Coinbase Vs. Interactive Brokers - Compare and Choose the Right One

Coinbase is a cryptocurrency exchange and wallet founded in 2012 with the aim of simplifying cryptocurrency transactions for the average user. Through their mobile and web app they allow purchasing, storing, receiving and sending several real cryptocurrencies.

Interactive Brokers is a global brokerage founded in 1978 that holds 11+ high tier financial licenses and provides discounted electronic trading services in nearly all the globe with access to more than 100,000+ financial instruments.

• Inexperienced cryptocurrency investors
• Long term cryptocurrency holders
• Investors meeting the above two conditions and also satisfied with the cryptocurrency offering they provide
• Seasoned investors and traders looking to explore the Coinbase Pro option for better pricing.

• Seasoned investors looking for a one-stop shop to cover a variety of needs
• Global investors who seek the most reliable discount service available
• Traders from intermediate to advanced level

• Extremely simple and friendly interfaces
• Moderate variety of cryptocurrencies
• Independent wallet application
• Option to choose from standard Coinbase or Coinbase Pro
• Coinbase debit card (for eligible countries) to spend and manage your cryptocurrencies

• High regulation
• Exceptional number of investment instruments (Above 100,000+)
• Competitive discount fees

• Extremely high fees for cryptocurrency transactions (especially on standard app)
• Low variety of cryptocurrencies to trade when compared to leading exchanges

• Complicated account opening process
• Platforms are not beginner friendly
• Narrow choice of deposit options (Mostly bank transfer)

• Valid identity document (Passport, ID Card, etc)
• Valid proof of residence document (Bank statement, utility bills)

All documents must be under the account holder's name.

• Valid identity document (Passport, ID Card, etc)
• Valid proof of residence document (Bank statement, utility bills)

All documents must be under the account holder's name.

Coinbase is a traditional cryptocurrency wallet and exchange, meaning that all cryptocurrencies purchased are real ones and not financial derivatives.

Interactive brokers provides real assets (equities) from more than 100+ markets (exchanges) across the world and also provides CFDs (in allowed regions).

From 1 share - except for exchanges that allow fractional trading (US stock exchanges)

No minimum, but minimum fee is $1.75 per order

One free withdrawal per month, subsequent are $10 per withdrawal or equivalent

Yes, from 0.50% up to 2.0% of transaction values on Coinbase Standard.

Commissions depend on market and residency:

• US residents are eligible for zero commission US stock trading. Else, for US stocks it is $0.005/share with a minimum $1 and maximum 1% of the trade value.
• European stocks have €3 minimum and 0.05% trade value.
• Forex commissions are volume based starting at 0.20 basis points of trade value or $2 minimum per trade, and going low as 0.08 basis points and $1.
• Options start at $0.25 per contract and go as low as $0.15 per contract.
• Futures start at $0.85 per contract and go as low as $0.25 per contract