Interactive Brokers Review - Is It Worth Using in 2025?
- expertise:
- CFD Trading, Forex, Derivatives, Risk Management
- credentials:
- Chartered ACII (2018) · Trading since 2012
- tested:
- 40+ forex & CFD platforms with live accounts
- expertise:
- Platform Testing, Cryptocurrency, Retail Investing
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 50+ platforms · 200+ guides authored
- expertise:
- Broker Comparison, ISA Strategy, Portfolio Management
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 40+ brokers with funded accounts
- expertise:
- CFD Trading, Forex, Derivatives, Risk Management
- credentials:
- Chartered ACII (2018) · Trading since 2012
- tested:
- 40+ forex & CFD platforms with live accounts
- expertise:
- Platform Testing, Cryptocurrency, Retail Investing
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 50+ platforms · 200+ guides authored
- expertise:
- Broker Comparison, ISA Strategy, Portfolio Management
- credentials:
- Active investor since 2013 · 11+ years experience
- tested:
- 40+ brokers with funded accounts
How We Test
Real accounts. Real money. Real trades. No demo accounts or press releases.
What we measure:
- Spreads vs advertised rates
- Execution speed and slippage
- Hidden fees (overnight, withdrawal, conversion)
- Actual withdrawal times
Scoring:
Fees (25%) · Platform (20%) · Assets (15%) · Mobile (15%) · Tools (10%) · Support (10%) · Regulation (5%)
Regulatory checks:
FCA Register verification · FSCS protection
Testing team:
Adam Woodhead (investing since 2013), Thomas Drury (Chartered ACII, 2018), Dom Farnell (investing since 2013) — 50+ platforms with funded accounts
Quarterly reviews · Corrections: [email protected]
Disclaimer
Not financial advice. Educational content only. We're not FCA authorised. Consult a qualified advisor before investing.
Capital at risk. Investments can fall. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
CFD warning. 67-84% of retail accounts lose money trading CFDs. High risk due to leverage.
Contact: [email protected]
Quick Answer – Is Interactive Brokers the Right Broker for You?
Interactive Brokers delivers ultra-low fees, unmatched global market access, and professional-grade trading tools. It’s ideal for active traders and sophisticated investors but can feel overwhelming for beginners due to platform complexity and advanced features. Best for those seeking depth over simplicity.
Authors Comments
After testing Interactive Brokers’ Trader Workstation and GlobalTrader app, I found execution speed and pricing unmatched for professionals. However, the interface remains complex for newcomers. IBKR’s value shines through its transparency, but beginners might prefer a simpler broker to start with.
– Thomas Drury, Co-Founder
Interactive Brokers Overview
- Start trading with no minimum deposit: Interactive Brokers allows UK investors to open an account without a minimum funding requirement.
- Access 150+ global markets: Trade stocks, ETFs, options, futures, forex, bonds, and crypto across more than 33 countries and 25 currencies.
- Professional-grade security: FCA regulated, FSCS protected up to £85,000, with two-factor authentication and advanced encryption.
- Advanced yet flexible platforms: Choose from Trader Workstation, IBKR GlobalTrader app, or Client Portal—suitable for both professionals and active retail traders.
62.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
What Is Interactive Brokers and How Does It Work?
Founded in 1978, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a US-based, FCA-regulated brokerage offering access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, options, forex, futures, and select cryptocurrencies. With platforms like Trader Workstation and IBKR GlobalTrader, it caters to clients in 200+ countries.
How Does the Interactive Brokers Platform Operate?
IBKR connects traders directly to over 150 global markets, offering both mobile and desktop platforms. Orders route to the best available prices, with multiple account types available. Clients can choose between tiered or fixed pricing to suit their trading style and volume.
Who Typically Uses Interactive Brokers?
IBKR attracts active traders, institutions, hedge funds, and globally-focused investors seeking low fees and diverse market access. It’s also popular among long-term investors who value professional research tools, but it’s less suited for those wanting a beginner-friendly, simplified trading experience.
Table – Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1978 |
| Headquarters | USA |
| Regulated In UK By | FCA |
| Assets Available | Stocks; ETFs; Forex; Futures; Options; Bonds; Crypto |
| Platforms | IBKR GlobalTrader; Trader Workstation; Client Portal |
What Can You Trade on Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers offers one of the widest asset ranges of any broker, covering global equities, ETFs, bonds, forex, futures, options, and select cryptocurrencies. Its deep market access spans over 150 exchanges worldwide, making it ideal for globally diversified traders and investors.
Can You Trade Global Stocks and ETFs?
Yes. IBKR provides access to stocks and ETFs in more than 150 global markets, including the US, UK, Europe, and Asia. You can trade directly in local currencies, with real-time market data and advanced order routing for optimal execution.
What About Forex, Futures, and Options?
IBKR offers professional-level forex trading with over 100 currency pairs, alongside extensive futures and options markets on multiple global exchanges. These products cater to active traders seeking leveraged strategies, portfolio hedging, or exposure to commodities, indices, and interest rate movements.
Does IBKR Offer Cryptocurrency Trading?
Yes, but access is via partners Paxos and Zero Hash. IBKR supports major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, with crypto trading available in the same account as traditional assets for unified portfolio management. Availability may vary based on jurisdiction.
Table – Asset Availability
| Asset Type | Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks | Yes | 150+ markets |
| ETFs | Yes | Global coverage |
| Bonds | Yes | Government & corporate |
| Forex | Yes | 100+ pairs |
| Futures | Yes | Multiple global exchanges |
| Crypto | Yes | Via Paxos & Zero Hash |
How Much Does It Cost to Trade with Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers is known for its low-cost structure, offering commission-free UK stock and ETF trades, ultra-tight forex spreads, and transparent margin rates. With no inactivity fees and one free withdrawal per month, IBKR is competitive for both active traders and investors.
