Comparison of Interactive Brokers vs Vantage [ 2024 ]

The best brokers to invest in cryptocurrencies compared by their commissions, cryptos, security and much more. Here is theInteractive Brokers vs Vantage comparison!

Your expert: Alejandro Borja

Interactive Brokers

Your expert: Xavier Tarrasó

Vantage

Main points

Fees

Low 4,4/5

Regulated

SEC, FCA

Demo account

Yes

Low 4/5

Fees

ASIC, FCA

Regulated

Yes

Demo account

Recommended for

Beginners

Trading

Yes

Passive income

Buy and hold

Yes

Beginners

Yes

Trading

Passive income

Buy and hold

Comparison of fees

Rating

4.6 – Interactive Brokers charges low commissions (0.12% to 0.18% of trade value) with no added spreads or custody fees, making it one of the most cost-effective options for serious traders .

4.2 – Vantage offers tight spreads and no deposit or withdrawal fees, making it a good choice for both new and experienced traders. However, additional fees might apply depending on the payment method used .

Level

Low 4,4/5

Low 4/5

Brief explanation

Interactive Brokers offers a competitive and transparent commission structure for cryptocurrency trading. The commission rates range from 0.12% to 0.18% of the trade value, with a minimum fee of $1.75 per order, capped at 1% of the trade value. This fee structure is notably lower than many competitors, who may charge up to 2.00% or include additional spreads and markups. Trading cryptocurrencies on Interactive Brokers’ platform does not incur any added spreads, markups, or custody fees. This is facilitated through their partnerships with Paxos Trust Company and Zero Hash LLC, both of which are regulated entities, ensuring a secure trading environment. Furthermore, clients can trade cryptocurrencies 24/7 when funds are transferred to their dedicated Paxos or Zero Hash account during normal US banking hours.

Vantage operates as a CFD broker, and its fee structure is designed to be transparent and competitive. The primary cost for trading cryptocurrency CFDs on Vantage comes from the spread, which is the difference between the bid and ask prices. This spread can vary depending on market conditions and the specific cryptocurrency being traded. Additionally, if you hold a position overnight, an overnight financing fee is applied. This fee is calculated based on the leverage used and the value of the position held overnight . Vantage does not charge any deposit fees, making it cost-effective to fund your trading account. Withdrawals are also generally free, except for international bank withdrawals beyond the first free one each month, which incur a fee of 20 currency units (e.g., $20, €20) . There are no commission fees for trades on standard accounts, but for ECN accounts, a commission of $3 per lot for Raw ECN and $1.5 per lot for Pro ECN is charged . This commission structure is typical for ECN accounts, which offer tighter spreads but involve a per-trade commission. Overall, Vantage provides a competitive fee structure that is advantageous for traders who are mindful of trading costs. The combination of low spreads, no deposit fees, and the absence of most withdrawal fees makes it an attractive option for both new and experienced traders.

Interactive Brokers

Year Founded: Established in 1978, Interactive Brokers has a long history of providing reliable and innovative trading solutions.
Security Methods: The platform uses top-tier security measures, including two-factor authentication and encryption, ensuring the safety of client assets and data.
Number of Users: Interactive Brokers boasts a large user base, serving over 1.6 million clients globally, which speaks to its reliability and popularity.
Regulation: The firm is regulated by major financial authorities, including the SEC, FINRA, and several international regulators, ensuring compliance with stringent financial laws.
Trading Volume and Liquidity: Interactive Brokers handles a high volume of trades daily, providing deep liquidity, which is crucial for effective trading execution and minimal slippage.

Vantage

Regulatory Oversight: Vantage operates under the regulation of several reputable financial authorities, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC). This regulatory oversight ensures that Vantage adheres to strict financial and operational standards, providing a secure trading environment for its clients .
Negative Balance Protection: Vantage offers negative balance protection to its clients, ensuring that traders cannot lose more than their deposited amount. This feature adds a layer of security, particularly for those using leverage, by preventing debts that exceed their account balance .
Reputation and Reviews: Over the years, Vantage has built a solid reputation in the trading community. Many users appreciate its transparent fee structure, fast and reliable customer service, and the overall ease of use of its platform. The positive feedback from its users highlights the platform’s reliability and trustworthiness .
Security Methods: Vantage employs advanced security measures to protect client funds and personal information. These include Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and regular security audits. Such robust security protocols ensure that client data and transactions are safe from unauthorized access and cyber threats .
Volume Managed: Vantage handles significant trading volumes, reflecting its capability to support a large and active user base. High trading volumes often indicate strong liquidity, making it easier for traders to execute large orders without significantly impacting the market price .

