Interactive Brokers vs Trading 212 Comparison
Compare trading conditions, commissions and platforms of Forex brokers Interactive Brokers and Trading 212. Find out which broker is best for you.
We test brokers on real accounts using our own methodology, evaluating the quality of order execution, trading conditions, platforms and customer support.
Who is better - Interactive Brokers or Trading 212?
Key differences between the brokers
Below, we show only the differences in trading conditions covered in our reviews. These may include the minimum deposit, available markets, platforms and account types. Compare these details with your requirements.
Interactive Brokers
- Different platforms
- IBKR Mobile
- Trader WorkStation (TWS)
- IMPACT
- IBKR Desktop
- Client Portal
- GlobalTrader
- Different markets
- None listed
Trading 212
- Different platforms
- Trading 212
- Different markets
- Soft Commodities
- ETF
- Cryptocurrency
Comparison Table of Interactive Brokers and Trading 212
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| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year | 1977 | 2004 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland | United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Australia, Germany |
| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.1 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 | 1:30 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Review |
Interactive Brokers Review
Interactive Brokers is one of the largest international brokers, offering extensive opportunities for trading and investing in global financial markets. The company combines high reliability, competitive trading conditions and advanced technological infrastructure. Thanks to its many years of experience, international regulation and continuous service development, Interactive Brokers holds a leading position among brokers for self-directed investing.
Interactive Brokers is primarily suited to experienced traders, active investors and professional market participants who value a wide range of instruments, low fees and advanced trading capabilities. The broker is also an excellent choice for long-term investors building diversified portfolios. For beginners, Interactive Brokers is suitable if they are willing to learn a fairly complex trading infrastructure.
Pros and Cons of Interactive Brokers
Pros
- High reliability and regulation by leading financial authorities.
- A wide range of financial instruments and access to more than 175 markets.
- Low trading commissions and favourable margin lending rates.
- Powerful trading platforms and professional analytical tools.
- A wide range of account types and high-quality educational materials.
Cons
- Complex interface and a steep learning curve for beginners.
- Inconsistent quality of technical support.
- Limited choice of deposit and withdrawal methods.
Interactive Brokers is in the top 10 of the following ratings:
Trading 212 Review
Trading 212 is a convenient and modern broker primarily aimed at retail investors and beginner traders. The platform combines ease of use, a low entry threshold, and zero commissions on stocks and ETFs, making it attractive for long-term investing and gradual portfolio building.
The broker is best suited for:
- beginner investors
- users with limited capital
- those who invest in stocks and ETFs
- traders who value a simple interface
Trading 212 is less suitable for active traders and professionals who need tight spreads, advanced platforms (MetaTrader, cTrader), and a wider selection of derivatives.
Pros and Cons of Trading 212
Pros
- Zero commissions on stocks and ETFs.
- Low minimum deposit.
- Convenient and easy-to-use platform.
- Fractional shares.
- No deposit and withdrawal fees.
- Regulation in leading financial jurisdictions.
Cons
- Wide spreads on CFDs.
- No MetaTrader or cTrader.
- Limited analytics.
- No live chat or phone support.
- Currency conversion fee.
Reliability
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| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Foundation Year | 1977 | 2004 |
| Regulated in Countries | United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland | United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Australia, Germany |
| Regulators |
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is highly reliable thanks to strict international regulation, substantial capital and mechanisms protecting client assets.
Pros
- Regulation by SEC, FCA, ASIC and other reputable authorities.
- Strong financial stability and substantial capital.
- Segregation of assets and insurance protection for client accounts.
Cons
- Regulatory fines in 2020 and 2025.
Trading 212
Trading 212 demonstrates a high level of reliability thanks to regulation in the EU, Australia, and the UK, as well as participation in an investor compensation scheme.
Pros
- Regulated by FCA, ASIC, BaFin, CySEC
- Participation in the FSCS compensation scheme
- Transparent terms and oversight by regulators
Account Opening
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| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Account Opening | 4/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Minimum Deposit |
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Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers convenient online account opening with no minimum deposit. However, the detailed application form and strict verification make registration more complex and time-consuming than with many brokers.
Pros
- Fully online registration.
- No minimum deposit.
- Wide choice of account types and base currencies.
Cons
- A lengthy and detailed application form.
- Strict verification requirements.
- Possible delays in document verification.
Trading 212
Opening an account with Trading 212 is a quick and simple process: registration is fully online, verification takes up to 1 day, and the low minimum deposit makes getting started highly accessible.
