Comparison of Capital.com vs Interactive Brokers [ 2024 ]

The best brokers to invest in cryptocurrencies compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is theCapital.com vs Interactive Brokers comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

capital-com

Capital.com

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Interactive Brokers

Main points

Fees

Low 3,9/5

Regulated

CySEC, FCA

Demo account

Yes
Low 4,4/5

Fees

SEC, FCA

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Yes

Passive income

No

Buy and hold

No
No

Beginners

Yes

Trading

No

Passive income

Yes

Buy and hold


Comparison of fees

Rating

4.5 – Capital.com provides excellent value with zero commissions and very tight spreads on a wide range of cryptocurrencies. The overnight financing fees are the only additional cost .
4.6 – Interactive Brokers charges low commissions (0.12% to 0.18% of trade value) with no added spreads or custody fees, making it one of the most cost-effective options for serious traders .

Level

Low 3,9/5
Low 4,4/5

Brief explanation

Capital.com offers a competitive fee structure that makes it an attractive choice for cryptocurrency traders. The platform charges 0% commissions on trades, meaning there are no upfront costs for executing trades. However, traders should be aware of the overnight financing fees (swap rates) applied to positions held overnight. These fees vary depending on the cryptocurrency and whether the position is long or short. For example, long positions incur a fee of 0.06164% of the exposure plus the daily interest fee, while short positions receive 0.0137% of the exposure minus the daily interest fee. Additionally, while deposits and withdrawals are generally free, an inactivity fee applies after one year for clients contracting with Cyprus (CCSV) or Bahamas (SCB). Overall, Capital.com’s fee structure is transparent and competitive, but it’s important for traders to account for potential overnight fees.
Interactive Brokers offers a competitive and transparent commission structure for cryptocurrency trading. The commission rates range from 0.12% to 0.18% of the trade value, with a minimum fee of $1.75 per order, capped at 1% of the trade value. This fee structure is notably lower than many competitors, who may charge up to 2.00% or include additional spreads and markups​​. Trading cryptocurrencies on Interactive Brokers’ platform does not incur any added spreads, markups, or custody fees. This is facilitated through their partnerships with Paxos Trust Company and Zero Hash LLC, both of which are regulated entities, ensuring a secure trading environment​​. Furthermore, clients can trade cryptocurrencies 24/7 when funds are transferred to their dedicated Paxos or Zero Hash account during normal US banking hours​​.

Capital.com

Interactive Brokers

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Account Minimum

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Product selection

Native token

Capital.com does not have a native token.
Interactive Brokers does not have a native token.

Earns

Capital.com does not offer staking or earning options with cryptocurrencies. It focuses on trading crypto CFDs with leverage .
Interactive Brokers does not offer staking or similar earning options for cryptocurrencies. The platform allows trading and holding of cryptocurrencies .

NFT marketplace

Capital.com does not have an NFT marketplace.
Interactive Brokers does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

Capital.com does not have a card for its clients .
Interactive Brokers offers an IBKR debit card for US residents as part of their Integrated Investment Management accounts .

Company information

Full name

Capital Com (UK) Limited​​.
Interactive Brokers LLC​​.

Regulation

FCA (UK), CySEC, ASIC, FSA (Seychelles)​​.
SEC, FINRA, CFTC, FCA, ASIC, SFC (Hong Kong)​​.

Year founded

2016​​
1977​​

Founder

Ivan Gowan​​
Thomas Peterffy​​

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, Capital.com accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .
Yes, Interactive Brokers accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Mastercard

Yes, Capital.com accepts Mastercard for deposits​​.
No, Interactive Brokers does not accept Mastercard for deposits​​.

Wire transfer

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .
Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

Yes, Capital.com accepts credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) .
No, Interactive Brokers does not accept credit/debit cards .

