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 and most comprehensive products suit
Best execution, Most comprehensive list of products available. Very cheap brokerage, Excellent customer service.
Super professional
Ease of use, clear terms and conditions, perfect execution
Exceptional Trading Platform
Multiple trading platforms, a wide range of both US and International products, efficient back-end operations, and competent KYC
Easy and clear online platform
The best online platform I have tried in use in the uae.
Best trading and investing platform
Fast, transparent and effective platform
Good investment platform
has global presence, trusted broker and lot of research analysis, options and tools within the platform
Smooth
I have been trading over the last 1 year with IBR and It has been a smooth experience so far.
Class
Very proffessional and efficient
Efficient
Its analysis and order transmission platform is highly intuitive and facilitates efficient operation, thereby avoiding unnecessary costs.
The most versatile platform
I have used Interactive brokers for four years now. It has offered every thing to allow me to invest for the long-term. I have never felt pressured to be pulled in and trade on a whim or gamble my money away. The platform is informative even if it is hard to navigate sometimes. I have never felt limited by the offerings they provide and never had a reason to doubt the safety of my account and money
Advanced, Comprehensive, and Easy to Use
I have used four online brokers before. Interactive Broker is by far the best on several grounds where others have failed. In no particular order, the following are the reasons why I prefer Interactive Brokers:
1. Clarity of information: Anything I need to know about a company or my positions in it, I can see or otherwise find easily
2. Comprehensive coverage: Any instrument I look for, they have it
3. Inexpensive: Commissions are reasonable
4. Easy to use: Be it the website platform or the more advanced software or the mobile app, the platform is easy to use for trading, observing, reporting, and satisfying KYC and compliance requirements
5. Straightforward and comprehensive external interfacing - from sending cash in or out to interaction with accounts with other brokers, it is easy to use, secure, and fast
Small commission, good application, nice unterface
I use IB for last three years and there were no any issues that I can notice while investing.
Continuous legacy
The best investment platform in the world
Best platform
Low cost, FIDC insured, multi-product, user-friendly platform
Global market access for all
A suite of professional-level financial products and services is now accessible to all participants, eliminating legacy intermediaries and saving customers on fees.
great
No problem since 2022.
Simple & Robust
Excellent platform, consistently delivering day in day out.
Easy to operate
I find IBKR website easy to operate and review my holdings. The App is also friendly and easy to use.
Best professional broker
For me IBKR is the most reliable and most professional broker in the market. Real access to all exchanges worldwide. Supply of real assets and market data, not just funny CFD copies and inhouse pricing like so many fake brokers out there. Very low fees. Wide range of powerful trading platforms supplying even professionals with all the necessary functionality, workflows and customization options.
Best international trading firm
Platform is user friendly and provide in-depth analysis of the companies.
- 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.