Pros
- Fully online registration
- Fast verification
- Low minimum deposit
Cons
- Mandatory KYC verification
- Verification delays are possible
Account Types
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| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Account Types | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Accounts |
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| Minimum Deposit |
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| Spread | from 0.1 points | from 0 points |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 | 1:30 |
| Trading Assets (CFDs) |
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| Trading Platforms |
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| Demo Account | Yes | Yes |
| Swap-free Account | No | No |
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of accounts for investors and traders of all experience levels. Flexible terms, various margin trading modes and specialised accounts can meet virtually any investment need.
Pros
- A wide range of accounts for individual and institutional clients.
- Flexible margin trading options.
- A demo account and no minimum deposit.
Cons
- A complex account type system for beginners.
- High capital requirements for Portfolio Margin.
Trading 212
Trading 212 account types cover the main use cases—trading and investing. The lineup is simple and convenient, but it lags behind competitors in flexibility and lacks specialized accounts.
Pros
- CFD and Invest accounts are available
- Suitable for beginners and investors
- Demo account available
Cons
- Limited account variety
- ISA is available only in the UK
Commissions
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| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Spread | from 0.1 points | from 0 points |
| Average Spread (EURUSD) | — | 1.2 |
| Commission | per 1 lot$2.00 | No data |
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers some of the lowest commissions on the market. Competitive trading rates, favourable margin lending terms and minimal non-trading costs make the broker attractive to traders and investors.
Pros
- Low commissions on stocks, ETFs, Forex and derivatives.
- Favourable margin lending rates.
- No inactivity fee and two free withdrawals per month.
Cons
- Paid subscriptions for some market data.
- A complex fee structure and additional exchange fees.
Trading 212
Trading 212's fees are below average thanks to zero commissions on Invest, but spreads and currency conversion reduce the overall attractiveness, especially for active CFD trading.
Pros
- Zero commissions on Invest/ISA
- No deposit/withdrawal fees
- Transparent fee structure
Cons
- CFD spreads are above average
- Currency conversion fee
Deposit and Withdrawal
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| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Account Funding Methods |
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Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers reliable deposit and withdrawal methods with low fees. Support for bank transfers, Wise and stablecoins makes payments convenient, although the availability of these methods depends on the region.
Pros
- No deposit fees.
- Two free withdrawals per month.
- Support for Wise and stablecoins.
Cons
- No direct deposits by bank card or popular e-wallets.
- International bank transfers may take several days.
- The availability of payment methods depends on the country.
Trading 212
Deposits and withdrawals at Trading 212 are convenient and cost-effective: a wide range of methods with no fees and fast processing. A minor drawback is the lack of cryptocurrencies.
Pros
- No deposit/withdrawal fees
- Convenient methods (cards, PayPal, Apple Pay)
- Fast transactions
Cons
- No cryptocurrencies
- Bank transfers are slower
Markets and Products
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| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Markets and Products | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Forex | 85 | 35 |
| Precious Metals | 2 | 3 |
| Energy Carriers | 2 | 2 |
| Indices | 13 | 8 |
| Stocks | 8500 | 51 |
| Soft Commodities | - | 3 |
| ETF | - | 5 |
| Cryptocurrency | - | 22 |
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers an exceptionally wide range of financial instruments with access to more than 175 markets. The variety of assets makes the broker a versatile solution for active trading and long-term investing.
Pros
- Access to more than 175 markets across 40 countries.
- A vast selection of stocks, ETFs, bonds and derivatives.
- Support for Forex, CFDs and cryptocurrencies.
Cons
- The availability of some instruments depends on the country.
Trading 212
Trading 212's markets and products cover key assets—stocks, ETFs, Forex, and CFDs. The offering is broad enough for most needs, but the lack of futures and options reduces versatility.
Pros
- Large selection of stocks and ETFs
- Access to international exchanges
- Suitable for investing and trading
Cons
- No futures or options
Trading Platforms
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| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Trading Platforms |
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Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of trading platforms with powerful analytical tools, varied order types and automation capabilities. The broker's solutions are suitable for both beginner investors and professional traders.
Pros
- A wide range of desktop, web and mobile platforms.
- Advanced analysis and risk management tools.
- Support for TradingView and algorithmic trading via API.
Cons
- Difficulty learning to use the professional platform TWS.
- Paid subscriptions for some market data.
