- Experts rate Interactive Brokers highly for indices trading, highlighting its low commissions, extensive market access, and a robust platform suitable for both beginners and advanced traders. They note that while customer service can be inconsistent, the platform offers a wealth of research and analysis tools, making it a strong choice for various trading needs.
- Across 1375 user reviews on Good Money Guide, averaging 4.6/5, customers frequently commend the platform's low fees, broad market access, and user-friendly interface. Many users appreciate the comprehensive tools and resources available, although some express concerns about the speed of customer support. Overall, the platform is seen as reliable and efficient for both novice and experienced investors.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) Indices 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) Indices Trading across five key areas of our review framework.
- Pricing5.0
- Market Access5.0
- App & Platform5.0
- Customer Service4.5
- Research & Analysis5.0
Pros
- Low commissions
- No account fees
- Global DMA index access
Cons
- Customer serivce can be slow
See full expert review
Our verdict
You can trade the global stock market and synthetic on-exchange indices as either a futures contract, DMA option of equity as an ETF.
Interactive Brokers has transparent, low commissions and financing rates. Equity indices can be traded in lots as small as 1x the index level. Unlike the related futures, Index CFDs (not available in the US) do not expire, saving rollover-related costs and risks.
Is IBKR good for indices trading?
Yes, IBKR is an excellent choice for index trading. For beginners, Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of ETFs that track underlying stock market indices like the S&P 500 and Dow Jones. For more advanced traders, IBKR offers DMA index futures trading with low commissions.
Pricing: IBKR is always a cheap way to trade, one of the original discount execution only brokers.
Market Access: A huge range of on-exchange ETFs or direct market access to index futures around the world.
App & Platform: Excellent - something for everyone from beginners to hedge funds.
Customer Service: A bit hit and miss sometimes, but their AI bot can solve most issues and personal dealers for larger accounts.
Research & Analysis: A constantly updating stream of analysis and data on global indices.
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%
Read customer reviews
My best experience
Streamlined and efficient
Best platform
I have been working in private banking for many years, and I can confidently say that this is the best investing platform I have come across. The combination of competitive fees and outstanding service truly sets it apart. In fact, the overall experience is superior to what some private banks are currently offering.
Very good User Interface
The Mobile & Desktop Apps are extremely user friendly. The data on each stock/listing is extensive and further filters/cuts can be added to have the desired view. The statements provide a detailed overview of activity and MTM report.
Excellent trading platform
During my more than 7 years of experience trading US stocks and ETFs with different 8 brokers I have yet to come across a broker that would top Interactive Brokers. I hope they keep up the good work.
The best broker ever
I have been a client of Interactive Brokers for more than 7 years now. I am a raving fan of their services. As a long-term investor I am more than satisfied with all the aspects of their work.
Great
Great
Best trading platform
The platform that I have been using since 2021
Best in Class
great prices, great selection on global markets and access - app could be more user friendly
Excellent platform
Using IB for more than 10 years and during this time I find it an excellent platform for the non-expert trading user
Best and Rich Trading Platform
Best and Rich Trading Platform in terms of costs and usability
top and easy App
Very smooth app, has two apps, the older one with all the information or a newer one which has a better UI, more updated etc.
Smooth, runs good, best fx exchange rates, can't complain at all
security
security and low rates
The best broker
Great broker, low fees, many options for traders.They give good interest on the money kept on the account,way more than competitors. Never had a problem with them,I use many brokers but Interactive brokers is the best for me.
Excellent and affordable trading platform
An industry powerhouse best suited for experienced and active traders who need institutional-grade tools and access to global markets. Its strength lies in low costs, superior trade execution, and an incredibly wide range of tradable assets, including stocks, options, futures, forex, and more, across numerous countries.
Best platform
Investing regularly in S&P works very well
Intuitive, informative and Economic value add
I have found this platform easy to use, trustworthy, informative each and every time I've used it. I would recommend to to anyone who is looking to invest privately.
Easy and efficient
Really helpful platform with easy layout and clear investment options
Best platform for investing in US equities
Definitely worth a recommend. Seemless in transactions both deposit and withdrawals. Very transparent and quick. No hiccups since I've started using this service.
IB
Best investing website
Review of services provided by Interactive Brokers
Execution : excellent
Brokerage : low
Support: prompt, knowledgeable, courteous and above all, helpful
Payout: quick and easy
Compare indices trading on IBKR to other index brokers below:
| Index Trading Platform | Indices Available | Index CFDs | Index Spreads | Index Futures | Index Options | MT4/5 | Customer Reviews | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 40 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | (Based on 125 reviews) | See Platform 69% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 40 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | (Based on 21 reviews) | See Platform 74% of retail CFD accounts lose money. |
 | 28 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | (Based on 110 reviews) | See Platform 73% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 39 | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | (Based on 146 reviews) | See Platform 76% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 13 | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | (Based on 1,375 reviews) | See Platform 59.7% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 30 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | (Based on 272 reviews) | See Platform 61% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 80+ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | (Based on 746 reviews) | See Platform 68% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 80+ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | (Based on 237 reviews) | See Platform 68% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 29 | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | (Based on 137 reviews) | See Platform 62% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 15 | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | (Based on 283 reviews) | See Platform 61% of retail investor accounts lose money |
 | 25 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | (Based on 139 reviews) | See Platform74% 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.
