Are you confused about whether to choose TradeStation vs Interactive Brokers (IBKR) as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse TradeStation vs Interactive Brokers (IBKR) 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!
TradeStation vs Interactive Brokers: In a Nutshell
US investors looking for commission-free trades
TradeStation is a comprehensive online brokerage platform designed for active traders and investors, giving you a wide range of tradable assets (stocks, ETFs, options, futures, and forex),
One of the standout features of TradeStation is its robust trading technology. The platform provides access to real-time market data, customizable charting tools, and advanced order execution options.
The platform offers a wide range of educational resources, including webinars, tutorials, and a vibrant online community where traders can exchange ideas and insights.
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
TradeStation
Pros
- 0% commissions on stocks and ETFs
- Low commission on options trading
- Good research and education tools
- Sophisticated trading platforms
Cons
- Minimum deposit of $500
- High fees on withdrawal
- Weak customer support
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
TradeStation 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.
