Revenika.

Interactive Brokers vs CMC Markets: Which Forex Affiliate & IB Program is Better?

Scale your partner business with precision. A data-backed breakdown of Interactive Brokers and CMC Markets, analyzing commission structures, regulatory safeguards, and the trading conditions that keep your clients active for the long term.

Compare Variables
Interactive Brokers
Trustpilot 3.2 5,412 reviews
CMC Markets
Trustpilot 4.2 3,323 reviews
Partnership analysis
Key Advantages
  • Extensive Regulatory FrameworkInteractive Brokers is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the FCA and CFTC, providing a secure and compliant environment for client onboarding.
  • Broad Asset SelectionPartners can market a wide array of instruments, including forex, stocks, ETFs, and bonds, appealing to a diverse range of traders.
  • Advanced API IntegrationThe availability of REST API allows for seamless technological integration and custom trading solutions for institutional partners.
  • Extensive Market AccessPartners can promote over 12,000 tradable instruments across multiple asset classes, including forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies.
  • Flexible Remuneration ModelsThe partner program offers competitive CPA payouts starting from $300, alongside tailored, multi-tier rebate structures for Introducing Brokers.
  • Advanced Platform EcosystemClients benefit from the proprietary Next Generation platform, MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, and TradingView integration, catering to diverse trading preferences.
Considerations
  • Geographical RestrictionsThe partnership programs have strict limitations, excluding residents from countries such as China, Japan, Spain, and Israel.
  • Proprietary Platforms OnlyThe broker relies on its proprietary Trader Workstation and Client Portal, lacking support for popular third-party platforms like MT4 or MT5.
  • Limited Traditional CPA DetailsWhile a flat $200 referral fee is available, detailed tiered CPA or volume-based revenue share structures for standard IBs are not explicitly published.
  • Variable CPA ThresholdsWhile CPA payouts start at $300, specific qualification criteria and trading thresholds must be met before commissions are released.
  • Complex Account StructuresThe distinction between standard CFD accounts and FX Active accounts may require partners to provide additional guidance to their referrals.
  • Institutional FocusSome of the more advanced liquidity and API solutions are tailored specifically for institutional clients rather than standard retail IBs.
Entity & registration
Registered entity
United States
United Kingdom
Headquarters
United States
United Kingdom
Offshore entity Not Disclosed
Bermuda
Regulatory licences
Regulatory Status Highly Regulated Highly Regulated
Regulatory licences FCACFTC NFA FCABAFINASICMASDFSABMA
Key affiliate snapshot
Payout Frequency Monthly Not Disclosed
Tracking Method Cookie Cookie
Withdrawal Methods Wire transferACH Wire transferVisaMastercardSkrillNeteller Crypto
Sub-IB Tiers Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Last verified Aug 2, 2026 Aug 2, 2026
Commission Structure
Volume RevShare Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
CPA Model Up to $200 Up to $300
Hybrid Model Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Tracking & Integrations
Attribution model Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Cross-device tracking Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Affiliate cookie duration Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Tech Stack Readiness API API
Marketing & Creatives
Landing pages Not Disclosed Available
Banners Not Disclosed Available
Educational materials Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Promo codes Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Widgets Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
IB Support
Dedicated account manager Not Disclosed Available
Sub-IB tracking tools Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Custom partner conditions Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Client Trading Conditions
Trading Platforms Not Disclosed MT4MT5WebTraderTradingView
Tradable markets & scope BondsCommoditiesEtfForexIndicesStocks BondsCommoditiesCrypto CfdsEtfForexIndicesStocks≈ 12000 instruments
Min Deposit (FTD) Not Disclosed $0
Max Leverage Not Disclosed 1:200
Execution model Not Disclosed NDD
Avg EURUSD Spread Not Disclosed 0 pips
Spread type Raw Spread Variable
ECN commission (per lot) Not Disclosed $2 per lot
Bonus campaigns Available Not Disclosed
Swap-Free / Islamic Accounts Available Not Disclosed
Crypto deposits (traders) Not Disclosed Available
Reduced-KYC onboarding Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Investment Programs
PAMM / MAM System Not Disclosed Not Disclosed
Compliance & Geo
Restricted Countries ChileChinaIsraelJapanSouth KoreaPhilippinesPortugalSpainDenmarkPoland Not Disclosed
US Clients Acceptance Not accepted Not accepted