Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account or sign up through links on this page. This does not cost you extra. Our rankings are based on our published methodology, not on commission amount.
Interactive Brokers Review
A global, multi-asset broker with low costs, huge market access and professional-grade tools. Steeper learning curve.
Best for
- Advanced traders
- International market access
- Low margin rates
Not best for
- You want the simplest possible app
- You trade very rarely
- You're intimidated by complex platforms
Our verdict & scoring
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a favourite of serious and professional traders worldwide, offering stocks, options, futures, forex and bonds across 150+ markets with low margin rates and strong execution. Its power comes with complexity; IBKR Lite offers a simpler commission-free tier for US clients.
Scores are based on our review methodology. Affiliate relationships do not buy higher ratings.
Who should actually use Interactive Brokers
IBKR is built for advanced and professional traders who want global reach — stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds and funds across 150+ markets — plus low margin rates and APIs. Beginners can still use it through the simpler, commission-free IBKR Lite tier. It's the wrong tool if you want the simplest possible app or you trade only a couple of times a year.
What we'd change
The power comes with a steep learning curve, and the interface can feel dated next to newer apps. For a casual investor who just buys index funds, IBKR is overkill — the depth you're paying in complexity for goes unused.
How it compares to Fidelity
IBKR's edge over Fidelity is reach and cost for serious traders: 150+ global markets, multi-entity regulation (US, UK, Ireland) and low margin rates, versus Fidelity's US-only focus. Fidelity is simpler and stronger on service and education for buy-and-hold investors. IBKR Lite matches Fidelity's $0 US stock/ETF commissions, while IBKR Pro's tiered pricing targets active and professional traders.
Pros
- Vast global market access
- Low costs and margin rates
- Professional tools and APIs
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Overkill for casual investors
- Interface can feel dated
Fees & hidden costs explained
IBKR Lite: $0 commissions on US-listed stocks/ETFs, no account minimums and no inactivity fees. IBKR Pro: low Fixed or volume-Tiered commissions with exchange/regulatory pass-through. Market-data subscriptions may apply. (Inactivity fees were eliminated for most accounts on 1 Jul 2021.)
Safety, regulation & availability
Multi-entity: US (SEC/FINRA), UK (FCA), Ireland (Central Bank of Ireland) for EU clients, plus others. The regulator and protections depend on which entity holds your account.
Account protection: US: SIPC up to $500,000. UK: FSCS up to £85,000 via the UK entity. EU: national compensation scheme via IBIE (Ireland).
Available to retail traders in:
Verify this platform yourself:
Frequently asked questions
Is Interactive Brokers good for beginners?
It's usable by beginners via IBKR Lite, but the platform's depth suits intermediate-to-advanced traders more than absolute newcomers.
Is Interactive Brokers safe?
IBKR is multi-entity regulated: the US entity is SEC/FINRA-registered with SIPC coverage up to $500,000, the UK entity is FCA-authorised with FSCS up to £85,000, and EU clients are served via the Ireland entity's compensation scheme. Which regulator and protection applies depends on the entity holding your account.
What's the difference between IBKR Lite and IBKR Pro?
IBKR Lite offers $0 commissions on US-listed stocks and ETFs with no account minimums or inactivity fees. IBKR Pro uses low fixed or volume-tiered commissions with exchange/regulatory pass-through and optional market-data subscriptions, aimed at active and professional traders.
Which markets can I trade with Interactive Brokers?
IBKR provides access to stocks, ETFs, options, futures, forex, bonds and funds across 150+ markets worldwide.
Does Interactive Brokers offer paper trading?
Yes — IBKR includes a paper-trading account for practising on the platform without real money.
Official sources
Risk warning: Trading stocks, options, futures, forex, crypto, CFDs and funded accounts involves risk. You can lose money. This website is educational only and does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
Leverage, volatility, fees, spreads, liquidity and platform rules can increase losses.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click some links on our site. This does not cost you extra. Our comparisons are educational and transparent, and our rankings are not affected by commissions.