Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is one of the most established global trading platforms, trusted by nearly 2 million users worldwide and rated 4.5 stars on the Google Play Store.
Known for its advanced tools, low fees, and broad market access, it attracts both professional traders and serious investors.
This review breaks down every aspect of the platform, from fees and regulation to tools, usability, and customer support, to help you decide whether Interactive Brokers is the right choice for your trading goals.
For more information on how we test view here.
This article was reviewed by Tobi Opeyemi Amure, a trading expert and writer at Investopedia, Investing.com, and Trading.biz.
How good is Interactive Brokers overall?
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Interactive Brokers performs exceptionally well across most key categories. It offers low fees, excellent market access, and an intuitive trading platform, making it a strong choice for serious traders and investors.
However, areas like onboarding, customer support, and fee transparency hold it back from a perfect score. Many users find the signup process complex and the fee structure difficult to understand.
| Category | Points | Star rating |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | 8 | ⭐ 4 |
| Safety | 9.5 | ⭐ 5 |
| Onboarding | 7.2 | ⭐ 3 |
| Deposit & withdrawal methods | 7.4 | ⭐ 3 |
| Markets | 9.7 | ⭐ 5 |
| Tools | 8.5 | ⭐⭐ 4.5 |
| Investment & trading platform | 8.5 | ⭐⭐ 4.5 |
| Education | 8.6 | ⭐⭐ 4.5 |
| Customer service | 7 | ⭐ 3 |
Pros
- Excellent range of global markets and assets
- Low, competitive fees
- Easy-to-use platform
- Highly secure and regulated
Cons
- Onboarding process can be lengthy and complex
- Fee structure is not always clear
- Customer support could be improved
Verdict: Interactive Brokers is a top-tier, FCA-regulated broker best suited for experienced traders who value advanced tools and global access over simplicity.
How much does Interactive Brokers charge in fees?
Overall rating: 4 stars
Interactive Brokers offers low and competitive fees, especially for active traders, but its fee structure can be confusing. UK users benefit from free deposits, no inactivity fees, and one free withdrawal per month, making it one of the more cost-effective options among major brokers.
Trading fees
- Stocks and ETFs: £3 per trade up to £6,000, then 0.05% on larger trades
- Investment trusts: £4.95 per trade (around 8,000 mutual funds trade for free)
- Bonds: 0.1% per trade up to £10,000, then 0.025% on higher values
These rates are competitive for UK investors, especially those trading higher-value positions where percentage-based fees drop significantly.
Non-trading fees
Interactive Brokers’ non-trading fees are very low. There’s no inactivity fee, which gives it an edge over rivals like eToro (£7.69/month after one year) and IG (£13.84/month after two years).
- Deposits: Free
- Withdrawals: First withdrawal per month is free
Pros
- Low non-trading fees
- Competitive trading rates across markets
Cons
- Fee structure can be difficult to navigate
Verdict: Interactive Brokers is cost-efficient and transparent in total charges, though users may need to spend time understanding how different assets are priced.
Is Interactive Brokers safe to use?
Overall rating: 5 stars
Yes, Interactive Brokers is one of the safest trading platforms available to UK investors. It is regulated by both the FCA (UK) and the SEC (US), ensuring high standards of transparency and investor protection.
UK users are covered by FSCS protection up to £85,000 when trading CFDs and non-US stock index options or futures. The platform also provides negative balance protection, so your account can never fall below zero, even during volatile market conditions.
Interactive Brokers is also a publicly listed company on NASDAQ, meaning its financial performance is transparent and audited. With over 40 years in operation, the firm has proven its stability through multiple market cycles, including the 2008 financial crisis.
The only notable incident occurred in 2020, when Interactive Brokers was fined $38 million for compliance oversights related to wire transfers. This issue has since been resolved, and the broker continues to maintain a strong record of financial integrity.
Pros
- FCA and SEC regulated
- FSCS protection up to £85,000
- Negative balance protection on CFD accounts
- Publicly listed and financially stable
Cons
- Received a $38 million fine in 2020 (issue resolved)
Verdict: Interactive Brokers is highly trustworthy and secure, making it a top choice for traders seeking a regulated and transparent broker.
How easy is it to open an Interactive Brokers account?
