Interactive Brokers vs E*TRADE 2026: Which Broker is Better?
Choosing between Interactive Brokers and E*TRADE depends on your trading style, preferred markets, and budget. Interactive Brokers is headquartered in Greenwich, USA, while E*TRADE operates from Arlington, USA. Interactive Brokers has the longer track record, established in 1978, compared to E*TRADE which was founded in 1982. This in-depth comparison covers regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and overall ratings to help you decide which broker is the better fit in 2026.
Interactive Brokers
E*TRADE
| Interactive Brokers | E*TRADE | |
|---|---|---|
| BrokerRank Score | 4.4/5 ✓ | 3.6/5 |
| Min. Deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Spread from | 0.2 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Max Leverage | 1:4 | 1:4 |
| Regulation | SEC, CFTC, FCA ✓ | SEC, CFTC |
| Platforms | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile | Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile |
Interactive Brokers is the better choice overall, scoring 4.4/5 vs 3.6/5 on BrokerRank's independent rating. On fees, E*TRADE offers lower spreads (0 pips).
See full side-by-side comparison belowInteractive Brokers vs E*TRADE: Key Differences
Interactive Brokers
E*TRADE
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Fees Comparison
Interactive Brokers
E*TRADE
Lower feesRegulation & Trust
Interactive Brokers holds licences from SEC, CFTC, FCA. E*TRADE is regulated by SEC, CFTC.
Markets & Assets
Both brokers offer access to Stocks, Indices, Commodities markets. Interactive Brokers additionally covers Forex, Cfd.
Fees & Spreads
On spreads, E*TRADE is more competitive with EUR/USD spreads from 0.0 pips, compared to 0.2 pips at Interactive Brokers.
Trading Platforms
Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. E*TRADE offers Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. Both brokers are available on Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
Minimum Deposit
Interactive Brokers requires no minimum deposit, while E*TRADE sets no minimum deposit. This makes Interactive Brokers accessible to traders with any budget.
Overall Ratings
BrokerRank scores Interactive Brokers at 4.43/5 and E*TRADE at 3.60/5, based on 50+ data points covering regulation, fees, platforms, markets, and user experience. Interactive Brokers leads overall with a clear advantage.
BrokerRank Verdict
Who Should Choose Which?
Interactive Brokers
4.4/5
Choose Interactive Brokers if you want…
- Higher overall rating (4.4/5)
- More regulatory licences (5)
- More market types (5)
- More established (est. 1978)
E*TRADE
3.6/5
Choose E*TRADE if you want…
- Tighter spreads (from 0 pips)
- No per-trade commission
Also consider
We earn a commission when you open an account through these links, at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are scored independently — see the full independent ranking.
Both Interactive Brokers & E*TRADE are available in
Frequently Asked Questions
1Is Interactive Brokers better than E*TRADE?
Interactive Brokers scores higher overall on our independent rating system. Interactive Brokers holds a 4.4/5 rating vs E*TRADE's 3.6/5. The best choice ultimately depends on your trading style — see our full verdict above for a detailed breakdown.
2Which has lower fees, Interactive Brokers or E*TRADE?
Interactive Brokers offers spreads from 0.2 pips, while E*TRADE starts at 0 pips. Check the fees section above for a full breakdown.
3What is the minimum deposit for Interactive Brokers vs E*TRADE?
Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0. E*TRADE requires $0.
4Which broker is safer, Interactive Brokers or E*TRADE?
Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, CFTC, FCA, MAS, ASIC, while E*TRADE holds licences from SEC, CFTC.
5What trading platforms do Interactive Brokers and E*TRADE support?
Interactive Brokers supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile. E*TRADE supports Proprietary Web, Proprietary Mobile.
6Can I use both Interactive Brokers and E*TRADE?
Yes, you can hold accounts at multiple brokers simultaneously. Many traders diversify across platforms to access different markets and tools.
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Trading involves risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Capital at risk. Full risk disclosure.
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