Interactive Brokers
AvaTrade
Interactive Brokers vs AvaTrade
A detailed side-by-side comparison based on our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories.
Interactive Brokers and AvaTrade are both popular choices for forex and CFD traders, but they cater to different needs and experience levels. Interactive Brokers, founded in 1978 and headquartered in Greenwich, USA, is regulated by SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC and offers spreads starting from 0.1 pips with a minimum deposit of $0. AvaTrade, established in 2006 in Dublin, Ireland, holds licenses from CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB with spreads from 0.9 pips and a $100 minimum deposit. In our hands-on testing across 8 scoring categories, Interactive Brokers scored 9.2/10 overall compared to AvaTrade's 8.3/10, making it the stronger pick for most traders. That said, AvaTrade holds its own with superior education resources and better customer support, so your ideal broker depends on what you prioritize in a trading partner.
Key Differences at a Glance
- 📊
Interactive Brokers scores 9.2/10 overall vs 8.3/10 for AvaTrade — a 0.9-point difference.
- 💵
Interactive Brokers requires just $0 to start, while AvaTrade needs $100 — Interactive Brokers is 100x more accessible.
- 📈
Interactive Brokers offers 1,000,000+ instruments vs 1,250+ at AvaTrade — a massive gap in market coverage.
- 🖥️
Interactive Brokers runs on TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, while AvaTrade uses MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial — different ecosystems for different trading styles.
- ⚡
The biggest gap is in Product Range: Interactive Brokers scores 10.0 vs 7.5 for AvaTrade — a 2.5-point difference.
Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers
Score: 9.2/10 · Wins 4 categories- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
AvaTrade
Score: 8.3/10 · Wins 2 categories- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You prefer AvaTrade's trading environment overall
Interactive Brokers takes the lead with an overall score of 9.2/10 compared to 8.3/10, winning in 4 out of 8 scoring categories. Interactive Brokers stands out for lower trading costs and stronger regulation, while AvaTrade fights back with superior education resources and better customer support.
Detailed Verdict
After testing both brokers with real accounts, Interactive Brokers comes out ahead with a 9.2/10 overall rating, winning 4 out of 8 categories. Its strongest area is Regulation & Trust where it scores 10.0/10. Interactive Brokers holds Tier 1 regulation, meaning your funds benefit from top-level investor protection including segregated accounts and compensation schemes. AvaTrade is not without merit — it scores 8.3/10 overall and excels in Regulation & Trust (9.5/10), winning 2 categories. Traders who value superior education resources or better customer support may find AvaTrade the better fit. For a complete breakdown, read our full Interactive Brokers review and AvaTrade review — both include account opening walkthroughs, platform screenshots, and withdrawal test results.
Score Breakdown
Interactive Brokers wins by 2.0 points
Interactive Brokers wins by 0.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points
AvaTrade wins by 0.5 points
Interactive Brokers wins by 2.0 points
Interactive Brokers wins by 2.5 points
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.2/10 ✓ | 8.3/10 |
| Min Deposit Lower is better | $0 ✓ | $100 |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 | 1:400 |
| Spreads From | 0.1 pips | 0.9 pips |
| Platforms | TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader | MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial |
| Regulation | SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC | CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB |
| Founded Older track record highlighted | 1978 ✓ | 2006 |
| Markets | 1,000,000+ ✓ | 1,250+ |
Fees & Costs
When it comes to trading costs, Interactive Brokers has the edge with a score of 9.5/10 versus 7.5/10 for AvaTrade. Interactive Brokers offers spreads starting from 0.1 pips, while AvaTrade starts from 0.9 pips. The minimum deposit at Interactive Brokers is $0, compared to $100 at AvaTrade. Both brokers operate primarily on a spread-based pricing model, though actual costs vary by account type and instrument. For high-volume traders, even small spread differences add up significantly over time, making this an important category to weigh carefully.
Trading Platforms
Interactive Brokers scores 8.5/10 for platforms compared to 8.5/10 for AvaTrade. Interactive Brokers provides TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, while AvaTrade offers MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial. The choice of platform affects your charting, order execution speed, and available technical indicators. Traders who rely on MetaTrader's algorithmic trading capabilities should check which MT4/MT5 features each broker supports, including custom indicators and expert advisors.
Regulation & Safety
Regulation is crucial for fund safety. Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC (Tier 1), while AvaTrade holds licenses from CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB (Tier 1). Interactive Brokers scores 10/10 and AvaTrade scores 9.5/10 in this category. Tier 1 regulators like FCA, ASIC, and CySEC offer the strongest investor protection, including segregated client funds and compensation schemes. Always verify your broker's specific license for your jurisdiction before opening an account.
Education & Research
For learning resources, AvaTrade leads with 8.5/10 compared to 8/10. Quality education materials can shorten your learning curve significantly. Look for brokers offering structured courses, live webinars, and practice demo accounts. Interactive Brokers and AvaTrade both provide demo accounts for risk-free practice, but the depth of educational content varies. Beginners should prioritize this category when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
Interactive Brokers offers 24/6 Live Chat, Email, Phone and scores 7.5/10, while AvaTrade provides 24/5 Live Chat, Email, Phone with a score of 8/10. Reliable support becomes critical during market volatility or when you encounter account issues. Look for brokers with 24/5 or 24/7 availability, multiple contact channels, and support in your preferred language.
Deposit & Withdrawal
Interactive Brokers scores 8/10 for deposits and withdrawals, while AvaTrade scores 8/10. Interactive Brokers accepts Bank Transfer, ACH, and AvaTrade supports Bank Transfer, Credit Card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller. Processing times, fees, and available currencies vary. Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0 versus $100 for AvaTrade. Always check withdrawal conditions and any potential fees before funding your account.
Which Broker Is Right for You?
Choose Interactive Brokers if you...
- You want lower spreads and trading fees
- Top-tier regulation and fund safety are your priority
- You want access to a wider range of instruments
- You rely on in-depth research and analysis tools
Choose AvaTrade if you...
- You're a beginner who values learning resources
- Responsive customer support matters to you
- You prefer AvaTrade's trading environment overall
🗳️ Which Broker Do You Prefer?
Cast your vote — see what other traders think
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Interactive Brokers better than AvaTrade?
Interactive Brokers scores higher overall (9.2/10 vs 8.3/10), winning 4 of 8 categories. However, AvaTrade is stronger in superior education resources and better customer support. The best choice depends on what matters most to your trading style.
Which has lower fees, Interactive Brokers or AvaTrade?
Interactive Brokers scores higher for trading costs. Interactive Brokers offers spreads from 0.1 pips with a $0 minimum deposit, while AvaTrade starts from 0.9 pips with $100 minimum. Actual trading costs depend on your instrument, volume, and account type.
Is Interactive Brokers safe to trade with?
Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC and scores 10/10 for regulation. AvaTrade is regulated by CySEC, ASIC, FSA, FSCA, CBB with a score of 9.5/10. Both hold recognized licenses, but verify the specific entity covering your region.
Which has better trading platforms, Interactive Brokers or AvaTrade?
Interactive Brokers scores 8.5/10 for platforms. Interactive Brokers offers TWS, IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, while AvaTrade provides MT4, MT5, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaSocial. Your ideal platform depends on whether you prefer proprietary tools, MetaTrader, or third-party solutions.
What's the minimum deposit for Interactive Brokers vs AvaTrade?
Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0, while AvaTrade requires $100. Interactive Brokers has the lower entry barrier, making it more accessible for beginners or those testing with smaller amounts.
Ready to Start Trading?
Open a free account with either broker and start trading today.