Written by ForexBrokers.com
In this head to head comparison of VT 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.
When comparing VT Markets and IFC Markets, both online brokers are privately owned and not listed on any stock exchange. Neither acts as a bank, and each presents distinct regulatory credentials. VT Markets, established in 2016, boasts a single Tier-1 license known for its high trust. It holds a Trust Score of 70 out of 99 from ForexBrokers.com, which indicates an average risk level. Meanwhile, IFC Markets, founded in 2006, does not possess a Tier-1 license but maintains one Tier-2 license recognized as trusted by ForexBrokers.com.
Although both brokers are deemed private and non-banking entities, their Trust Scores differ. IFC Markets has a slightly higher Trust Score of 73, marking it as an average-risk broker, similar in risk level to VT Markets. Their regulatory setups suggest that while VT Markets leans on its Tier-1 license for credibility, IFC Markets relies on solid Tier-2 licensing for assurance. This comparison highlights the necessity for traders to weigh regulatory factors when choosing a broker, alongside considering their own risk tolerance and professional needs.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2016 | 2006 |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No |
| Bank | No | No |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 0 |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
When comparing VT Markets to IFC Markets in terms of commissions and fees, VT Markets offers two main account types: the Raw ECN and the Standard STP account. The Raw ECN account requires users to pay a commission but provides better spread value, with an effective spread on the EUR/USD of 0.83 pips. In contrast, the Standard STP account is commission-free, featuring a typical EUR/USD spread of 1.2 pips, making it less competitive in terms of pricing. Both accounts require a modest minimum deposit of $100. VT Markets is rated 4.5 stars for commissions and fees and holds a rank of #20 out of 62 brokers according to ForexBrokers.com.
On the other hand, IFC Markets does not provide average spread data, making direct fee comparisons a bit challenging. Though the specifics of their fee structure aren't as transparent as VT Markets, IFC Markets secures a decent 4-star rating for its commissions and fees. However, it stands lower in the rankings, placed at #39 in the Commissions and Fees category out of the same 62 brokers.
Overall, while both brokers have strengths, VT Markets may hold an edge for users who prioritize transparent fee structures and better spreads, especially for EUR/USD trades. With higher ratings and rankings, VT Markets is slightly more favorable for traders seeking cost-efficient trading conditions.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $1 |
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 1.44 |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes |
| ACH or SEPA Transfers | No | 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.
When comparing the range of investments available at VT Markets and IFC Markets, both brokers provide forex trading as a CFD or spot contract. VT Markets stands out with a larger selection of tradeable symbols, offering 1,000 compared to IFC Markets' 630. However, IFC Markets takes the lead with 49 tradeable forex pairs against the 39 available at VT Markets. While neither broker allows clients to buy exchange-traded securities on U.S. exchanges like Apple shares, both offer access to international exchanges such as the London Stock Exchange, where clients can purchase shares of companies like Vodafone.
Both VT Markets and IFC Markets support copy trading, yet neither offers the ability to buy actual cryptocurrencies; they do, however, provide cryptocurrency derivatives. Despite these offerings, both brokers receive an identical rating of 3.5 stars for their range of investments. When ranked among 62 brokers, VT Markets is placed slightly higher at #39, with IFC Markets following at #43, indicating a competitive yet slightly differentiated position in the investment offerings landscape.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1000 | 630 |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 39 | 49 |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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 VT Markets and IFC Markets in terms of their trading platforms and tools, both brokers cater to traders looking for versatile and accessible options. Both offer free virtual demo accounts, allowing beginners to hone their skills with simulated trading. A key difference is that IFC Markets provides a proprietary trading platform developed in-house, while VT Markets relies on third-party solutions. Both brokers offer a Windows-based desktop platform, web-based browser trading, and support for MetaTrader 4 and 5. Copy trading options are also available with both brokers, though neither offers DupliTrade or ZuluTrade. While VT Markets offers an impressive 30 drawing tools for charting, IFC Markets provides 15, making them both solid choices for traders focused on technical analysis.
In terms of additional features, both VT Markets and IFC Markets allow traders to execute trades directly from stock charts, support seven watchlist columns, and have comparable ratings for their trading platforms and tools, each earning a 4-star rating. However, IFC Markets holds a slight edge in the ForexBrokers.com ranking for this category, placing 36th out of 62 brokers, compared to VT Markets' 47th position. This subtle difference might affect a trader's decision depending on individual preferences and specific needs for proprietary systems and technical drawing tools.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes |
| Proprietary Platform | No | 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) | 15 | 30 |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 |
Dive deeper: Best MetaTrader 4 Brokers, Best MetaTrader 5 Brokers.
When comparing the mobile trading apps of VT Markets and IFC Markets, both offer a convenient way for traders to stay connected on the go. Both platforms support apps for iPhone and Android devices, allowing you to manage your trades anywhere, anytime. They also provide essential features like stock or forex price alerts and the ability to draw trendlines on charts. With 30 technical studies offered by each app, traders have plenty of tools to analyze market trends. Moreover, both apps allow users to view multiple time frames, such as daily or weekly insights, which can be crucial for strategy development.
However, there are some differences to note. IFC Markets offers a more seamless experience with watchlist symbol syncing, enabling your lists to update automatically between the mobile app and online account. Additionally, drawing your analysis on charts is saved automatically on IFC Markets, while VT Markets lacks this auto-save feature. Despite these differences, both apps are highly rated, receiving 4 out of 5 stars. According to ForexBrokers.com, VT Markets holds a slightly higher ranking at #44 compared to IFC Markets at #52 in the Mobile Trading Apps category, offering a reliable choice for traders seeking a comprehensive mobile experience.
| Feature |
VT 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 | 30 | 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.
