For expats seeking to invest globally, choosing the right brokerage platform is crucial. In this article, we evaluate some of the best investment platforms available in 2024 for expats, focusing on their costs, features, and overall reliability. We will specifically analyse Interactive Brokers, Saxo Bank, and Swissquote as I believe these to be the best DIY options in the market in 2024 for expats.
There are more platforms in the market, these platforms are the ones I direct people to if they ask.
If you have any questions or want to find advisor-led platforms, please contact me using the button below or visit my contact page.
Comparative Overview of Brokers
| Feature | Interactive Brokers | Saxo Bank | Swissquote |
| Overall Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Trading Fees | Low | Low | High |
| Options Fees | Low | High | High |
| Inactivity Fee | None | None | None |
| Account Opening Time | 1-3 Days | 1 Day | 1 Day |
Interactive Brokers
Overview: Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a globally recognized brokerage firm, known for its extensive range of investment products and competitive pricing. Established in 1978, IBKR has built a reputation for providing a comprehensive platform tailored for sophisticated investors who engage in a variety of asset classes, including stocks, options, futures, forex, and even cryptocurrencies.
Key Features: Interactive Brokers offers a powerful trading platform especially appreciated by active traders and professionals. It features advanced tools for market analysis, including customizable charts and sophisticated algorithmic trading capabilities. The Trader Workstation (TWS) is particularly popular amongst day traders and those who need detailed market insights.
Benefits for Expats: Expats benefit from IBKR’s global reach, allowing them to trade on over 150 markets in multiple currencies from a single account. This is particularly beneficial for those who wish to diversify their portfolio across different regions. Additionally, the lack of inactivity fees and low margin rates make it economically appealing to maintain an account even for long-term investors who trade less frequently.
Pros:
- Extremely low trading and margin fees
- Access to global markets and diverse asset classes
- Advanced technical and analytical tools
Cons:
- The platform can be overwhelming for beginners
- Some average fees on CFDs and Forex
Saxo Bank
| Cost Categories | Fees |
| US Stock Fees | $1.60 for trades |
| Options Fees | $20 per contract |
| Forex Fees | EUR/USD spread of 0.9 |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
| Custody Fee | 0.15% annually for Classic accounts |
| Withdrawal Fee | None |
Overview: Founded in 1992, Saxo Bank is a Danish investment bank that stands out for offering a sophisticated and comprehensive trading platform. It positions itself as a go-to for traders who need a solid research base and advanced trading tools.
Key Features: Saxo Bank is renowned for its state-of-the-art trading platform, SaxoTraderGO, which is equipped with a robust suite of research tools and analytics. It provides a plethora of resources for traders, from extensive educational materials to detailed market analysis, making it an excellent choice for well-informed trading.
Benefits for Expats: One of the biggest advantages of using Saxo Bank is the interest paid on uninvested cash, which provides an additional stream of returns. The platform’s ability to cater to more than 100 currency pairs also offers flexibility to expatriates who move between countries regularly or maintain financial obligations in different regions.
Pros:
- High-quality trading platform with rich features
- Access to a wide variety of investment options and global markets
- Effective customer service and support
Cons:
- Higher commission fees for options and futures trading
- Custody fees apply to certain accounts, which could add up over time
Swissquote
| Cost Categories | Fees |
| US Stock Fees | $20 for trades |
| Options Fees | $19.90 per contract |
| Forex Fees | EUR/USD spread of 1.6 |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
| Withdrawal Fee | $10 for withdrawals |
Overview: Swissquote was established in 1996, based in Switzerland and is primarily recognized for its dedication to offering reliable online financial services. Swissquote has a strong track record for safety and reliability, attributed to its robust banking foundation and reputation within Switzerland’s financial services industry.
Key Features: Swissquote provides access to a variety of global markets, including stocks, funds, bonds, derivatives, and cryptocurrencies. It offers a wealth of educational resources and market research to support informed trading decisions. Its reputation for security and regulatory compliance further enhances its appeal.
Benefits for Expats: Swissquote’s Swiss banking heritage is particularly attractive to expats needing a trustworthy institution. Its extensive suite of markets means expats can easily diversify investments. However, users should be aware of its higher trading fees, which could impact returns.
Pros:
- Strong reputation for safety and security
- Comprehensive market access with diverse investment products
- No inactivity fees
Cons:
- Higher transaction fees compared to competitors
- Platform complexity might not suit beginners
Final Thoughts
Summary of Key Features
| Feature/Aspect | Interactive Brokers | Saxo Bank | Swissquote |
| Safety and Regulation | Regulated by top-tier authorities (SEC, FCA) | Regulated by several financial authorities, including the FCA, providing negative balance protection | High safety ratings, regulated by top-tier authorities and publicly listed on the Swiss exchange |
| Account Opening and Deposits | Fully digital account opening; no minimum deposit required but can be complicated | Digital account setup is available with no minimum deposit, although wait times may vary | Digital account setup available with no minimum deposit, although wait times may vary |
| Customer Support and Mobile Experience | Offers a user-friendly mobile app but lacks some order types and features | Easy and quick account opening with no minimum for most countries | User-friendly mobile platform, though it does not support some advanced search filters |
For expats in 2024, selecting the appropriate investment platform involves careful consideration of costs, features, and ease of use. Interactive Brokers is optimal for those seeking low transaction fees and global market reach, making it ideal for seasoned investors. Saxo Bank excels in offering a sophisticated trading environment, suited for active traders who value detailed analysis and market insights. Meanwhile, Swissquote’s robust security and extensive market access align well with expats who prioritise safety and do not mind higher costs. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal investing priorities and financial goals while living abroad.
Useful blogs related to this:
- Saxo Bank vs Other Platforms Review
- Can I Keep My Hargreaves Lansdown Account When Living Abroad as a UK Expat?
- Swiss Quote Review
If you have any questions, please contact me using the button below or my contact page. I have added two videos below; there are over 150 on my YouTube Channel just for expats.
This is a major risk in 2026 due to tightening “Know Your Customer” (KYC) and tax reporting rules. While “UK-only” platforms like Hargreaves Lansdown or Vanguard UK often require you to stop trading (or even close your account) once you lose UK tax residency, global “Expat-First” platforms like Interactive Brokers (IBKR) or Saxo Bank are designed for mobility. They allow you to simply update your tax residency and continue trading, though the available investment products (like certain US ETFs) may change based on your new location’s regulations (e.g., MiFID II in the EU).
Most expats earn in one currency, invest in another (usually USD), and plan to spend in a third. Standard banks often charge a 1–3% spread on these conversions. In 2026, the best platforms for expats offer “interbank” rates or extremely low fixed fees. For example, Interactive Brokers typically charges just $2 for a manual conversion, whereas Saxo uses a 0.25% spread. Over a 20-year horizon, saving 2% on every monthly contribution can result in a portfolio that is 15–20% larger simply by avoiding “hidden” FX costs.
For HNW expats (7 and 8-figure portfolios), Swissquote or Saxo (Switzerland) are often preferred for their “Safe Haven” status. While platforms like DEGIRO or Trading 212 are excellent for low-cost entry, Swiss-regulated banks offer the Swiss Depositor Protection (esisuisse) of up to CHF 100,000 and a tradition of political neutrality. If you are living in a volatile region (like parts of the Middle East or SE Asia), the peace of mind of having your “core wealth” in a Tier-1 Swiss jurisdiction often outweighs the slightly higher transaction fees.
