TD Ameritrade vs Interactive Brokers Review
To start this comparison, first, we will take a look at the online broker commission rates for placing regular stock and options trades. TD Ameritrade charges more than Interactive Brokers for placing regular stock trades ($6.95 and $0 (the broker charges a per share rate instead), respectively). For options trading, TD Ameritrade has a base fee of $6.95, and Interactive Brokers a base fee of $0. Option contracts are pricier at TD Ameritrade, costing $0.75 versus $0.70 at Interactive Brokers. It's important to note that not all brokers charge a flat fee per trade. Thus, it is important to read the full commission notes for each broker, which we include with each online broker review.
Next to commission rates, being able to trade what you want is important. TD Ameritrade supports Stock Trading, Options Trading, Mutual Funds, Forex Trading and Futures Trading while Interactive Brokers supports Stock Trading, Options Trading, Mutual Funds and Futures Trading. Looking at mutual funds, TD Ameritrade offers its clients access to 12541 different mutual funds while Interactive Brokers has 10051 available funds, a difference of 2,490. Commission free ETFs can also be valuable for customers, with TD Ameritrade having the upper hand thanks to its 296 available commission free ETFs compared to Interactive Brokers's offering of 45.
Trading access aside, by comparing popular features and functionality, we can break down relevant differences between both brokers. Both Interactive Brokers and TD Ameritrade offer virtual trading. Taking a look at mobile trading, Interactive Brokers and TD Ameritrade both have a iPhone App, iPad App and Android App. Not to be left out, online banking is also a nice benefit for many investors, and some brokerages provide these services to clients. Clients can have Checking Accounts, Debit Cards and Credit Cards at TD Ameritrade while customers at Interactive Brokers can have Debit Cards. On the whole, when it comes to tools, research, and mobile trading, TD Ameritrade finished with awards Best in Class - Research and Best in Class - Mobile Trading, while Interactive Brokers came up with Best in Class - Mobile Trading.
Overall, TD Ameritrade boasts 5.00 stars versus Interactive Brokers's 4.50 stars.
TD Ameritrade
Interactive Brokers
All pricing data was obtained from a published web site as of 09/01/18 and is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed. The StockBrokers.com staff is constantly working with its online broker representatives to obtain the latest pricing data. If you believe any data listed above is inaccurate, please contact us using the link at the bottom of this page. For stock trade rates, advertised pricing is for a standard order size of 500 shares of stock priced at $30 per share. For options orders, an options regulatory fee per contract may apply.
TD Ameritrade, Inc. and StockBrokers.com are separate, unaffiliated companies and are not responsible for each other’s services and products.
Options are not suitable for all investors as the special risks inherent to options trading may expose investors to potentially rapid and substantial losses. Options trading privileges subject to TD Ameritrade review and approval. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options before investing in options.
Offer valid for one new Individual, Joint or IRA TD Ameritrade account opened by 9/30/2018 and funded within 60 calendar days of account opening with $3,000 or more. To receive $100 bonus, account must be funded with $25,000-$99,999. To receive $300 bonus, account must be funded with $100,000-$249,999. To receive $600 bonus, account must be funded with $250,000 or more. Offer is not valid on tax-exempt trusts, 401k accounts, Keogh plans, Profit Sharing Plan, or Money Purchase Plan. Offer is not transferable and not valid with internal transfers, accounts managed by TD Ameritrade Investment Management, LLC, TD Ameritrade Institutional accounts, and current TD Ameritrade accounts or with other offers. Qualified commission-free Internet equity, ETF or options orders will be limited to a maximum of 250 and must execute within 90 calendar days of account funding. No credit will be given for unexecuted trades. Contract, exercise, and assignment fees still apply. Limit one offer per client. Account value of the qualifying account must remain equal to, or greater than, the value after the net deposit was made (minus any losses due to trading or market volatility or margin debit balances) for 12 months, or TD Ameritrade may charge the account for the cost of the offer at its sole discretion. TD Ameritrade reserves the right to restrict or revoke this offer at any time. This is not an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where we are not authorized to do business. Please allow 3-5 business days for any cash deposits to post to account. Taxes related to TD Ameritrade offers are your responsibility. Retail values totaling $600 or more during the calendar year will be included in your consolidated Form 1099. Please consult a legal or tax advisor for the most recent changes to the U.S. tax code and for rollover eligibility rules. (Offer Code 264)
TD Ameritrade Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank. © 2017 TD Ameritrade.
