Alpaca Trading vs Interactive Brokers - BrokerCue
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Broker Comparison

Alpaca Trading vs Interactive Brokers

Compare Alpaca Trading and Interactive Brokers side by side: fees, regulation, platforms.

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

API-driven and algorithmic traders

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading wit…

VS
Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers

Active investors and multi-asset traders

Interactive Brokers is a multi-asset broker with stocks, ETFs, options, futures, currencies, bonds, funds and…

Head-to-head comparison

Alpaca Trading vs Interactive Brokers
Feature Alpaca Trading Interactive Brokers
Minimum deposit - -
Stock trading fee Commission: Free for self-directed retail API accounts; SEC fee and FINRA TAF pass-through on sell transactions -
Regulators FINRA, SIPC, FinCEN SEC, CFTC, FINRA, FCA, CBI, ASIC, SEBI, MAS, CIRO
Best for API-driven and algorithmic traders Active investors and multi-asset traders
Markets & account
Stocks
ETFs
Forex
-
Crypto
Bonds
-
Options
Futures
-
Fractional Shares
Margin
Demo Account
Funds
-
Investment Plans
-
Multi Currency
-

Pros & cons

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Pros

  • Commission-free stocks, ETFs and options for self-directed retail API accounts
  • Paper trading environment available at no cost
  • Fractional shares supported
  • 24/5 extended trading hours on 100+ US stocks
  • Multi-leg options strategies supported
  • FINRA/SIPC member with up to $500,000 SIPC protection
  • Margin available at 4x intraday and 2x overnight
  • Securities lending program with potential income for shareholders

Cons

  • Platform is primarily API-driven; web and mobile apps are available but offer fewer features than conventional retail brokerage interfaces
  • Crypto accounts are not protected by FDIC or SIPC
  • Domestic wire withdrawals cost $25; international wires cost $50
  • Outbound ACATS transfer costs $100
  • Not suited for investors who prefer a full-featured retail brokerage app
  • Commission-free status may not apply to accounts opened through business partners
Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers

Pros

  • $0 Lite commissions on US stocks and ETFs
  • IBKR Pro stocks from USD 0.0005 per share
  • US options from USD 0.15 per contract
  • Margin loans start at USD 4.14%
  • Cash interest up to USD 3.14%
  • No inactivity fees
  • No minimums for general investment accounts
  • Paper trading with simulated funds

Cons

  • IBKR Pro stocks cost up to USD 0.0035 per share
  • IBKR Lite stock orders include PFOF
  • US options cost up to USD 0.65 per contract
  • Crypto execution and custody are for eligible clients
  • Forecast contracts are limited to eligible clients
Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading

Alpaca Trading is a US API-first broker offering commission-free stocks, ETFs, options and crypto trading with a paper trading environment and margin accounts.

Visit Alpaca Trading Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers is a multi-asset broker with stocks, ETFs, options, futures, currencies, bonds, funds and crypto across web, mobile and desktop platforms.

Visit Interactive Brokers Read review

Your capital is at risk. Other fees apply.

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