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
Best Broker
I love your reliability and orderliness, and I have confidence in your safety.
Felix Schomacher, Germany
Best there is
Been using it for over 4 years now. Honest, no hidden fees and super functional!
Amazing platform!
I’ve been using IB for few years already, and couldn’t recommend it more. Comprehensive, fast, safe, and easy to use.
Most comprehensive and competitive investment platform
IBKR has the best platform for investing in stocks, etfs and OTC products. The fees are the best in the industry by far and the platform easy to set up and fund
Fantastic
The platform is seemless. They have the best rates. Everything just works perfectly.
Secure and reliable
In my opinion, the most secure and reliable platform for investing and trading.
Superb
Superb
Global Reach, Local Edge
Depositing in UAE dirhams—no hidden fees, no conversion loss. Trading feels local, even when I go global.
Even AED to USD conversion for trading beats local UAE exchanges.
Absolutely Love the platform
IBKR consistently gives me pro-level tools with low costs. Order execution is fast and reliable, and smart routing has improved my fills during volatile sessions. I can trade global markets from one account, convert FX at tight spreads and use advanced order types (like VWAP and iceberg) without paying “premium” platform fees.
I also like having a choice of interfaces, IBKR Desktop/TWS for depth and global trader/mobile for quick moves. risk tools, margin transparency and detailed statements make portfolio management straightforward.
Very good API
Amazing service, responsive staff and good tech
Simplicity
Simple to use and to navigate throughout the platform
Best is IBKR
Very quick & smooth transactions IBKR
All in Platform
You could invest wherever and wherever you want with a very competitive fees
Most professional investing and trading platform
Most reliable platform with lowest cost, widest range of products and world class service.
Trustworthy platform, reliable and efficient.
After more than 5 years working with IB, I am really comfortable with the quality level services provided.
Largest range of assets to trade.
IB is by far the best platform for tradign all your asets in 1 place, from forex, futures, stocks, option and crypto . No funny tricks and low fees.
Excellent Investing Provider - details and trust you need
Excellent Investing Provider - details and trust you need
Great UX
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) delivers an excellent trading experience with a great user interface that’s both intuitive and powerful. Everything you need is right there — from advanced charting to order types — and the platform offers a huge variety of tools and preferences so you can truly customize your workflow.
When it comes to market access, IBKR is outstanding. There are plenty of stocks available, and I’ve never run into a case where a ticker I wanted wasn’t there. The breadth of choice makes it ideal for both casual investors and active traders.
Another strong point is transparency. Fees are clearly visible and straightforward, with nothing hidden in fine print. You always know exactly what you’re paying for, which builds a lot of trust compared to other brokers.
Overall, IBKR is a robust, reliable, and flexible platform that caters to traders of all levels. It combines usability, depth, and transparency in a way that makes it a top choice for anyone serious about investing.
Game changing trading platform
So much functionality, cheapest trades and margin loans
Most comprehensive investment platform
Super easy to use and incredibly comprehensive for managing trades, investments and your overall portfolio in one easy to use app.
- 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.
