Yes, we rate the Interactive Brokers GIA as very good for long-term investing as thier IBKR “universal account” that lets you invest in all asset classes via physical shares, CFDs, futures, options or funds.
59.7% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider
- 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 Brokers’ (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 “universal account” 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 at IBKR. When you buy and sell shares minimum dealing commissions are £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%
Read customer reviews
great
fees are ok, platform is ok
Fast cost efficient
Excellent trading platform
Very cost effective
Easy of use
Very strong trading Platform. Low maintenance and trading cost.
Pros: Very strong trading Platform has a wide spectrum of trading algorithms to choose from. Accepts international traders from all countries. Money sent from outside USA is seen updated instantly once they receive. Low maintenance and trading cost.
Cons: Advanced use of the trading platform has a steep learning curve. Not many practice videos available to teach non-tech/non-fin investors on the use of advanced features.
Ease of use
Platform is super easy to use and has minimal commissions.
IBKR platform
comprehensive, easy to use, reliable, fast money transfers, no issues at all.
amazing service
reliable and best low fees. Several services available
Best trading app
IBKR has the vastest portfolio with the lowest rates
An Indusry Leader
I have used IB for many years doing various things. It can handle any need without exception. The trading costs are about the minimum in the industry and help is always available to handle any inquiry.
Low brokerage, availability and reliability
App is always functioning, no downtime or glitch observed.highly reliable service
Big choice and low price
I trust very much IBKR, it’s very Professional. I Never had problems with orders and low fies
All In
I choose Interactive Brokers for my ETF investing because it offers low fee trading for US-listed stocks and ETFs, which keeps my costs low . The platform provides access to a massive selection of investments across global markets, allowing me to build a well-diversified portfolio easily . While the platform has advanced tools, the IBKR webside and mobile app are straightforward enough for my needs as a non-professional investor . It’s a powerful and trustworthy platform that helps me invest efficiently.
Great investment platform
Great company to work with – super helpful, easy to deal with, and really know their stuff. I feel confident about my investments with them
Perfect platform
A perfect platform to manage all your investments
Reliable platform with unmatched global access
I’ve been using Interactive Brokers for a while now, and what stands out most is the breadth of markets and products available. It’s one of the few platforms where I can manage everything in one place: stocks, ETFs, bonds, and even global markets I wouldn’t otherwise have access to. The trading costs are consistently low, which makes a huge difference over time, and the execution is fast and reliable.
The platform itself has a learning curve, but once you get comfortable with it, the tools are powerful and give you full control. I also like how transparent they are on fees and reporting, no hidden surprises. For me, it’s the best balance between professional-grade features and cost efficiency, especially for someone looking to invest seriously rather than casually trade.
Amazing trading features and tech
I’ve used this for my company for almost 7 years and have almost all of the equity with IBKR. The best speed and transparency of execution, with almost no costs. I also love they keep adding markets to the platform!
Amazing all rounded and trusted platform
I’ve used IBKR for almost a decade and trust them with large amounts. Their level of reporting, transparency in pricing and speed of execution, for small and even massive orders, is amazing. Nothing else comes close!
I've been with them more than 6 years, low fees, fast processing,. very good company
Really recommnded
Investment with IBKR is trust
The platform with highest responsibilities and quality is might be only trusted, the best example is Interactive Brokers
Broker of the year!
Best Broker thus far - make sure, it stays that way!
Affordable simplicity
IBKR offers an investment opportunity for clients across the globe. Wide range of investment options to suit any portfolio. Reliable service and helpful staff. Easy to work on the platform. Fantastic for keeping a cash reserve!
- Expert opinion: Interactive Brokers (IBKR) full review
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.
