TD Ameritrade vs Interactive Brokers Review
Looking at both brokers, first we will take a look at the commission rates for both placing regular stock and options trades. TD Ameritrade charges more than Interactive Brokers for placing regular stock trades ($6.95 and $0.00 (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 $0.00. Contracts are pricier at TD Ameritrade, costing $0.75 versus $0.70 at Interactive Brokers, a difference of $0.05 per contract. It should be noted that not every broker uses a flat rate stock trade fee structure, so it is important to read the full commission notes (head over to any online brokerage review page, then navigate to the "Commission Notes" section).
Alongside trade commissions, being able to trade the way you want is a must. TD Ameritrade offers clients Stock Trading, Options Trading, Mutual Funds, Forex Trading and Futures Trading while Interactive Brokers offers Stock Trading, Options Trading, Mutual Funds and Futures Trading. When it comes to mutual funds, Interactive Brokers trails TD Ameritrade by 4,825.00 total funds, with TD Ameritrade offering 12851 and Interactive Brokers offering 8026. Commission free ETFs can also be a nice plus, with Interactive Brokers falling behind TD Ameritrade, offering 33 commission free etfs compared to TD Ameritrade's 101.
Last but not least, by breaking down important features that each broker offers, we can really help to separate the two brokers. Interactive Brokers and TD Ameritrade both have virtual trading. For mobile trading, Interactive Brokers along with TD Ameritrade both support the iPhone App, iPad App and Android App. Furthermore, some investors like to bank online, and multiple brokerages provide these services to clients. Checking Accounts, Debit Cards and Credit Cards are offered by TD Ameritrade while Interactive Brokers offers none of these. On the whole, when it comes to tools, research, and trading on the go, Interactive Brokers posted awards for Best in Class - Platforms & Tools and Best in Class - Mobile Trading in 2014, while TD Ameritrade found itself with Best in Class - Platforms & Tools, Best in Class - Research and Best in Class - Mobile Trading.
Overall, TD Ameritrade comes out on top with 4.50 stars over Interactive Brokers's 4.00 stars.
TD Ameritrade
Interactive Brokers
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All pricing data was obtained from a published web site as of 2/20/2017 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 09/30/2017 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. 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. © 2016 TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.