Regulators
SEC/FINRA, FCA, ASIC, MAS, FSA Japan, SFC HK, CySEC, BaFin
Min. deposit
$0 (no minimum)
Spread from
0.1 pips + $2/lot (Pro) / IBKR Lite (commission-free US stocks)
Max. leverage
Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:50 (US) / 1:400 (Pro)
Platforms
Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, API
Founded
1978 · Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
Interactive Brokers review summary
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is the world’s largest electronic brokerage by daily average revenue trades, founded in 1978 by Thomas Peterffy. It is publicly listed on NASDAQ (ticker IBKR) with a market cap in the tens of billions and 1.5 million+ active accounts.
IBKR’s value proposition is institutional infrastructure at retail prices: 150+ markets across 33 countries, 100+ order types, the lowest margin financing rates in the industry, and an API used by serious algorithmic and quant traders globally.
The user experience is famously technical — Trader Workstation (TWS) has hundreds of features but a steep learning curve. IBKR Mobile and IBKR GlobalTrader are simpler alternatives for less active users.
Where to trade
IBKR is the strongest choice for active traders + investors who want a single global account for stocks, options, futures, bonds, and FX. The trade-off is platform complexity. Pure FX scalpers should still prefer Pepperstone or Pepperstone for simpler execution.
Interactive Brokers — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Interactive Brokers regulated and safe?
Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC/FINRA, FCA, ASIC, MAS, FSA Japan, SFC HK, CySEC, BaFin, holds client funds in segregated accounts and operates under active financial-services licenses. Verify each license number on the regulator's official website before depositing.
Is Interactive Brokers legit or a scam?
Interactive Brokers is a legitimate, regulated broker — not a scam. It operates under oversight from SEC/FINRA, FCA, ASIC, which require segregated client funds and regular audits. Always confirm the specific entity and license that will hold your account, and avoid clone sites using a similar name.
What is the minimum deposit at Interactive Brokers?
The minimum deposit at Interactive Brokers is $0 (no minimum). Standard accounts accept this minimum; premium or professional tiers may require more.
How do I withdraw money from Interactive Brokers?
Withdrawals from Interactive Brokers are returned to your original funding method — card, bank transfer, e-wallet or crypto, depending on how you deposited. E-wallets and crypto are usually fastest; bank transfers take longest. Processing times and limits are set by Interactive Brokers, so check its funding page for current details.
What fees and commissions does Interactive Brokers charge?
Interactive Brokers's main cost is the spread, starting from 0.1 pips + $2/lot (Pro) / IBKR Lite (commission-free US stocks). Raw/ECN accounts add a per-lot commission in exchange for a tighter spread. Also factor in overnight swap fees and any inactivity fee. Compare the all-in cost (spread + commission), not just the headline spread.
What are the typical spreads at Interactive Brokers?
Spreads at Interactive Brokers start from 0.1 pips + $2/lot (Pro) / IBKR Lite (commission-free US stocks), varying by account type, instrument, time of day and market volatility. Raw/ECN accounts add a commission on top of the tighter spread.
What account types does Interactive Brokers offer?
Interactive Brokers typically offers a standard (commission-free, slightly wider spread) account and a raw/ECN (tight spread plus commission) account, with a swap-free Islamic option where available. The minimum to open is $0 (no minimum), and platforms include Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader.
What trading platforms does Interactive Brokers offer?
Interactive Brokers supports: Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Mobile, IBKR GlobalTrader, API. MT4/MT5 are the industry standards; cTrader suits ECN execution; proprietary platforms add broker-specific tools but less third-party compatibility.
What is the maximum leverage at Interactive Brokers?
Maximum leverage at Interactive Brokers is Up to 1:30 (EU retail) / 1:50 (US) / 1:400 (Pro). EU/UK retail clients are capped at 1:30 on major FX by ESMA rules regardless of broker policy; professional and offshore-entity clients can access higher leverage subject to qualification.
Does Interactive Brokers offer a demo account?
Yes — Interactive Brokers offers a free demo account with virtual funds, so you can test the platform and practise a strategy on live prices before depositing real money.
Who is Interactive Brokers best suited for?
Active traders, professional clients, and serious investors wanting institutional-grade execution across all asset classes.
