forex as CFDs or spot contracts. FP Markets stands out with a substantial offering of around 10,000 tradeable symbols, including 71 forex pairs, whereas IFC Markets provides 630 tradeable symbols with 49 forex pairs. Neither broker offers exchange-traded securities from U.S. exchanges, but IFC Markets allows clients to trade international stocks, like Vodafone, whereas FP Markets does not.
Both FP Markets and IFC Markets offer options for copy trading and access to cryptocurrency derivatives; however, neither provides the actual purchase of cryptocurrencies. In terms of their reputation for the range of investments, FP Markets holds a higher rating of 4.5 stars and ranks 18th out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. IFC Markets, on the other hand, is rated slightly lower at 3.5 stars and stands at 43rd in the same category. This suggests that FP Markets may offer a broader appeal to traders seeking expansive variety in investment choices.
| Feature |
FP Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 10000 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 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.
When comparing FP Markets and IFC Markets, both online brokers offer a variety of trading platforms and tools designed to suit diverse trading needs. Each broker provides essential features, such as free virtual demo accounts, proprietary platforms developed in-house, and Windows-based desktop download platforms. Traders using either FP Markets or IFC Markets can also access trading via web-based platforms and engage in copy trading. Moreover, popular MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms are available through both brokers, although neither offers DupliTrade or ZuluTrade for alternative automated trading approaches.
In terms of charting tools, FP Markets offers 17 drawing tools compared to IFC Markets' 15, with both brokers allowing trading directly from stock charts. They each provide watch lists with 7 columns for a comprehensive market overview. Rated similarly with 4 stars for their trading platforms and tools, FP Markets ranks slightly higher at #23 out of 62 brokers, while IFC Markets holds the #36 spot according to ForexBrokers.com. This indicates a marginal edge for FP Markets in terms of overall trading platform satisfaction among industry competitors.
| Feature |
FP Markets
|
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) | 17 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When considering mobile trading apps, both FP Markets and IFC Markets offer powerful solutions for iPhone and Android users. They provide essential features like stock and forex price alerts, real-time quote watchlists, and the ability to view multiple time frames on charts. However, IFC Markets has a slight edge with its watchlist symbol syncing feature, allowing users to seamlessly sync watchlists between the mobile app and their online accounts. This is a feature FP Markets lacks, which might make trade management more flexible with IFC Markets. On the other side, FP Markets stands out with its ranking in the Mobile Trading Apps category, securing the 18th spot out of 62 brokers, compared to IFC Markets' 52nd place. Both apps are rated decently in terms of user satisfaction, with each earning a four-star rating.
In terms of technical charting capabilities, FP Markets offers the MetaTrader as its default option, while IFC Markets provides 30 technical studies, allowing traders to conduct detailed technical analysis. Both platforms support drawing trendlines and auto-save these drawings, which is critical for traders focused on technical patterns. While both apps present a solid choice, individual preference might depend on the priority of syncing features or charting tools. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the syncing ease with IFC Markets or the stronger industry ranking with FP Markets, both apps provide comprehensive access to trading on the go.
| Feature |
FP Markets
|
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 | MetaTrader (Default) | 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.
FP Markets and IFC Markets both provide their users with daily market commentary and a comprehensive economic calendar that tracks global news events. When it comes to forex news, FP Markets takes the lead by offering updates from top-tier sources like Bloomberg and Reuters, unlike IFC Markets. FP Markets also enhances traders' experience with tools from Autochartist and Trading Central, providing valuable technical and fundamental analysis resources. Both brokers offer a sentiment-based trading tool to help traders gauge market positions.
However, neither FP Markets nor IFC Markets offer market research from TipRanks or tools from Acuity Trading. Despite these similarities, FP Markets edges out in overall research quality with a rating of 4 out of 5 stars compared to IFC Markets' 3.5 stars. In the ForexBrokers.com Research category, FP Markets is ranked at #25 out of 62 brokers, signaling a stronger emphasis on delivering insightful market research compared to IFC Markets, which stands at #40.
| Feature |
FP Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No |
| Autochartist | Yes | 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.
FP Markets and IFC Markets both offer a variety of educational resources for beginners interested in Forex and CFDs. Both platforms provide at least 10 educational pieces including articles, videos, and webinars that focus on these areas. FP Markets, however, goes a step further by hosting regular monthly webinars and offering a searchable archive of recorded webinars, making it easier for users to access past sessions. IFC Markets does not provide this feature, which could be a significant consideration for those looking to revisit or catch up on past educational content.
In terms of video content, both brokers are well-equipped for beginners and advanced traders alike, each offering over 10 videos tailored for each skill level. Additionally, both platforms provide a comprehensive investor dictionary, boasting definitions for at least 50 investing terms, to support users in expanding their financial literacy. When it comes to educational rankings, FP Markets edges ahead with a 4-star rating and a #23 ranking out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com in the education category, while IFC Markets holds a 3.5-star rating and ranks #30. This suggests that FP Markets may offer a slightly more comprehensive educational experience overall.
| Feature |
FP Markets
|
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 FP Markets is better than IFC Markets. FP Markets finished with an overall rank of #19, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
FP Markets shines as a low-cost broker for trading forex and CFDs – as long as you use the MetaTrader platform. The Iress platform suite offers well over 9,000 tradeable symbols, but it’s mostly a share trading platform – and is generally a much pricier option.
| Feature |
FP Markets
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IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
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| Trust Score | 89 | 73 |
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Neither FP Markets nor IFC Markets offers the ability to buy actual delivered cryptocurrency, but both provide options to invest in cryptocurrency derivatives.
When comparing online brokers FP Markets and IFC Markets, while neither supports ACH or SEPA transfers, FP Markets stands out by offering PayPal and Skrill for deposits and withdrawals, in addition to Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire options, whereas IFC Markets lacks PayPal and Skrill, supporting only Visa, Mastercard, and bank wire 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 | FP Markets | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 89 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FP Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | FP Markets | IFC Markets | |
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| Regulation | FP Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 89 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2005 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | Yes | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 2 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | FP Markets | 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) | 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) | FP Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya (CMA Authorised) | No | No | |
| Israel (ISA Authorised) | No | No | |
| South Africa (FSCA Authorised) | Yes | Yes | |
| UAE (DFSA/Central Bank Authorised) | No | No | |
| India (SEBI Authorised) | No | No | |
| Jordan (JSC Authorised) | No | No |
| Investments | FP Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 10000 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 71 | 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 | FP Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.7 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | Yes | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | FP Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 AUD | $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 | FP Markets | 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 | Yes | No | |
| DupliTrade | No | No | |
| ZuluTrade | No | No |
| Trading Tools | FP Markets | 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) | 17 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | FP Markets | 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 | MetaTrader (Default) | 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 | FP Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | Yes | |
| Forex News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes | No | |
| Autochartist | Yes | No | |
| Trading Central (Recognia) | Yes | No | |
| TipRanks | No | No | |
| Social Sentiment - Currency Pairs | Yes | Yes | |
| Economic Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Education | FP Markets | 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 | FP Markets | 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 | FP Markets Review |
| Overall | FP Markets | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 89 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | FP Markets Review |
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