EasyMarkets vs Interactive Brokers: Italy Trader Comparison 2026

For Italian traders, trading costs are a key differentiator. EasyMarkets uses fixed spreads, typically 1.2-1.5 pips on EUR/USD, which are predictable but higher than variable spreads. Interactive Brokers offers variable spreads starting from 0.1 pips on major pairs, plus a commission per lot (approx. €3.50 round turn). For low-volume traders, EasyMarkets may be cheaper due to no commissions. However, high-volume Italian traders benefit from Interactive Brokers’ lower per-trade costs. Both brokers have no deposit fees for SEPA transfers, but Interactive Brokers charges inactivity fees if dormant, which EasyMarkets does not.

EasyMarkets provides a proprietary web platform and mobile app designed for simplicity, with one-click trading, deal cancellation, and negative balance protection—ideal for Italian beginners. Interactive Brokers offers Trader Workstation (TWS), a professional desktop platform with advanced charting, algorithmic trading, and API access. For Italian traders, Interactive Brokers also supports the IBKR Mobile app with real-time data. EasyMarkets’ platform is easier to learn, while Interactive Brokers suits those needing complex order types and multi-asset trading.

EasyMarkets uses market execution with no requotes, offering instant order fills on its fixed-spread platform. Interactive Brokers provides direct market access (DMA) with low latency execution, ideal for scalping and high-frequency strategies. Italian traders who prioritize speed and transparency will prefer Interactive Brokers, while those wanting simplicity and no slippage may favor EasyMarkets.

Both EasyMarkets and Interactive Brokers are regulated by CONSOB, Italy’s financial regulator, and authorized under MiFID II. This means Italian traders receive EU-level investor protection, including negative balance protection and segregated client funds. EasyMarkets is also licensed by CySEC, while Interactive Brokers is regulated by multiple top-tier bodies including the FCA and SEC. For Italian residents, CONSOB oversight ensures complaints can be filed locally, and leverage is capped at 1:30 for retail forex traders, in line with ESMA rules.

Italian traders can fund both accounts via SEPA bank transfer in EUR, which is free and typically processed within 1-2 business days. EasyMarkets additionally supports PostePay, a widely used Italian prepaid card, allowing instant deposits with no fees. Interactive Brokers focuses on SEPA and international wire transfers, but does not accept PostePay. Withdrawals are processed back to the same method: SEPA withdrawals take 1-2 days at both brokers. EasyMarkets charges no withdrawal fees, while Interactive Brokers may charge a small fee for wire transfers. Both brokers require account verification per local KYC rules.

For Muslim traders in Italy, both EasyMarkets and Interactive Brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts that comply with Sharia law by eliminating interest on overnight positions. EasyMarkets provides this account type automatically upon request, with no additional fees. Interactive Brokers requires a formal application and proof of Islamic faith, and may restrict certain instruments. Italian traders should confirm availability before opening an account, as both brokers are accommodating but have different approval processes.

EasyMarkets offers 24/5 live chat, email, and phone support in Italian, with quick response times for retail clients. Interactive Brokers provides 24/5 multilingual support via phone and live chat, but Italian language support is limited to business hours. For Italian traders, EasyMarkets’ local-language support is more accessible, while Interactive Brokers’ support is more technical and geared toward advanced users.