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Updated: August 2026

Pocket Option vs IQ Option

A direct comparison on the nine criteria we use for our ranking.

CriterionWeightPocket OptionIQ Option
Withdrawal speed22%7.57.0
Cost of getting started15%9.57.5
Payouts and fees15%8.07.5
Platform and apps11%8.89.2
Customer support7%8.88.2
Local deposits and withdrawals8%9.07.5
Markets and instruments8%9.09.5
Track record and oversight9%7.89.2
Education and demo5%8.59.3
Weighted score8.48.0

Swipe the table sideways to see every column.

The short version

Our pick: Pocket Option.

Pick Pocket Option if:

  • $5 minimum deposit and dozens of local payment methods in most emerging markets
  • Copy trading and a public leaderboard let beginners follow experienced traders
  • Support answers in nine languages, 24/7

Pick IQ Option if:

  • Operating since 2013 — by far the longest track record of the three
  • Around 250 instruments: forex, stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices and crypto
  • The most polished charting and the best-rated mobile app in the group
1

Pocket Option

The widest choice of local payment methods

8.4/ 10
Min. deposit
$5
Min. trade
$1
Max. payout
up to 92%
Withdrawal time
1–3 business days
Free demo
$50,000
Operating since
2017

Deposit methods: bank card, e-wallets, cryptocurrency, local bank transfer

Open account Read the full Pocket Option review

Trading involves risk of losing your capital.

What it does well

  • $5 minimum deposit and dozens of local payment methods in most emerging markets
  • Copy trading and a public leaderboard let beginners follow experienced traders
  • Support answers in nine languages, 24/7
  • $50,000 demo account, no time limit
  • Desktop, mobile and MetaTrader 5 all available

What to watch out for

  • Withdrawals commonly take one to three business days, and verification is required before the first one
  • The MISA licence offers little practical protection if something goes wrong
  • Payouts top out slightly below the newest platforms
2

IQ Option

The longest track record and the widest range of markets

8.0/ 10
Min. deposit
$10
Min. trade
$1
Max. payout
up to 95%
Withdrawal time
1–3 business days
Free demo
$10,000
Operating since
2013

Deposit methods: bank card, e-wallets, bank transfer

Open account Read the full IQ Option review

Trading involves risk of losing your capital.

What it does well

  • Operating since 2013 — by far the longest track record of the three
  • Around 250 instruments: forex, stocks, ETFs, commodities, indices and crypto
  • The most polished charting and the best-rated mobile app in the group
  • Extensive free tutorials, webinars and a well-built demo account
  • European arm is licensed by CySEC

What to watch out for

  • $10 minimum deposit and mandatory verification make the start slower
  • Not available in a long list of countries, including India and Indonesia
  • Fewer local payment methods than Pocket Option in most emerging markets
  • A $10 monthly inactivity fee applies after 90 days without a trade