Interactive Brokers Review 2026
Our verdict
Score colours: Top 10% Above average
FXEmpire avg 4.2 is a benchmark exclusive to FXEmpire: the average score of all 73 brokers we tested this year. It shows at a glance how the broker you're considering measures up against the industry.
Every broker is tested hands-on by our analysts, against the same 250+ variables.
- Top 10% the highest scores
- Above average the next 25%
- Best for: Swing traders
- Day traders
- Scalpers
- News traders
- Algo traders
- Good for: Beginners
- Not ideal for: Copy traders
Few brokers can match Interactive Brokers (IBKR) when it comes to scale, technology, and cost efficiency. Founded in 1978 and regulated by multiple top-tier authorities worldwide, IBKR sets the industry benchmark for reliability and transparency. In my tests, its spreads and commissions were consistently among the lowest in the market, making it a top pick for professional and active traders.
What really makes Interactive Brokers stand out is its suite of powerful platforms—from the pro-grade Trader Workstation (TWS) to the sleek GlobalTrader app—each designed to fit a specific type of trader. While competitors often focus on simplicity, IBKR delivers both depth and sophistication, offering direct market access, algorithmic trading options, and tools you’d usually find in institutional environments.
That said, Interactive Brokers isn’t perfect. Its customer support can feel slow, and beginners might find the TWS platform overwhelming at first. But with its low fees, unmatched market access, and top-tier educational resources, IBKR remains the go-to broker for traders who want the best combination of power, precision, and global reach.
Every broker reviewed on FXEmpire pays an annual listing fee. The fee buys the listing, not the score: our analysts test every broker hands-on and the rating is theirs alone. How we test and score →
How we tested trust:
- We verified every license of the broker directly on the regulators' registers, not on the broker's website.
- We checked how client funds are protected: segregation, negative balance protection, compensation schemes.
- We read the broker's legal documents ourselves: terms, conditions and fee schedules.
- We looked at business history, corporate structure and years in the industry.
How we tested fees:
- We measured live spreads and commissions on the most traded instruments, during the London and New York sessions.
- We recorded swap rates and non-trading fees from the broker's own documents.
- We compared every number with the FXEmpire benchmark: the average of all brokers we tested.
- The numbers in this review are our measurements, with their dates.
How we tested the platforms:
- We traded on the broker's web, desktop and mobile platforms ourselves.
- We placed orders of every type and timed the execution.
- We tested the charts, the indicators and the drawing tools in daily use.
- We scored usability, functionality and stability against the FXEmpire benchmark.
How we tested the instruments:
- We counted the instruments in each asset class inside the trading platform, not from the marketing pages.
- We checked which products are real assets and which are CFDs.
- We compared the range with every other broker in our database.
How we tested customer support:
- We contacted the broker ourselves on every channel it offers: live chat, phone, email and messaging apps.
- We measured how long it took to reach a live agent, and recorded the date of each test.
- We asked real trader questions and scored the answers for accuracy and professionalism.
How we tested research:
- We used the broker's research tools ourselves: in-house and third-party analysis, news, signals and calendars.
- We checked how often the content is updated and whether it is useful for trading decisions.
- We scored the quality and the range against the FXEmpire benchmark.
How we tested deposits and withdrawals:
- We checked every payment method, its fees, limits and processing time, from the broker's documents and the client area.
- We looked for hidden fees and currency conversion costs.
- We compared the conditions with every other broker in our database.
How we tested the accounts:
- We opened an account with the broker and recorded how long the process took and what it required.
- We compared the account types on spreads, commissions, leverage, minimum deposit and base currencies.
- We checked which account fits which type of trader, from beginner to professional.
- We compared the offer with every other broker in our database.
How we tested education:
- We went through the broker's articles, videos, webinars and courses ourselves.
- We checked whether the material fits beginners and experienced traders, and how often it is updated.
- We counted the volume and scored the quality against the FXEmpire benchmark.
| Entity | Regulator | Max leverage |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers Central Europe Zrt. | MNB | 1:30 |
| Interactive Brokers LLC | CFTC | 1:50 |
| Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited | CBI | 1:30 |
| Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte. Ltd. | MAS | 1:20 |
| Interactive Brokers Securities Japan Inc. | JFSA | 1:25 |
| Interactive Brokers Australia Pty. Ltd. | ASIC | 1:30 |
| Interactive Brokers (UK) Limited (IBUK) | FCA | 1:30 |
| Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Limited i | SFC | 1:20 |
| Interactive Brokers Central Europe Zrt.MNB | 1:30 |
| Interactive Brokers LLCCFTC | 1:50 |
| Interactive Brokers Ireland LimitedCBI | 1:30 |
| Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte. Ltd.MAS | 1:20 |
| Interactive Brokers Securities Japan Inc.JFSA | 1:25 |
| Interactive Brokers Australia Pty. Ltd.ASIC | 1:30 |
| Interactive Brokers (UK) Limited (IBUK) FCA | 1:30 |
| Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Limited iSFC | 1:20 |
The entity that onboards you sets your leverage. Professional accounts can get more.
