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
Fast, professional and innovative
Amazing investment place, trustful IBKR.
Above all
IBKR stands far above all other mainstream trading apps; it’s in a league of its own and simply cannot be compared.
Investing Platform Of Choice
It is undoubtedly one of the best if not the best investing platforms. It offers vide range of securities to invest acroos major geographies with best technology platform at very competitive charges. I feel it should be the first choice for an investor.
Best broker
Great platform, great team! Best in class
Best Trading Platform.
It is a secure and easy to use platform which is quite powerful. The mobile app is quite convenient.
International Markets
Easy to use and fractional stocks with low fees
Best Retail Broker
best broker for product offerings and price offering. Best platform.
IBKR has made investing easy and affordable..
IBKR has made investing easy and affordable..
Fantastic platform i recommend to all my friends
Interactive Brokers has been absolutely fantastic to use. From the start, I was impressed by how simple and intuitive their platform is — everything is laid out clearly, making it easy to navigate whether you’re new to investing or more experienced.
What really stands out is the transparency. There are no hidden costs or sneaky fees, which immediately builds trust and makes me feel confident in every trade. The pricing structure is straightforward, and it’s refreshing to use a broker that values honesty and fairness.
On top of that, their customer support and overall user experience are genuinely friendly and approachable. It feels like they’ve designed the service with the user in mind at every step.
Overall, Interactive Brokers is a reliable, user-friendly, and trustworthy platform that I would recommend to anyone looking for a smooth and cost-effective trading experience.
My review
I have used interactive brokers for 10 years to trade stocks, options, and futures. Very comprehensive and professional platform.
Lovely company
I am using IBKR for more than 3 years now, its amazing and lovely trustworthy platform
Fast, easy and excellent filling
The app has almost no spread and razor thin trading fees.
It is responsive, stable and just works. 10/10.
Far more robust than anything else I tried.
Reliable and Efficient
Wide range of trading and investing markets, easy to use platform and competitive pricing/fee.
Best investing platform
Love using it because of its easy of money transfer
Variety of products and low fees
Super clear on fees, it has a lot of helpful information. Big fan
Top Gun
The efficiency, speed and low cost of the IBKR platform make it a pleasure to work with and me a dedicated supporter.
Personal Financial Growth
IB set standards as a personal financial growth platform, offering competitive trading rates, financial literacy, and support throughout the investment journey
Best overall
Cheapest platform on the market and with the new AED account available, unbeatable.
IBKR is the top
Amazing platform
IBKR all the way
Most recognized and safest 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.
