Interactive Brokers vs Kraken
Can't decide between Interactive Brokers and Kraken? We've put both brokers head-to-head. Compare their spreads, regulation, platforms, and fees below.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Executive Summary
Interactive Brokers and Kraken are both well-established forex brokers, but they serve different types of traders. Interactive Brokers scores 98/100 in our TrustMetrics™ system, edging ahead of Kraken's 94/100.
On pricing, Kraken offers tighter EUR/USD spreads (0 pips vs 0.1 pips). Interactive Brokers supports TWS, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR APIs while Kraken offers Kraken Pro, Kraken App, Web, giving Interactive Brokers an edge in platform diversity.
For regulation, Interactive Brokers holds licenses from SEC, FCA, SFC, MAS, CIRO, CBI while Kraken is regulated by FinCEN, FCA. Both brokers offer segregated client funds and are considered safe for retail trading.
The Verdicts
Most Trusted
Interactive Brokers scores higher in our TrustMetrics system (98/100) compared to Kraken (94/100), making it the safer choice.
Lowest Spreads
Kraken offers better pricing with an average EUR/USD spread of 0 pips, beating the 0.1 pip average of its competitor.
Best for Beginners
With a lower minimum deposit requirement of $0, Interactive Brokers is the more accessible option for new traders.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Interactive Brokers | Kraken |
|---|---|---|
Trust Score Our proprietary safety rating based on regulation and track record. | 98/100 ✓ | 94/100 |
Spreads From The lowest possible spread available on their premium accounts. | $0 commission (IBKR Lite) | 0.0 pips (Crypto) |
Avg EUR/USD Spread The typical spread experienced during normal market hours. | 0.1 pips | 0 pips ✓ |
| Commission | $0.20 min/order | 0.16% / 0.26% |
Execution Speed The average time it takes for an order to be filled. | < 10ms | Fast |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 | 1:5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 ✓ | $10 |
| Instruments | 10,000+ | 200+ |
| Account Types | IBKR Lite, IBKR Pro | Starter, Intermediate, Pro |
| Platforms | TWS, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, IBKR APIs | Kraken Pro, Kraken App, Web |
| Top Regulators | SEC, FCA, SFC, MAS, CIRO, CBI | FinCEN, FCA |
Withdrawal Speed The average processing time before funds hit your account. | 1-3 business days | 0-1 business days |
Inactivity Fee Fees charged if you do not place any trades for a specific period. | $0 (Eliminated in 2021) | $0 |
| Customer Support | 24/6 Live Chat, Email, Phone, Ticket System | 24/7 Live Chat, Email |
Which Broker Should You Choose?
Choose Interactive Brokers if...
- ✓You want to start with a very low minimum deposit
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You need access to a massive range of instruments
- ✓Maximum regulatory protection is your top priority
Choose Kraken if...
- ✓You want to start with a very low minimum deposit
- ✓You need the tightest possible spreads for scalping
- ✓You value crypto trading and staking
Interactive Brokers Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Access to 150+ markets in 34 countries — unmatched global reach
- ✓ Publicly traded on NASDAQ (IBKR) with $15B+ market cap — ultimate transparency
- ✓ Industry-lowest margin rates starting at 5.83% (Benchmark + 1.5%)
- ✓ Fractional shares, options, futures, bonds, and forex all in one account
- ✓ Advanced order types and algos via Trader Workstation (TWS)
- ✓ IBKR Lite offers $0 commissions on US stocks and ETFs
Drawbacks
- × TWS has a steep learning curve — intimidating for complete beginners
- × No MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 support
- × Customer support can have long wait times during peak hours
- × Limited deposit methods — no e-wallet support (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal)
- × Currency conversion fee of 0.002% (min $2) for non-base currency trades
Kraken Overview
Advantages
- ✓ Extremely deep liquidity for major cryptocurrencies
- ✓ Kraken Pro offers very low maker/taker fees
- ✓ Industry-leading security with never having been fully hacked
- ✓ Staking rewards available for various assets
Drawbacks
- × No traditional forex or stock CFDs
- × Not compatible with MetaTrader or cTrader
Algorithmic Deep Dive
Data Updated: Sep 2026🛡️ Safety & Regulation
Tier-1 Licenses
💸 Pricing Economics
⚡ Technical Capabilities & Execution
Platform Support
- MT4✗✗
- MT5✗✗
- cTrader✗✗
- TradingView✗✗
Interactive Brokers Execution
IBKR offers four platforms: the legendary Trader Workstation (TWS), the newer IBKR Desktop, the mobile app, and the web-based Client Portal. TWS remains the most powerful retail trading platform ever built — featuring 100+ order types, advanced algorithmic execution, real-time risk analytics, and options strategy builders. IBKR Desktop is a more modern, streamlined alternative that's easier to learn. Both performed flawlessly during our testing with sub-10ms execution speeds.
Kraken Execution
Kraken Pro provides a robust, professional trading interface with TradingView charts.
The Bottom Line: Interactive Brokers vs Kraken
- ✓ Global Market Access
- ✓ Low Margin Rates
- ✓ Professional Trading
- ✓ Multi-Asset Investing
- ✓ Institutional-Grade Execution
- ✓ No minimum deposit
- ✓ Crypto Trading
- ✓ Staking
- ✓ High Liquidity
- ✓ Tighter EUR/USD spreads (0 pips)
Both brokers are featured in our top broker rankings. Your choice should depend on your specific trading style, preferred platform, and geographical location.
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