Demo: yesDeposits: ACH, Wire Transfer, Check, Wise · $0 feeWithdrawals: ACH, Wire Transfer · $0 feeFull information →
How Interactive Brokers compares to every broker we tested
FXEmpire BenchmarkWe test dozens of brokers every year, 73 this year alone. That gives us a clear picture of the market and a benchmark for every category. Here is how Interactive Brokers measures up against the industry.
Interactive Brokers score breakdown: 9 categories, each next to the FXEmpire average
Score colours: Top 10% Above average
- The authority on broker reviews since 2011. Traders have relied on our independent testing for over a decade.
- 73 brokers tested every year. We test the whole market, so we know the benchmark and exactly how Interactive Brokers compares with it.
- Every broker takes the same test. One published scoring system, with 9 weighted categories and 250+ variables, all measured hands-on by our analysts.
- Every fact is checked twice. A dedicated editor re-verifies each data point, from licenses to spreads, before publication.
- Reviews are not for sale. No broker can pay to change a review, a score or a verdict.
Interactive Brokers Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
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Interactive Brokers Video Review
Interactive Brokers Full Review
Trust
Interactive Brokers is among the world’s largest and most stable brokerage firms, publicly listed on Nasdaq under the ticker IBKR. It is licensed and regulated by multiple top-tier financial authorities worldwide, ensuring robust regulatory compliance and investor protection.
- LicencesTier-1 - SEC, CFTC, CIRO, FCA · Tier-2 - DFSA and others
- ListedNasdaq: IBKR
- StabilityAmong the world's largest and most stable brokerages
| Entity | Interactive Brokers LLC | Interactive Brokers Canada Inc. | Interactive Brokers (UK) Limited | Interactive Brokers (UK) Limited | Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited | Interactive Brokers India Pvt. Ltd. | Interactive Brokers Securities Japan Inc. | Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Limited | Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte. Ltd. | Interactive Brokers Australia Pty. Ltd. |
| Country/Region | United States | Canada | United Kingdom | United Arab Emirates | Western Europe | India | Japan | Hong Kong | Singapore | Australia |
| Regulator | SEC, CFTC | IIROC | FCA | DFSA | CBI | SEBI | JSDA | SFC | MAS | ASIC |
| Segregated Funds | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Negative Balance Protection | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Compensation Scheme | SIPC up to $500,000 | CIPF up to $1,000,000 | FSCS up to £85,000 | No | DGS up to €100,000 | No | No | No | No | No |
| CFD Trading Maximum Leverage | CFD Trading not available | CFD Trading not available | 1:30 | 1:30 | 1:30 | CFD Trading not available | 1:25 | CFD Trading not available | 1:20 | 1:30 |
Interactive Brokers Regulators
In our reviews, we examine the regulatory status of each entity operated by a broker. This allows us to compare the different levels of client protection. We rank regulators using a three-tier system, where Tier-1 licensing reflects the highest level of regulation.
Here are my findings on the various entities of Interactive Brokers:
- Interactive Brokers LLC is regulated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). We rate the SEC and CFTC as Tier 1 regulators.
- Interactive Brokers Canada Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), formerly IIROC. We rate CIRO as a Tier 1 regulator.
- Interactive Brokers (UK) Limited (IBUK) is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), register entry number 208159. We rate FCA as a Tier 1 regulator.
- Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited (DIFC Branch) is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) register number F008423 and DIFC registration number CL8717. We rate DFSA as a Tier 2 regulator.
- Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), reference number C423427. We rate CBI as a Tier 2 regulator.
- Interactive Brokers India Pvt. Ltd. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Registration No. INZ000217730. We rate SEBI as a Tier 2 regulator.
- Interactive Brokers Securities Japan Inc. is a member of the Japan Securities Dealers Association (JSDA). We rate JSDA as a Tier 2 regulator.
- Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Limited is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). We rate SFC as a Tier 2 regulator.
- Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte. Ltd. is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), license number CMS100917. We rate MAS as a Tier 2 regulator.
- Interactive Brokers Australia Pty. Ltd. is licensed and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), AFSL number 453554. We rate ASIC as a Tier 1 regulator.
How Interactive Brokers Protects You
Brokers operate multiple entities to serve clients globally, yet regulatory protections vary by jurisdiction. Some regulators enforce strict financial standards, while others are more lenient. Traders should understand the protection offered by the entity where they intend to open an account.
