A side-by-side look at Interactive Brokers and XTB — score, fees, platforms and who each one actually fits best.
Publicly traded (NASDAQ: IBKR), commission-based pricing instead of spread markup. Affiliate program leans institutional — likely needs direct outreach rather than a self-serve signup.
FCA, KNF and CySEC regulated with a real, accessible affiliate program. KNF fined it in 2026 for MiFID II conduct issues — worth disclosing, not disqualifying for a large public broker.
XTB scores higher overall (4.6 vs 4.1), but a higher score doesn't automatically mean it's the right pick for you.
Interactive Brokers is the stronger fit for serious traders wanting global market access and low commissions, while XTB is built more around beginner-friendly education, EU/UK regulated access.
Regulation: Interactive Brokers — SEC/FINRA (US), FCA (UK) and more. XTB — FCA (522157), CySEC (169/12), KNF (0000217580) - operating since 2002, publicly listed (WSE) since 2016.
Minimum deposit: Interactive Brokers — No minimum. XTB — No minimum on standard account.
Pick Interactive Brokers if you're mainly after serious traders wanting global market access and low commissions. It stands out for publicly traded broker and very low commissions.
Pick XTB if you're mainly after beginner-friendly education, EU/UK regulated access. It stands out for publicly traded (transparent reporting) and accessible affiliate program.
XTB scores higher in our rating (4.6 vs 4.1), but Interactive Brokers may still be the better fit if you specifically need serious traders wanting global market access and low commissions.
Interactive Brokers: SEC/FINRA (US), FCA (UK) and more. XTB: FCA (522157), CySEC (169/12), KNF (0000217580) - operating since 2002, publicly listed (WSE) since 2016.
