Interactive Brokers vs Rakuten Securities 2026: Which Broker is Better?

Regulation & Safety

Interactive Brokers is a well-established entity in the financial industry, founded in 1978 and headquartered in Greenwich, USA. It is regulated by several top-tier bodies, including the SEC, CFTC, FCA, MAS, and ASIC. This extensive regulatory oversight ensures a high level of safety and investor protection, making it a reliable choice for traders seeking a secure trading environment. Clients' funds are protected through multiple regulatory bodies, offering reassurance in terms of financial security.

In contrast, Rakuten Securities, founded in 1999 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is regulated by the Japanese Financial Services Agency (FSA). As the #2 online broker in Japan with over 9 million accounts, Rakuten Securities benefits from a strong reputation in its home market. While the FSA provides a solid framework for regulation, its focus is primarily on the Japanese market, which may not offer the same level of global protection as Interactive Brokers.

Fees & Spreads

Interactive Brokers offers highly competitive fees, with spreads starting from 0.2 pips. The commission for trading is remarkably low at $0.005 per trade, catering especially to high-frequency and professional traders. The absence of a minimum deposit requirement further enhances its appeal to a broad audience. However, traders should be aware of potential inactivity fees for small accounts.

Rakuten Securities, on the other hand, offers spreads from 0 pips and charges no commission on stocks and ETFs, making it extremely cost-effective for stock traders. This zero-commission model, coupled with no minimum deposit requirement, makes Rakuten an attractive option for cost-conscious traders. Its maximum leverage is slightly lower at 1:3 compared to Interactive Brokers' 1:4, which might influence traders looking for higher leverage opportunities.

Trading Platforms

Interactive Brokers provides proprietary web and mobile platforms renowned for their advanced trading tools, catering particularly to professional traders who require sophisticated functionalities. Rakuten Securities offers proprietary web and mobile platforms as well, along with MarketSpeed II, which is tailored to the Japanese market. While both brokers provide robust platforms, Interactive Brokers is superior in offering advanced tools suitable for experienced traders.

Who Should Choose Interactive Brokers?

• Professional traders seeking low commissions and advanced trading tools
• Investors looking for access to over 150 markets in 33 countries
• Traders requiring high regulatory oversight and fund protection
• Experienced traders capable of navigating complex platforms

Who Should Choose Rakuten Securities?

• Cost-conscious stock traders attracted to zero commission on stocks and ETFs
• Investors primarily interested in the Japanese market
• Traders who benefit from the Rakuten ecosystem and reward points
• Japanese-speaking traders who prefer platforms in their native language

Our Verdict

For beginners, Rakuten Securities is more suitable due to its simpler platform and zero commissions. For professionals, Interactive Brokers stands out with its advanced tools and global market access. In terms of fees, both brokers offer competitive pricing, but Rakuten Securities is preferable for stock traders due to its zero-commission model.