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Invest · Broker comparison
Interactive Brokers vs Trading 212
IBKR vs Trading 212 compared on FX cost, available markets, pricing, and which is better for global investors converting currency to buy US stocks.
IBKR's FX cost is $10 per $10,000 invested vs Trading 212's $15. More importantly, IBKR offers IBKR Ideal — the industry's best currency conversion at 0.08–0.2 bps. For large portfolios, IBKR saves significantly more.
Interactive Brokers
4
metrics won
$10
FX cost per $10k
✓ Winnervs
2 ties
Trading 212
3
metrics won
$15
FX cost per $10k
Interactive Brokers vs Trading 212: Full comparison
| Metric | Interactive Brokers | Trading 212 | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
FX cost per $10,000 | $10 | $15 | Interactive Brokers |
FX spread IBKR Ideal is a separate FX conversion, not built into trade | 0.08–0.2 bps (IBKR Ideal) | 0.15% (15 bps) | Interactive Brokers |
Trading commission | $0 (IBKR Lite) / $1 min (Pro) | $0 | Trading 212 |
Available markets | 150+ exchanges globally | US, UK, EU stocks only | Interactive Brokers |
Fractional shares | Yes (US stocks) | Yes | Tie |
ISA (UK) | No | Yes | Trading 212 |
Account minimum | $0 | $0 | Tie |
Regulated in | SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS + many more | FCA (UK), CySEC (EU) | Interactive Brokers |
Mobile app | IBKR Mobile (complex) | Trading 212 (simple) | Trading 212 |
Our verdict
Trading 212 wins on simplicity and zero commission for casual investors. IBKR wins on FX cost, market depth, and professional-grade tools. For investors converting significant amounts of GBP/EUR/INR to buy US stocks, IBKR's currency conversion is materially cheaper. Trading 212 is better for beginners who want a clean app and don't need advanced order types.
When to choose each
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
- Investors making large, regular investments (£1,000+/month) where FX cost compounds
- Global investors who need access to Asian, European, and EM markets
- Investors who want professional-grade order types and portfolio management
- Non-UK investors who can't use a Stocks & Shares ISA
Choose Trading 212 if…
- UK retail investors who want a Stocks & Shares ISA
- Beginners who want a simple, clean mobile app
- Investors making small, frequent investments (fractional shares from £1)
- Investors focused only on US and European markets
Frequently asked questions
How does IBKR Ideal FX conversion work?
IBKR Ideal (or IBKR FXTrader) lets you convert currencies at institutional interbank rates — typically 0.08–0.2 bps above mid-market. You first convert GBP/EUR/INR to USD using Ideal, then buy US stocks with USD. This two-step process is cheaper than any combined FX+trade product from retail brokers.
Does Trading 212 charge FX fees?
Trading 212 charges a 0.15% FX fee when you buy non-GBP stocks in a GBP account (or when currency conversion is required). On a £10,000 investment in Apple, that's £15. IBKR charges ~£1-2 for the same FX conversion using Ideal.
Is IBKR available in India?
Yes. IBKR (Interactive Brokers India) is available for Indian residents under the LRS (Liberalised Remittance Scheme). You can invest up to $250,000 per year in US stocks. IBKR requires identity and LRS documentation.
Compare all brokers by FX cost
Full rankings by FX cost per $10,000 invested