Are you confused about whether to choose Charles Schwab vs Interactive Brokers as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse Charles Schwab vs Interactive Brokers to help you understand how these apps compare on some of the most common features and make a better-informed decision about the best broker for you.
Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of each broker, as well as a comparison table that features the different fees charged, the financial instruments supported, the regulation, and more. Keep reading!
Charles Schwab vs Interactive Brokers: In a Nutshell
all account types (US investors only)
Founded in 1971, Charles Schwab Corporation, commonly known as Schwab, is a leading American brokerage and banking company.
It pioneered the concept of discount brokerage, offering commission-free online trades and providing access to a vast selection of investment options.
Moreover, Schwab operates as a full-service bank, providing a range of banking products such as checking accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, and loans.
Every investor (best overall)
Interactive Brokers is a global online broker and publicly listed company which surpassed major financial crises, showing resilience and a rigorous risk management process.
It offers an advanced investment platform that includes a wide range of products (stocks, options, mutual funds, ETFs, futures, bonds, and currencies) from 150 markets.
Beginners and intermediate investors have educational tools to explore, but the learning curve will be steep. Interactive Brokers also launched IBKR GlobalTrader, a modern mobile trading app to trade Stocks, Options and ETFs.
Pros and Cons
Charles Schwab
Pros
- 0% commissions on stocks and ETFss
- Accoun types: Individual, joint, IRAs, education savings accounts, 529 education accounts, SEP IRA and solo 401(k)
- Excellent research tools
- Acess to fractional shares
- Large selection of mutual funds
- No minimum account
Cons
- No direct investing in Crypto (only through futures, ETFs, etc)
- No access to European stocks
Interactive Brokers
Pros
- Low commissions on US stock trading (for EUR based accounts)
- No monthly inactivity fee
- The broadest product and markets range in the brokerage industry
- Demo account
- Excellent reputation (founded in 1978)
- Extensive research and Education tools
- Has a modern mobile trading app to trade Stocks, Options and ETFs, ideal for novice investors, IBKR GlobalTrader.
Cons
- Complicated and lengthy account opening process (but fully online)
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Website is difficult to navigate
- Interactive Advisors (Robo-advisor feature) is only available for US customers
Charles Schwab vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-side Comparison
- General Information
- Founded in
- Demo Account
- Account Minimum
- Interest on unninvested cash (annually)
- Products
- Stocks
- ETFs
- Bonds
- Funds
- Options
- Futures
- CFDs
- Leverage Products
- Forex
- Cryptocurrencies
- Commodities
- Fees
- US stocks
- EU stocks
- ETFs
- Cryptocurrencies
- Custody Fee
- Inactivity Fee
- Withdrawal Fee
- Connectivity Fee
- Currency Conversion Fee
- Security
- Regulators
- Investor Compensation Scheme(per person, per institution)
Franklin is a CFA Level III Candidate with 3 years of experience in Wealth Management as a Fund Research Analyst and the Host of the "Edge Over Hedge" YouTube Channel.
