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Interactive Brokers vs Saxo Bank

Head-to-head comparison of fees, platforms, regulation, and trading conditions to help you choose the right EU broker in 2026.

IB
Interactive Brokers
Est. 1978 · Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
9.1
VS
SB
Saxo Bank
Est. 1992 · Copenhagen, Denmark
9.0

Quick Verdict

Interactive Brokers
3 categories won
Tied
1 categories
Saxo Bank
3 categories won

Interactive Brokers scores higher overall at 9.1/10 vs 9.0/10.

Score Comparison

OverallInteractive Brokers wins
Interactive Brokers9.1
Saxo Bank9.0
Fees & CostsInteractive Brokers wins
Interactive Brokers9.0
Saxo Bank7.8
PlatformsSaxo Bank wins
Interactive Brokers9.0
Saxo Bank9.5
RegulationInteractive Brokers wins
Interactive Brokers9.9
Saxo Bank9.7
ExecutionInteractive Brokers wins
Interactive Brokers9.5
Saxo Bank9.0
SupportSaxo Bank wins
Interactive Brokers7.5
Saxo Bank8.2
EducationSaxo Bank wins
Interactive Brokers8.0
Saxo Bank8.8
InstrumentsTie
Interactive Brokers9.8
Saxo Bank9.8

Trading Conditions

ConditionInteractive BrokersSaxo Bank
Min DepositNoneNone
EUR/USD Spread0.1 pips (average with commission)0.6 pips (Platinum), 0.8 pips (Classic)
Commission$2.00 per lot (tiered, volume-based discounts)Varies by account tier
Leverage (Retail)30:130:1
Leverage (Pro)200:1200:1
Swap-FreeNoNo
Withdrawal FeeFree (1 per month, then varies by method)Free

Platform Comparison

Interactive Brokers Platforms

  • Trader Workstation (TWS)
  • IBKR Mobile
  • IBKR GlobalTrader
  • Client Portal
Account Types:

Individual, Joint, IRA, Advisors, Institutional

Saxo Bank Platforms

  • SaxoTraderGO
  • SaxoTraderPRO
  • SaxoInvestor
Account Types:

Classic, Platinum, VIP

Regulation & Safety

Interactive Brokers Regulation

SECUSAFCAUKCBIIrelandMNBHungary
ESMA CompliantYes
Neg. Balance ProtectionYes
Segregated FundsYes
Compensation Scheme

Irish Investor Compensation Scheme up to EUR 20,000

Saxo Bank Regulation

Danish FSADenmarkFCAUKASICAustralia
ESMA CompliantYes
Neg. Balance ProtectionYes
Segregated FundsYes
Compensation Scheme

Danish Guarantee Fund up to EUR 100,000

Overall Verdict

WinnerInteractive Brokers9.1

Interactive Brokers takes the overall win with a score of 9.1 vs 9.0, winning 3 out of 7 individual categories compared to Saxo Bank's 3.

In terms of costs, Interactive Brokers also leads on fees. On the regulatory front, Interactive Brokers and offers stronger regulatory protection.

Choose Interactive Brokers if you prioritise its strengths in the categories where it leads. Choose Saxo Bank if you value the specific areas where it scores higher, such as platforms, support, and more.

CFD Risk Warning

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

This website is for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute investment advice. Trading leveraged products carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. EU retail leverage limits apply (ESMA): up to 30:1 on major FX pairs, 20:1 on minor FX, 20:1 on major indices, 10:1 on commodities, 5:1 on equities, 2:1 on crypto.