59.7% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider
- Good Money Guide experts commend Interactive Brokers (IBKR) for its robust CFD trading capabilities, highlighting its low-cost structure and direct market access, which allows traders to place orders directly on the exchange. The platform is particularly suited for experienced traders, with advanced tools and features that cater to high-volume trading, though some users may find the desktop interface complex.
- Across 1375 user reviews on Good Money Guide, averaging 4.6/5, customers frequently praise the platform's low fees, extensive market access, and efficient trade execution. Many users appreciate the comprehensive tools available for both novice and experienced traders, while some express concerns about the complexity of the platform and slower customer support response times.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) CFD Trading 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 (IBKR) CFD Trading across five key areas of our review framework.
- Pricing5.0
- Market Access4.5
- App & Platform5.0
- Customer Service4.0
- Research & Analysis5.0
Pros
- Low-cost CFD trading
- Wide market range of CFD markets
- DMA CFD trading
Cons
- Better for advanced CFD traders
- Complex desktop platform
See full expert review
Our verdict
IBKR offers CFD trading on around 8,500 markets including 100 forex pairs, 20 commodities, 13 indices, and thousands of international stocks. I’ve traded through IBKR a fair bit and there is no doubt that Interactive Brokers CFD offering is one of the best around.
59.7% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider
Can you trade CFDs with Interactive Brokers (IBKR)?
Yes, you can trade CFDs or contracts for difference with Interactive Brokers, but you have to go through some quite arduous suitability tests to ensure that you understand the risks involved.
But once you are in, I found Interactive Brokers to be one of the best CFD brokers, most appropriate for experienced and sophisticated CFD traders. However, it also has lighter versions of its Workstation downloadable trading platform on the portal for newer traders who may want to stick with one platform as they become more experienced.
Trading Platforms: There are two different platforms, which I tested by short-selling Travis Perkins as a CFD. We discussed TPK in our podcast, and the general consensus in the comments on TikTok was that everyone hates them and that it's too expensive. You can see below examples of both trading platforms and how different they look.
The downloadable platform Workstation lets you trade CFDs with the most types of order execution with IBKR, for instance, VWAP, pairs trading, time and price-sensitive order entry. These tools are most suited to professional and very high-volume traders, or hedge funds that are working very large orders and don’t want to scare the market. Most retail CFD traders will have no need for them, but it is representative of IBKRs overall service in that it provides an exceptional institutional-grade CFD platform to retail clients.
There is also an excellent pairs trading feature where you can simultaneously trade one CFD stock against another as a percentage. IBKR is the only CFD broker that lets you do this. With other trading platforms you have to do two separate orders.
As you can see from when I shorted TPK on the Portal web-based version it is much simpler. But you still get some good order execution types, but it's very much for retail CFD traders compared to IBKR Workstation which is for professionals.
Market Access: Whilst Interactive Brokers does not offer the most CFD markets, they do offer one of the best ways to trade them. With IBKR CFDs you can trade with direct market access (DMA) on the exchange so you can place your orders directly on the order book at better prices than the bid/offer.
In reality, CFD brokers with the most markets are those that offer access to small or illiquid stocks which are probably not suitable for CFD trading anyway. But, IBKR offers access to the majority of stocks and markets most traders could need.
CFD Fees: The commission is charged post-trade so you get clean prices with no mark-up and IBKRs commission rates (added post trade) are the best around. Commission on UK stocks is 0.02% and 0.003% on US stocks.
Out-of-hours Trading: IBKR lets you trade CFDs on US stocks, indices, commodities and currencies overnight and on some parts of the weekend. Overnight trading starts from 8pm US ET time on Sundays and for those with US stock trading permission you get access to free overnight data.
CFDs on restricted ETFs: You can also trade ETFs as a CFD that you otherwise would not be able to invest in if based in the UK. One of the major drawbacks of ETFs listed in the US is they do not provide a Key Information Document (which tells you what is in them and how risky they are), so the UK regulators won't let UK investors buy them as they are not transparent. However, with IBKR you can trade these as a CFD (which is an OTC product).
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
Best platform for all investments
Easy to navigate and lowest fees!
The faster
The faster platforms in the world
Honesty and transparency
IBKR is just the best investment platform. I've been with them for over a year, but I've been investing for several years. The app is a bit complicated, but it's just such a reliable investing platform that you just get used to some quirks for all the benefits.
The Broker That Stands Above the Rest
I have been using Interactive Brokers (IBKR) for my trading and investment needs, and it has consistently proven to be one of the most professional and reliable brokerage platforms in the world.
1. Execution & Platform:
Trade execution is lightning-fast with deep liquidity access across global markets. The platform is robust, stable, and built for professionals while still accessible to retail investors who want advanced tools.
2. Market Access:
IBKR offers unparalleled access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, futures, options, forex, and funds in more than 150 markets worldwide. For someone managing an international portfolio, this breadth is invaluable.
