SoFi Invest is a better choice for beginner investors looking for a simple, commission-free platform with fractional shares and automated investing. Interactive Brokers TWS is more suitable for experienced traders who need access to a wider range of investment options, international markets, and advanced trading tools, and who benefit from lower margin rates.
| Attribute | SoFi Invest | Interactive Brokers Trader Workstation (TWS) |
|---|---|---|
| Commission Fees (Stocks & ETFs) | Commission-free | IBKR Lite: $0 commission for stocks and ETFs; IBKR Pro: Low costs scaled by volume |
| Account Minimum | No minimum deposit requirement. $5 minimum to invest in an Active Investing account, and $50 before funds are invested for Robo Investing account. | $0 |
| Investment Options (Stocks, ETFs, Options, Crypto) | Stocks, ETFs, fractional shares, IPOs, private credit investing, venture capital investing. Crypto access through partnerships with BitGo and Blockchain.com. | Stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, and funds on over 160 markets worldwide. Also offers forecast contracts. |
| Margin Rates | Considered high. As of 2025, investors can borrow against their current investments for cash at an interest rate of 11%. | Lowest margin rates in the industry |
| Platform Accessibility (Web, Mobile, Desktop) | Accessible via web, mobile (Android and iOS). | Desktop: Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop; Mobile: IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, IBKR Client Portal; Web: Client Portal |
| Research & Educational Resources | Help center, a virtual assistant available 24/7, human customer support during specific hours, and news updates. | IBKR Campus, Traders ’ Academy, GlobalAnalyst for international portfolio diversification |
| Automated Investing/Robo-Advisor | Yes, SoFi Robo Investing charges a 0.25% management fee. | Not explicitly mentioned as a primary feature, but offers algorithmic trading |
| Fractional Shares | Yes, investors can buy fractional shares with a minimum of $5. | Yes, for eligible U.S., Canadian, and European stocks and ETFs |
| Order Types Available | Market orders, limit orders, and stop limit orders. Stop-loss orders are not available. | Offers access to over 100 order types and algos |
| International Trading | Limited to U.S.-based assets. | Access to over 160 markets worldwide. Trade assets in multiple currencies |
| Customer Support Quality & Availability | Decent customer service across multiple channels, including live chat and phone support. Human customer support is available during specific hours. | Not specified |
| Security & Insurance | Accounts are protected by SIPC for a maximum of $500,000 in securities and $250,000 in cash. Also has partnered with Lloyd's of London for additional protection. | Not specified |