DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers Stock Broker Comparison
A head-to-head comparison of DEGIRO and Interactive Brokers across regulation, commissions, platforms, and editorial scoring.
DEGIRO offers some of Europe's lowest stock commissions with access to 50+ exchanges. It lacks an ISA or SIPP wrapper, making it less suitable for UK tax-efficient investing, but excellent for low-cost international exposure.
Interactive Brokers offers unrivalled market access and the lowest commissions in the industry for active stock traders. The TWS platform is extremely powerful but has a steep learning curve for beginners.
Interactive Brokers edges ahead with a score of 4.8/5 vs DEGIRO's 4.3/5. A narrow margin, so review the breakdown below to see where each broker has a clear advantage.
Verdict by Trader Profile
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free trading while DEGIRO does not, making Interactive Brokers the more cost-effective choice for frequent stock traders.
Both brokers show an equally strong safety profile across regulation, fund protection, and client safeguards.
Interactive Brokers is better suited for long-term investing: fractional shares, dividend reinvestment, IPO access.
Interactive Brokers has the edge for active traders: commission-free trading, more platform options, advanced charting.
Interactive Brokers edges out DEGIRO with a higher editorial score (4.8/5 vs 4.3/5), indicating a stronger overall experience for new stock investors.
DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
| Editorial score | 4.3/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | N/A | No minimum |
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | Yes |
| Extended hours | No | Yes |
| IPO access | No | Yes |
| Short selling | Yes | Yes |
| Regulators | AFM BaFin | SEC FCA CMF ASIC JFSA SEBI AMF SFC FINRA DFSA CMVM NFA IIROC CNV FSC CBI CNB MFSA |
| Platforms | DEGIRO Platform | Proprietary Web/Mobile Trader Workstation (TWS) |
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | 2 offers |
| Visit broker | Visit DEGIRO | Visit Interactive Brokers |
DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers Stock Broker Pros & Cons
- Among Europe's lowest stock commissions
- Access to 50+ exchanges worldwide
- Transparent, flat-fee pricing structure
- Regulated by BaFin, AFM, and under MiFID II
- No minimum deposit requirement
- No Stocks & Shares ISA or SIPP available
- No fractional shares
- Limited customer support options
- Platform and app less polished than newer competitors
- Access to 150+ global markets across 33+ countries
- Industry-leading low commissions for active traders
- IBKR Lite tier offers commission-free US stock trading
- Powerful TWS platform with DMA, options, and API access
- Regulated by SEC, FINRA, FCA, ASIC and other Tier 1 bodies
- IPO access available through IBKR IPO platform
- TWS platform has a very steep learning curve
- IBKR Pro's tiered commission structure is complex
- Customer service can be slow for account-level queries
- Minimum activity fees may apply on smaller accounts
DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | DEGIRO | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Fail | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Fail | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | 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 | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
DEGIRO vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our independent editorial scoring, Interactive Brokers ranks higher with a score of 4.8/5 vs 4.3/5 for DEGIRO. The best choice still depends on your needs — commissions, features like fractional shares, and regulatory coverage all matter.
Interactive Brokers offers commission-free stock trading while DEGIRO does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can significantly reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both DEGIRO and Interactive Brokers hold top-tier regulatory licences, indicating a high standard of investor protection. Confirm each broker's specific regulatory bodies and compensation scheme coverage to ensure they apply in your jurisdiction.
Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of no minimum. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for the other broker.
DEGIRO supports DEGIRO Platform and Interactive Brokers offers Proprietary Web/Mobile, Trader Workstation (TWS). Platform availability affects the tools, charting, and order types available to you. If you rely on a specific platform like MetaTrader or a proprietary web app, confirm compatibility before opening an account.
For beginners: Interactive Brokers has a higher overall editorial score. Also compare educational resources, customer support quality, and the simplicity of each broker's platform before deciding.
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