CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% 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.

Forex.com vs Interactive Brokers – Which Platform Dominates in 2025?

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Choosing between Forex.com and Interactive Brokers (IBKR) in 2025 comes down to one essential question: Are you a trader looking for intuitive simplicity or an investor needing institutional-level tools? These two platforms sit at the top of the brokerage industry but cater to very different user bases.

In this in-depth, SEO-optimized comparison, we break down everything: regulation, trading platforms, asset coverage, fees, tools, support, and more — so you can confidently pick the one that suits your strategy and experience level.

1. Overview of Forex.com and Interactive Brokers

Forex.com

  • Launched: 2001
  • Parent Company: StoneX Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SNEX)
  • Focus: Forex and CFD trading
  • Users: Active day traders, swing traders, and retail investors
  • Regulated in: USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia

Interactive Brokers (IBKR)

  • Launched: 1978
  • Publicly Traded: NASDAQ: IBKR
  • Focus: Multi-asset institutional-grade trading
  • Users: Professionals, high-volume investors, institutions
  • Regulated in: USA, UK, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore

Verdict: Forex.com is built for retail and forex-focused traders, while IBKR caters to pros and institutional traders with a massive multi-asset ecosystem.

2. Regulation and Safety

Forex.com holds licenses from:

  • CFTC & NFA (USA)
  • FCA (UK)
  • IIROC (Canada)
  • ASIC (Australia)
  • CySEC (EU)

Interactive Brokers is regulated by:

  • SEC, CFTC, and FINRA (USA)
  • FCA (UK)
  • ASIC (Australia)
  • SFC (Hong Kong)
  • MAS (Singapore)

SEO Keyword Focus: Forex broker regulation, trusted trading platforms, top-tier broker safety

Verdict: Both are extremely secure brokers, but IBKR edges ahead in global regulatory diversity.

3. Platform Technology & User Interface

Forex.com offers:

  • MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5
  • WebTrader (custom in-house)
  • Advanced Trading Platform (desktop)
  • Mobile app with TradingView integration

Interactive Brokers offers:

  • Trader Workstation (TWS) – highly advanced desktop app
  • IBKR Mobile – institutional-grade tools
  • Client Portal – clean, modern web trading
  • API trading & FIX connectivity

Verdict: Forex.com wins for ease of use; IBKR dominates in complexity, power, and customization.

4. Available Markets

Market TypeForex.comInteractive Brokers
Forex80+ currency pairs100+ pairs
StocksCFDs onlyReal stocks on 135+ exchanges
ETFs✅ Yes (via CFDs)✅ Yes
Options❌ No✅ Yes
Futures❌ No✅ Yes
Crypto✅ Yes (CFDs)✅ Yes (spot & futures)
Commodities✅ Yes✅ Yes
Bonds✅ Yes (CFDs)✅ Yes

Verdict: If you want access to real shares, futures, and global markets, IBKR wins. For forex and CFD simplicity, Forex.com is excellent.

5. Account Types & Minimum Deposits

Forex.com

  • Standard Account: $100
  • Commission Account: $1,000+
  • DMA Account: $25,000+
  • Islamic (swap-free): ✅

IBKR

  • IBKR Lite: $0 minimum (U.S. only)
  • IBKR Pro: $100–$10,000 depending on country
  • Islamic: ❌

Verdict: Forex.com is better for low-capital traders, while IBKR requires more capital but gives you more depth.

6. Fees & Spreads

Forex.com

  • EUR/USD spread from 0.2 pips (commission account)
  • Commission: $5 per $100K traded
  • No deposit fees, $15/month inactivity fee after 12 months

Interactive Brokers

  • Forex spreads as low as 0.1 pip
  • Tiered commissions based on volume
  • Stock commission: $0.005/share (or free with IBKR Lite)
  • Inactivity fee removed in 2023

SEO Keyword Focus: Low spread forex broker, forex commission comparison, broker trading fees

Verdict: IBKR is cheaper for large-volume, multi-asset trading, while Forex.com’s pricing is great for active forex traders.

7. Leverage & Margin

Trader TypeForex.comInteractive Brokers
Retail (EU/UK)1:301:30
USA (Forex only)1:501:50
Global Pro ClientsUp to 1:200Up to 1:100

Verdict: Forex.com offers more leverage to pro traders, but IBKR has tighter margin requirements and better risk tools.

8. Research, Tools & Education

Forex.com

  • Autochartist
  • Trading Central
  • Economic Calendar
  • Strategy optimization tools
  • Beginner & intermediate courses

Interactive Brokers

  • Market scanners (technical & fundamental)
  • AI-powered news feeds
  • PortfolioAnalyst tool
  • Over 100 research providers
  • Institutional-level charting

Verdict: IBKR offers elite research and tools, but Forex.com is much more accessible for beginners.

9. Mobile Experience

Forex.com App

  • Full charting
  • Price alerts
  • Intuitive interface

IBKR Mobile

  • Extensive order types
  • Watchlists & scanners
  • Slight learning curve

Verdict: Forex.com wins in simplicity, IBKR wins in features.

10. Customer Support

Forex.com

  • 24/5 live chat, email, and phone
  • Platform onboarding available
  • Regional support teams

Interactive Brokers

  • 24/6 live support
  • Email and ticket support
  • Slower during high volume periods

Verdict: Forex.com has faster and more user-friendly support, especially for less experienced traders.

Final Verdict – Which Broker is Right for You?

CriteriaBest Choice
BeginnersForex.com
Institutional AccessInteractive Brokers
Advanced ToolsInteractive Brokers
Low Deposit RequirementForex.com
Real Stocks & OptionsInteractive Brokers
Simplicity & SpeedForex.com
Multi-Asset TradingInteractive Brokers
Tight Forex SpreadsTie

Forex.com is perfect if you:

  • Are focused on forex and CFD trading
  • Want simple platforms with rich features
  • Prefer low minimum deposits and easy onboarding

Interactive Brokers is perfect if you:

  • Need real stock, ETF, option, and futures access
  • Want best-in-class execution and data
  • Have advanced trading needs or manage multiple asset classes

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