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Investing » Interactive Brokers vs. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing: Which Broker Wins?

Interactive Brokers vs. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing: Which Broker Wins?

If you're an experienced investor or trader, IBKR may be a better option. If you're a Chase customer or prefer simplicity, consider JP Morgan
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Interest Rates Last Update: April 1, 2025

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.


Interactive_Brokers-Logo

J.P. Morgan Self Directed Investing
Interactive Brokers
Monthly Fee
$0 $0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks and ETFs and $0.65 per-contract
0% – 0.75% $0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks and ETFs, Options: $0.15 – $0.65 per-contract, Futures: $0.25 – $0.85 per-contract. For Interactive Advisors: asset-based management fees of 0.10% to 0.75%
Account Types
Brokerage, Retirement
Brokerage, Retirement
Savings APY
0.01% – 3.99%
3.83% There will be no interest paid on the first USD 10,000 of cash. Accounts with NAV less than 100k earn a proportional rate
Minimum Deposit
$0
$0
Best For
Existing Chase Customers, Active Investors Looking To Minimize Fees
International Investors, Advanced Traders
Read Review
Read Review

JPM Self-Directed vs IBKR: Compare Features

JP Morgan is ideal for those seeking a simpler, integrated experience, while IBKR is better suited for seasoned investors looking for advanced tools and a wide range of investment options.

Interactive Brokers
JPM Self-Directed Investing
Investing Options
Full Access To Almost Any Asset
800 stocks and ETFs, 8,000+ mutual funds
Investing Types
Stocks, Options, Futures, ETFs, Crypto, Bonds & CDs, Margin, Mutual Funds, Hedge funds, Forex, Commodities
Stocks, Options, ETFs, Fixed Income, Mutual Funds
Automated Investing
Yes
No
Paper Trading
Yes
No
IPO Access
No
No
Dedicated Advisor
No
No

If you're not a beginner and can deal with a bit complex interface, IBKR is our winner here due to its vast investment options and third-party fundamental analysis options.

top movers table
Top movers example (Screenshot taken by our team from Interactive Brokers app)

IBKR offers access to a broader range of global markets, giving traders the ability to execute trades across multiple exchanges worldwide.

NKLA stock chart on Interactive Brokers app
(Screenshot taken by our team from Interactive Brokers app)

For investors who are into detailed fundamental analysis, IBKR’s platform provides comprehensive research tools, including third-party integrations that allow for an even deeper dive into market data and performance metrics.

analyst rating example
Stock analyst rating (Screenshot taken by our team from Interactive Brokers app)

On the other hand, JP Morgan’s platform is more straightforward and user-friendly, making it ideal for new and intermediate investors.

search stocks
(Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

The platform offers solid tools for fundamental analysis, such as screeners and portfolio tracking, but it lacks the depth and range of third-party research options.

research stock dividend
Research stock dividend (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

Interactive Brokers surpass JPM self-directed when it comes to trading options and tools for traders.

add bollinger bands to chart, interactive brokers
Add Bollinger bands to chart (Screenshot taken by our team from Interactive Brokers app)

Interactive Brokers, on the other hand, is designed for more experienced traders who demand a higher level of sophistication in their tools, even if it's a bit complex.

stock options price
Options chain and price (Screenshot taken by our team from Interactive Brokers app)

The Trader Workstation (TWS) platform is one of the most advanced in the industry, offering a wide range of technical analysis tools that can handle complex trading strategies. 

select technical indicators interactive brokers
Technical indicators for charting (Screenshot taken by our team from Interactive Brokers app)

With features like algorithmic trading, bracket orders, and customizable charting tools, IBKR is perfect for traders who need a highly detailed and customizable trading environment.

candlestick chart
Candlestick chart (Screenshot taken by our team from Interactive Brokers app)

JP Morgan’s platform offers essential trading options like stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds, with straightforward tools for basic technical analysis.

Volume and trend analysis
Trend analysis (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

These tools are user-friendly and integrate well with the platform’s overall design, making it easy for investors to manage their portfolios without feeling overwhelmed.

trade stock on JP Morgan
Trade stock (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

JP Morgan doesn’t currently offer a robo-advisor or any automated investing services through its Self-Directed Investing platform.

This is a clear gap for investors who prefer a more hands-off approach or who want their investments managed with minimal effort.

Interactive Brokers offers Interactive Advisors, a robo-advisor with a low entry point, starting at just $100. 

stock analyst forecast example interactive brokers
Stock analyst forecast example Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

What sets IBKR apart is the wide range of portfolio options, including socially responsible investing and income-generating portfolios. 

daily performance by sector on Interactive Brokers app
Explore sectors performance and popular lists (Screenshot taken by our team from Interactive Brokers app)

Interactive Advisors gives you more control and flexibility, with the ability to upgrade to a self-directed portfolio whenever you're ready to take a more active role.

JP Morgan Self-Directed Investing and Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offer competitive fee structures and commission-free trades on stocks, ETFs, and most mutual funds.

Fidelity offers commission-free trading on most stocks and ETFs and low fees on other investment options

JPM Self-Directed Investing
Interactive Broker
Fees
$0 $0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks and ETFs and $0.65 per-contract
0% – 0.75% $0 online commission on U.S. listed stocks and ETFs, Options: $0.15 – $0.65 per-contract, Futures: $0.25 – $0.85 per-contract. For Interactive Advisors: asset-based management fees of 0.10% to 0.75%

When it comes to Robo Advisory, the Interactive Brokers fee depends on the chosen portfolio and can be anywhere between 0.10% to 0.75%. 

When it comes to banking options, unless you're a Chase existing customer  – IBKR provides better tools for banking and higher rate on uninvested cash.

