menuclose
Back to Main Menu
UK.StockBrokers.com is committed to the highest ethical standards and reviews services independently. Learn How We Make Money

Interactive Brokers vs Barclays 2026

StockBrokers.com

Written by StockBrokers.com

July 31, 2025

In this head to head comparison of Interactive Brokers vs Barclays, we will compare the trading platforms, mobile apps, investment options, costs, market research, and more. Let's dive in.

Interactive Brokers
4.5/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: £0
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes
Barclays
4/5 Stars Overall
  • Minimum Deposit: £0
  • ISA: Yes
  • SIPP: Yes

Your capital is at risk.

Fees

Alongside the cost per trade, most UK online brokers also charge a monthly, quarterly, or annual management fee, which varies based on the account type and balance. Based on our thorough review, Interactive Brokers offers better pricing than Barclays for share dealing.

query_stats What type of trader are you?

New to the world of investing? See our picks for the Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners. More experienced traders should read our guide to the Best UK Trading Platforms for Active Traders.

Investment Choices

Comparing Interactive Brokers vs Barclays for UK investors: both brokers offer share dealing, ETFs, funds, corporate bonds, UK government bonds (gilts), and investment trusts. So if you want core market access for long-term investing, either platform covers the main asset types.

The differences are in added choices and support. Interactive Brokers includes crypto trading and CFD trading, while Barclays does not. Barclays offers advisor services; Interactive Brokers does not. Spread betting isn’t listed for either. For investment choices, UK.StockBrokers.com rates both at 5/5 stars; Interactive Brokers ranks #1 out of 21, while no ranking is available for Barclays.

Feature Interactive Brokers logoInteractive Brokers
Barclays logoBarclays
Share Trading info Yes Yes
CFD Trading info Yes No
ETFs info Yes Yes
Mutual Funds info Yes Yes
Bonds - Government (Gilts) info Yes Yes
Investment Trusts info Yes Yes
Spread Betting info No No
Crypto Trading info Yes No
Advisor Services info No Yes
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars

Featured Offers


IG
4.5/5 Stars

Low-cost US and UK shares.

Interactive Brokers
4.5/5 Stars

Professional’s Gateway to the World’s Markets.

Trading Tools

For UK investors comparing trading tools, Interactive Brokers pulls ahead on charting. It offers 16 drawing tools and 94 technical indicators, while Barclays provides none. Neither broker shows corporate events (earnings, splits, dividends) on charts, and both lack the ability to add notes, index overlays, or stock overlays.

On platforms and alerts, both Interactive Brokers and Barclays offer a browser-based trading platform and let you set stock price alerts. Real-time market data isn’t available from either provider, so expect delayed quotes.

Feature Interactive Brokers logoInteractive Brokers
Barclays logoBarclays
Web Platform info Yes Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 94 0
Charting - Drawing Tools info 16 0
Charting - Notes info No No
Charting - Display Corporate Events info No No
Charting - Stock Overlays info No No
Charting - Index Overlays info No No

ISAs and SIPPs

When comparing Interactive Brokers and Barclays for UK retirement account options, both platforms offer Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), giving investors flexibility in choosing tax-efficient savings solutions. Interactive Brokers, well-regarded for its comprehensive trading tools, makes these accounts available with its diverse investment offerings. Barclays, a well-known banking institution, provides ISAs and SIPPs alongside its range of traditional banking services, ensuring familiarity and accessibility. Whether prioritizing advanced trading capabilities or preferring established banking convenience, both Interactive Brokers and Barclays present viable options for managing retirement savings with ISAs and SIPPs.

Dive deeper: Best SIPP Providers, Best Stocks and Shares ISA Providers.

Mobile App

For UK investors comparing mobile trading apps, both Interactive Brokers and Barclays offer iPhone and Android options; however, UK.StockBrokers.com rates Interactive Brokers’ app 5/5 stars and ranks it 5th out of 21 brokers, while Barclays’ app earns 2.5/5 stars with no available ranking, making Interactive Brokers the stronger choice for mobile trading.

Dive deeper: Best Stock Trading Apps UK.