- Segregation of Client Funds. Interactive Brokers ensures that all client funds are held in segregated bank accounts, separate from the firm’s corporate capital. This practice eliminates the risk of accounting errors and protects client assets across all of its entities.
- Negative Balance Protection. This safety mechanism removes the risk of trading losses exceeding the account balance. In other words, the losses you incur from trading are capped at the amount you have put in your trading account. This is especially important in volatile markets. All Interactive Brokers entities provide negative balance protection.
- Compensation Scheme. A compensation scheme protects retail traders against the broker’s liabilities in the unlikely event that the company becomes insolvent. Clients of the UK entity benefit from account insurance of up to £85,000 via the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and clients of the EU entity are covered by CySEC ICF up to €20,000.
- Maximum Leverage. Capping the maximum leverage restricts the extent of market exposure to retail traders. The higher the leverage, the higher the potential profits and losses. UK clients have access to maximum leverage of 1:30.
Stability and Transparency
In my tests for the Trust category, we also cover factors relating to stability and transparency. Here, we focus on the broker’s operating history, size, and overall credibility.
Interactive Brokers boasts an exceptional 47-year track record in the financial industry. As a publicly traded company listed on the Nasdaq with a market capitalization exceeding $100 billion, it is required to publish regular financial reports. This transparency provides investors and clients with valuable insight into the firm’s financial strength and long-term stability.
In my research, Interactive Brokers showed a high level of transparency in its regulatory status, fees, and general background information. The materials are readily available on the website.
Interactive Brokers lists its regulatory status at the footer of each page. The Pricing menu in the horizontal navigation clearly outlines all costs, such as commissions and margin interest rates. Traders can find the Client Agreements in the accounts section of the website.
Is Interactive Brokers Safe to Trade With?
To conclude, I rate Interactive Brokers as highly trustworthy and stable due to the following factors:
- Regulated by multiple top-tier agencies worldwide
- Almost 50 years of operating history
- Publicly traded company valued at over $100 billion
- High level of transparency
- $18.5 billion in equity capital
Fees
Interactive Brokers is renowned for having some of the lowest trading fees in the industry. My hands-on testing of forex and CFD instruments confirmed this, with consistently ultra-tight spreads and low commissions. However, the fee structure can be complex, making it more suitable for seasoned traders who are comfortable navigating detailed pricing models.
- EUR/USD spread0.2 pips (industry average 1.08)
- CommissionsLow, volume-based; minimum charges apply
- PricingComplex fee structure
Interactive Brokers Trading Fees
Interactive Brokers Spreads
I tested spreads at Interactive Brokers on 31 July 2025 during the London open and shortly after the New York open—periods known for peak market liquidity and typically the tightest spreads.
| Instrument | Live spread AM | Live spread PM | Industry Average |
| EUR/USD | 0.2 Pips | 0.2 Pips | 1.08 Pips |
| GBP/JPY | 1.3 Pips | 1.1 Pips | 2.44 Pips |
| Gold (XAUUSD) | 4 Cents | 19 Cents | 25 Cents |
| WTI Crude Oil | 2 Cents | 2 Cents | 3 Cents |
| Apple | N/A | 3 Cents | 33 Cents |
| Tesla | N/A | 7 Cents | 5 Cents |
| DAX 40 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 2.4 Pips |
| Dow Jones 30 | 6.6 | 6.2 | 3.3 Pips |
My live tests reveal that most instruments at Interactive Brokers offer significantly tighter spreads than the industry average, highlighting the platform’s highly competitive pricing.
Spreads on pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/JPY were especially low. The main outlier was the Dow Jones 30 index, which showed wider-than-average spreads, possibly due to heightened market volatility at the time.
Commissions
Interactive Brokers offers low, volume-based commissions across forex, share CFDs, gold, indices, and crude oil. Fees are tiered, with higher trading volumes earning lower rates. Minimum charges apply, and pricing varies by asset type, as detailed below.
Forex
| Monthly Trade Value (USD) | Tiered |
| ≤ 1,000,000,000 | 0.20 basis point * Trade Value |
| 1,000,000,000.01 – 2,000,000,000 | 0.15 basis point * Trade Value |
| 2,000,000,000.01 – 5,000,000,000 | 0.10 basis point * Trade Value |
| > 5,000,000,000 | 0.08 basis point * Trade Value |
| Minimum per order | Tier I – USD 2.00 Tier II – USD 1.50 Tier III – USD 1.25 Tier IV – USD 1.00 |
1 basis point=0.0001
IBKR offers tiered forex commissions from 0.20 to 0.08 basis points based on monthly trade volume, with minimum commissions from $1.00 to $2.00.
