Interactive Brokers vs eToro: Fees, Security, Features & Which to Choose (2025)

Trying to choose between Interactive Brokers and eToro This side-by-side comparison reveals total cost (fees + spreads), security & licenses, coins/derivatives, deposits/withdrawals, and app quality. In 2 minutes you’ll see who wins for beginners, active traders, and long-term holders. Clear pros/cons, a quick verdict, and safe links to get started.

Last updated on August 29, 2025

interactive brokers

Interactive Brokers

logo etoro

eToro

⚠️ We look for what’s best for you.

Getting into crypto? With eToro you can start in minutes: buy/sell top coins, set recurring buys, track markets, and use Social/CopyTrader features.

👉 Start here and explore the crypto offer.

Table of Contents

Available Countries

United States

Yes

Europe

Yes

Latin America

Yes

India

Yes

China

No

Canada

Yes

United Kingdom

Yes
Yes

United States

Yes

Europe

Yes

Latin America

Yes

India

No

China

No

Canada

Yes

United Kingdom

Thinking about starting with crypto? This is for you.

In select regions, eToro offers a $10 welcome bonus when you open an account today.*

🎯 An account built to help you start with crypto—without the hassle.

➕ Buy and sell top cryptocurrencies in minutes

➕ Recurring buys, price alerts, and advanced charts

➕ Social/CopyTrader™ to follow experienced investors

➕ One of the largest and most trusted platforms worldwide

etoro logo.webp

Limited-time promotion — still available.

*Offer subject to terms, eligibility and regional availability. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.

Interactive Brokers is ideal if:

eToro is ideal if:

Interactive Brokers isn’t ideal if:

eToro isn’t ideal if:

Fees & Total Costs

Spot Maker/Take

IBKR charges between 0.18% and 0.12% of trade value depending on your monthly crypto trading volume—fees decrease at higher tiers (≤ $100k = 0.18%, $100k–$1M = 0.15%, > $1M = 0.12%)—no additional discounts for holding a native token.
eToro doesn’t follow the traditional maker/taker pricing model; instead, all spot crypto trades are subject to a flat buy/sell fee, which simplifies the pricing structure without requiring volume-based tiers or native token discounts.

Futures/Derivatives

For CME cryptocurrency futures like Bitcoin or Ethereum, fees are fixed per contract (e.g., Bitcoin Micro Futures range from $0.20 to $5 per contract depending on type and volume), with no explicit maker/taker split or funding fee details disclosed for crypto derivatives.
eToro offers derivative trading through CFDs, without separate maker/taker charges—instead, costs arise from built-in spreads and overnight funding or weekend rollover fees on leveraged positions.

Average Spreads on Liquid Pairs

IBKR applies no added spreads or markups on crypto spot pairs, so spreads reflect raw market pricing without hidden cost.
While eToro doesn’t list minute-by-minute spread values by pair publicly, it applies market spreads plus its flat fee, leading to competitive but not razor-thin spreads on top crypto pairs.

Fiat Deposits & Withdrawals

Fiat funding supports standard bank methods (ACH, wire transfers), with typical timing of same or next business day, and IBKR does not tack on extra fees beyond those charged by your bank or processor.
Deposits into eToro are free via common methods (cards, bank transfers, e-wallets) with varying processing times; fiat withdrawals carry a standard flat fee (e.g., USD) and may be instantaneous or take a few business days depending on method and region.

On-chain Withdrawals

Crypto withdrawals incur network-based miner (gas) fees, dynamically set per blockchain network (e.g., BTC, ETH, TRX)—IBKR does not apply fixed withdrawal fees, only pass-through transaction costs.
For transferring crypto on-chain, eToro applies a wallet transfer commission—independent of the blockchain network—while the underlying blockchain network fee (e.g., BTC, ETH) is dynamic and paid separately.

Hidden Costs

There are no inactivity fees or express-KYC surcharges, but costs may arise from currency conversion when trading non-USD balances, and VAT or GST may apply depending on your jurisdiction.
Beyond trading, costs can include currency conversion charges when operating non-base currencies, a monthly inactivity fee for dormant accounts, and any optional accelerated verification services, though those tend to be avoidable with minimal activity.

