Head-to-head comparison across ratings, fees, asset coverage, and platform breadth.
4.5 / 5
Best for full-service investors who want thinkorswim, broad 24/5 trading, deep customer service, and integrated banking. Cost-competitive on most fronts but lags on margin rates and fractional-share breadth.
4.6 / 5
Best for active, global, and advanced traders. Lowest margin rates in the industry, broadest international access (160+ exchanges, 36 countries), and the most complete API stack in retail brokerage.
Each broker scored 0–5 across the same 8 dimensions.
Green cells mark the winner on each metric. Tie rows are uncoloured.
| Metric | Charles | Interactive | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| OverallEditorial score | 4.50 / 5 | 4.60 / 5 | Interactive |
| Sub-ratingsCommissions & fees | 4.20 | 4.80 | Interactive |
| Sub-ratingsPlatforms & tools | 5.00 | 5.00 | Tie |
| Sub-ratingsMobile app | 4.40 | 4.00 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsResearch | 5.00 | 4.20 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsEducation | 5.00 | 4.00 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsCustomer service | 4.90 | 3.80 | Charles |
| Sub-ratingsRange of investments | 4.70 | 5.00 | Interactive |
| Sub-ratingsActive trading | 4.70 | 5.00 | Interactive |
| PricingLowest margin rate | 11.13% | 5.83% | Interactive |
| PricingDefault cash sweep yield | 0.45% | 4.33% | Interactive |
| PricingPFOF on equities | Accepts | Does not accept | Interactive |
| Asset class | Charles | Interactive |
|---|---|---|
| Fractional shares | Limited | Yes |
| Options (single & multi-leg) | Yes | |
| Crypto (direct) | Limited | Yes |
| International stocks | Limited | Yes |
| Options (US + global) | Yes | |
| Prediction markets | Yes |