Are you confused about whether to choose XTB or Interactive Brokers as a broker for your investing needs?
In this side-by-side comparison, we analyse XTB or 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!
IBKR vs XTB
- Interactive Brokers is our recommended choice overall
- XTB is best for commission-free ETFs and CFDs
Side-by-side comparison
| Category | Interactive Brokers | XTB |
| Demo account | Yes | No |
| Account minimum | $0 | €0 |
| Interest on uninvested cash (annually) | EUR: 3.382%; USD: 4.83%; GBP: 4.72% (as of may 2024) | EUR: 4.20% first 90 days, then 2.00% (quoted annually); USD: Up to 5% first 90 days, then 2.50% (quoted annually); GBP: 5.20% |
| US stocks fees | Tiered plan: $0.0035 per shareMin. $0.35; Max. 1% of trade value. | €/$/£0Up to €100.000 in monthly volume transactions – Only applicable in some countries. |
| EU stock fees | Tiered plan: 0.05% of trade valueMin. €1.25; Max. €29. | €/$/£0Up to €100.000 in monthly volume transactions – Only applicable in some countries. |
| ETFs | Tiered plan: 0.05% of trade valueMin. €1.25; Max. €99. | €/$/£0Up to €100.000 in monthly volume transactions – Only applicable in some countries. |
| Currency conversion fee | 0.0020% | 0.50% |
| Regulators | FINRA, SIPC, SEC, CFTC, IIROC, FCA, CBI, AFSL, SFC, SEBI, MAS and MNB. | FCA, KNF, CySEC, DFSA and FSC |
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 XTB
XTB is a well-known online broker listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. It has two trading platforms (xStation 5 and xStation Mobile), a diverse range of tradeable instruments, and exceptional customer service.
xStation Mobile is a premier application for charts and technical analysis, with the ability to apply numerous indicators like moving averages and volume. Navigation is simple, with an intuitive order placing for any asset class.
On the negative side, XTB has a limited product portfolio and charges a €10 monthly inactivity fee (after 1+ year with no activity plus no deposit in the last 90 days).
XTB pros and cons
Pros
- Free stocks trading (only applicable to some countries)
- Customizable trading platform (charts and workspace)
- Low Forex Spreads
- Demo account
- No minimum account deposit
- Valuable education materials
- Top-tier Regulators
Cons
- Complex trading platform for a beginner
- High Stock CFD spreads
- Limited product portfolio
- Withdrawal fees for transfers below $100
- Inactivity fee (€10/monthly after 1+ year with no activity plus no deposit in the last 90 days)
How to invest in the S&P 500 on XTB and IBKR
Want to learn how to invest in the S&P 500 on XTB and IBKR, and get a quick look into both apps?
Check our set-by-step videos below:
XTB vs IBKR: our veredict
Choosing between these two online brokers isn’t always an obvious decision. The differences between XTB vs Interactive Brokers come from the trading platforms, products, fees, and security. Do you prefer a basic 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 XTB vs Interactive Brokers? Explore our in-depth broker reviews, comparison table, and BrokerMatch tool.
