Admiral Markets vs Interactive Brokers 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

Admiral Markets, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, is regulated by several prominent authorities including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This range of regulation provides a solid framework for trader protection, ensuring adherence to strict standards and offering clients negative balance protection and segregated client funds.

Interactive Brokers, established in 1978 and based in Greenwich, USA, holds regulatory licences from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the FCA, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and ASIC. This extensive regulatory oversight across multiple jurisdictions ensures high safety standards and client fund protection, making it a reliable choice for global traders.

Fees & Spreads

Admiral Markets offers competitive spreads starting from 0.0 pips on its Zero account, with a commission of $3 per lot. The broker also requires a minimum deposit of $100, which may be a consideration for some traders. Overnight fees are applicable, and an inactivity fee is charged after 24 months of dormancy. The maximum leverage offered is 1:500, allowing traders to manage larger positions with a smaller capital outlay.

Interactive Brokers provides a spread starting from 0.2 pips with a commission of $0.005 per share. Notably, there is no minimum deposit requirement, making it accessible for traders of all levels. However, an inactivity fee is levied on accounts with low balances. With a maximum leverage of 1:4, Interactive Brokers is more suited to those who favour lower leverage trading.

Trading Platforms

Admiral Markets supports MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, along with a proprietary web platform, catering to both beginner and experienced traders with advanced charting tools and a range of features. Interactive Brokers offers its proprietary web and mobile platforms, equipped with sophisticated tools and access to over 150 markets globally, catering more towards professional traders who require advanced functionalities.

Who Should Choose Admiral Markets?

• Traders looking for spreads starting at 0.0 pips.
• Investors interested in real stock and ETF options.
• Beginners seeking strong educational resources.
• Traders who need MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 support.

Who Should Choose Interactive Brokers?

• Professional traders who require access to 150+ markets.
• Investors seeking very low commission rates.
• Traders who prefer top-tier global regulation.
• Experienced traders who need advanced trading tools.

Our Verdict

For beginners, Admiral Markets is the preferred choice due to its educational resources and lower entry requirements. Professional traders may find Interactive Brokers more appealing due to its advanced tools and access to a wide range of markets. When it comes to fees, Interactive Brokers offers more competitive commissions, making it the better option for cost-conscious traders.