Interactive Brokers vs eToro Comparison UK
11 JUN, 2026
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This article was updated as of June 2026.
Interactive Brokers and eToro are two of the most recognised investment platforms available to UK investors — but they serve very different purposes. IBKR is built for experienced investors who need global market access and professional-grade tools; eToro is built for beginners who want a simple, social experience with copy trading. Both are FCA-regulated with FSCS protection. For a broader comparison of platforms, see our guide to the best ETF platforms in the UK
What are they?
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers, established in 1978 by Thomas Peterffy, began as a market maker on Nasdaq before evolving into one of the world's largest electronic brokers. It offers an extensive range of products for both individual and institutional clients across 135+ exchanges in 33 countries. In 2026, IBKR expanded its UK ISA to include mutual funds alongside stocks and ETFs. There are no inactivity fees (removed 2021) and no custody fees.
Read our Interactive Brokers review to learn more.
eToro
eToro was founded in 2007 and is now used by over 35 million people across 140+ countries. It pioneered social trading and CopyTrader — allowing users to automatically copy the portfolios of experienced investors. UK clients are served via eToro (UK) Ltd, regulated by the FCA, with a Stocks and Shares ISA available.
Read our eToro review to learn more.
Are they safe?
Interactive Brokers holds authorisation from multiple top-tier regulators including the SEC and FINRA (US), the FCA (UK), and the Central Bank of Ireland (EU). Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and UK clients can be compensated up to £85,000 (FSCS) in the event of insolvency.
eToro (UK) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 583263). UK client investment funds are protected by the FSCS up to £85,000, plus additional Lloyd's insurance. eToro is also regulated by CySEC (Cyprus) and ASIC (Australia).
| Broker | UK Regulator | UK investor protection | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | FCA | FSCS up to £85,000 | |||
| eToro | FCA (FRN 583263) | FSCS up to £85,000 + Lloyd's insurance |
| Broker | UK Regulator | UK investor protection |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | FCA | FSCS up to £85,000 |
| eToro | FCA (FRN 583263) | FSCS up to £85,000 + Lloyd's insurance |
Available Products
Interactive Brokers focuses on experienced investors and offers one of the broadest product ranges available:
- Real stocks and ETFs (15,000+), fractional shares, mutual funds in ISA (added 2026)
- Options from 30+ market centres
- Futures on 30+ market centres
- Spot forex — 100+ currencies; FX fee just 0.03%
- Bonds, CFDs on forex, stocks, indices, and metals
- Stocks and Shares ISA (non-flexible); no SIPP directly
eToro offers a more accessible range focused on real assets and social investing:
- 3,100+ real stocks and 300+ ETFs, commission-free
- 75+ real cryptocurrencies (not just CFDs)
- CFDs on forex, indices, and commodities
- Stocks and Shares ISA; no SIPP
- CopyTrader — one of the best copy trading platforms available
ISA and SIPP Comparison
| Feature | Interactive Brokers | eToro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISA Type | Stocks & Shares ISA (non-flexible) | Stocks & Shares ISA | |||
| ISA assets | Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds (added 2026) | Stocks, ETFs | |||
| ISA platform fee | None | None | |||
| ISA dealing fee | 0.05%, min £3 (UK stocks/ETFs) | £0 commission | |||
| SIPP | ❌ Not directly (via approved administrators) | ❌ Not available | |||
| ISA minimum deposit | None | None | |||
| ISA annual allowance 2026/27 | £20,000 | £20,000 |
| Feature | Interactive Brokers | eToro |
| ISA Type | Stocks & Shares ISA (non-flexible) | Stocks & Shares ISA |
| ISA assets | Stocks, ETFs, mutual funds (added 2026) | Stocks, ETFs |
| ISA platform fee | None | None |
| ISA dealing fee | 0.05%, min £3 (UK stocks/ETFs) | £0 commission |
| SIPP | ❌ Not directly (via approved administrators) | ❌ Not available |
| ISA minimum deposit | None | None |
| ISA annual allowance 2026/27 | £20,000 | £20,000 |
Neither IBKR nor eToro offers a SIPP directly. For pension investing, see dedicated providers such as Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell, or InvestEngine. For a comparison of ISA providers, see our best Stocks and Shares ISA guide.
Commissions and Trading Fees
Interactive Brokers offers competitive, volume-based commissions. Key fees for UK investors:
| Market | Commission | Minimum | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $0.005/share | $1 | |||
| United Kingdom | 0.05% | £3 | |||
| Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands) | 0.05% | €3 | |||
| Switzerland | 0.05% | CHF 5 | |||
| Australia | 0.08% | AUD 6 | |||
| Japan | 0.08% | JPY 80 | |||
| Hong Kong | 0.08% | HKD 18 |
| Market | Commission | Minimum |
| United States | $0.005/share | $1 |
| United Kingdom | 0.05% | £3 |
| Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands) | 0.05% | €3 |
| Switzerland | 0.05% | CHF 5 |
| Australia | 0.08% | AUD 6 |
| Japan | 0.08% | JPY 80 |
| Hong Kong | 0.08% | HKD 18 |
No inactivity fees (removed 2021), no custody fees, no deposit fees. One free withdrawal per calendar month; subsequent withdrawals: Bank Wire $10, SEPA/BACS $1. FX conversion: 0.03% — the lowest in the market.