Overall rating: 3 stars
Opening an account with Interactive Brokers can be slow and complex, especially compared to other UK trading platforms. The process requires detailed personal information and multiple verification steps, which can take several business days to complete.
Account opening process
You can register in two ways:
- Through the IBKR website, which involves a lengthy application and several pages of required information.
- Via the IBKR Global Trader app, which is faster and more streamlined but still requires additional steps to unlock advanced features.
During setup, users must select an account type, such as Individual, and then choose between Cash, Portfolio Margin, or Reg T Margin accounts. UK clients are limited to the default configuration and must upload documents for verification.
Verification process
To verify your account, Interactive Brokers requires:
- Proof of identity: UK passport, driver’s licence, or national ID card
- Proof of address: Bank or credit card statement, utility bill, or driver’s licence
While uploading documents is straightforward, verification typically takes up to two business days, which is slower than platforms like eToro or Trading 212 that verify accounts within hours.
Pros
- Wide choice of account types
- IBKR Global Trader app simplifies onboarding
Cons
- Verification can take several days
- Onboarding process feels complex and outdated
Verdict: Interactive Brokers’ onboarding is secure but slow, better suited to experienced traders who value thorough verification over convenience.
How do deposits and withdrawals work on Interactive Brokers?
Overall rating: 3 stars
Interactive Brokers’ deposit and withdrawal options are limited for UK users. While deposits are free, the platform only supports bank transfers, which are slower than the instant payment methods offered by many competitors.
Deposits
You can fund your account via direct bank transfer or wire transfer, with no deposit fees. However, debit and credit card payments aren’t supported, which is a drawback for many UK traders who prefer faster funding options.
Deposits typically take two to three business days to appear in your account, whereas other platforms like eToro and Trading 212 often process deposits instantly.
Withdrawals
Withdrawals are also limited to bank transfers only. You get one free withdrawal per month, but additional withdrawals cost £7 each. Processing times are usually two to five business days, making it one of the slower brokers for fund access.
For comparison, Plus500 and IG do not charge withdrawal fees, while eToro only charges small conversion fees when withdrawing in foreign currencies.
Pros
- Free deposits
- One free withdrawal per month
Cons
- No debit or credit card deposits
- Slow bank transfer processing times
Verdict: Interactive Brokers is secure but not flexible when it comes to funding and withdrawals. UK traders who prefer faster or card-based payments may find alternatives like eToro or Plus500 more convenient.
What markets can you trade on Interactive Brokers?
Overall rating: 5 stars
Interactive Brokers offers one of the broadest market selections of any UK trading platform. You can trade and invest across stocks, ETFs, bonds, futures, options, CFDs, and even cryptocurrencies, making it ideal for both active traders and long-term investors.
Stocks and ETFs
Interactive Brokers gives access to over 90 global stock markets and more than 13,000 ETFs, nearly double what many competitors offer. You can also trade fractional shares and penny stocks, which makes it easier to diversify with smaller investments.
Bonds
The platform supports trading in over 41,000 bonds, far exceeding most UK brokers. This includes both government and corporate bonds, allowing investors to build balanced portfolios with fixed-income exposure.
Futures and options
Traders can access 32 global futures markets and 34 options markets, ranging from major indices to niche exchanges. The platform is designed for advanced users who want direct market access and real-time pricing.
CFDs
UK users can trade 8,500 stock CFDs and 13 stock index CFDs. While the CFD range is smaller than that of some dedicated CFD brokers, Interactive Brokers still provides access to key global markets with tight spreads.
Cryptocurrencies
Through its partnerships with Paxos and Zero Hash, Interactive Brokers lets users trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, and several smaller altcoins.
Although limited in scope, few FCA-registered brokers even offer crypto access, giving IBKR an edge for diversification.
Managed portfolios
Investors can choose from a variety of professionally managed portfolios, each with transparent minimum investments and management fees that typically range from 0.20% to 0.75%. For example, some portfolios start from just £76, while others require up to £768.
Compared to competitors like eToro (no management fees, £384 minimum) or IG (0.72% fee, £500 minimum), Interactive Brokers offers lower fees on average, depending on portfolio selection.