Beginners and Education

For UK beginners comparing Interactive Brokers and Barclays, Interactive Brokers stands out for education: it runs client webinars and offers an on-demand library, while Barclays does not provide webinars. Both cover share trading, funds, and retirement, but UK.StockBrokers.com rates Interactive Brokers 5 stars and ranks it 4th of 21 for beginner education, versus Barclays at 4.5 stars with no ranking listed. If live and catch-up lessons matter, Interactive Brokers offers broader learning support.

Feature Interactive Brokers logoInteractive Brokers
Barclays logoBarclays
Client Webinars info Yes No
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes No
Education (Share Trading) info Yes Yes
Education (Funds) info Yes Yes
Education (Retirement) info Yes Yes
Education 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

Dive deeper: Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners.

Market Research

For UK investors seeking detailed market research features, both Interactive Brokers and Barclays present comprehensive options. Each platform provides research reports for various funds, allowing for informed decision-making. Users can easily view portfolio allocations by asset class through both services. When it comes to research offerings, Interactive Brokers and Barclays excel equally, offering insights into shares, ETFs, funds, and bonds. This parity in research capabilities ensures that investors can fully explore and understand their investment options on both platforms.

Feature Interactive Brokers logoInteractive Brokers
Barclays logoBarclays
Research - Shares info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Bonds info Yes Yes
Research - Funds info Yes Yes
Fund Research - Research Reports info Yes Yes
Portfolio Allocation Breakdown info Yes Yes

Interactive Brokers vs Barclays Winner

Which broker is better overall, Interactive Brokers or Barclays? After collecting more than 900 data points over a 10-week period, we found Interactive Brokers to be a better trading platform overall.

Interactive Brokers is a sophisticated trading platform aimed at confident and institutional-grade investors. For newer investors, Interactive Brokers is more intimidating, though it's worth exploring the platform to see if you could save money or access more investments compared to other brokers.

Feature Interactive Brokers logoInteractive Brokers
Barclays logoBarclays
Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Charges & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile App 5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Website 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars

FAQs

Can you trade cryptocurrency with Interactive Brokers or Barclays?

Interactive Brokers provides the opportunity for crypto trading, unlike Barclays, which does not offer such services.

Popular Guides

Best Stock Trading Apps UK of 2026Best UK Trading Platforms for Beginners of 2026Best UK Trading Platforms of 2026

Popular Stock Broker Reviews

Fidelity UK ReviewBarclays Smart Investor ReviewCapital.com ReviewHargreaves Lansdown ReviewTrading 212 ReviewVanguard UK ReviewHalifax Share Dealing ReviewAJ Bell ReviewSaxo ReviewCharles Stanley Direct ReviewBestinvest ReviewXTB UK ReviewRevolut Trading ReviewCMC Invest ReviewFreetrade ReviewInteractive Investor ReviewWebull UK ReviewRobinhood UK ReviewIG Trading Review 2026Lloyds Bank Investing RevieweToro UK Review

More Guides

More Comparisons

Interactive Brokers vs XTB Interactive Brokers vs Hargreaves Lansdown Interactive Brokers vs Barclays Interactive Brokers vs Halifax Interactive Brokers vs Bestinvest Interactive Brokers vs Saxo Barclays vs eToro Barclays vs Saxo Barclays vs Vanguard UK Investor Barclays vs IG Barclays vs Fidelity International Barclays vs Revolut

Show all

Select Brokers

↓×
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxAJ Bell
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBarclays
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxBestinvest
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCharles Stanley Direct
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxCMC Invest
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxeToro
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFidelity International
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxFreetrade
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHalifax
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxHargreaves Lansdown
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxIG
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxInteractive Brokers
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxInteractive Investor
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxLloyds Bank
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxRevolut
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxRobinhood UK
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxSaxo
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxTrading 212
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxVanguard UK Investor
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxWebull
  • check_box_outline_blankcheck_boxXTB