Comparative table

Capital.com Features Interactive Brokers
The minimum trade amount is very low at $1, making it accessible for all types of traders.
Minimum Trade
Interactive Brokers offers a low minimum trade amount, making it accessible for both small and large investors. This encourages new traders to start without significant capital.
Capital.com offers 0% commissions on trades, but high swap rates for overnight positions.
Trading and Transaction Fees
The platform’s fees are among the lowest in the industry, which is a major advantage for frequent traders.
With 377 cryptocurrencies and 490+ crypto pairs available, the selection is extensive.
Number of Cryptocurrencies
Currently, only eight cryptocurrencies are available, which limits options for traders looking for a diverse portfolio.
The platform offers numerous crypto-only pairs, allowing for extensive trading opportunities.
Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs
The platform offers limited crypto-to-crypto pairs, which restricts trading strategies for users looking to trade beyond major cryptocurrencies.
Information on fees, regulations, and trading conditions is clear, but some details on spreads and swaps could be more transparent.
Website Transparency
Interactive Brokers provides clear and comprehensive information about their services and fees. However, the site could be more intuitive for beginners.
Capital.com does not have a card for its clients .
Credit/Debit Card
Interactive Brokers offers an IBKR debit card for US residents as part of their Integrated Investment Management accounts .
Capital.com only offers CFD trading, meaning users cannot store actual cryptocurrencies.
Storage Offering
The platform offers secure storage solutions through partnerships with regulated entities, ensuring the safety of users’ digital assets.
The platform does not support staking or rewards for holding cryptocurrencies.
Staking and Rewards
Interactive Brokers does not currently offer staking or rewards programs, which could be a drawback for users looking for passive income opportunities.
Both the mobile app and desktop platform are highly intuitive and user-friendly, providing seamless trading experiences.
Mobile App and Desktop
The mobile and desktop platforms are highly rated for their functionality and user-friendly design, catering to both novice and experienced traders.
Customer service is available 24/7, but live chat support can be unreliable.
Customer Service
The customer service is generally responsive and helpful. However, the complex account setup process can be a barrier for new users.
Deposits and withdrawals are free and processed quickly, but the range of available currencies is limited.
Deposit and Withdraw
The platform provides efficient deposit and withdrawal processes with multiple options, although there is room for improvement in speeding up withdrawal times.

Key features

Analysis tools

Capital.com features the Investmate app for educational purposes, offers advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and a demo mode for practice trading. Their platform supports extensive market analysis and educational resources .
Interactive Brokers offers the Trader Workstation (TWS) platform, which includes powerful trading tools and advanced charting capabilities. They also provide comprehensive market data and analysis tools .

Mobile APP

Yes, Capital.com offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, providing a smooth and intuitive trading experience on both platforms .
Yes, Interactive Brokers offers the IBKR Mobile app for iOS and Android devices, providing comprehensive trading tools and account management features .

Security

Capital.com is authorized and regulated by several top-tier regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. They offer negative balance protection, ensuring investors are protected from losing more than their account balance. However, they do not have a banking license​​.
Interactive Brokers is regulated by top-tier US authorities like the SEC and FINRA, providing a high level of security and transparency. They offer SIPC insurance, protecting clients’ securities up to $500,000, including a $250,000 cash limit​​.

Additional features

Capital.com offers CFD trading on a wide range of cryptocurrencies with competitive spreads and zero commissions. They support 377 cryptocurrencies for trading and provide a user-friendly interface, both on desktop and mobile. Capital.com also includes advanced educational tools such as courses, blogs, and tutorials, and they offer negative balance protection. Their trading platform allows trading 24/7 with a low minimum deposit requirement of $20 for card payments .
Interactive Brokers allows clients to trade cryptocurrencies through Paxos or Zero Hash, offering a low commission rate of 0.12% to 0.18% of the trade value. They support a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, and provide advanced trading tools through their Trader Workstation platform. Interactive Brokers also offer features like holding USD in crypto accounts and 24/7 trading .

Anonymity

Capital.com does not support anonymous accounts. Users must provide personal information, trading experience, and verification documents like an ID or passport and proof of address​​.
Anonymous accounts are not available. Interactive Brokers requires detailed personal information and identity verification .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Capital.com offers trading in cryptocurrency CFDs. Users can trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), and many others, totaling 377 cryptocurrencies​​.
Interactive Brokers allows both direct trading and CFDs for cryptocurrencies. The available cryptocurrencies for direct trading are Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC). Additional coins are available through CFDs​​.

