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 internet broker
good homepage, easy to navigate, all markets available, wanted information easy to get
Very professional - for the non-professional user
IBKR enables “private users” to use a truly comprehensive and powerful platform without having to pay exorbitant costs. This is shown, for example, by the fact that the provided real-time prices reach the user with virtually no delay.
The excellent customer service and the high level of security when accessing the platform (two-factor authorization) are also worth mentioning.
Exzellent
Fair
Best trading platform so far
IBKR is perfect for serious investors and traders who want reliability, speed, and access to virtually every asset class. Highly recommended!
IBKR powerful system
They gave an advanced API with multiple layers of security, an expanse paper trading (practice) platform and great documentation and study guides.
Every user that registers to use thr platform has to go through a rigorous process to understand what they are getting into.
Unmatched App
Interactive Brokers app and the service being provided is very thoughtfully designed. I can easily read updates in each Ticker, directly from the Intuitive App Interface. I am warned appropriately when submitting a trade - purchase price control is there. KYC is regularly performed. Downtime is minimum and planned ones are always made known in advance.
Simplicity & Clarity
IBKR is easy to use. There is no "Black zone" which could generate extra costs. Advices are also valuable.
Ibkr review ireka
Easy to use for beginners.
Clear instructions.
Good pricing
Great
Great
Simply the best
By far the best trading tool on the market
parfait
Facile, fiable, peu de frais
exellent service and cost
Top service and reasonable cost.
Ibkr excelent
Esse to use platforms and good fees
Simply the best trading platform
Easy to use, live trading, covers all the market
Trasparent and easy
I find Interactive Brokers to be an excellent platform because it combines simplicity with completeness. The interface is easy to use, yet it offers all the advanced tools and features I need to manage my investments effectively.
IBKR
A lot of graphs and it gives a good Überblick
Great investment platform
Great platform which allows me to buy and sell at the best possible prices, much better than using a corporate
Simply a Happy Client
Interactive Brokers have been remarkable:
- KYC and Onboarding: efficient
- Money transfer: Checked of course but not a huge pain as it can sometimes be with banks
- Easy access to many markets
- iBot provides good summaries
Could it be better? Yes. I wish we could colour code the grids or have a category. The risk reports are lacking (I have a Ph D in market finance). I also think the tools are not as intuitive as they should be.
Despite those shortcomings, I am a happy client.
Reliable
It's the most reliable and reputable investing platform with a proven track record. Used by many reputable influencers too
Thé bestbery
Very good
- 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.
