If you are reading this article, you are likely having trouble deciding whether Questrade or Interactive Brokers Canada is the better Forex trading platform for you. While both platforms generally provide positive user experiences, there are some essential differences to note.
In this Questrade vs Interactive Brokers Canada review, we outline the highlights of each trading platform to help you make a more informed decision. We evaluate:
- Features and Platforms
- Available Markets
- Typical Spreads and Fees
- Security and Trust
- Questrade vs. Interactive Brokers Canada - Verdict
Canada United States IIROC ASIC, Central Bank of Ireland, CFTC, FCA, MAS, SEBI, SEC 1999 1978 ECN/STP, Market Maker Market Maker None (but $1,000 required to start trading) $0 N/A Proprietary platform, Web-based Proprietary platform 1.9 pips ($19.00) Account and account-tier dependent 2.0 pips ($20.00) Account and account-tier dependent $0.05 Account and account-tier dependent $0.75 Account and account-tier dependent N/A Undisclosed N/A 0.1 pips N/A Not applicable N/A $2.00 Visit Website Visit Website
Features and Platforms
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Questrade ranks among the best Canadian brokers, while US broker Interactive Brokers established itself as a trusted broker globally. Both present investors and traders with proprietary trading platforms, but Interactive Broker takes the edge due to its support for algorithmic trading solutions. Neither one offers the familiarity of MT4 or cTrader, but Interactive Brokers maintains extensive integration with third-party providers. Questrade and Interactive brokers maintain high-quality research tools, but Interactive Brokers complements it with education for beginner traders. Managed portfolios are available at both, but Interactive Brokers remains more diversified.
Available Markets
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Clients at Questrade can trade stocks, ETFs, options, Forex, IPOs, CFDs, mutual funds, bonds, GICs, and commodities. While Questrade does not maintain a complete asset list, it covers a broad range of assets, offering excellent diversification. Not many brokers can compete with Questrade in asset selection, but Interactive Brokers ranks among those with a better choice. It presents 135 markets across 33 countries in 23 currencies for one of the best overall selections. Both brokers grant retail traders an exceptional asset selection, but Interactive Brokers also caters to institutional clients, including hedge funds, making it a superior choice.
Questrade vs. Interactive Brokers Fees
1.9 pips ($19.00) Account and account-tier dependent 2.0 pips ($20.00) Account and account-tier dependent $0.05 Account and account-tier dependent $0.75 Account and account-tier dependent N/A Account and account-tier dependent N/A 0.1 pips N/A Not applicable N/A $2.00 N/A N/A N/A Visit Website Visit Website
Forex spreads at Questrade commence from 0.8 pips or $8.00 per lot, commission-free. It is acceptable but more expensive compared to competing brokers. Equity trading starts from as little as $0.01 per share with a minimum cost per transaction of $4.95 and a maximum of $9.95, an excellent cost structure. Interactive Brokers presents a commission-based Forex trading environment with spreads as low as 0.1 pips for a commission of $2.00 per order or $3.00 per lot, one of the best industry-wide. CFD traders pay a minimum fee of only 0.05%, 50% cheaper compared to competitors.
Security and Trust
Canada, United States Australia, Canada, Hong Kong (SAR), Ireland, India, Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States IIROC ASIC, Central Bank of Ireland, CFTC, FCA, MAS, SEBI, SEC Undisclosed, 147370, 8-67899 36418/8-47257, undisclosed but confirmed, C423427, 208159, 433554, undisclosed, INZ000021730, undisclosed, CMS100917 1, 1 1,1,1,1,1,1,2,1,1 Visit Website Visit Website
The Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) regulates Questrade. It is also a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). Questrade offers services under Questrade Wealth Management Inc. (QWM) but is neither regulated by, nor a member of, the IIROC and the CIPF. Questrade remains one of the most trusted brokers and the only broker not affiliated with a bank in Canada. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) are the primary regulators of Interactive Brokers. It also maintains numerous international subsidiaries with oversight from their respective regulators.
Questrade vs Interactive Brokers – Verdict
Questrade and Interactive Brokers Canada remain two of the best choices for Canadian clients and feature similar advantages in their core trading environments. Both present a broad asset selection to traders and investors, but Interactive Brokers pulls ahead with an asset selection most brokers cannot match. Trading costs remain competitive at Questrade and Interactive Brokers alike, and while the latter pulls ahead, it depends on the individual and their preferences. Clients have access to manager portfolios at both brokers, but Interactive Brokers fully supports algorithmic trading solutions and API trading, delivering a distinct edge. While both present their proprietary trading platform, the potential at the latter remains notably superior. Beginner traders get an extensive educational package at Interactive Brokers, which Questrade fails to provide. The Investor’s Marketplace set Interactive Brokers further apart from Questrade, where 1,500+ services ensure traders obtain a distinct edge in competitive markets.
Both brokers offer a competitive trading environment, but Interactive Broker is better than Questrade as it presents more than 1,500+ services in its Investor’s Marketplace. It also supports algorithmic and API trading, a broader choice of assets, and overall better trading costs.
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