3. Pricing & Transparency:
Their low commissions, tight spreads, and transparent fee structure set them apart. Unlike many brokers, IBKR doesn’t hide behind gimmicks or inflated costs.
4. Research & Tools:
The Trader Workstation (TWS) platform is a powerhouse with advanced charting, risk management tools, and analytics. IBKR GlobalTrader and Client Portal also make trading convenient on the go.
5. Safety & Regulation:
As one of the world’s most regulated brokers, IBKR provides peace of mind. Client funds are well protected, and risk management tools are built into the system, which reflects their professional DNA.
6. Education & Support:
IBKR’s educational resources, webinars, and daily market insights are a strong plus. Their customer service has been responsive and professional whenever needed.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re a professional trader, long-term investor, or someone managing complex portfolios, IBKR stands out as a global leader. It combines world-class execution, global access, and cost efficiency in a way very few brokers can match.
Perfect platform for a stock portfolio
I have been with IB for several years and til today quite satisfied.
The platform is user friendly, managing your account is easy.
Buying/sellings stocks is always simple with low fees.
IB's customer service is easy contactable and pleasant to communicate.
Can't think of a better broker than IB!
Great Brokerage
Amazing platform for investments with huge range of instruments and markets
Easy Access and Interfaces
platform is userfriendly, fee/commission and pricing policy is transparent. Training sessions are really useful.
Reliable and comprehensive
I am using since 2020 and find it very reliable and trustworthy.
they have very detailed research and news about market and stocks.
Best for pre and post Market transactions. This was the main reason to choose it.
Best Broker
Best online platform
Best investment platform
All positive in this platform. I am very picky especially in these brokers but could find one nigative side. Keep it up
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Best Trading App
Amazing app, all the features you need for day trading, swing trading, and investing, and at a fraction of the cost of other apps
All in one platform
The best and most reliable trading platform
Technically perfect and reliable
The electronic Systems of IBKR offer the perfect base for worldwide trading
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent platform, well established and strong investor protections
I been using IBKR for years now. It has some of the lowest fees and tightest spreads available for trading.
IB is top notch
InteractiveBrokers is the best investing platform not just in the UAE but also in the World. I've been using it for about 4 years and have never experienced any issues with it and I have a lot of trust investing with IBKR. They have just today introduced a local AED bank account that is available for deposits and that will help many users as their transfer costs will go down making investing accessible to basically everyone in UAE.
Trust
Fill my money in safe hand
Best Investment Broker in the World
IKBR provides the best service, the widest selection of investment instruments and the lowest fees.
best price/quality platform
I have tried many trading platforms but none was as convincing as IBKR!
Compare Interactive Brokers to other CFD trading platforms below:
| CFD Broker | CFD Markets | Overnight Fees | Customer Reviews | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 13,500 | 2.5% +/- SONIA | (Based on 125 reviews) | See Platform 69% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 5,000 | 2.5% +/- SONIA | (Based on 21 reviews) | See Platform 74% of retail CFD accounts lose money. |
 | 1,200 | 2.5% +/- SONIA | (Based on 110 reviews) | See Platform 73% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 2,000 | 20% Long / 10% Short | (Based on 146 reviews) | See Platform 76% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 8,500 | 1.5% +/- SONIA | (Based on 1,375 reviews) | See Platform 59.7% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 10,000 | 3% +/- SONIA | (Based on 272 reviews) | See Platform 61% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 17,000 | 2.5% +/- SONIA | (Based on 746 reviews) | See Platform 70% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 12,000 | 2.9% +/- SONIA | (Based on 237 reviews) | See Platform 69% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 9,000 | 2.5% +/- SAXO RATE | (Based on 137 reviews) | See Platform 62% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 2,976 | 6.4% +/- SONIA | (Based on 283 reviews) | See Platform 61% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 2,100 | 9% Long / 0.4% Short | (Based on 139 reviews) | See Platform 74% of retail investor accounts lose money |
Richard is the founder of the Good Money Guide (formerly Good Broker Guide), one of the original investment comparison sites established in 2015. With a career spanning two decades as a broker, he brings extensive expertise and knowledge to the financial landscape.
Having worked as a broker at Investors Intelligence and a multi-asset derivatives broker at MF Global (Man Financial), Richard has acquired substantial experience in the industry. His career began as a private client stockbroker at Walker Crips and Phillip Securities (now King and Shaxson), following internships on the NYMEX oil trading floor in New York and London IPE in 2001 and 2000.
Richard’s contributions and expertise have been recognized by respected publications such as The Sunday Times, BusinessInsider, Yahoo Finance, BusinessNews.org.uk, Master Investor, Wealth Briefing, iNews, and The FT, among many others.
Under Richard’s leadership, the Good Money Guide has evolved into a valuable destination for comprehensive information and expert guidance, specialising in trading, investment, and currency exchange. His commitment to delivering high-quality insights has solidified the Good Money Guide’s standing as a well-respected resource for both customers and industry colleagues.