Trading 212
Trading 212's platforms are convenient and easy to understand, suitable for most users. The functionality is sufficient for trading, but the limited choice lowers the score.
Pros
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Web and mobile versions available
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- No MetaTrader/cTrader
- Limited features for professionals
Analytics
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| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 3.5/5 |
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers powerful analytical resources with professional research, fundamental and technical analysis, market screeners and portfolio assessment tools. The analytics are suitable for both investors and active traders.
Pros
- A wide range of free analytical tools.
- Professional research and market news.
- Advanced risk and portfolio analysis tools.
Cons
- Paid subscriptions for selected research and market data.
- Some tools are complex for beginners.
Trading 212
Trading 212's analytics are suitable for self-directed analysis: there are charts and data. But the lack of news and signals makes this section limited.
Pros
- Convenient charts
- Fundamental data available
- Suitable for basic analysis
Cons
- No news feed
- No expert analysis
Education
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| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 5/5 | 3.7/5 |
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers high-quality, diverse education for traders of all levels. Free courses, webinars, video tutorials and practical sessions cover a broad range of topics, from investment basics to complex trading strategies.
Pros
- A wide range of free courses, webinars and podcasts.
- Education for beginners and professionals.
- Practical training using a demo account.
Trading 212
Trading 212's education is at a good level: plenty of videos and basic materials. It suits beginners, but it lacks depth and advanced content.
Pros
- Many educational videos
- FAQ and articles available
- Active forum
Cons
- No webinars
- Few advanced materials
Customer Support
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| Broker | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Email Support | ||
| Hotline Phones | — | |
| Social Media |
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers offers several contact channels and qualified assistance with trading matters. However, response times and the effectiveness of problem resolution are inconsistent, as reflected in mixed customer reviews.
Pros
- Support by phone, live chat and tickets.
- Nearly 24-hour service on business days.
- Staff expertise in trading matters.
Cons
- Long wait times for responses from support agents.
- Slow resolution of complex issues.
- The need for repeated follow-ups.
Trading 212
Trading 212 support works 24/7 and is generally effective, but the lack of live chat and a phone line reduces the speed of resolving urgent issues.
Pros
- 24/7 support
- High-quality answers
Cons
- No live chat
- No phone support
Comparisons of Interactive Brokers and Trading 212 with other brokers
Conclusion
When choosing between Trading 212 and Interactive Brokers, match their platforms, markets, account types and funding terms to your needs.
Before opening an account, verify fees, regulation, support and service availability for your country in the sections above.
FAQ
Which broker is better: Interactive Brokers or Trading 212?
Trading 212 ranks higher than Interactive Brokers in our editorial ranking. That does not make it a universal choice: compare fees, markets, platforms, account types and support.
Which broker is better for beginners: Interactive Brokers or Trading 212?
Beginners should compare availability in their country, account types, minimum deposit, trading platforms and customer support.
Who has lower typical trading costs (spreads/commissions) — Interactive Brokers or Trading 212?
It depends on the instrument and account type. Compare the live conditions in the “Commissions” section on this page — we break down the nuances category by category.
What trading platforms are available with Interactive Brokers and Trading 212?
Interactive Brokers: IBKR Mobile, Trader WorkStation (TWS), IMPACT, IBKR Desktop, Client Portal, GlobalTrader. Trading 212: Trading 212. See the “Platforms” section for details and selection tips.
What markets can you trade with Interactive Brokers and Trading 212?
Interactive Brokers: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Indices, Stocks. Trading 212: Forex, Precious Metals, Energy Carriers, Soft Commodities, Indices, Stocks, ETF, Cryptocurrency. Full lists and differences are in the “Markets” section.
What account types are offered by Interactive Brokers and Trading 212?
Interactive Brokers: Cash, Margin (Reg T), Portfolio Margin. Trading 212: INVEST, ISA, CFD. See “Account Types” for a side-by-side comparison.
What deposit and withdrawal methods are supported by Interactive Brokers and Trading 212?
Interactive Brokers: Bpay, Swift, Automated Clearing House (ACH), SEPA, Online banking. Trading 212: Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Bank Transfer, Credit and Debit Cards, Giropay, Dotpay, iDeal. Check method-specific fees/settlement times.
Which broker is safer — Interactive Brokers or Trading 212 — and how was this assessed?
We consider regulation, corporate transparency, fund protection, and incident history. See the “Reliability” section for our findings.
