Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Brokers are two companies that offer online brokerage services, allowing customers to buy and sell investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Location: Hargreaves Lansdown is based in the UK, while Interactive Brokers is based in the US.
- Types of investments offered: Both companies offer a wide range of investment products, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Hargreaves Lansdown also offers a range of investment trusts, while Interactive Brokers offers futures, options, and forex trading.
- Fees: Both companies charge fees for their services, but the specific fees can vary depending on the type of account and the investments being traded. In general, Interactive Brokers tends to have lower fees than Hargreaves Lansdown, particularly for high-volume traders.
- Account minimums: Hargreaves Lansdown does not have a minimum account balance requirement, while Interactive Brokers has a minimum account balance requirement of $10,000 for most of its accounts.
- Customer service: Both companies offer customer support through phone and email, but Hargreaves Lansdown also has a network of local offices throughout the UK.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual investment needs and preferences. It’s always a good idea to compare several different brokerage firms before making a decision.