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
Interactive Brokers – A Comprehensive Platform for Active and Quantitative Traders
Interactive Brokers is functional, intuitive, and packed with all the tools you need. It works well for both semi-pro and professional traders, and is especially convenient for quant traders thanks to its strong API and data access. Reliable, flexible, and efficient.
User Friendly
User Friendly
Easy to use and trust worthy
Easy to trade platform. Fast deposit and withdrawal. Trust worthy.
IBKR Simply the best
the best platform for forex, trading and investing. plus supports now local AED transfers
CEO
Perfect platform with fast and efficient client service.
IBKR is the best
Professional platform, high security, low rates, and big diversity of trading tools and options.
modern and convenient platform
I've been trading and investing through Interactive Brokers for over 10 years and I've never encountered a more professional platform.
Professional
Very educative investment and trading platform
Wide range of instruments
ID gives you a lot of opportunities with all range of assets, low commissions, very attractive interface of the platform.
Secure, Easy and Less expensive
Interactive Broker is easily the most popular online platform to invest money in US and other markets. It’s app is easy to invest and is less expensive
Trading Without Limits
If you're serious about investing in the UAE, you need to be global—and that's exactly why I love Interactive Brokers (IBKR). Forget regional limitations; this platform is your one-stop shop for everything. You get access to over 160 markets—global stocks, options, futures, you name it—all from your single, multi-currency account.
The best part? The cost. Their commissions and margin rates are seriously the lowest out there, which means more of your money actually stays in your portfolio. Whether I’m doing a quick trade on the simple Mobile App or setting up a complex strategy on the powerful Trader Workstation, IBKR has the tools I need without the annoying fees. It's the strongest, smartest, and most cost-effective way to build serious global wealth right here in the Emirates.
Good platform
Great place to do trading.
Best UAE, US broker
Their trading app and facility to fund in AED are more attractive.
Best investment platform
IBKR is best investment and most trusted platform
The best platform
I’m using interactive brokers from more than 3 years and I never face any issues with this platform.
It’s a trustful platform and their fees are clear and reasonable.
Simple and yet powerful
simple and yet powerful platform , best feature is offering joint account holdin
Most reliable global platform
Has access to lots of different instruments
Best trading platform
Great platform
simple and effectice
Simple and effective
Best trading platform
Great app fast execution and low commission
- 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.