What Are the Stock and ETF Commission Rates?
UK users can trade stocks and ETFs with zero commission under IBKR’s tiered pricing. For international markets, rates remain low, with competitive per-share or percentage-based fees depending on the country and exchange.
How Competitive Are IBKR’s Forex and Margin Rates?
Forex conversion rates start from just 0.002%, making them among the lowest in the industry. Margin rates are variable and linked to benchmark interest rates, offering substantial cost advantages for active traders using leverage.
What Learning and Support Resources Does IBKR Provide?
IBKR supports traders with extensive education through IBKR Campus, Trader Academy, and regular webinars covering everything from basic investing to algorithmic trading.
Customers also benefit from 24-hour multilingual support, secure messaging, and a responsive help centre that assists both new and experienced users with technical or trading-related queries.
Are There Any Extra or Hidden Fees?
There are no inactivity fees, and the first withdrawal each month is free. Additional withdrawals incur a small £7 fee. All charges are clearly disclosed, avoiding hidden costs that are common with other brokers.
Table – Fee Comparison
| Fee Type | IBKR | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Commission (UK) | £0 | Tiered pricing |
| FX Conversion | From 0.002% | Market-based |
| Inactivity Fee | £0 | Removed in 2021 |
| Withdrawal Fee | 1 free/month | Then £7 |
| Margin Rates | Variable | Linked to benchmark |
Which Trading Platforms and Tools Can You Use?
Interactive Brokers offers three main platforms, catering to different trader types. From the professional-grade Trader Workstation to the simplified IBKR GlobalTrader app and the web-based Client Portal, each offers tailored tools, charting, and order types to match your trading style.
What Is Trader Workstation (TWS) Best For?
TWS is IBKR’s flagship platform, designed for professionals and advanced traders. It offers deep market data, advanced charting, and over 100 order types, making it ideal for active, multi-asset, and algorithmic traders who need a highly customisable interface.
How Does IBKR GlobalTrader App Compare?
The IBKR GlobalTrader app is built for mobile-focused traders who want simplicity without sacrificing core features. It supports basic charting, easy trade execution, and real-time market data, making it a great choice for global investors on the go.
Is the Client Portal Suitable for Everyday Investors?
Yes — the Client Portal is browser-based and perfect for casual traders and long-term investors. It offers portfolio monitoring, basic charting, and simple order types without overwhelming users with excessive complexity.
Is Interactive Brokers Suitable for Beginners?
While Interactive Brokers offers industry-leading tools and global market access, its advanced interface can overwhelm newcomers.
Beginners may find the learning curve steep, though features like the IBKR GlobalTrader app and simulated demo accounts provide a gentler introduction. With time and practice, new investors can gradually master IBKR’s professional-grade platform.
Table – Platform Features
| Platform | Best For | Advanced Charting | Order Types | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWS | Professionals | Yes | 100+ | No |
| IBKR GlobalTrader | Mobile traders | Yes (basic) | Standard | Yes |
| Client Portal | Everyday investors | Limited | Standard | Yes |
How Safe and Regulated Is Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers is one of the most heavily regulated brokers globally, including FCA oversight in the UK. It offers robust investor protection, strict client money segregation, and advanced account security, making it a trusted choice for serious traders and investors.
Is Interactive Brokers FCA Regulated in the UK?
Yes — IBKR is authorised and regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, ensuring compliance with strict financial standards and offering FSCS protection for eligible UK clients.
How Is Client Money Protected?
Client funds are held in segregated bank accounts separate from company funds. UK clients are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000, with additional insurance for global clients.
What Security Measures Protect My Account?
IBKR uses two-factor authentication, biometric login options, and end-to-end encryption. Additional account alerts and secure message centres help protect against unauthorised access and suspicious activity.
Table – Security Overview
| Security Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| FCA Regulation | Yes |
| FSCS Coverage | Up to £85000 |
| Additional Insurance | Up to $30M via Lloyd’s |
| 2FA Support | Yes |
| Encryption | End-to-end |
Final Verdict – Is Interactive Brokers Worth It in 2025?
Interactive Brokers remains one of the best options for serious, globally-minded traders seeking ultra-low costs, advanced tools, and broad market access. However, its steep learning curve and complex platforms make it less suitable for casual investors seeking a simpler trading experience.
62.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Low Fees & Global Access
- Access to 150+ markets
- Professional-grade security
- Advanced flexible platforms
62.5% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
FAQs
Is Interactive Brokers available in the UK?
Yes. IBKR is FCA-regulated in the UK, offering FSCS protection up to £85,000 and access to global markets through its multiple platforms.
Does Interactive Brokers have an inactivity fee?
No. IBKR removed its inactivity fee in 2021, making it more cost-effective for casual or long-term investors who don’t trade frequently.
Can I trade crypto with Interactive Brokers?
Yes. Crypto trading is available via partnerships with Paxos and Zero Hash, offering coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, though it’s not the platform’s primary focus.
Is Interactive Brokers good for beginners?
It’s more suited to experienced traders due to its complexity, but beginners who are willing to learn can benefit from its low fees and market access.
Does IBKR offer a demo account?
Yes. IBKR provides a paper trading account so you can practice strategies with virtual funds before committing real money.
How Does Interactive Brokers Compare to XTB and eToro?
Compared with rivals, IBKR excels in low fees and global market reach, while XTB delivers a simpler platform and eToro offers social-copy trading. IBKR suits data-driven traders seeking depth, whereas XTB and eToro appeal to beginners wanting easier navigation and community-based investing experiences.