Pros
- All major asset classes covered
- Huge range of stocks, ETFs, and bonds
- Fractional shares and managed portfolios available
- Crypto trading access via regulated partners
Cons
- CFD selection could be wider
Verdict: Interactive Brokers provides unmatched global market access with thousands of instruments and managed portfolios for every strategy. It is one of the most comprehensive brokers available to UK investors.
What trading tools does Interactive Brokers offer?
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Interactive Brokers provides one of the most comprehensive sets of trading and research tools available on any UK platform.
From charting and economic data to portfolio analysis and trading ideas, it’s built for serious investors. However, the interface can feel complex and overwhelming for beginners.
Charting tools
Interactive Brokers includes over 155 technical indicators, along with full chart annotation, modification, and editing features.
While the charting functionality is powerful, some users find it clunky and unintuitive compared to simpler platforms like Trading 212 or eToro.
News and analysis
The news feed delivers real-time global market updates and multiple economic calendars to help traders anticipate market movements. It’s highly detailed, though new users may find it difficult to read or interpret at first.
Trading ideas
Interactive Brokers provides personalised trading ideas via email alerts and in-platform notifications. These recommendations are based on your current holdings and watchlists, and in testing, they proved relevant and accurate for identifying new opportunities.
Fundamental data
Each asset includes detailed financial statements, dividend calendars, and ESG ratings, offering a depth of analysis few competitors match. This makes IBKR ideal for traders who rely on fundamental research rather than just technical indicators.
Additional tools
- Mutual Fund Search Tool: Filter funds by country, fund family, and commission structure.
- PortfolioAnalyst: Track and analyse your full investment portfolio performance.
- Investors’ Marketplace: Connect with other IBKR users to share insights and strategies.
- Stock and ETF Benchmarks: Compare portfolio holdings against broader markets.
Pros
- Extensive set of professional-grade research tools
- Excellent data depth and accuracy
- Personalised trading ideas and analysis
Cons
- Interface can be confusing for beginners
- Complex layout reduces ease of use
Verdict: Interactive Brokers is outstanding for advanced traders seeking powerful research and analytical tools, though its steep learning curve may challenge newer investors.
How good is the Interactive Brokers trading platform?
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Interactive Brokers offers an excellent trading and investment platform across both web and mobile. It combines professional-grade features with a clean, intuitive layout that makes it suitable for both active traders and long-term investors. However, a few minor issues slightly detract from the overall experience.
Web platform
The web version is well-designed, responsive, and easy to navigate. The search function is accurate and allows quick access to any asset, while price alerts can be customised to your preferences. Security is robust, featuring two-step authentication with a password and mobile verification key.
Although the platform doesn’t quite match IG’s advanced customisation, it still provides all the tools most traders need for daily use.
Mobile app
The IBKR Global Trader app mirrors the web platform’s layout and colour scheme, offering a smooth, familiar experience. It even improves on the web version with a more precise search function and optional biometric login for faster access.
However, the absence of mobile price alerts is a noticeable drawback. While the trading app performs well overall, adding this feature would make it truly complete.
Trading experience
Placing a trade is straightforward. You can trade from almost any page using the ‘Trade’ button or the dedicated Trade tab. Each asset includes a snapshot of key information and live charts to guide decisions.
Traders can choose between market, limit, and stop orders, along with time-based options like Good ’Til Canceled (GTC) and Day orders. Execution is fast, making the platform especially appealing for day traders.
Our experience
Both versions of the platform are user-friendly and reliable, though the mobile app feels slightly smoother for everyday use.
Occasional web glitches and clunky charting tools are the main downsides, but they don’t overshadow the overall quality.
Pros
- User-friendly design and layout
- Fast order execution, ideal for day trading
- Accurate and efficient search function
Cons
- No price alerts on the mobile app
- Charting tools can be difficult to use
- Occasional web platform glitches
Verdict: Interactive Brokers delivers a powerful, secure, and well-designed trading experience. While it could improve minor usability issues, it remains one of the best platforms for serious traders in the UK.
How good is Interactive Brokers for education and learning?
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
Interactive Brokers offers one of the most comprehensive educational libraries of any trading platform. Its content is detailed, practical, and ideal for traders who want to improve their skills. However, much of the material is geared toward US users, which limits its relevance for UK investors.
Educational content
The broker’s Trader’s Academy is packed with structured financial courses and video tutorials covering topics from beginner trading to advanced analysis. Users can also access IBKR Trading Insights, which provides real-time market commentary and buy/sell suggestions.