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Product selection

Native token

Interactive Brokers does not have a native token.

Vantage does not have a native token.

Earns

Interactive Brokers does not offer staking or similar earning options for cryptocurrencies. The platform allows trading and holding of cryptocurrencies .

Vantage does not have options for earning with cryptocurrencies through staking. It offers trading of crypto CFDs with leverage .

NFT marketplace

Interactive Brokers does not have an NFT marketplace.

Vantage does not have an NFT marketplace.

Cripto/debit card

Interactive Brokers offers an IBKR debit card for US residents as part of their Integrated Investment Management accounts .

Vantage does not provide a card for its clients .

Payment methods

Transfers

Yes, Interactive Brokers accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Yes, Vantage accepts bank transfers for both deposits and withdrawals .

Mastercard

No, Interactive Brokers does not accept Mastercard for deposits.

Yes, Vantage accepts Mastercard for deposits.

Wire transfer

Wise is not mentioned as a supported payment method .

Card

No, Interactive Brokers does not accept credit/debit cards .

Information about Vantage’s acceptance of credit/debit cards is not explicitly stated in the retrieved documents.

Comparative table

Interactive Brokers	Features	Vantage
Interactive Brokers offers a low minimum trade amount, making it accessible for both small and large investors. This encourages new traders to start without significant capital.	Minimum Trade	Vantage offers a low minimum trade amount, making it accessible for traders of all levels. The platform allows trades from as little as $50, catering to both beginners and those with limited capital.
The platform’s fees are among the lowest in the industry, which is a major advantage for frequent traders.	Trading and Transaction Fees	Vantage has competitive trading fees, but the spread costs can vary depending on market conditions. While the fees are generally low, they can add up, especially for high-frequency traders.
Currently, only eight cryptocurrencies are available, which limits options for traders looking for a diverse portfolio.	Number of Cryptocurrencies	With 34 cryptocurrencies available for trading, Vantage offers a decent selection compared to other CFD brokers. However, the variety is somewhat limited compared to dedicated cryptocurrency exchanges.
The platform offers limited crypto-to-crypto pairs, which restricts trading strategies for users looking to trade beyond major cryptocurrencies.	Crypto-to-Crypto Trading Pairs	Vantage does not support direct crypto-to-crypto trading pairs. Instead, all trades are conducted as CFDs, which might not suit traders looking for direct cryptocurrency exchanges.
Interactive Brokers provides clear and comprehensive information about their services and fees. However, the site could be more intuitive for beginners.	Website Transparency	Vantage maintains a transparent website with clear information on fees, regulations, and trading conditions. The platform ensures that users have access to necessary information before trading.
Interactive Brokers offers an IBKR debit card for US residents as part of their Integrated Investment Management accounts .	Credit/Debit Card	Vantage does not provide a card for its clients .
The platform offers secure storage solutions through partnerships with regulated entities, ensuring the safety of users’ digital assets.	Storage Offering	As a CFD broker, Vantage does not offer actual cryptocurrency storage. Traders do not own the underlying assets, so there are no wallet services provided.
Interactive Brokers does not currently offer staking or rewards programs, which could be a drawback for users looking for passive income opportunities.	Staking and Rewards	Vantage does not offer staking or rewards programs for cryptocurrency holdings. This may be a disadvantage for users interested in earning passive income through staking.
The mobile and desktop platforms are highly rated for their functionality and user-friendly design, catering to both novice and experienced traders.	Mobile App and Desktop	Vantage provides a robust mobile app and desktop platform, allowing users to trade on the go. The platforms are user-friendly and feature-rich, enhancing the trading experience.
The customer service is generally responsive and helpful. However, the complex account setup process can be a barrier for new users.	Customer Service	Vantage offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email. However, the live chat service can be slow at times, and the quality of responses may vary.
The platform provides efficient deposit and withdrawal processes with multiple options, although there is room for improvement in speeding up withdrawal times.	Deposit and Withdraw	Vantage offers a variety of deposit and withdrawal methods with quick processing times. However, fees can be high for international bank withdrawals beyond the first free transaction each month.

