Interactive Brokers vs Royal 2026: which is better?
We compared Interactive Brokers and Royal on licences, deposits, platforms and accounts. The better choice depends on what you need; these are the main differences.
Key differences
- Interactive Brokers holds 10 licences from strong regulators, against 1 for Royal.
- The minimum deposit at Interactive Brokers is $0, against $5 at Royal.
- Interactive Brokers offers Web Trader, Mobile App, which Royal does not.
- Royal offers a swap-free Islamic account; Interactive Brokers does not.
- Royal offers copy trading; Interactive Brokers does not.
- Royal offers MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, which Interactive Brokers does not.
Comparison table
| Comparison table |
Interactive Brokers
Broker
|
Royal
Broker
|
|---|---|---|
| Licences | FCA, ASIC, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS Best | ASIC, CySEC, VFSC |
| Minimum deposit | $0 Best | $5 |
| Maximum leverage | 1:30 | 1:1000 |
| Trading platforms | Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, Client Portal, IBKR GlobalTrader, Web Trader, Mobile App, TradingView | MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, orTrader |
| Markets | Forex, Stocks, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities and Gold, Indices, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | Forex, Stocks, Cryptocurrencies, Commodities and Gold, Indices, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) |
| Islamic account | — | ✓ Yes |
| Demo account | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Copy trading | — | ✓ Yes |
| Founded | 1977 | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Greenwich, United States | — |
| Read the review | Read the review |
Data is for information only and may change; always check the official website before opening an account.
Add a third broker to the comparison
Choose Interactive Brokers if you
- want more licences from strong regulators
- want to start with less money
- use Web Trader, Mobile App
Choose Royal if you
- need a swap-free Islamic account
- want to copy other traders
- use MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Interactive Brokers or Royal?
We compared Interactive Brokers and Royal on licences, deposits, platforms and accounts. The better choice depends on what you need; these are the main differences. Interactive Brokers holds 10 licences from strong regulators, against 1 for Royal. The minimum deposit at Interactive Brokers is $0, against $5 at Royal. The best choice depends on your country and trading style, so check which licence your account will be opened under.
Are Interactive Brokers and Royal regulated?
Interactive Brokers licences: FCA, ASIC, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, NFA, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS. Royal licences: CySEC, ASIC, VFSC.
What is the minimum deposit at Interactive Brokers and Royal?
Interactive Brokers: $0. Royal: $5.
Do Interactive Brokers and Royal offer an Islamic account?
Interactive Brokers: No. Royal: Yes.