United States Share CFDs
| Volume Per Month | IBKR Commission per Share (USD) | Minimum per Order (USD) |
| ≤ 300,000 | 0.0050 | 1.00 |
| 300,001 – 3,000,000 | 0.0045 | 1.00 |
| 3,000,001 – 20,000,000 | 0.0040 | 1.00 |
| 20,000,001 – 100,000,000 | 0.0035 | 1.00 |
| > 100,000,000 | 0.0030 | 0.65 |
U.S. share CFD commissions range from $0.0050 to $0.0030 per share, with a $1.00 minimum (reduced to $0.65 for high volumes).
Gold
| Order Amount USD | Commissions | Minimum per Order |
| 0 – 500,000 | 1.5 basis points * Trade Value | USD 2.00 |
| 500,000.01 – 1,000,000 | 1.0 basis points * Trade Value | N/A |
| > 1,000,000 | 0.7 basis points * Trade Value | N/A |
1 basis point=0.0001
Gold CFD fees range from 1.5 to 0.7 basis points, depending on trade size.
Indices and Crude Oil
| Contract | Per Trade Fee | Minimum per Order | Multiplier |
| Dow 30 | 0.005% | USD 1.00 | 1 |
| Dax 40 | 0.005% | USD 1.00 | 1 |
| WTI Crude Oil | 0.015% | USD 1.00 | 1 |
Index and crude oil CFDs are charged at 0.005% (Dow 30, DAX 40) and 0.015% (WTI), each with a $1.00 minimum per order.
Interactive Brokers Swap Fees
The table below outlines the Swap Long and Swap Short rates, which represent the overnight cost or credit for holding a long (buy) or short (sell) position on a full-sized contract. In forex, this is 100,000 units of the base currency; for gold, it’s 100 ounces. The data was collected on 30 July 2025.
| Instrument | Swap Long | Swap Short |
| EUR/USD | Charge of $10.91 | Credit of $5.16 |
| GBP/JPY | Credit of $7.76 | Charge of $4.01 |
| Gold | Charge of $18.30 | Charge of $16.92 |
Based on these results, I rate the swap fees at Interactive Brokers as competitive within the industry.
Interactive Brokers Non-Trading Fees
Interactive Brokers does not charge deposit, withdrawal, or inactivity fees. This gives traders the freedom to manage their funds without incurring extra costs and allows infrequent traders to keep their accounts open without penalty.
Are Interactive Brokers’ Fees Competitive?
Interactive Brokers has built a reputation for being highly competitive when it comes to fees, and I found this true in my tests. The spreads, commissions, and margin interest rates are among the most favorable in the industry. The broker offers:
- Rock bottom spreads
- Low commissions
- Competitive overnight swap fees
- No deposit or withdrawal fees
- No inactivity fee
Platforms and Tools
Interactive Brokers offers a range of state-of-the-art platforms – from the web-based client portal to the advanced Trader WorkStation (TWS) platform, IBKR desktop, and two proprietary mobile apps. I found the TWS platform to be powerful enough for advanced professionals, while IBKR Desktop and the GlobalTrader app are more accessible to casual traders.
- PlatformsTrader Workstation (TWS) · IBKR Desktop · Client Portal
- MobileIBKR Mobile · GlobalTrader
- Best for prosTWS with advanced scanners and DMA
Client Portal
The Interactive Brokers Client Portal is a secure, web-based platform that lets traders and investors easily access and manage their accounts from any browser. Its intuitive dashboard provides a real-time overview of your portfolio, including performance, positions, available cash, and key notifications.
You can track essential metrics like net liquidation value, P&L, and buying power at a glance, and quickly place or manage trades using the slide-out trade ticket from any page. The portal also offers robust reporting tools, portfolio analysis, integrated charting, market research, and watchlists. Additionally, it provides easy account management features such as deposits and withdrawals, making it a convenient all-in-one solution.
IBKR Desktop
IBKR Desktop is a powerful yet user-friendly trading platform designed to meet the needs of traders at all experience levels.
The platform gives access to stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, and funds from a single screen. IBKR Desktop combines advanced technology with a smooth, intuitive interface.
Traders benefit from a suite of sophisticated tools, including customizable charting with over 100 indicators, the MultiSort Screener for scanning over 70,000 stocks, and real-time portfolio monitoring with detailed margin and P&L data.
Features like synchronized watchlists, Rapid Order Entry, and built-in risk management tools streamline trading.
IBKR Desktop also features customizable layouts and multi-monitor support, allowing traders to design an efficient workspace tailored to their unique needs.