Real-World Cost Example: “€500 BTC

You’d incur a fee of approximately ~0.18% (about €0.90) plus the market spread, and if you then withdrew on-chain you’d pay the dynamic network fee—so total cost is fee + spread + blockchain cost.
Buying €500 worth of BTC would typically involve the flat crypto buy/sell fee folded into the transaction price plus any spread effect, and if you later withdrew funds in crypto, you’d face the wallet transfer charge plus the dynamic network fee—altogether representing a single, compounded cost experience.

Crypto Offering & Trading Features

Number of Coins & Pairs

Interactive Brokers currently enables trading in up to 11 cryptocurrencies (including BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH, ADA, SOL, XRP, DOGE, AVAX, LINK, SUI), but does not provide a full list of trading pairs by volume; generally, the highest-volume pairs are BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT given their market prevalence.
eToro offers over 120 cryptocurrencies across its global platform, and although a ranked top-20 list isn’t publicly detailed, it typically includes the most liquid names like BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA, DOT, and a handful of high-volume altcoins.

Product Range

The platform supports spot trading, crypto futures via CME, and access to crypto-based ETPs, but does not currently offer margin crypto trading, perpetual swaps, crypto options, staking/earn, loans, copy trading, grid bots, or auto-DCA features.
eToro supports spot crypto trading, CopyTrader social investing, and Smart Portfolios, along with crypto staking; it offers ETFs, stocks, options, and CFDs in regions where enabled, but does not provide margin, futures, perpetuals, loans, grid bots, or automated DCA tools.

Liquidity

IBKR doesn’t publish specific liquidity metrics, though their access to major global markets and professional counterparties ensures deep liquidity and tight order book depth for Bitcoin and Ethereum, aligning with institutional-grade execution standards.
Specific liquidity metrics aren’t displayed publicly, but eToro’s scale and regulated status suggest solid 24-hour crypto volumes and sufficient order-book depth in major pairs like BTC and ETH, offering dependable execution for most retail traders.

Tools

The platform integrates limit, stop, and OCO orders, real-time alerts, and advanced charting with analytics; it offers full API and WebSocket access for automation, but does not currently feature native TradingView integration within its interface.
The platform features standard order types such as market and limit, plus alerts and built-in charting with indicators; while it lacks native TradingView integration and public API access, it offers intuitive chart tools suitable for mainstream users.

Geographic Restrictions by Product

Certain products are restricted by jurisdiction—for instance, crypto spot trading is unavailable to residents of the EU and UK under specific subsidiaries, and crypto derivatives are outright prohibited for UK retail clients.
Offering varies significantly by user location—derivatives like CFDs and options may be unavailable or limited depending on local regulations, while staking and certain crypto products may also be restricted in regions like the UK or UAE.

Innovation

Currently, the platform does not offer launchpad or launchpool programs, nor differentiated flexible or locked crypto-earn/yield products, though it is exploring innovations such as stablecoin funding and prediction-market tools for future updates.
Although eToro does not currently support launchpad or launchpool-style token offerings, it provides flexible, opt-in staking rewards on assets like ETH, ADA, SOL, DOT, and others, allowing users to participate or withdraw at their discretion.

Security, Regulation & Custody

Operating Entity & Jurisdiction

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. operates under U.S. jurisdiction, was founded in the late 1970s, and is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, with regional offices globally to serve a multi-national client base.
eToro Group Ltd was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel. Its European arm, eToro (Europe) Ltd, is based in Limassol, Cyprus, operating under CySEC, and it also maintains legal entities across the UK, UAE, Australia, Malta, and Seychelles, reflecting a broad and multi-jurisdictional operational structure.

Licenses/Registration

Crypto execution and custody are provided via Paxos Trust Company or Zero Hash LLC, both regulated entities (for example, Paxos is overseen by the New York Department of Financial Services); IBKR does not self-custody crypto assets.
eToro (Europe) Ltd holds a CySEC license and is registered as a Digital Asset Service Provider in France (AMF), in Spain via Bank of Spain as a VASP, and operates under the EU-wide MiCA framework, enabling compliant crypto services across the European Union.

