Head-to-head · 2026
Interactive Brokers vs Charles Schwab
Interactive Brokers edges it overall with 4.7 versus 4.5, winning 2 of six categories. Interactive Brokers is cheaper to trade: its lowest-cost account works out at about $5.0 per round-turn lot of EUR/USD versus $12.0 at Charles Schwab.
Interactive Brokers
Professional and multi-asset traders
4.7/5
Visit Interactive BrokersFull review| Feature | Interactive Brokers | Charles Schwab |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 4.7 | 4.5 |
| EUR/USD standard spread | No spread-only account | 1.2 pips |
| Raw account | 0.1 + $4 | No |
| Cheapest cost per lot | $5.0 | $12.0 |
| Minimum deposit | $0 | $0 |
| Tier-1 regulators | SEC, FINRA, CFTC, FCA, CBI, ASIC, CIRO, MAS | SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA |
| All regulators | SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, FCA, CBI, ASIC, CIRO, MAS, SFC | SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA |
| Founded | 1978 | 1971 |
| Currency pairs | 100+ | 70+ |
| Max leverage | 1:50 majors (US) | 1:50 majors (US) |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, API | thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, thinkorswim Mobile |
| Copy trading | No | No |
| Swap-free accounts | No | No |
| US clients | Yes | Yes |
Highlighted cells mark the better value where one is clearly better. Data checked October 2026.
Category by category
Costs: Interactive Brokers vs Charles Schwab
Interactive Brokers is cheaper to trade: its lowest-cost account works out at about $5.0 per round-turn lot of EUR/USD versus $12.0 at Charles Schwab. Interactive Brokers has no commission-free account; it charges a commission on interbank spreads. On its standard, commission-free account Charles Schwab quotes around 1.2 pips on EUR/USD. Only Interactive Brokers offers a raw-spread account.
Regulation and safety
Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, FCA, CBI, ASIC, CIRO, MAS, SFC. Charles Schwab is regulated by SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA. Both score the same for trust. Both are available in United States. Only Interactive Brokers serves United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, Australia, India, Most other countries.
Platforms
They share no common platforms. Interactive Brokers offers Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, API; Charles Schwab offers thinkorswim Desktop, thinkorswim Web, thinkorswim Mobile.
Which should you choose?
Choose Interactive Brokers if…
- interbank spreads with very low commissions
- trade forex alongside stocks, futures, options and bonds
- s&P 500 listed with the strongest regulatory profile
Choose Charles Schwab if…
- thinkorswim is one of the best charting platforms available
- one login for stocks, options, futures and forex
- exceptional research and education
Frequently asked questions
Is Interactive Brokers better than Charles Schwab?
Interactive Brokers edges it overall with 4.7 versus 4.5, winning 2 of six categories. Interactive Brokers is cheaper to trade: its lowest-cost account works out at about $5.0 per round-turn lot of EUR/USD versus $12.0 at Charles Schwab.
Which is safer, Interactive Brokers or Charles Schwab?
Both score 5.0/5 for trust and regulation.
Which has the lower minimum deposit?
Both have a $0 minimum deposit.
Do Interactive Brokers and Charles Schwab both offer MetaTrader?
Interactive Brokers: no MetaTrader. Charles Schwab: no MetaTrader.
Risk warning: CFDs and leveraged forex are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly. Between roughly 60% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs, depending on the provider. Consider whether you understand how they work and can afford to lose your money. Read the full risk warning.