Trader Workstation (TWS)
Trader Workstation (TWS) is Interactive Brokers’ flagship desktop platform, built for active, experienced traders and institutions who demand speed, flexibility, and access to global markets.
TWS offers two main views:
- Mosaic – a customizable workspace ideal for streamlined order management, charting, and portfolio tracking.
- Classic TWS – designed for advanced users who want direct access to advanced order types, algos, and cutting-edge trading tools.
Trader Workstation (TWS) offers robust charting, including:
- 100+ technical indicators, diverse time frames from intraday to monthly.
- 16+ chart types, including candlestick, bar, line, Heikin Ashi, Renko, and Point & Figure.
- 50+ drawing tools like trend lines and Fibonacci retracements.
The platform supports multiple chart layouts and saving templates for efficient workflow.
TWS offers a comprehensive selection of order types to suit different trading strategies, including:
- Basic order types like market, limit, and stop-loss orders.
- Advanced order types such as limit if touched, market if touched, trailing stops, and basket orders.
Traders can also access professional-grade tools, including market scanners, real-time news, premium research, and customizable watchlists. They can monitor account balances, P&L, and margin requirements in real time, set alerts based on key metrics, and evaluate performance through detailed trade reports. The Risk Navigator offers a dynamic, real-time view of market risk across asset classes.
The Trader Workstation (TWS) platform features integrated real-time news feeds from leading financial sources, including Dow Jones Newswires, Reuters, and Bloomberg. Traders are updated with the latest market headlines, analyst reports, and company announcements directly within the interface.
GlobalTrader Mobile App
IBKR GlobalTrader is a user-friendly mobile app that enables investors to trade stocks, ETFs, and options across more than 90 global stock markets. It supports fractional shares, allowing users to start investing with as little as $1, making it easy to build a diversified portfolio regardless of stock price. In my view, this is a great resource for beginners as they can make live trades while keeping their risk limited.
The app also allows trading in US stocks and select ETFs like QQQ and SPY around the clock, five days a week. Options trading is available with intuitive tools like the Options Chain and Options Wizard to assist with strategy selection. Users can deposit and trade in up to 28 currencies and easily convert funds with a single tap.
IBKR Mobile App
The IBKR Mobile app is a feature-rich trading platform built for experienced traders seeking advanced tools, order types, and real-time data while on the go. It supports trading in stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, and funds, bringing the power of Interactive Brokers’ desktop Trader Workstation (TWS) to mobile devices.
The app features professional-grade tools, including institutional research and strategy aids such as the Option Spread Grid and Options Wizard. Charting is robust, offering 16 chart types, 12 time frames, 100+ technical indicators, and over 50 drawing tools. IBKR Mobile also features built-in two-factor authentication with biometric login options on supported devices.
IBKR Platforms and Apps: My Key Takeaways
Interactive Brokers effectively serves traders across all experience levels. The IBKR GlobalTrader Mobile App stands out for its intuitive interface, offering fractional investing, multi-currency support, and round-the-clock access to key U.S. markets.
Meanwhile, IBKR Mobile and TWS provide professional-grade tools, comprehensive asset coverage, and in-depth analytics, making them suitable for serious and institutional traders. Together, IBKR’s platforms provide one of the most versatile and complete trading environments available.
Interactive Brokers Order Execution Model
Interactive Brokers uses the Direct Market Access (DMA) execution model, where CFD orders are immediately hedged in the underlying physical market. This means the CFD trade is executed at the exact price of the hedge, ensuring direct market exposure and transparent pricing.
Tradable Instruments
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) clients can trade across more than 160 global markets (exchanges) in stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, funds, and other instruments. Clients can access over 8,500 CFDs on forex, stocks, commodities, and indices. The range of over 100 currency pairs is much better than average, but the number of CFDs on commodities is relatively limited.
- Markets160+ global markets
- CFDs8,500+
- Forex pairs100+
- Weak spot4 commodity CFDs
| Instrument | Number | Type | Industry Average |
| Forex Pairs | 100+ | Major, Minor, Exotic | 30–75 |
| Commodities | 4 | Metals, Energy, Agriculture | 5–10 |
| Indices | 13 | Major Global Indices | 5–10 |
| Stocks | 8,500+ | US, European, and Asian Exchanges | 200–300 |
I rated Interactive Brokers as particularly strong in CFDs on forex, shares, and indices, while noting that there is room for improvement in the range of commodity CFDs.
What are CFDs?
A Contract for Difference (CFD) is an agreement specifying that the buyer must pay the seller the difference between an asset’s current value and its value at the time the contract was initiated. Like futures and other derivative financial instruments, CFDs allow traders to speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset.
What Can You Trade with Interactive Brokers?
