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
IBKR the best trading platform in the UAE.
A user friendly platform that covers a large range of stocks and ETFs world wide.
Very close to perfection
Keep it up
盈透很棒
盈透平台非常人性化,费率很低,对客户很友好,我是从sexo bank过来的,深有体会
Amazing Platform
Easy to use very friendly. Reliable service always accessible. Great tech support in case of an issue. Wide access to many markets
The lowest fees and the widest range of instruments.
Interactive Brokers is a rare case where you can actually gain direct access to major exchanges like NYSE, CME, and many others around the world. Their service fees are suitable for both long-term investors and active intraday scalpers. Whether you want to passively invest in a stock index ETF like SPY or build complicated options strategies, Interactive Brokers will serve you well in both cases. You can deposit any major currency, such as GBP or CHF, and convert it to the one you need at actual interbank rates without paying the disgusting 1-2% fees that banks charge. Overall, 5 out of 5.
Great platform
No nonsense here. This is a platform that is transparent, powerful and rewarding. You will slowly but surely build you wealth using the tools that are built in. It takes only a short time to know all that it has to offer.
Easy and proactive
Fast transactions, low charges and very easy platform.
Most reliable platform
I didn't have to check which platform to use when I started investing IBKR is the most reliable, trusted partner, international company, NYSE listed and been in the business for many years. I always recommend it to friends/family. It's my pleasure to waste a minute writing this because trust me they are worth more than a minute.
Best trading app
Ibkr is best trading
The onl missing to be linked with uae banks
Other trading platform are scam no penny stocks no premarket after market .. there platforms stuck and higher hidden fees.. however ibkr best ever app www with mult options
IBKR: making it easy for novice traders 💪
IBKR has a great app, allowing very simple trading if you are not a seasoned trader.
IBKR the most reliable.
Most reliable brokerage firm for international investing.
Best platform
Simple and very clear
The easy to work account
One of the best and reliable brokerage for exposure to international investment and trading
Best Platform for investment and trading
IBKR IS THE BEST PLATFORM FOR GLOBAL INVESTMENT
Excellent
Excellent in all aspects
Smith / Quick / Out of Hours Platform
really smooth platform that is quick and easy to use and does what is says on the tin -
Highly recommend
Interactive Brokers
Interactive have been always supportive in my trading journey.
Best pro app
Best app in all terms and features.
Great for long term investment
One of the best brokers your money is safe in the long term investment
Safe and professional
The best and safest platform, easy and professional platform
- 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.