User-friendliness

Capital.com excels in providing an intuitive and seamless trading experience for cryptocurrencies. The platform’s user-friendly design, combined with robust educational resources, makes it accessible to both novice and experienced traders. Capital.com supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and offers competitive spreads, ensuring that users have a cost-effective and efficient trading experience​​ .
Interactive Brokers integrates cryptocurrency trading into its existing platform, allowing users to trade crypto alongside other asset classes. The platform offers low commissions and a professional-grade trading environment. However, the setup process might be more complex compared to dedicated crypto exchanges, which could be a drawback for less experienced users .

Value for money

Capital.com stands out with 0% commission on trades and very tight spreads. The broker’s comprehensive educational resources and user-friendly platform add to its value, though inactivity fees apply after one year for some clients​​.
Interactive Brokers is known for its low commissions and transparent pricing, making it a cost-effective choice for crypto trading. Its professional-grade trading tools add significant value, though the platform might be too complex for beginners​​.

Countries of operation

United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Bahamas .
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Hungary, Australia, India, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore .

Best for

Capital.com is ideal for investors looking to trade a wide variety of cryptocurrencies with competitive spreads and zero commissions. Its user-friendly platform and extensive educational resources make it a good choice for beginners and those interested in CFD trading​​.
Interactive Brokers is ideal for professional and experienced traders who want to trade cryptocurrencies alongside other asset classes. Its low commissions and professional-grade trading tools make it a strong choice for serious investors​​.

Account

Trading

Capital.com provides extensive crypto CFD trading options, with over 370 cryptocurrencies available. The platform is user-friendly and offers low spreads, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
Interactive Brokers offers limited direct cryptocurrency trading but provides access to crypto-related financial products. It is more focused on traditional investment products, making it less ideal for pure crypto trading.

Deposit and withdrawal

Capital.com provides a seamless deposit and withdrawal experience with no fees. Supported methods include bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay. Transactions are typically processed quickly.
Interactive Brokers allows deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers and wire transfers. The process is secure but can be slower, especially for international transfers. Fees may apply for withdrawals.

Account opening process

Capital.com offers a seamless account opening experience. The process is fully digital and involves filling out personal information, financial status, and trading experience. Users must also submit verification documents. Accounts are typically approved within one business day.
The account opening process at Interactive Brokers is detailed and thorough. Users must provide extensive personal and financial information, and submit various verification documents. The process is fully digital but can take a few days for approval due to the comprehensive requirements.

KYC required?

KYC is mandatory at Capital.com. Users must complete identity verification by submitting personal identification documents and proof of residence.
Yes, KYC is required at Interactive Brokers. The account opening process includes submitting personal identification documents and proof of address.

Customer Service

Capital.com offers exceptional customer service with 24/7 support via live chat, phone, and email. The support team is highly responsive and provides detailed answers, ensuring users get the help they need promptly.
Interactive Brokers provides customer support via phone, email, and live chat. The support is available 24/5 and is generally responsive, though some users find the service to be slower during peak times due to high demand.

Security

Capital.com is authorized and regulated by several top-tier regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. They offer negative balance protection, ensuring investors are protected from losing more than their account balance. However, they do not have a banking license​​.
Interactive Brokers is regulated by top-tier US authorities like the SEC and FINRA, providing a high level of security and transparency. They offer SIPC insurance, protecting clients’ securities up to $500,000, including a $250,000 cash limit​​.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Capital.com for those interested in cryptocurrency trading, especially if you’re looking for a platform with a wide range of crypto options and excellent user experience. The platform’s extensive selection of 377 cryptocurrencies and 490+ crypto pairs provides ample trading opportunities, while its intuitive interfaces and robust security measures make it a reliable choice for both beginners and seasoned traders. Despite the limitation of offering only CFD trading, the low fees and fast transactions make it an appealing option for anyone looking to engage in crypto trading.
As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Interactive Brokers for those interested in integrating cryptocurrency trading with traditional financial instruments. The platform offers competitive fees, robust security, and seamless integration with other asset classes, making it an excellent choice for experienced traders looking to diversify their portfolios. While the account setup process can be complex, the advanced trading features and reliable customer support make it worth the effort. If you’re seeking a secure and cost-effective way to trade cryptocurrencies, Interactive Brokers is a solid option.

How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

 

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).


For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

More comparatives Capital.com and Interactive Brokers