JPM Self-Directed Cash APY
IB Universal Account
Savings APY
0.01% – 3.99%
3.83% There will be no interest paid on the first USD 10,000 of cash. Accounts with NAV less than 100k earn a proportional rate

IBKR offers a more robust cash management solution through its IBKR Universal Account. This account allows you to earn competitive interest rates on cash balances, if you have over $10,000 in your account.

Additionally, IBKR's cash management features include mobile check deposits, direct deposits, and a debit card, making it a versatile tool for managing your finances.

JP Morgan Self-Directed Investing doesn't offer any banking services. Instead, it excels in integrating seamlessly with Chase accounts, allowing users to manage banking and investments in one place.

Chase Spending planner on Chase app
Analyze spending and rewards on Chase app (Screenshot from Chase app)

With Chase, you can easily move money between accounts, pay bills, and manage your finances all within the same ecosystem. However, the interest rates on uninvested cash in JP Morgan’s accounts are quite low.

JP Morgan is better for straightforward retirement management, but IBKR offers many more investing options.

JP Morgan Roth IRA account summary
Roth IRA on JP Morgan(Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

JP Morgan’s platform focuses on simplicity and ease of use, offering traditional and Roth IRAs with no annual fees. The platform also provides basic retirement planning tools, which are user-friendly and suitable for those who are just starting to build their retirement nest egg.

assets in roth IRA
Assets in Roth IRA (Screenshot taken by our team from J.P Morgan app)

On the other hand, Interactive Brokers provides a solid selection of retirement accounts, including traditional and Roth IRAs. These accounts are available in either cash or margin formats.

how to see account positions, Interactive Brokers
(Screenshot taken by our team from Interactive Brokers app)

IBKR is particularly attractive to more advanced investors who want to manage their retirement savings with access to international stocks, options, and other asset classes.

buy stock order example, Interactive Brokers
Buy stock order example (Screenshot taken by our team from Interactive Brokers app)

Additionally, IBKR’s low-cost structure, including some of the lowest margin rates in the industry, can be advantageous for those who are more actively managing their retirement portfolios.

JP Morgan is our ultimate winner here as IBKR doesn't offer wealth management.

J.P. Morgan offers two levels of personalized financial advisory services: Personal Advisors and Private Client Advisors, both focused on creating tailored strategies to meet individual financial goals.

  • Personal Advisors provide virtual financial planning with ongoing advice, leveraging expert-built portfolios and automated tax-smart technology.
  • J.P. Morgan Private Client Advisors offer a more exclusive, one-on-one relationship, focusing on clients with $100,000 or more in investable assets. They provide a custom portfolio, ongoing guidance, and holistic management of investments, retirement, and financial goals.

Bottom Line

Interactive Brokers may be a better option if you're an experienced investor or trader. If you're a Chase customer or prefer simplicity as a beginner or need wealth management services, consider JP Morgan self-directed investing.

Interactive Brokers vs. Other Trading Platforms

Schwab provides broader tools and analysis options for long-term, value investors, while Interactive Brokers is more suited to active traders

Schwab vs. Interactive Brokers: Which Brokerage is Right for You?

Vanguard provides more options for investors, while Interactive Brokers offers superior technical tools for active traders

Vanguard vs. Interactive Brokers: Which Brokerage is Right for You?

Both platforms have great options for investors, but Fidelity excels in comprehensive retirement planning and cash management options

Interactive Brokers vs. Fidelity: Which Brokerage Suits Your Investing Style?

Webull offers user-friendly tools and perfect app design, while IBKR is best suited for more experienced investors and global market access.

Interactive Brokers vs. Webull: Compare Brokerage Account Options

Merrill Edge stands out for its interface and integration with BofA, but IBKR is the ultimate winner for trading and investing. Here's why:

Interactive Brokers vs. Merrill Edge: Compare Brokerage Account Options

IBKR shines with its advanced trading tools and extensive market access. E-trade wins for retirement accounts, wealth management, or banking.

Interactive Brokers vs. E-Trade: Compare Brokerage Account Options

Robinhood is an excellent choice for beginner and casual investors, but IBKR is better suited for experienced investors and advanced traders.

Interactive Brokers vs. Robinhood: Compare Brokerage Account Options

How J.P. Morgan Self Directed Compares to Other Online Brokers

Both offer similar tools for the average investor or trader, but Merrill is better at automated investing. Here's our full comparison:

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. Merrill Edge: Compare Brokerage Accounts

Vanguard offers a better approach for serious investors, while JP Morgan's self-directed is better for beginners and advanced traders

Vanguard vs. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed: Which Broker is Best For You?

Schwab surpasses JPM self-directed in most categories, including self-directed investing, robo advisory, and technical analysis.

Schwab vs. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed: Which Brokerage Is Best?

JP Morgan is best for the average investor seeking a simple platform or wealth management, but E-Trade is our overall winner. Here's why.

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. E-Trade: Which Broker Wins?

Fidelity is our winner due to its investment options, research tools, advanced trading features, and excellent retirement planning services.

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. Fidelity : A Side-by-Side Comparison

JP Morgan wins when it comes to fundamental investing tools, but Robinhood is better for technical analysis and trading. Here's why:

J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing vs. Robinhood: Compare Brokerage Accounts

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Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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This website does not include all card companies or all card offers available in the marketplace. This website may use other proprietary factors to impact card offer listings on the website such as consumer selection or the likelihood of the applicant’s credit approval.

This allows us to maintain a full-time, editorial staff and work with finance experts you know and trust. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impacts any of the editorial content on The Smart Investor.

While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, The Smart Investor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

Learn more about how we review products and read our advertiser disclosure for how we make money. All products are presented without warranty.