FTMO VS Interactive Brokers
Cross-category comparison: each provider serves a different trader workflow.
UPDATED 2026-05-24 · 3 axes scored
WINNER · INTERACTIVE BROKERS · 2/3 AXES
Quick Decision
▶ PICK FTMO IF PROP-FIRM
- Disciplined traders seeking funded accounts
- Forex/CFD scalpers with sub-5% drawdown control
- Traders wanting refundable evaluation
▶ PICK INTERACTIVE BROKERS IF BROKER
- Active multi-asset traders
- Algo developers
- International traders
- Margin/futures traders
Side-by-Side Matrix
| METRIC | FTMO | INTERACTIVE BROKERS |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Affiliate Program | Yes | Yes |
| Asset Coverage Breadth | 5 classes | 9 classes |
| Asset Coverage | Forex · Indices · Commodities · Cryptocurrencies · Stocks (CFDs) | US Equities · Global Equities · Options · Futures · Forex · Bonds · Mutual Funds · ETFs · Cryptocurrencies |
| Category | prop firm | broker |
Asset Class Coverage
Where the two providers overlap and where each has unique coverage.
| ASSET CLASS | FTMO | INTERACTIVE BROKERS |
|---|---|---|
| Bonds | — | ✓ Covered |
| Commodities | ✓ Covered | — |
| Cryptocurrencies | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| ETFs | — | ✓ Covered |
| Forex | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Futures | — | ✓ Covered |
| Global Equities | — | ✓ Covered |
| Indices | ✓ Covered | — |
| Mutual Funds | — | ✓ Covered |
| Options | — | ✓ Covered |
| Stocks (CFDs) | ✓ Covered | — |
| US Equities | — | ✓ Covered |
| TOTAL CLASSES | 5 | 9 |
Only FTMO
Indices · Commodities · Stocks (CFDs)
Only Interactive Brokers
US Equities · Global Equities · Options · Futures · Bonds · Mutual Funds · ETFs
Shared · 2
Forex · Cryptocurrencies
Pricing Tier Map
Full tier ladder side-by-side · names and prices as published by each provider · 6 vs 3 tiers.
FTMO · 6 TIERS
01
2-Step $10K €89
10%/5% profit targets, 5% daily / 10% max loss, refunded with first split
02
2-Step $25K €189
Same rules as $10K, refunded with first split
03
2-Step $50K €289
Same rules, refunded with first split
04
2-Step $100K €539
Same rules, refunded with first split
05
2-Step $200K €1,080
Same rules, refunded with first split
06
1-Step $10K €79
10% profit target, 3% daily / 10% trailing loss, 90% split from day 1
INTERACTIVE BROKERS · 3 TIERS FREE TIER
01
IBKR Tiered $0.0035/share
Min $0.35/order; volume-tiered down to $0.0005/share; exchange fees passed through
02
IBKR Fixed $0.005/share
Min $1.00/order; flat per-share commission, all exchange fees included
03
IBKR Lite $0/trade
Commission-free US stocks/ETFs (PFOF-routed)
▲ Free Tier · Live data subscriptions sold separately; demo (paper) account is free
Fit Profile
FTMO · PROFILE PROP-FIRM
Best For
- Disciplined traders seeking funded accounts
- Forex/CFD scalpers with sub-5% drawdown control
- Traders wanting refundable evaluation
Not Ideal For
- High-frequency strategies (overnight/weekend rules)
- Traders who can't tolerate trailing drawdown (1-step)
- US residents under tighter regulation
Full FTMO Review
INTERACTIVE BROKERS · PROFILE BROKER
Best For
- Active multi-asset traders
- Algo developers
- International traders
- Margin/futures traders
Not Ideal For
- Casual investors (TWS learning curve)
- Pure US-stock-only retail (cheaper niche brokers exist)
Full Interactive Brokers Review
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