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
One window facility
The best platform available in relations to trading
Seamless
Very user friendly and seamless to use
Best
#1
Best of the best
Fundamental research
Best trade platform
Best company for beginners to experties too.
Best platform
IB is the best platform out there for investing and trading us stocks.
Best all in one investment and trading platform
Have been using IBKR over 7 years. Secure, reliable and easy to use platform. Had good experience with the customer support team
Best terms in the industry
Excellent for buy and hold as well as for trading
The best availability and worst transfer fees
All good unless the fees for transfers and exchange which is a panic for short terms and small amounts investment
The Best Broker
I’ve been using Interactive Brokers in 2 countries, the transition from a different country to UAE region was seamless and trading stocks and Options cannot be easier with IBKR. They are globally recognized and anyone who means day trading as a real profession requires IBKR.
Comprehensive platform for investment
Amazing platform and easy to use. Easily manage online and through a secure app. Wish I had started years ago but never too late!
Simply the best!
Fantastic platform; ease of use; low charges
Great App
Low fees, great support, easy to use. Great investment app.
I don't write enought well in english
I don't write enought well in english
Great value and trustabilty
IBKR is the best broker I could found!
Perfect
Perfect for non professionals investors.
Very cheap currency conversions
IBKR provides very competitive forex conversion rates, probably the best in the market.
Easy to use
Their website is easy to navigate and give great information regarding the various ETF's that I buy.
VERY HAPPY CLIENT
EXCELLENT SERVICE WITH VERY FAIR PRICING. LOOK NO FURTHER
Low cost
Reliable, professional, low cost, high reputation
- 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.