Custody

Custody is handled by Paxos or Zero Hash, not IBKR directly, and while there’s no public proof-of-reserves or cold storage ratio published, custody is managed through regulated third parties with institutional-grade controls.
Customer crypto assets are held in omnibus digital wallets in custody by eToro (Europe) Ltd, with private keys retained by the platform—not the user—and segregated from corporate reserves; although eToro doesn’t publicly publish proof-of-reserves or cold-storage percentages, this structure aims to reduce client-side risks.

Insurance & Protection Funds

There are no specific crypto insurance or protection funds advertised by IBKR; instead, asset protection relies on the compliance and safeguards offered by the regulated custodians (Paxos/Zero Hash).
For higher-tier members like Platinum and above, eToro offers private insurance via Lloyd’s of London covering cash, CFDs, and securities in case of insolvency; additionally, clients may access compensation from relevant investor compensation schemes governed by their regulatory body.

Incident History

The platform has not experienced major crypto-related hacks, but it has faced regulatory issues such as fines in Hong Kong over securities lending and U.S. sanctions violations—though these pertain to broader operations rather than crypto custody per se.
eToro has no major recent hacks, but it faced a €1.3 million fine in Italy for misleading promotion practices and settled with the U.S. SEC in 2024 for operating as an unregistered broker; it also has a history of regulatory actions including fines and blacklisting in Quebec and Canada.

Risk Controls

IBKR supports strong risk controls including two-factor authentication, whitelisting, anti-phishing measures, sub-accounts, and granular API permissions to help safeguard client accounts.
eToro provides standard security measures such as 2FA and anti-phishing mechanisms; however, it doesn’t offer features like sub-accounts, granular API permissions, or whitelisting yet—keeping risk controls accessible but basic. (No citation available.)

Transparency

Public transparency on crypto custody is limited—there are no monthly reports, open wallet addresses, or service level agreements (SLAs) disclosed for crypto—but overall regulatory reporting follows standard broker-dealer and custodian requirements.
While eToro does not disclose public wallet addresses or monthly reserves reports, it supports transparency through Key Information Documents (KIDs) and SEC filings, but it doesn’t offer service-level agreements or public audit trails tied specifically to crypto custody.

Deposits, Withdrawals, KYC & Support

Fiat Deposit Methods

IBKR accepts fiat deposits via ACH, bank wire, check (mail-in), direct debit, and bill-pay depending on your region; setup times and limits vary by method and your bank, typically ranging from same day to a few business days, with no universal minimum or maximum beyond what your bank imposes
eToro accepts a variety of funding methods, including bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill, with minimum first deposits ranging from about $50 to several thousand depending on your country and method, daily or transaction limits often apply, and deposit times vary from immediate (cards and e-wallets) to a few business days (bank transfers).

Supported Fiat Currencies & Conversion

IBKR accepts fiat deposits via ACH, bank wire, check (mail-in), direct debit, and bill-pay depending on your region; setup times and limits vary by method and your bank, typically ranging from same day to a few business days, with no universal minimum or maximum beyond what your bank imposes
eToro accepts a variety of funding methods, including bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal or Skrill, with minimum first deposits ranging from about $50 to several thousand depending on your country and method, daily or transaction limits often apply, and deposit times vary from immediate (cards and e-wallets) to a few business days (bank transfers).

KYC (Verification Levels)

IBKR requires full standard KYC before allowing any fiat or crypto activity; there are no “limited” or “basic” tiers — only fully verified accounts can deposit, trade, or withdraw, as per their global customer identification protocols
On opening, unverified accounts are subject to lower deposit limits (e.g., around $2,000); full identity verification lifts those constraints—though eToro doesn’t generally publish tier names like “basic” or “advanced,” completing KYC empowers higher funding and withdrawal options.

