Wednesday 4 November 2026
Independent Broker Reviews & Financial News

Interactive Brokers vs Charles Schwab

Select two brokers to compare them using the same information and scoring categories found in our individual reviews. Brokers are listed alphabetically; the comparison does not indicate a recommendation.

Comparison

This comparison is provided for general information and does not constitute an endorsement, investment advice or a recommendation to open an account. Verify all details through official sources before making any decision.

Criterion Interactive Brokers Charles Schwab
Editorial score
Editorial score 4.7 out of 5
Out of 5
Editorial score 4.3 out of 5
Out of 5
Scores by category
Regulation and transparency (29%) 4.5 / 5 4.5 / 5
Costs and fee disclosure (23%) 5.0 / 5 5.0 / 5
Risk and consumer information (18%) 5.0 / 5 3.3 / 5
Customer support (12%) 3.8 / 5 3.8 / 5
Education and research (12%) 5.0 / 5 4.5 / 5
Website and user experience (6%) 5.0 / 5 5.0 / 5
Regulation and markets
Main regulation SEC/CFTC, FINRA member (US); FCA FRN 208159; CBI C423427; ASIC AFSL 453554SEC/FINRA CRD 5393 (SEC 8-16514), member SIPC; FCA 225116 (UK)
Entities by region
  • United States: Interactive Brokers LLC, SEC and CFTC registered; FINRA member, CRD 36418
  • United Kingdom: Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited, FCA, FRN 208159 (source: broker disclosure)
  • European Union: Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited, Central Bank of Ireland, reference C423427 (source: broker disclosure)
  • Australia: Interactive Brokers Australia Pty Ltd, ASIC, AFSL 453554 (source: broker disclosure)
  • United States: Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., SEC and FINRA, CRD 5393, SEC broker-dealer number 8-16514, investment adviser number 801-29938, member SIPC
  • United States: Charles Schwab Futures and Forex LLC, CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant and NFA member, retail off-exchange currency dealer, NFA ID 477394 (source: broker disclosure)
  • United States: Charles Schwab Bank, SSB, Member FDIC (deposit and lending products) (source: broker disclosure)
  • United States: Charles Schwab Premier Bank, SSB, Member FDIC (cryptocurrency services and products) (source: broker disclosure)
  • United Kingdom: Charles Schwab, U.K., Limited, FCA, FRN 225116
Markets offered Currencies, Indices, Commodities, Share CFDs, Real shares, ETFs, Crypto, BondsCurrencies, Indices, Commodities, Real shares, ETFs, Crypto, Bonds
Review details
Publisher relationship None disclosed None disclosed
Last reviewed 14 September 202617 September 2026
Full review Read Interactive Brokers ReviewRead Charles Schwab Review

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How this comparison works

Every broker is assessed using the same documented criteria. Scores are based on publicly available information, direct product research and clearly identified sources. Read the methodology →

A note on risk

CFDs and other leveraged products carry a high risk of losing money rapidly because of leverage, and a majority of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. A high editorial score reflects disclosure and service quality. It does not make trading safe.