Freetradevs
Interactive BrokersStock Broker Comparison
This comparison pits Freetrade against Interactive Brokers, a UK focused, commission-free option versus a globally equipped broker. The tension centers on cost versus breadth of markets and advanced trading tools.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers winsClear Winner
Interactive Brokers has the higher editorial score (4.8 vs 4.0). It offers access to 150 exchanges and a powerful Trader Workstation, versus Freetrade's limited 3 exchanges.
Interactive Brokers
4.8/5
Freetrade
4.0/5
Key Differences
- 1Exchanges: Interactive Brokers offers 150 exchanges, while Freetrade operates in 3.
- 2ISA and SIPP wrappers are available on Freetrade, not on Interactive Brokers.
- 3IBKR offers research tools, stock screener, and advanced charting; Freetrade does not.
Who should choose Freetrade vs Interactive Brokers?
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose Freetrade if…
Choose Freetrade if you want ISA and SIPP wrappers and a mobile app only experience.
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you need 150 exchanges and the Trader Workstation with advanced tools.
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
It’s a tie
Both equally suited
Freetrade wins for low cost trading due to commission-free stock and ETF trading.
Best for safety & regulation
Recommended
Freetrade vs Interactive Brokers: Side-by-Side Stock Broker Comparison
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 4.0/ 5 | 4.8/ 5 |
| Min deposit | N/A | No minimum |
| Spreads from | N/A | 0.2 pips |
| Commission / lot | N/A | $2/lot |
Freetrade vs Interactive Brokers Stock Broker Pros & Cons
Pros
- Commission-free stocks and ETF trading
- Both Stocks & Shares ISA and SIPP available
- Clean, beginner-friendly mobile interface
- FCA regulated with FSCS protection
- No minimum deposit requirement
Cons
- Narrower stock universe than full-service brokers
Freetrade vs Interactive Brokers: Detailed Category Breakdown
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
1
Freetrade
criteria win
8
Interactive Brokers
criteria wins
Highlighted rows show where the two brokers differ
| Criteria | Freetrade | 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) | Pass | Fail |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Pass |
| No deposit fee | Pass | — |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Pass |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Pass |
| IPO access | Fail | Pass |
| Short selling | Fail | Pass |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Pass |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Fail | Pass |
| 24/5 live chat | Fail | Pass |
| Phone support | Fail | Pass |
Freetrade vs Interactive Brokers: Frequently Asked Questions
Interactive Brokers rates 4.8/5 versus 4/5 for Freetrade. Interactive Brokers edges ahead on our composite score, though both brokers meet a reasonable standard for most traders.
Interactive Brokers starts from 0.2. Current spread data is not available for Freetrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Interactive Brokers requires no minimum deposit required. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Freetrade.
Both Freetrade 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.
Minimum deposit and negative balance protection data are not confirmed for this pair. Both hold top-tier regulatory status, meaning client fund protections apply to both. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site.
Freetrade lists maximum leverage of 1:1, 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 Freetrade 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.
Freetrade supports Freetrade App, while Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile. Freetrade has exclusive access to Freetrade App. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS) and Proprietary Web/Mobile.
Yes, both Freetrade 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.
Yes, both Freetrade and Interactive Brokers offer fractional share investing. This makes it easier to invest in high-priced stocks with smaller amounts of capital, which is particularly useful for long-term portfolio building. Check each broker for the specific stocks eligible for fractional purchases.
Freetrade 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.