eToro fees:
- Stocks & ETFs: £0 commission
- FX conversion: 0.50% — accounts in USD
- Crypto: 1% spread
- Withdrawal fee: $5; minimum $30
- Inactivity fee: $10/month after 12 months of no login
Trading platform
Interactive Brokers delivers a feature-rich platform (Client Portal, WebTrader, TWS) designed for professional investors, with PC/Mac download and iOS/Android mobile apps. Not always intuitive for beginners.
eToro provides a user-friendly, web-based proprietary platform with no download required. Its standout features are CopyTrader (replicate portfolios of experienced investors) and Smart Portfolios (automated thematic portfolios).
*Past performance is not an indication of future results. Don't invest unless you're prepared to lose all the money you invest.
Deposits and withdrawals
Interactive Brokers: Free deposits via bank transfer; no minimum deposit. One free withdrawal per month (subsequent: Bank Wire $10, SEPA/BACS $1). FX conversion 0.03%. No inactivity fees.
eToro: Free deposits via credit/debit card, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, bank transfer. Minimum deposit £10 (bank transfer minimum $500). Withdrawal fee $5; minimum $30. FX conversion 0.50%.
Research and Education
eToro Academy provides beginner-friendly courses, webinars, and guides covering trading basics, technical analysis, and portfolio management. The social feed and CopyTrading feature allow learning by observing experienced traders in real time.
IBKR Campus provides educational resources from basic trading concepts to complex financial strategies, with real-time data via Trader Workstation (TWS), market reports, webinars, articles, and video tutorials.
Customer Service
Interactive Brokers: Phone support 24/7; email and live chat also available. Comprehensive FAQ and help resources.
eToro: 24/5 live chat and support tickets via Help Centre. Phone support at +44 20 3326 9900 for UK clients. No 24/7 phone support — a consideration for those who prefer direct communication.
Which Broker is Better: Interactive Brokers or eToro?
| Feature | Interactive Brokers | eToro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation | FCA, SEC, FINRA, ICB | FCA, CySEC, ASIC | |||
| FSCS protection | £85,000 | £85,000 + Lloyd's | |||
| Products | Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, forex, CFDs, mutual funds | Stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, indices, CFDs | |||
| ISA | ✅ Non-flexible; stocks, ETFs, mutual funds | ✅ Stocks, ETFs | |||
| SIPP | ❌ Via administrators only | ❌ | |||
| Copy trading | ❌ | ✅ CopyTrader | |||
| Real crypto | ❌ (UK residents) | ✅ 75+ coins | |||
| FX fee | 0.03% — lowest available | 0.50% | |||
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month after 12 months | |||
| Min deposit | £0 | £10 | |||
| Best for | Experienced investors, global access, options/futures | Beginners, social trading, crypto |
| Feature | Interactive Brokers | eToro |
| Regulation | FCA, SEC, FINRA, ICB | FCA, CySEC, ASIC |
| FSCS protection | £85,000 | £85,000 + Lloyd's |
| Products | Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, forex, CFDs, mutual funds | Stocks, ETFs, crypto, forex, indices, CFDs |
| ISA | ✅ Non-flexible; stocks, ETFs, mutual funds | ✅ Stocks, ETFs |
| SIPP | ❌ Via administrators only | ❌ |
| Copy trading | ❌ | ✅ CopyTrader |
| Real crypto | ❌ (UK residents) | ✅ 75+ coins |
| FX fee | 0.03% — lowest available | 0.50% |
| Inactivity fee | None | $10/month after 12 months |
| Min deposit | £0 | £10 |
| Best for | Experienced investors, global access, options/futures | Beginners, social trading, crypto |
Interactive Brokers is ideal for experienced investors who need global market access, the lowest FX fees (0.03%), and the widest product range. Its ISA now includes mutual funds (2026).
eToro is best for beginners seeking a simple, commission-free platform with CopyTrader and real crypto. Its $10/month inactivity fee is a genuine drawback for passive investors.
Also worth comparing: our eToro vs Trading 212 and DEGIRO vs eToro articles.
FAQ
Can I trade cryptocurrencies on Interactive Brokers?
No, Interactive Brokers does not offer cryptocurrency trading to UK residents. If you want to buy and sell real crypto, eToro (75+ coins) is a strong alternative. IBKR does offer some crypto-related ETFs.
What is the minimum deposit for Interactive Brokers?
There is no minimum deposit for standard individual accounts at Interactive Brokers. To trade on margin, a minimum of $2,000 is typically required.
Can I transfer my existing ISA to IBKR or eToro?
Yes, both platforms accept ISA transfers in from other providers. Always confirm the transfer process directly with the receiving provider as timelines and requirements vary.
Does eToro or Interactive Brokers offer a SIPP?
Neither platform offers a SIPP directly. Interactive Brokers can be used via approved SIPP administrators for self-directed pension investing. eToro does not offer a SIPP at all. For dedicated SIPP providers, see platforms such as Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell, or InvestEngine.
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