Key features

Analysis tools

Interactive Brokers offers the Trader Workstation (TWS) platform, which includes powerful trading tools and advanced charting capabilities. They also provide comprehensive market data and analysis tools .

Vantage provides access to the MetaTrader platforms and the TradingView platform, both known for their advanced charting tools and technical analysis capabilities. They also offer Capitalise.ai for algorithmic trading .

Mobile APP

Yes, Interactive Brokers offers the IBKR Mobile app for iOS and Android devices, providing comprehensive trading tools and account management features .

Information on a specific mobile app for Vantage is not explicitly stated in the retrieved documents.

Security

Interactive Brokers is regulated by top-tier US authorities like the SEC and FINRA, providing a high level of security and transparency. They offer SIPC insurance, protecting clients’ securities up to $500,000, including a $250,000 cash limit.

Vantage is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the FCA and ASIC, providing robust investor protection. They offer negative balance protection for clients under these jurisdictions.

Additional features

Interactive Brokers allows clients to trade cryptocurrencies through Paxos or Zero Hash, offering a low commission rate of 0.12% to 0.18% of the trade value. They support a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, and provide advanced trading tools through their Trader Workstation platform. Interactive Brokers also offer features like holding USD in crypto accounts and 24/7 trading .

Vantage provides access to a variety of cryptocurrency CFDs, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, through the MetaTrader platform. They offer competitive spreads and leverage up to 1:200. Vantage is known for its secure trading environment and extensive educational resources. However, they do not support direct cryptocurrency trading, only CFDs .

Anonymity

Anonymous accounts are not available. Interactive Brokers requires detailed personal information and identity verification .

Vantage requires users to provide personal information and verification documents, thus not offering anonymous accounts .

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

Interactive Brokers allows both direct trading and CFDs for cryptocurrencies. The available cryptocurrencies for direct trading are Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), and Litecoin (LTC). Additional coins are available through CFDs.

Vantage provides trading in cryptocurrency CFDs, supporting a variety of cryptocurrencies similar to other major brokers .

User-friendliness

Interactive Brokers integrates cryptocurrency trading into its existing platform, allowing users to trade crypto alongside other asset classes. The platform offers low commissions and a professional-grade trading environment. However, the setup process might be more complex compared to dedicated crypto exchanges, which could be a drawback for less experienced users .

Vantage provides a straightforward and easy-to-use platform for trading cryptocurrencies. The account opening process is simple, and the platform supports various payment methods. Vantage’s trading environment is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to both new and experienced traders .

Value for money

Interactive Brokers is known for its low commissions and transparent pricing, making it a cost-effective choice for crypto trading. Its professional-grade trading tools add significant value, though the platform might be too complex for beginners.

Vantage offers strong value with competitive spreads and no deposit or withdrawal fees. The platform’s leverage options and professional trading tools add further value, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.

Countries of operation

United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Hungary, Australia, India, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore .

United Kingdom, Australia, European Union, Cayman Islands, Bahamas .

Best for

Interactive Brokers is ideal for professional and experienced traders who want to trade cryptocurrencies alongside other asset classes. Its low commissions and professional-grade trading tools make it a strong choice for serious investors.

Vantage is perfect for traders who want to engage in leveraged crypto CFD trading in a regulated environment. Its quick account opening process and seamless deposit and withdrawal options make it a good choice for both new and experienced traders.

Account

Trading

Interactive Brokers offers limited direct cryptocurrency trading but provides access to crypto-related financial products. It is more focused on traditional investment products, making it less ideal for pure crypto trading.

Vantage offers a wide range of crypto CFDs with competitive spreads and leverage. The platform is well-regulated and provides a secure trading environment for crypto enthusiasts.

