WhichBrokerHead to head · data verified October 2026
Freetrade vs Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers wins our overall scoring by 0.8 points, but Freetrade still takes specific profiles.
Pillar scores
Side by side
| Criterion | Freetrade | Interactive Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.2 | 9.0 |
| Founded | 2015 | 1978 |
| Regulation | FCA (UK) | SEC/FINRA (US), FCA (UK), CBI (IE), ASIC (AU), MAS (SG) |
| Min. deposit | No stated minimum; fractional shares from £2 | $0 |
| Fees | 0% commission on all plans; FX fee 0.99% (Basic, free), 0.59% (Standard, £4.99/mo billed annually) or 0.39% (Plus, £9.99/mo billed annually); ISA, SIPP and Junior ISA included on the free plan; 0.5% stamp duty on UK share purchases; SIPP UFPLS withdrawals cost £240 | Stocks from $0.0035/share (Pro) or 0 commission (Lite, US); tiny FX conversion costs |
| Platforms | Freetrade mobile app (iOS, Android), Freetrade web platform | Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal |
| Markets | 9,000+ UK, US and European stocks, ETFs, investment trusts, mutual funds, gilts and UK Treasury bills; crypto ETNs; no CFDs, options or spot crypto | 150 markets in 34 countries: stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, funds |
| Demo account | No | Yes |
| Best for | UK ISA investors, Low-cost SIPP, Buyers of UK shares | Advanced investors, Global market access, Low margin rates |
Our verdict
Choose Freetrade if you want uk isa investors · low-cost sipp · buyers of uk shares.
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want advanced investors · global market access · low margin rates — its standout pillar in our scoring is market range.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Freetrade or Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers scores higher overall in our methodology (9.0 vs 8.2). Freetrade can still be the better pick for uk isa investors.
Is Freetrade safe?
Freetrade is overseen by FCA (UK). Our trust score for it is 8.8/10 — see the full Freetrade review for the reasoning.
Is Interactive Brokers safe?
Interactive Brokers is overseen by SEC/FINRA (US), FCA (UK), CBI (IE), ASIC (AU), MAS (SG). Our trust score for it is 9.6/10 — see the full Interactive Brokers review for the reasoning.