Are you confused about whether to choose Interactive Brokers (IBKR) vs Scalable Capital as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse Interactive Brokers (IBKR) vs Scalable Capital 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!
IBKR vs Scalable Capital
- Interactive Brokers is our recommended choice overall
- Scalable Capital is best for beginners and commission-free savings plans
Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Interactive Brokers | Scalable Capital |
| Demo account | Yes | No |
| Account minimum | $0 | €1 |
| Interest on uninvested cash (annually) | EUR: 2.349%; USD: 3.83%; GBP: 4.201% (as of January 2025) | EUR: 3.03% (as of January 2025) |
| US stocks fees | Tiered plan: $0.0035 per shareMin. $0.35; Max. 1% of trade value. | Not applicable |
| EU stock fees | Tiered plan: 0.05% of trade valueMin. €1.25; Max. €29. | Up to €3.99+0.01%, min. €1.50 (in Xetra exchange) |
| ETFs | Tiered plan: 0.05% of trade valueMin. €1.25; Max. €99. | Up to €3.99+0.01%, min. €1.50 (in Xetra exchange) |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.0020% | 0% |
| Regulators | FINRA, SIPC, SEC, CFTC, IIROC, FCA, CBI, AFSL, SFC, SEBI, MAS and MNB. | BaFin |
About Interactive Brokers
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.
Interactive Brokers pros and cons
Pros
- Low commissions on US stock trading
- 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.
- Offers interest on uninvested cash balances
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
About Scalable Capital
Scalable Capital is an online broker (“Do-it-yourself” service) and Europe’s largest Robo-Advisor.
They help investors invest in stocks, ETFs and cryptocurrencies by themselves and also help investors get a personalized, globally diversified, and fully managed portfolio.
It is regulated by the BaFin, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany. It is supervised by both BaFin and the Deutsche Bundesbank.
Scalable Capital pros and cons
Pros
- Stocks and ETFs commission-free (in PRIME Broker)
- €1 minimum deposit
- Interest on idle cash
- No custody fee
- Regulated by Bafin
Cons
- No access to US stock exchanges
- No fractional shares
- Limited crypto available
- €3.99 per trade on Xetra
Scalable Capital vs IBKR: our veredict
Interactive Brokers
Our recommended choice overallScalable Capital
Best for beginners and commission-free savings plans
Choosing between these two online brokers isn’t always an obvious decision. The differences between Interactive Brokers (IBKR) vs Scalable Capital come from the trading platforms, products, fees, and security. Do you prefer a primary trading platform? Do you want to invest in ETFs only? Do you value security more?
Ultimately, the best online broker for you will depend on your profile, personal preferences, and objectives. Explore the websites above and decide for yourself!
Want to know more about Interactive Brokers (IBKR) vs Scalable Capital? Explore our in-depth broker reviews, comparison table, and BrokerMatch tool.
