Interactive Brokers vs Trading 212
Head-to-head comparison of fees, platforms, regulation, and trading conditions to help you choose the right EU broker in 2026.
Quick Verdict
Interactive Brokers scores higher overall at 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10.
Score Comparison
Trading Conditions
| Condition | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 |
|---|---|---|
| Min Deposit | None | €1 |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.1 pips (average with commission) | 0.9 pips average |
| Commission | $2.00 per lot (tiered, volume-based discounts) | None (spread-only on CFDs, zero commission on stocks/ETFs) |
| Leverage (Retail) | 30:1 | 30:1 |
| Leverage (Pro) | 200:1 | 300:1 |
| Swap-Free | No | No |
| Withdrawal Fee | Free (1 per month, then varies by method) | Free |
Platform Comparison
Interactive Brokers Platforms
- Trader Workstation (TWS)
- IBKR Mobile
- IBKR GlobalTrader
- Client Portal
Individual, Joint, IRA, Advisors, Institutional
Trading 212 Platforms
- Trading 212 Web
- Trading 212 App
Invest, CFD, ISA (UK only)
Regulation & Safety
Interactive Brokers Regulation
Irish Investor Compensation Scheme up to EUR 20,000
Trading 212 Regulation
ICF up to EUR 20,000 (CySEC) / FSCS up to GBP 85,000 (UK)
Overall Verdict
Interactive Brokers takes the overall win with a score of 9.1 vs 8.9, winning 4 out of 7 individual categories compared to Trading 212's 3.
In terms of costs, though Trading 212 edges ahead 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 Trading 212 if you value the specific areas where it scores higher, such as fees & costs, 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.