Flatex
★★★★★3.8/5
Strengths
- Many Trading Venues
- Options & Futures
- Tax-Simple for Austria
- Demo Account
Weaknesses
- Higher Order Fees
- Savings Plan Not Free
Best for
Austrian Investors
Go to Flatex →* Affiliate link · no extra cost for you
Broker Comparison 2026
Flatex vs. Interactive Brokers
Detailed comparison of all fees, features, and suitability — updated for 2026.
Flatex
vs
Interactive Brokers
Our Recommendation
Flatex is the better choice for Austrian Investors, while Interactive Brokers wins for Professionals. Which one suits you depends on your strategy — the detailed comparison below shows every difference.
Interactive Brokers
★★★★★4.5/5
Strengths
- 150+ Exchanges
- Professional Tools
- Lowest Fees for Active Traders
- High Interest on Cash
- All Asset Classes
Weaknesses
- Complex Platform
- Not Beginner-Friendly
Best for
Professionals
Go to Interactive Brokers →* Affiliate link · no extra cost for you
Detailed Comparison
All fees, products, and platform features compared side-by-side. The "Winner" column shows which broker leads in each category.
| Feature | Flatex | Interactive Brokers | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees & Costs | |||
| Order Fee | 5.90€ + Börsengebühr | $0.005/Aktie (min $1) or Fixed $1 | Interactive Brokers |
| ETF Savings Plan Fee | 1.50€ | - | Tie |
| Account Fee | 0€/Year | 0€/Year | Tie |
| Minimum Deposit | 0€ | 0€ | Tie |
| Interest on Cash | 0% | bis 4.33% (USD) | Interactive Brokers |
| Product Range | |||
| Azioni | Tie | ||
| ETFs | Tie | ||
| Crypto | Interactive Brokers | ||
| Options | Tie | ||
| CFDs | Tie | ||
| Fractional Shares | Interactive Brokers | ||
| Number of Exchanges | Xetra, Frankfurt, Wien | 150+ Börsen in 33 Ländern | Flatex |
| Platform & Tools | |||
| Mobile App | Tie | ||
| Desktop Platform | Interactive Brokers | ||
| Demo Account | Tie | ||
| Security & Regulation | |||
| Regulated by | BaFin / FMA | SEC / FCA / BaFin | Tie |
| Deposit Protection | 100.000€ | $500.000 (SIPC) | Tie |
| Founded | 2006 | 1978 | Tie |
| Overall Rating | |||
| Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Interactive Brokers |
Which Broker for Whom?
Depending on your strategy and experience, one broker fits better. Here's how to decide:
For Beginners
Interactive Brokers
Low barriers, simple app, demo account and no hidden costs — perfect to get started.
More about Interactive Brokers →For Active Traders
Interactive Brokers
Low per-order fees, many trading venues and derivatives access — important if you trade regularly.
More about Interactive Brokers →For Long-Term Investors
Interactive Brokers
Free savings plans, interest on cash and no custody fee — what matters when you buy & hold.
More about Interactive Brokers →Detailed Assessment
Who is Flatex?
Flatex is especially popular in Austria as a tax-simple broker with access to many exchanges and derivatives.
Strengths in Detail
- Many Trading Venues
- Options & Futures
- Tax-Simple for Austria
- Demo Account
Weaknesses
- Higher Order Fees
- Savings Plan Not Free
- No Interest on Cash
- No Crypto
Who is Flatex worth it for?
Particularly suitable for: Austrian Investors, Options Trading, Many Exchanges.
Who is Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers is the professional's choice with access to 150+ exchanges, all product classes, and the lowest fees for active traders.
Strengths in Detail
- 150+ Exchanges
- Professional Tools
- Lowest Fees for Active Traders
- High Interest on Cash
- All Asset Classes
Weaknesses
- Complex Platform
- Not Beginner-Friendly
- No German-Language Support
- No Savings Plan
Who is Interactive Brokers worth it for?
Particularly suitable for: Professionals, Active Traders, International Investors, Options Trading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about Flatex vs Interactive Brokers.
For order fees, Interactive Brokers leads at $0.005/Aktie (min $1) oder Fixed $1, while Flatex charges 5.90€ + Börsengebühr. Note: with CFD brokers, spreads add hidden cost — the lower nominal price isn't always cheaper overall.
Flatex is regulated by BaFin / FMA, Interactive Brokers by SEC / FCA / BaFin. Both fall under EU oversight. Deposit protection: Flatex 100.000€, Interactive Brokers $500.000 (SIPC).
For German/Austrian customers, language, BaFin regulation and tax-simple status often matter most. Check the 'Regulated by' and 'Languages' rows — DACH-focused brokers usually have the edge.
Neither Flatex nor Interactive Brokers offers free ETF savings plans. If recurring investing matters, check a savings-plan-focused broker.
Both are covered under their home regulator's deposit protection. Flatex: 100.000€, Interactive Brokers: $500.000 (SIPC). Securities are held in segregated accounts and protected in case of broker insolvency.
Interactive Brokers leads on cash interest at 4.33%. Watch the conditions — some brokers require a paid plan or cap the amount.
Both offer native mobile apps with good app-store ratings. Which is better depends on your needs — try both with a demo account if available.
A second broker makes sense when one offers features the other lacks (e.g. options, crypto, more exchanges). A full switch is only worth it if the cost difference or missing features are significant.
Ready to Get Started?
Sign up with the broker that fits your strategy. Both are regulated and offer a demo account to test risk-free.