Compare

0 of 5
× Interactive Brokers
× Barclays
Sponsored

+ Add Broker

Close Menu ×

navigate_before navigate_next
Overall Rating Interactive Brokers Barclays
Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Charges & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile App 5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Website 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Review Interactive Brokers Review Barclays Review
Winner check_circle
Investments Interactive Brokers Barclays
ISA info Yes Yes
SIPP info Yes Yes
Share Trading info Yes Yes
CFD Trading info Yes No
Mutual Funds info Yes Yes
ETFs info Yes Yes
Bonds - Corporate info Yes Yes
Bonds - Government (Gilts) info Yes Yes
Investment Trusts info Yes Yes
Spread Betting info No No
Crypto Trading info Yes info
Advisor Services info No Yes
Trading Fees Interactive Brokers Barclays
Minimum Deposit info £0 £0
Share Trading: 0-9 Deals/ Month info £3 £6
Share Trading: 10-19 Deals/ Month info £3 £6
Share Trading: 20+ Deals/ Month info £3 £6
5 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info
12 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info
36 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info
120 trades per year (£30k portfolio) info
3 fund trades per year (£30k portfolio) info
Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £0 - £250,000 info £0 £0 - £525
Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £250K-£500K info £0 £525 - £650
Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £500,000 - £1m info £0 £650 - £850
Annual Platform Fee (Funds): £1m and over info £0 £850 and up
Bonds - Corporate - Fee info 0.1% (for <10,000 EUR) 0.025% (for >10,000 EUR) £6
Bonds - Government (Gilts) - Fee info 0.1% (for <10,000 EUR) 0.025% (for >10,000 EUR) £6
ETFs - Fee info £3 £6
Investment Trusts - Fee info £3 £6
Telephone Dealing Fee info £25 £25
Broker Screenshots Interactive Brokers Barclays
Website Gallery (click to expand)
The home page of the Interactive Brokers website (demo account). The order ticket on the IBKR website. List of available indicators for the charts when viewing a share price on the IBKR website.
Barclays website investment home page Barclays website Smart Investor Research Centre A stock chart of Tesla share prices on the Barclays website. Chart comparing BP stock to the FTSE 100 index on the Barclays website. A trade ticket showing purchase costs on the Barclays website. Top 10 most popular shares on the Barclays website. Barclays website FTSE 100 vs stock comparison chart Barclays website Smart Investor international markets Barclays website bond purchase
Mobile Trading Apps Gallery (click to expand)
The home screen of the IBKR mobile app. The customisation screen for the homepage of the IBKR mobile app. The watchlist on the IBKR mobile app. Share price information for Barclays stock on the IBKR mobile app. Viewing a stock chart for Lloyds Bank on the IBKR mobile app. The order ticket on the IBKR mobile app (slide to buy). Order fulfillment screen on the IBKR mobile app. Various order types available on the IBKR mobile app. Setting advanced order conditions on the IBKR mobile app. The Learn page of the IBKR mobile app. IBKR GlobalTrader home page. The trade ticket on the IBKR GlobalTrader mobile app. Order preview for purchasing Apple stock on the IBKR GlobalTrader app.
Barclays mobile app glitch Barclays mobile help page Barclays mobile Smart Investor
Education Gallery (click to expand)
Platforms & Tools Interactive Brokers Barclays
Web Platform info Yes Yes
iPhone App info Yes Yes
Android App info Yes Yes
Stock Alerts info Yes Yes
Charting - Indicators / Studies info 94 0
Charting - Drawing Tools info 16 0
Charting - Notes info No No
Charting - Display Corporate Events info No No
Charting - Stock Overlays info No No
Charting - Index Overlays info No No
Research Interactive Brokers Barclays
Research - Shares info Yes Yes
Research - CFDs info
Research - Funds info Yes Yes
Fund Research - Research Reports info Yes Yes
Research - ETFs info Yes Yes
Research - Bonds info Yes Yes
Portfolio Allocation Breakdown info Yes Yes
Education Interactive Brokers Barclays
Education (Share Trading) info Yes Yes
Education (Funds) info Yes Yes
Education (Retirement) info Yes Yes
Client Webinars info Yes No
Client Webinars (Archived) info Yes No
Overall Summary Interactive Brokers Barclays
Overall Rating 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Stars
Charges & Fees 4.5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Investment Choices 5/5 Stars 5/5 Stars
Mobile App 5/5 Stars 2.5/5 Stars
Website 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Ease of Use 4/5 Stars 3.5/5 Stars
Education 5/5 Stars 4.5/5 Stars
Review Interactive Brokers Review Barclays Review
Winner check_circle
arrow_upward

close
navigate_before navigate_next