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
No.1
I have used it a lot for trading with options and currency exchanges. I would say the best in terms of tools, offering, and commissions, without a doubt
Top Platform
The TWS platform which is available for all customers has a top professional level
it really works for me
good charts good executions
Easy!
IB platform allows me to do trading in an easy and very efficient way. Transaction costs are very low. The notification system allows me to buy/sell when I have decided so.
Happy with them so far
Low fees, no fuss. Thanks IBKR
costumer service
after confirmed application for trading permission you can trade everything all over the world.
Best trading Plattform
Easy, fast & reliable
Overall Excellent platform for investments
I use it for my personal investment. Great software and at very low fees. Recommended
A non-professional trader's delight
Having used four different trading platforms, Interactive Brokers has the easiest to use platform and best prices.
The platform for everyone
Easy enough to use, reliable, gives everyone access to the financial world
Very nice service
Very efficient service and helpful when needed
Simple and efficient
Adapted to all investor types with easy to use interfaces and high efficiency
One-stop shot for investing and trading!
IBKR is very powerful, with plenty of tools with wide access to different markets for investors and traders of different profiles.
Excellence
Very professionell
Great platform
Good, reliable and user-friendly platform/website, clear fee structure, competitive fees, no upselling or other BS.
Reliable and functional
An ideal broker for trading shares (in my case, mainly US equities and ETFs) and holding them in custody. Easy-to-use, highly accessible and fast platform, with a huge range of assets and buying and selling options. Extensive customisation options and good, helpful customer service. In my personal experience, highly recommended.
My main broker
Best pricing and execution.
A fit for all
Does all you could ask for then some!
Transparency, user-friendly, support
Interactive Brokers offers a broad range of the investment products, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds across global markets, with competitive pricing and powerful research tools that support diversified portfolio building. However, access to cryptocurrency is relatively limited and less straightforward compared to platforms that specialized in the digital assets
Great interface, availability and pricing
IBKR is the answer if you're looking for a platform where you can be an active trader in assets around the world - be it stocks, derivatives, commodities or others. Interface is intuitive and easy to use on both desktop and mobile. Fees are very reasonable. And robust availability is great.
- 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.
