59.7% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider
- Good Money Guide experts highlight that Interactive Brokers' General Investment Account (GIA) is tailored for sophisticated investors, offering access to a wide range of investment products including derivatives and options. The platform is noted for its low-cost structure, with no account charges and minimal dealing commissions, making it one of the cheapest options available. However, slow customer service is mentioned as a drawback.
- Across 1375 user reviews on Good Money Guide, averaging 4.6/5, customers frequently commend the platform's low fees, broad market access, and advanced trading tools. Many users appreciate the ease of use and comprehensive service, while some express concerns about the complexity of the platform and occasional delays in customer support responses.
Interactive Brokers General Investment Account Expert rating
Our expert rating is the average of the areas listed here, each scored out of 5 by our team.Our experts have rated Interactive Brokers General Investment Account across one key area of our review framework.
- Excellent5.0
Pros
- Excellent market coverage
- Advanced investment platform
- Low-cost investing
Cons
- Customer service can be slow
See full expert review
Our verdict
Interactive Brokersβ (IBKR's) GIA is aimed at sophisticated investors, and offers access to derivatives, options, and futures. The platform is one of the cheapest across all asset classes. Capital is at risk.
Is IBKR's GIA a Good Account?
IBKR's GIA is its βuniversal accountβ that lets you invest in all asset classes via shares, CFDs, futures, options or funds.
The account is excellent for sophisticated investors who want to manage their own portfolios with complex order types. It's ideal for active investors who need access to a wider range of investment products like derivatives, options, and futures. IBKR is also one of the cheapest investment platforms across all asset classes, as it was built on offering electronic discount brokerage.
Fees
There is no account charge for general investment accounts atΒ IBKR. When you buy and sell shares minimum dealing commissions are Β£1 in the UK or 0.05% of the deal size.
Special Offers
IBKR clients can earn $200 for each qualified referral while giving their friend the opportunity to earn up to $1000 of IBKR stock.
What is IBKR's Platform Like to Use?
The investment platform is a slimmed-down version of its exceptional desktop trader station. For investing it gives you a good overview of shares and funds.

Customer reviews for Interactive Brokers
Customer ratings come from reviews left on this site. Every review is read and approved before it is published.Based on 1,375 reviews
- Excellent74%
- Very good14%
- Basic7%
- Poor2%
- Bad2%
What customers like
- Low fees and competitive pricing
- User-friendly platform
- Fast execution and reliability
What customers dislike
- Poor customer service
- Confusing account management
- Slow response times
Read customer reviews
5/5
Pros:
global investing
Cons:
invest across assets
5/5
Pros:
Easy to order
Cons:
Lower the fees
5/5
Pros:
Free ETFs
Cons:
Less fess
4/5
Pros:
Variety of assetsproducts. Global from single currency. No kid gloves; treats you as an adult trying to quickly & effectively get maximum value from investments.
Cons:
Some assets, eg REITS aren't actually in your name, are in IB's. So can't eg apply for tax-free dividends even if eligible.
3/5
2/5
4/5
Pros:
low cost and effective
Cons:
no thoughts
5/5
4/5
5/5
5/5
Pros:
low fees
Cons:
better app
2/5
5/5
Pros:
Easy
Cons:
Nothing for me
5/5
Pros:
I love the fact that it's a powerful machine with low fees, with no gamification, no upsells, no limitations.
Cons:
Nothing visible. Keep the business sustainable and don't scam people.
5/5
Pros:
Investing in long term with no problem
Cons:
Just satisfied
5/5
Pros:
depth of research
Cons:
enhance usability of desktop trading platform
5/5
Pros:
Comprehensive Trading products for good commissions
Cons:
more modern trading platform necessary
5/5
Pros:
Paxos crypto trading
Cons:
Trade better
5/5
Pros:
Great broker with great fees and easy to use very professional broker
Cons:
Improve the trade station platform itΓΓΓs a little out of date but you can connect your account to Trading view which is a good feature
5/5
Pros:
Intuitive and easy to use
Cons:
Range of products
- Expert opinion: Interactive Brokers (IBKR) full review