AvaTradevs
Interactive BrokersStock Broker Comparison
AvaTrade and Interactive Brokers face off over equity CFD access, cost structures, and global reach. The matchup tests pricing models against exchange coverage.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsClear Winner
Interactive Brokers is the editorial winner, due to higher score and broader market access; AvaTrade trails.
Interactive Brokers
4.8/5
AvaTrade
3.8/5
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges covered: IBKR 150 vs AvaTrade 10.
- 2Commissions vs fixed spreads: IBKR low commissions; AvaTrade fixed spreads.
- 3DRIP and fractional shares: IBKR yes; AvaTrade no.
Who should choose AvaTrade vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose AvaTrade if…
Choose AvaTrade if you want fixed spreads on 600+ stock CFDs and a low minimum deposit.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want access to 150 exchanges and low commissions for active trading.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Best for low cost trading
Recommended
Interactive Brokers offers the lowest commissions and strongest cost efficiency.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
AvaTrade vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 3.8/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | $100 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.9 pips | 0.2 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $2/lot |
AvaTrade vs Interactive Brokers Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fixed spread pricing on 600+ stock CFDs, cost predictability for systematic traders
- Available on MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, and DupliTrade copy-trading platform
- Regulated by CBI, ASIC, FSA (Japan), and FSRA (Abu Dhabi)
- Short selling available on all share CFDs
Cons
- CFDs only, no real stock ownership, ISA, or dividend reinvestment programme
AvaTrade vs Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
2
AvaTrade
criteria wins
6
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | AvaTrade | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Pass |
| Short selling | Pass | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Pass | Pass |
AvaTrade vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Interactive Brokers is the stronger choice: it rates 4.8/5 versus 3.8/5 for AvaTrade, a gap that reflects clear differences across regulation, fees, and platform quality in our review.
Interactive Brokers lists tighter spreads from 0.2, compared with AvaTrade's 0.9. For stock trading, also factor in any per-trade or per-share commissions — spreads and commissions together determine the true cost per trade.
Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, while AvaTrade requires at least $100. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both AvaTrade and Interactive Brokers hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, two factors stand out: Interactive Brokers has no minimum deposit, removing the capital barrier entirely, and AvaTrade provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
AvaTrade lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Interactive Brokers lists up to 1:4. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Interactive Brokers charges $2 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for AvaTrade are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
AvaTrade supports ZuluTrade, MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. AvaTrade has exclusive access to ZuluTrade and MetaTrader 5 and MetaTrader 4. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS).
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free stock trading while AvaTrade does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
AvaTrade scores higher on investor protection criteria, with compensation scheme coverage and segregated client funds. For stock investors, confirming compensation scheme coverage ensures your assets are protected up to a defined limit if the broker becomes insolvent.
