In this matchup, Interactive Brokers and Stake illuminate a clash between expansive global access and straightforward, commission-free investing.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Choose if…
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want 150+ exchanges, IPO access, and advanced trading tools.
Choose if…
Choose Stake if you want commission-free trading with real share ownership and a simple interface.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
| Editorial score | 4.8/ 5 | 3.9/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | No minimum | N/A |
| Spreads from | 0.2 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | $2/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Interactive Brokers | Stake |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Pass | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Pass | Fail |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Pass | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Pass | Fail |
| IPO access | Pass | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Pass | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
Interactive Brokers rates 4.8/5 versus 3.9/5 for Stake. 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 Stake. 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 Stake.
Both Interactive Brokers and Stake 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.
Interactive Brokers lists maximum leverage of 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 Stake 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.
Interactive Brokers supports Trader Workstation (TWS), Proprietary Web/Mobile, while Stake supports Proprietary Web/Mobile. Both provide Proprietary Web/Mobile. Interactive Brokers has exclusive access to Trader Workstation (TWS).
Yes, both Interactive Brokers and Stake 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.
Stake 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 wins for low cost trading due to industry-leading active-trader commissions and IBKR Lite.
Interactive Brokers is strongest on safety and regulation with multiple Tier 1 regulators and broad licensing.
Interactive Brokers wins for long-term investors with fractional shares and dividend reinvestment.
Interactive Brokers wins active trading with low commissions and the powerful TWS platform.
Stake wins for beginners with a clean interface and no account minimum.
Interactive Brokers offers broad global access with 150 markets worldwide.
| 0.4 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | None | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferACH | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferACH | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | First withdrawal/month free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | Yes | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | Yes | No |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | Yes | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | Yes | No |
|---|
| IPO access | Yes | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | No |
|---|
| Regulators | ASIC JFSA CMVM AMF FCA DFSA MFSA CNB CMF IIROC CBI SFC SEBI NFA SEC CNV FSC FINRA | ASIC FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS) Proprietary Web/Mobile | Proprietary Web/Mobile |
|---|
| Active bonuses | 2 offers | 2 offers |
|---|
Interactive Brokers edges Stake on the overall score due to access to 150+ markets and low commissions for active traders. IBKR also offers IPO access and a powerful Trader Workstation platform.
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Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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