To better illustrate the range of instruments available at Interactive Brokers, the following tables show samples from various asset classes:
| Forex | Forex Minors |
| EUR/USD | USD/JPY | GBP/USD | AUD/CAD | EUR/GBP | GBP/JPY |
| Forex Exotic | Metals |
| USD/RUB | USD/HUF | USD/MXN | London Gold | London Silver | London Platinum |
| Indices | Stocks |
| Japan 225 | Germany 40 | US Tech 100 | Visa | Air France | HSBC | Nvidia | Intel |
Interactive Brokers Instruments: My Key Takeaways
Overall, Interactive Brokers provides an impressive selection of instruments spanning all asset classes and global markets. Although the variety of commodity CFDs is relatively limited, traders have access to a wide array of commodities through the futures market.
Customer Support
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) customer support is accessible through live chat, phone, email, and social media on business days (excluding weekends and holidays). Live chat and phone provide the quickest assistance, while email responses may take longer. In my experience, the quality of customer support was inconsistent.
- ChannelsLive chat · phone · email · social media
- HoursBusiness days only
- In my testInconsistent quality
Interactive Brokers Customer Support Test
Clients can contact IBKR’s customer service from Sunday afternoon to Friday evening, New York time, with no support available on Saturdays. When reaching out via phone or chat, users must navigate through several prompts before connecting to a representative, which, from my experience, can be time-consuming.
I assessed the support by asking a range of questions, from simple to complex, such as about one-click trading on the TWS platform and how to calculate overnight swap fees. While some responses came from knowledgeable industry experts, the experience occasionally felt similar to dealing with a standard call center.
| Languages |
| English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Polish, Italian, German, Austrian, Romanian, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Turkish, Arabic, Indonesian, Malaysian, Hungarian |
Deposit and Withdrawal
Clients can deposit funds via wire transfer, ACH bank transfer, Wise, and check, while withdrawals can only be made via wire transfer and ACH bank transfer. Payments are free, and requests are processed promptly, typically within one business day. However, some widely used funding methods, like credit/debit cards, are not supported. Overall, the selection of deposit and withdrawal methods is limited compared to other brokers.
- DepositsWire · ACH · Wise · check
- WithdrawalsWire · ACH; one free per month
- Fees$0; no cards accepted
How Did We Test the Broker's Deposit and Withdrawal Process?
How Do You Deposit Money with Interactive Brokers
| Method | Fees | Processing Time |
| Wire Transfer | $0 | 1 Business Day |
| Bank Transfer (ACH) | $0 | 1 Business Day |
| Wise | $0 | 1 Business Day |
| Check | $0 | 1 Business Day |
The deposit methods are wire transfer, ACH (bank transfer), Wise, and check. All these options are fee-free and typically credited to your account by the next business day. Please note that credit/debit cards are not accepted for deposits.
How Do You Withdraw Money from Interactive Brokers
| Method | Fees | Processing Time |
| Wire Transfer | $0 | 1 Business Day |
| Bank Transfer (ACH) | $0 | 1 Business Day |
Withdrawals can be made via wire transfer and ACH, both of which are fee-free and typically processed within one business day. Interactive Brokers allows one free withdrawal per account per calendar month; additional withdrawals within the same month may incur fees, depending on the currency and withdrawal method.
Account Types and Terms
The application process at Interactive Brokers is quick and easy, typically taking around 15 minutes to complete. IBKR offers a diverse variety of account types, designed to meet the needs of a wide range of trading and investment professionals. The range of accounts goes far beyond what is typically offered at forex and CFD brokers.
- ApplicationAround 15 minutes
- AccountsWide range for traders and investors
- Demo$1 million virtual balance
- Swap-freeNo Islamic account
How to Open an Account with Interactive Brokers
To open an individual account with Interactive Brokers UK, applicants must provide personal and financial details, including their full name, address, citizenship, country of birth, phone number, date of birth, marital status, number of dependents, and tax residency.
They are also required to submit their Social Security number and proof of identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, national ID card, or alien registration card. Additionally, applicants must disclose their employment status and the source of their wealth.
What Account Types Interactive Brokers Offers
| Account Types |
| Individual, Joint and Trust Accounts | Family Advisor | Stocks and Shares Individual Savings Account (ISA) | Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) Accounts | Family Office Accounts | Small Business Accounts | Advisor Accounts | Money Manager Accounts | Broker & FCM Accounts | Proprietary Trading Group Accounts | Compliance Officers | Administrators |
Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of account types to suit both individual and professional clients. Options include Individual, Joint, Trust, ISA, and SIPP accounts, as well as specialized accounts for advisors, money managers, family offices, proprietary trading groups, brokers, and administrators.
| Base Currencies |
| AUD, CAD, CHF, CNH, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, ILS, INR (for India-based accounts only), JPY, MXN, NOK, NZD, RUB, SEK, SGD, USD |
Clients select one base currency for their account, which is used in reporting and margin calculations, but can also hold and trade in other currencies. Some regions have currency restrictions, and the base currency can be changed at any time via the Client Portal.
