Fidelity vs Interactive Brokers: Which Broker Suits You?
Fidelity scores 4.6 and Interactive Brokers 4.8 out of 5 on our published methodology. Fidelity leads on Account Access & Support; Interactive Brokers leads on Platform & Tools and Asset Range, and they tie on Costs & Fees and Regulation & Trust. Both accept clients in the US.
Higher overall score
Interactive Brokers
4.8/5
Best for: Active & globally-minded traders
Read the full Interactive Brokers review →Score by score
Each category is scored 1–5 using our published methodology. The overall score is the plain average of the first five; ease of use is shown separately.
Key facts side by side
| Fidelity | Interactive Brokers | |
|---|---|---|
| What you own | Real assets | Real assets |
| Available assets | Stocks, ETFs, options and funds, including zero expense-ratio index funds | Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, forex, crypto across 170+ markets |
| Regulated by | SEC, FINRA, SIPC | SEC, FINRA, FCA, ASIC, CIRO and others |
| Stands out for | Zero-fee index funds and unusually deep retirement planning tools | Unmatched global market access from a single account |
| Watch out for | Less suited to active derivatives trading than some rivals | Trader Workstation has a genuinely steep learning curve |
| Accepts clients in | The US | The US, the UK, the EU and other countries |
Is Fidelity cheaper than Interactive Brokers?
Both score 5/5 on Costs & Fees, so neither has a clear overall cost advantage on our measures; which is cheaper for you depends on what you trade, how often, and in which currency. Fees differ by country and account type and change often, so check both brokers’ current price lists before you choose.
Which is safer, Fidelity or Interactive Brokers?
Fidelity is regulated by SEC, FINRA, SIPC; Interactive Brokers by SEC, FINRA, FCA, ASIC, CIRO and others. Both score 5/5 on our Regulation & Trust measure. Which company holds your account, and which investor compensation scheme covers it, depends on where you live. Compensation schemes cover a broker failing, never investment losses.
Which is better for beginners?
On ease of use for a beginner, which sits outside the overall score, Fidelity scores 4/5 and Interactive Brokers 2/5. Fidelity is the gentler place to start.
Who each one tends to suit
Fidelity
- Tends to suit
- Low-cost US retirement investing
- Stands out for
- Zero-fee index funds and unusually deep retirement planning tools
- Watch out for
- Less suited to active derivatives trading than some rivals
Interactive Brokers
- Tends to suit
- Active & globally-minded traders
- Stands out for
- Unmatched global market access from a single account
- Watch out for
- Trader Workstation has a genuinely steep learning curve
More head-to-heads
Scores and facts come from our own reviews as of September 2026 and follow one published methodology. Plain Investor has no commercial relationship with either broker. This is general education, not personal financial advice. Fees, features and regulation change, so confirm current terms with each broker before opening an account.