Platform Comparison

Interactive Brokers vs Invstr

Compare Interactive Brokers and Invstr on fees, DRIP, fractional shares and research for dividend investing.

Higher Rated
IB

Interactive Brokers

4.5

The professional-grade platform with access to 150+ global markets, industry-leading margin rates, and powerful screening tools.

IV

Invstr

3.8

Practice investing with $1M in virtual money, learn through gamified courses, then graduate to real trading—the complete beginner-to-investor journey.

Interactive Brokers vs Invstr: Fees, Minimums & DRIP Compared

FeatureInteractive BrokersInvstr
Our Rating4.5/53.8/5
Trading Commissions$0 (Lite)N/A
Account Minimum$0N/A
Fractional Shares10,000+ stocksN/A
DRIPSmall feeN/A
Research ToolsGoodBasic
Best ForInternational Dividend InvestorsAbsolute Beginners

Interactive Brokers vs Invstr: Pros and Cons

Interactive Brokers

Pros

  • + Access to 150+ markets across 33 countries in 27 currencies
  • + Commission-free US stock and ETF trading with IBKR Lite
  • + Industry-leading low margin rates (5.83% Pro, 6.83% Lite)
  • + Fractional shares on 10,000+ US, Canadian, and European stocks
  • + Powerful dividend yield screeners with 50+ factors

Cons

  • - Steep learning curve—platforms built for professionals
  • - DRIP charges a small commission (unlike most competitors)
  • - Account-level DRIP only—can't select specific stocks
  • - Customer service wait times can be long during peak hours

Invstr

Pros

  • + Free investing course with 85 lessons and certificate
  • + Fantasy Finance: Practice with $1M virtual money
  • + Compete in fantasy leagues and win real prizes
  • + Commission-free real stock and crypto trading
  • + Fractional shares starting at $5

Cons

  • - Real trading has minimum fees ($2.99 full shares, $0.99 fractional)
  • - $5 registration fee for real trading through DriveWealth
  • - Very limited research tools for experienced investors
  • - No mutual funds, bonds, forex, or OTC trading

Which Is Better for Dividend Investors: Interactive Brokers or Invstr?

Choose Interactive Brokers if you...

  • Are in Interactive Brokers's core audience: international dividend investors
  • Prefer a higher-rated overall platform

Choose Invstr if you...

  • Are in Invstr's core audience: absolute beginners

Want the full breakdown of fees, DRIP, and research tools? Read our Interactive Brokers review and Invstr review.

Investment Disclaimer

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.