Deposit and withdrawal

Interactive Brokers allows deposits and withdrawals via bank transfers and wire transfers. The process is secure but can be slower, especially for international transfers. Fees may apply for withdrawals.

Vantage supports multiple deposit and withdrawal methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets. The first international bank withdrawal each month is free, but subsequent withdrawals may incur fees.

Account opening process

The account opening process at Interactive Brokers is detailed and thorough. Users must provide extensive personal and financial information, and submit various verification documents. The process is fully digital but can take a few days for approval due to the comprehensive requirements.

The account opening process at Vantage is quick and fully digital. Users need to fill out an online form with personal and financial details, and submit verification documents. Accounts are generally approved within one business day.

KYC required?

Yes, KYC is required at Interactive Brokers. The account opening process includes submitting personal identification documents and proof of address.

Yes, KYC is required at Vantage. Users need to submit personal identification documents and proof of address to verify their accounts.

Customer Service

Interactive Brokers provides customer support via phone, email, and live chat. The support is available 24/5 and is generally responsive, though some users find the service to be slower during peak times due to high demand.

Vantage provides customer support via live chat, email, and phone. The support team is available 24/5 and is generally responsive, though some users report delays in getting complex issues resolved.

Security

Vantage is regulated by top-tier authorities such as the FCA and ASIC, providing robust investor protection. They offer negative balance protection for clients under these jurisdictions.

Which of these exchanges is for you?

Alejandro Borja

As an expert on our website, I highly recommend Interactive Brokers for those interested in integrating cryptocurrency trading with traditional financial instruments. The platform offers competitive fees, robust security, and seamless integration with other asset classes, making it an excellent choice for experienced traders looking to diversify their portfolios. While the account setup process can be complex, the advanced trading features and reliable customer support make it worth the effort. If you’re seeking a secure and cost-effective way to trade cryptocurrencies, Interactive Brokers is a solid option.

Xavier Tarrasó

As an expert from Threenvest, I find Vantage to be a robust option for traders looking to delve into the world of cryptocurrency CFDs. The platform excels in offering a diverse range of 34 crypto CFDs, including major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which cater to both beginner and experienced traders. Its strong regulatory framework under ASIC and VFSC ensures a secure trading environment, further enhanced by features like negative balance protection. While the customer service has areas that need improvement, particularly in live chat responsiveness, the overall user experience is solid. For those who prioritize regulatory security and ease of trading without the complexities of handling actual cryptocurrencies, Vantage is a commendable choice.

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How do we review crypto exchanges?

At Threenvest, we conduct a thorough review process to evaluate and rank the world’s leading crypto exchanges. Our goal is to offer an unbiased assessment, providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions on which ones best suit your needs. We strictly adhere to the guidelines of our editorial policy.

We collect data directly from exchanges through detailed questionnaires and conduct first-hand testing and observations during crypto exchange demonstrations. Questionnaire responses, combined with demonstrations and hands-on research from our experts, feed into our proprietary evaluation process that scores each provider’s performance on more than 15 factors. The end result produces star ratings ranging from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars).

For more details on the categories considered when rating brokers and our process, read our full methodology.

Risk Disclaimer

Investing in cryptocurrencies is very risky, you should only invest the money you are willing to lose. Also you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong.

Neither Threenvest, nor the author, are recommending you to invest with this article.

Comparison of Interactive Brokers vs Vantage [ 2024 ]

Interactive Brokers

Vantage

Main points

Recommended for

Comparison of fees

Rating

Level

Brief explanation

Interactive Brokers

Vantage

Product selection

Native token

Earns

NFT marketplace

Cripto/debit card

Company information

Full name

Regulation

Year founded

Founder

Payment methods

Transfers

Mastercard

Wire transfer

Card

Comparative table

Key features

Analysis tools

Mobile APP

Security

Additional features

Anonymity

Key points

Available cryptocurrencies

User-friendliness

Value for money

Countries of operation

Best for

Account

Trading

Deposit and withdrawal

Account opening process

KYC required?

Customer Service

Security

Which of these exchanges is for you?

How do we review crypto exchanges?

Risk Disclaimer

More comparatives Interactive Brokers and Vantage