VT Markets and IFC Markets both offer daily market commentary, making them viable choices for traders seeking consistent market insights. However, VT Markets stands out by providing forex news from top-tier sources such as Bloomberg, Reuters, and Dow Jones, while IFC Markets lacks this feature. Both brokers use Trading Central for technical and fundamental research tools, but only VT Markets offers comprehensive tools from this company, which can be advantageous for traders relying on data-driven strategies.
Both platforms provide sentiment-based trading tools and economic calendars to keep traders updated on global economic events. Despite these offerings, neither broker uses services from Autochartist, TipRanks, or Acuity Trading. In terms of rating, both VT Markets and IFC Markets received a 3.5-star research rating, with VT Markets ranked #36 and IFC Markets ranked #40 out of 62 brokers on ForexBrokers.com. This indicates that while they are fairly close in performance, VT Markets may have a slight edge when it comes to research tools.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | 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.
For beginners venturing into forex or CFDs trading, both VT Markets and IFC Markets offer a variety of educational resources to learn from. Each broker provides over 10 comprehensive pieces, including articles and videos focused specifically on forex and CFDs, ensuring a well-rounded introduction for novices. Both platforms also feature beginner-friendly videos to get newcomers up to speed with trading concepts. Furthermore, each service includes a helpful investor dictionary with more than 50 investing terms for quick reference. However, neither VT Markets nor IFC Markets host regular online webinars or maintain an archive of past webinars for continued learning.
When it comes to educational content aimed at more experienced traders, IFC Markets provides a notable advantage. They offer over 10 advanced educational videos, whereas VT Markets does not extend this breadth to seasoned traders. Despite these differences in their educational offerings, both brokers receive the same rating of 3.5 stars for education quality. While VT Markets is ranked #55 for education out of 62 brokers by ForexBrokers.com, IFC Markets stands higher at rank #30, suggesting a slightly stronger reputation in supporting trader education.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes |
| Client Webinars | No | No |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | 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 VT Markets is better than IFC Markets. VT Markets finished with an overall rank of #44, while IFC Markets finished with an overall rank of #45.
VT Markets benefits from being part of the Vantage Group of companies, and provides access to the MetaTrader suite of platforms as well as its own VT Pro trading app.
| Feature |
VT Markets
|
IFC Markets
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating |
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| Trust Score | 70 | 73 |
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Both VT Markets and IFC Markets do not offer the ability to buy actual (delivered) cryptocurrency, but they both provide the option to trade cryptocurrency derivatives.
While both VT Markets and IFC Markets do not support ACH, SEPA, or PayPal for deposits and withdrawals, they both offer transactions via Visa, Mastercard, and bank wires, with VT Markets additionally providing an option for Skrill unlike IFC Markets.
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 | VT Markets | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 70 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | VT Markets Review |
| Broker Screenshots | VT Markets | IFC Markets | |
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| Regulation | VT Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trust Score | 70 | 73 | |
| Year Founded | 2016 | 2006 | |
| Publicly Traded (Listed) | No | No | |
| Bank | No | No | |
| Regulated in one or more EU or EEA countries (MiFID). | No | No | |
| Tier-1 Licenses | 1 | 0 | |
| Tier-2 Licenses | 1 | 1 | |
| Tier-3 Licenses | 0 | 0 | |
| Tier-4 Licenses | 0 | 1 |
| Tier-1 Licenses (Highly Trusted) | VT 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). | No | No |
| Tier-2 Licenses (Trusted) | VT 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 | VT Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Trading (Spot or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Tradeable Symbols (Total) | 1000 | 630 | |
| Forex Pairs (Total) | 39 | 49 | |
| U.S. Stock Trading (Non CFD) | No | No | |
| Int'l Stock Trading (Non CFD) | Yes | 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 | VT Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Spread EUR/USD - Standard | 1.2 | 1.44 | |
| All-in Cost EUR/USD - Active | 0.8 | N/A | |
| Active Trader or VIP Discounts | No | Yes | |
| Inactivity Fee | No | No | |
| Execution: Agency Broker | No | Yes | |
| Execution: Market Maker | Yes | Yes |
| Funding | VT Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Deposit | $100 | $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 | No | No |
| Trading Platforms | VT Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Platform | No | 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 | VT Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Trading (Demo) | Yes | Yes | |
| Alerts - Basic Fields | Yes | Yes | |
| Watchlists - Total Fields | 7 | 7 | |
| Charting - Indicators / Studies (Total) | 15 | 30 | |
| Charting - Drawing Tools (Total) | 30 | 15 | |
| Charting - Trade From Chart | Yes | Yes | |
| Charts can be saved | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Trading | VT 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 | 30 | 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 | VT Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Market Commentary | Yes | 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 | VT Markets | IFC Markets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education (Forex or CFDs) | Yes | Yes | |
| Client Webinars | No | No | |
| Client Webinars (Archived) | No | No | |
| Videos - Beginner Trading Videos | Yes | Yes | |
| Videos - Advanced Trading Videos | No | Yes | |
| Investor Dictionary (Glossary) | Yes | Yes |
| Major Forex Pairs | VT 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 | VT Markets Review |
| Overall | VT Markets | IFC Markets | |
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| Trust Score | 70 | 73 | |
| Winner | check_circle | ||
| Review | VT Markets Review |
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