In addition, there are webinars, podcasts, and a detailed glossary explaining complex trading terms in plain English. These resources are designed to help users develop both technical and fundamental trading knowledge.
The only downside is that some courses reference US-specific regulations and markets, though most lessons remain useful for UK traders.
Platform tutorial
Interactive Brokers also includes a step-by-step platform tutorial, which helps new users navigate its more advanced tools. This guide simplifies the onboarding process and makes it easier to execute trades confidently, even for those unfamiliar with the platform’s layout.
Demo account
All users can open a free demo trading account with $1 million in virtual funds, allowing you to practise trading risk-free before using real money. This feature is ideal for beginners who want to test strategies or learn how to use the platform.
Pros
- Free demo account with $1 million virtual balance
- Extensive, high-quality educational content
- In-depth platform tutorial for new users
Cons
- Some materials are designed primarily for US traders
Verdict: Interactive Brokers excels in trader education, offering a wide range of professional learning tools and courses. Despite some US focus, it remains an excellent choice for UK users seeking to improve their trading skills safely.
How good is Interactive Brokers customer service?
Overall rating: 3 stars
Interactive Brokers offers three main support channels, live chat, email, and phone, but overall service quality feels underwhelming due to slow response times. While agents are knowledgeable and provide accurate answers, reaching them can take longer than expected compared to competitors.
Live chat
The live chat feature is functional but often slow. Connecting to an agent can take several minutes, which limits its usefulness for quick questions. Once connected, the support team is polite and efficient, usually resolving issues on the first attempt.
Email support is similarly mixed. Responses typically take around one business day, which is slower than brokers like Trading 212, where replies often arrive within hours. However, when responses do come through, they are detailed and effective, often resolving issues without follow-ups.
Phone support
Phone support is the strongest of the three options. You can usually connect to an assistant within a few minutes, and most issues are resolved quickly. Still, average wait times remain slightly longer than some other major brokers.
Pros
- Multiple contact options (chat, email, phone)
- Helpful and knowledgeable agents
Cons
- Long response times for live chat and email
- Faster, more responsive competitors available
Verdict: Interactive Brokers provides adequate but slow customer service. While the quality of assistance is good, the platform would benefit from quicker response times to match other leading UK brokers.
Who is Interactive Brokers best suited for?
Interactive Brokers is best suited for experienced and active traders who want access to global markets, advanced trading tools, and low fees.
It’s ideal for investors who trade frequently across multiple asset classes, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, futures, and options, and value in-depth research and analytics.
The platform’s professional-grade tools, detailed data, and broad market access make it perfect for traders who prioritise performance and flexibility over simplicity.
However, beginners may find the platform’s layout and onboarding process more complex than user-friendly brokers like eToro or Trading 212.
Best for:
- Experienced or professional traders
- Investors who want global market access
- Active traders looking for low fees and fast execution
- Users who prefer data-rich tools and research features
Not ideal for:
- Complete beginners seeking a simple, easy-to-use platform
- Traders who rely on fast customer support or instant funding methods
Verdict: Interactive Brokers is a top choice for serious UK traders seeking a powerful, low-cost, and FCA-regulated platform with unparalleled market reach.
Final thoughts
Interactive Brokers stands out as one of the most advanced and cost-effective trading platforms in the UK.
It offers exceptional market access, low fees, and powerful tools for experienced traders.
However, its complex interface and slower onboarding may deter beginners.
Overall, it’s a trusted, FCA-regulated broker that delivers depth, reliability, and flexibility for serious investors seeking long-term trading potential.
FAQs
Is Interactive Brokers legal in the UK?
Yes, Interactive Brokers is legal and fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), allowing it to operate safely for UK investors.
Is Interactive Brokers good for beginners?
Not ideal. The platform is better suited to experienced traders due to its complex tools and interface, though it offers excellent educational resources.
Is Interactive Brokers safe in the UK?
Yes, it is very safe. UK users benefit from FCA oversight, FSCS protection up to £85,000, and negative balance protection on CFD trades.
Is IBKR a trustworthy broker?
Absolutely. Interactive Brokers is a publicly listed company with over 40 years of history, strong financial stability, and a reputation as one of the world’s most trustworthy brokers.