Demo Account
Interactive Brokers provides a free simulated account with a $1 million virtual balance, accessible across all its platforms, including the Client Portal, Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile, and the GlobalTrader app. After gaining experience with the demo, users can seamlessly transition to a live trading account.
Islamic Account
Interactive Brokers does not offer a swap-free Islamic account.
What is CFD Leverage?
One key reason traders are drawn to the forex and CFD markets is the high level of available leverage. Leverage allows you to control larger positions by using borrowed funds, enabling you to trade beyond the limits of your account balance.
At Interactive Brokers UK, CFD traders can access leverage of up to 1:30. This means a trader with a $1,000 account balance can control positions worth up to $30,000 in the market.
Leverage is often referred to as a “double-edged sword” because it can magnify both gains and losses. While it has the potential to boost profits, traders should be aware that it equally increases the risk of significant losses.
Leverage varies by asset class, as illustrated in the following table:
| Asset Class | Maximum Available Leverage |
| Forex | 1:30 |
| Metals | 1:20 |
| Energies | 1:10 |
| Indices | 1:20 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 |
| Shares | 1:5 |
Interactive Brokers Restricted Countries
Interactive Brokers serves clients in over 220 countries globally. It restricts account openings mainly due to U.S. sanctions. Commonly restricted countries include North Korea, Iran, Syria, Cuba, Crimea, and Belarus.
Research
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) provides a robust suite of research materials designed to meet the needs of active traders and investors. The materials offer a blend of proprietary insights, institutional-quality data, and customizable analytical tools. Clients can access articles, blogs, and videos along with premium news feeds and advanced market scanners. I rate the research materials as among the best in the industry.
- News feeds60+ sources incl. Dow Jones, Bloomberg, Morningstar
- ContentTraders' Insight · IBKR Podcast · market scanners
- RatingAmong the best in the industry
A cornerstone of IBKR’s research ecosystem, Traders’ Insight delivers timely market commentary and actionable analysis. This resource features articles, blogs, and videos by both IBKR’s in-house analysts and external industry professionals, whose expertise spans equities, options, fixed income, forex, and cryptocurrencies.
Integrated News and Research Tools
IBKR incorporates advanced research functionalities within its trading platforms, including IBKR Desktop and Trader Workstation. The News & Research interface combines real-time news from over 60 top-tier sources, including Dow Jones, Bloomberg, and Morningstar. Users can customize their dashboards to track daily market overviews or news related to specific watchlists.
Fundamentals Explorer
IBKR’s Fundamentals Explorer provides comprehensive company analysis for fundamental investors. It aggregates company profiles, financial ratios, key historical data, analyst ratings, and ownership statistics. This enables users to conduct in-depth research on individual securities or industries, supporting more informed investment decisions by drawing on financial metrics and industry comparisons.
Market Scanners
IBKR provides powerful market scanners designed to help traders identify trading opportunities across global markets in real time. The scanners can filter stocks, options, futures, and other instruments based on customizable criteria such as price, volume, percentage change, volatility, and technical indicators.
IBKR Podcast
The IBKR Podcast offers market commentary and in-depth discussions on current events, asset classes, investment strategies, and the broader financial landscape. Episodes feature Interactive Brokers employees, researchers, and professionals from across the financial sector. Recent topics include interviews with notable industry figures. The podcast is updated frequently and serves as a convenient way to stay informed about current market themes.
Interactive Brokers Research: My Key Takeaways
Interactive Brokers delivers institutional-level research and analysis through a comprehensive array of resources. The combination of proprietary commentary, integrated news feeds, and robust analytical tools provides timely, relevant, and actionable insights.
Education
Interactive Brokers excels in its educational materials. A rich array of educational resources is available on its IBKR Campus, catering to traders and investors at all levels. The materials are designed to build foundational knowledge, enhance practical trading skills, and keep users updated on market trends and advanced strategies. I rate the educational resources at IBKR as among the best in the brokerage industry.
- HubIBKR Campus · Traders' Academy
- FormatsCourses · webinars · Quant Blog
- RatingAmong the best in the industry
The Traders’ Academy offers free, structured online courses that cover a broad spectrum of finance and trading topics. The curriculum ranges from beginner-friendly introductions to forex, stocks, options, and futures to advanced lessons in technical analysis and market strategies. Lessons often incorporate both video and text to reinforce learning.
The Quant Blog, tailored for quantitative traders, explores topics such as trading models, data science applications in finance, risk management, and backtesting strategies. The blog addresses both coding and non-coding aspects of quant trading, offering insights from industry professionals, platform partners, and guest experts.
Webinars
Webinars feature presentations by seasoned IBKR analysts, industry guest speakers, and partners from leading financial institutions. The live sessions cover a diverse range of subjects, from platform tutorials and software demonstrations to in-depth explorations of specific trading strategies.
Webinars are an excellent resource for learning, as attendees can interact with experts and ask questions in real time. Recorded webinars are archived on the IBKR Campus, allowing you to revisit topics on demand.
The Bottom Line
Interactive Brokers stands out as one of the largest and most reliable brokers globally, earning a top-tier trust rating based on our review criteria, which include regulation, financial strength, and transparency.
Forex and CFD traders can benefit from a highly competitive environment with tight spreads as low as 0.1 pip and real-time quotes sourced from 17 of the world’s largest FX dealers, ensuring deep liquidity. Traders can access over 100 currency pairs with low, transparent commissions. In my tests, Interactive Brokers consistently delivered some of the lowest prices in the industry.
The flagship Trader Workstation (TWS) platform is packed with professional-grade tools, which may present a steeper learning curve for newcomers. However, Interactive Brokers has made strides in improving accessibility for beginners with intuitive options like IBKR Desktop and the GlobalTrader mobile app.
Customer support remains an area for improvement, particularly when it comes to response times and ease of reaching a live representative. While the overall selection of tradable instruments is excellent, coverage in certain categories, like commodity CFDs, could be expanded. The funding and withdrawal process would also benefit from support for a broader range of payment methods.
With ultra-competitive pricing, advanced platforms, access to global markets, and high-quality research tools, Interactive Brokers is an exceptional choice for intermediate, advanced, and professional traders.
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See Interactive Brokers Full Information
Headquarters Country | United States |
Foundation Year | 1978 |
Regulations | MNB (Hungary), CFTC (United States), CBI (Ireland), SEBI (India), CIRO (IIROC) (Canada), MAS (Singapore), JFSA (Japan), ASIC (Australia), FCA (United Kingdom), SFC (Hong Kong) |
Publicly Traded | Yes |
Number Of Employees | 1000 |
Trading Desk Type | DMA |
Trading Platforms | IBKR Client Portal, IBKR Desktop, IBKR App, Trader Workstation (TWS) , GlobalTrader App |
Restricted Countries | North Korea, Iran, Myanmar, Syria, Cuba, Belarus |
Supported Languages | English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Turkish, Arabic, Indonesian, Bahasa, Hungarian |
Min Deposit | $0 |
Max Leverage | 1:30 (MNB), 1:50 (CFTC), 1:30 (CBI), 1:50 (CIRO (IIROC)), 1:20 (MAS), 1:25 (JFSA), 1:30 (ASIC), 1:30 (FCA), 1:20 (SFC) |
Deposit Options | ACH, Wire Transfer, Check, Wise |
Withdrawal Options | ACH, Wire Transfer |
Time to Withdrawal | 1 |
Time to Open an Account | 8 |
Products | Options, Currencies, Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Indices, Commodities, Futures |
Demo Account | Yes |
OCO Orders | No |
Offers Hedging | Yes |
Automated Trading | No |
API Trading | No |
Guaranteed Stop Loss | No |
Guaranteed Limit Orders | No |
Guaranteed Fills / Liquidity | No |
Economic calendar | Yes |
Trading From Chart | No |
One-Click Trading | Yes |
Expert Advisor | No |
Social Trading | No |
Autochartist | No |
Trading Signals | No |
Platform Languages | English |
24 Hours Support | Yes |
Support During Weekends | No |
Live Chat | Yes |
Daily Market Commentary | Yes |
News (Top-Tier Sources) | Yes |
Webinars | Yes |
Deposit Fee | No |
Withdrawal Fee | No |
Inactivity Fee | No |
Update history
About the Authors
Dan Blystone began his career in the trading industry in 1998 on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Later, Dan gained insight into the forex industry during his time as a Series 3 licensed futures and forex broker. He also traded at a couple of different prop trading firms in Chicago. Dan is well-equipped to recommend the best forex brokers due to his extensive experience and understanding of the brokerage industry.
As a Senior Content Editor at FXEmpire, Ola has revised and fact-checked over 200 broker reviews and guides. Her profound understanding of financial markets has been crucial in developing the proprietary rating system.
Aviva is a Senior Content Editor at FXEmpire. Her substantial contributions include refining over 150 broker reviews and 'Best Brokers Guides,' enhancing our proprietary methodology, and ensuring every fact is meticulously verified.