Capital.com focuses on commission-free share CFDs with strong regulatory coverage, while Interactive Brokers emphasizes broad global access and low active-trader commissions.
Interactive Brokers edges Capital.com on editorial score, supported by access to 150 exchanges and lower commissions for active traders.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Capital.com if…
Choose Capital.com if you want a low minimum deposit and a straightforward, user-friendly platform for beginners. It also offers commission-free share CFDs and robust regulatory coverage across FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, appealing to cost-conscious investors.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you need broad global market access and access to more than 150 exchanges across multiple countries. The platform offers industry-leading low commissions for active traders, plus options like Trader Workstation, API access, and IPO participation through the IBKR platform.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Interactive Brokers offers industry-leading low commissions for active traders.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $20 | No minimum▼ lower |
| Spreads from | 0.6 pips | 0.2 pips▼ lower |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $2/lot |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Capital.com | 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 | Pass | 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 | Pass | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Interactive Brokers rates 4.8/5 versus 3.9/5 for Capital.com. Interactive Brokers edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Interactive Brokers lists tighter spreads from 0.2, compared with Capital.com's 0.6. 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 Capital.com requires at least $20. This makes Interactive Brokers more accessible for traders with limited starting capital.
Both Capital.com 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 Capital.com provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources before deciding.
Capital.com 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 Capital.com 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.
Capital.com supports Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS).
Yes, both Capital.com and Interactive Brokers offer commission-free stock trading according to our data. Keep in mind that commission-free brokers may still charge spread costs, foreign exchange fees, or platform fees — always check the full fee schedule on each broker's website.
Capital.com 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.
Interactive Brokers benefits from SEC and FINRA oversight plus multiple Tier 1 regulators.
Interactive Brokers offers dividend reinvestment and fractional shares.
Interactive Brokers provides low commissions and a powerful TWS platform.
Capital.com provides a low minimum deposit and beginner-friendly interface.
Interactive Brokers gives access to 150 exchanges, Capital.com to 25.
| N/A |
| 0.4 pips |
| Inactivity fee | $10/month (after 3 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit cardSkrillNetellerPayPalApple PayGoogle Pay | Bank transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit cardSkrillNeteller | Bank transferACH |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | First withdrawal/month free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | Yes |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
|---|
| IPO access | No | Yes |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC MAS CySEC CMA | FCA ASIC JFSA IIROC DFSA CNB CMVM CNV AMF SEC MFSA SFC SEBI CBI CMF NFA FSC FINRA |
|---|
| Platforms | Proprietary Web/Mobile | Trader Workstation (TWS) Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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