Withdrawals

Fiat withdrawal limits are tied to your 2FA method (ranging from $50K/day without 2FA up to unlimited with advanced devices); ACH, wire, SEPA, BACS, etc., are supported, with processing times from same-day to a few business days
Limits, Times, Networks

Customer Support

Support is available via email and a ticket system, with access to a comprehensive knowledge base and FAQs; while 24/7 live chat may not be universally offered, response times are generally within a few business hours depending on region and inquiry type
eToro offers help via email and a comprehensive online help center with articles, though live chat availability can vary by region; response times generally range from a few hours to a couple of business days depending on complexity and support volume.

Languages & Localization

The platform supports multiple languages including native Spanish in some regions; fiat balances and fees are displayed in your account’s base currency (e.g., € for European accounts), and localized regulatory disclosures are provided based on your residency
eToro supports multiple language interfaces including Spanish, displays fees and balances in your preferred fiat (like EUR), and aligns its offerings with local regulatory requirements to ensure regional compliance.

App Quality & Stability

IBKR’s mobile and desktop apps are known for their professional-grade stability and frequent updates, with rare crashes; while exact crash rates aren’t published, ongoing improvements and strong infrastructure ensure a smooth user experience.
The mobile app is frequently updated, offering a stable experience on iOS and Android; while official crash-rate statistics aren’t shared, user feedback suggests solid performance and consistent feature enhancements over time.

Experience, Performance & Ecosystem

UX/UI

The platform offers two distinct experiences—IBKR Lite with a simplified, intuitive interface ideal for casual investors, and IBKR Pro providing a richer, more sophisticated layout for seasoned users; this creates a steeper entry curve for Pro but delivers far greater customization once you acclimate.
eToro’s interface is clean and intuitive, designed so that beginners can feel comfortable right away; while there isn’t a formal “Lite” vs “Pro” mode, advanced users can dive deeper via more detailed chart tools and layout options that gradually reveal themselves as you get more experienced.

Performance

Execution speed is highly efficient under normal conditions, yet during intense market swings, order latency may increase slightly; KYC processing can be slower during bull market surges due to high volume, though platform infrastructure remains stable with few interruptions.
Order execution is generally smooth, but during extreme price swings or system maintenance you might notice slight latency; the platform reliability is strong overall, though KYC reviews can occasionally take longer during periods of high account openings—especially in bull market surges.

Education

There’s a rich learning ecosystem via IBKR Campus with structured lessons, webinars, and quizzes, alongside a paper trading simulator mirroring real market conditions; while most materials are in English, some Spanish-language content is progressively added.
eToro provides a comprehensive Academy with video lessons, podcasts, and articles, and a $100,000 virtual portfolio simulator to practice trading; while most content is in English, platform navigation and key resources are also available in Spanish to support Spanish-speaking users.

Community

The platform supports a structured referral program (with eligibility criteria), but lacks official social media groups like Discord or Telegram, and instead relies on educational forums and support channels to foster user interactions.
There’s a built-in social network where you can comment on trades, follow investors, and invite friends via referral links—though it doesn’t rely on external forums or Telegram for community features, everything is kept within the platform to foster interaction.

Integrations

Powerful integration options exist via IBKR APIs, TWS, Web API, and FIX, enabling seamless connectivity with external platforms for execution, tax reporting, or accounting, even if native TradingView embedding isn’t available.
eToro doesn’t support direct TradingView embedding, external bot automation, or built-in tax/accounting tools, so you’ll need to rely on third-party services to analyze charts or manage your portfolio’s tax reporting externally.

Who Each One Is Best For

The setup shines for active, research-driven traders and institutional users who value automation and deep tools, while the Lite mode serves casual or cost-conscious investors who want straightforward access without complexity.
eToro is ideal for traders who value simplicity, social features, and all-in-one access to assets—even if that means fewer professional-grade tools; active day traders or institutional users might find it less fitting due to lack of algorithmic support or deep integration capabilities.
Best platforms to invest in cryptocurrencies

📈 Millions already choose eToro for crypto investing online

Buy and sell top coins in minutes — recurring buys, price alerts, advanced charts

See why it ranks #1 in our head-to-head comparisons

Cryptoassets are highly volatile and unregulated in some regions. No consumer protection. Tax may apply. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest.