Interactive Brokers Review 2026
Established in 1978
•
United States
• SEC Regulated
Interactive Brokers is one of our top-rated forex brokers, scoring 4.7/5 in our comprehensive testing. Regulated by SEC (highest protection tier), this broker offers spreads from 0.2 pips on EUR/USD with a minimum deposit of $0. Trade 1000000+ instruments including forex, CFDs, and more.
📊 Interactive Brokers Overview
Interactive Brokers (Interactive Brokers LLC) is a well-established broker founded in 1978 headquartered in Greenwich, United States. The broker operates under the supervision of SEC , one of the world's most respected financial regulators known for strict oversight and investor protection .
With access to 1000000+ tradable instruments including 100 forex pairs , 45 cryptocurrencies , 90000 stocks , and various indices, Interactive Brokers caters to diverse trading strategies.
| Legal Name | Interactive Brokers LLC |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1978 |
| Headquarters |
Greenwich, United States
|
| Primary Regulation | SEC (Tier 1 - Highest Protection) |
| Publicly Traded | Yes (IBKR) |
| Instruments | 1000000+ assets |
| Min Deposit | $0 |
| Max Leverage | 1:50 |
📖 Interactive Brokers — In-Depth Introduction
Few brokers can match the 48-year legacy of Interactive Brokers, a true industry pioneer that has weathered multiple market cycles. Interactive Brokers's SEC authorization subjects the broker to rigorous compliance requirements, regular audits, and strict capital adequacy rules—providing peace of mind for safety-conscious traders. Interactive Brokers positions itself as a premium choice for cost-conscious traders, with EUR/USD spreads averaging just 0.2 pips—significantly below the industry average of 1.0 pip.
Company Background
Interactive Brokers (legally Interactive Brokers LLC) has been operating in the financial services industry for 48 years. Headquartered in Greenwich, United States, the company has weathered multiple market cycles including the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic volatility, demonstrating operational resilience.
As a publicly traded company (IBKR), Interactive Brokers is subject to enhanced financial disclosure requirements, providing an additional layer of transparency.
The broker provides access to 1000000+ tradable instruments.
💸 Interactive Brokers Fees — Complete Cost Analysis
Interactive Brokers's fee structure is designed for high-volume traders who understand that every pip counts. The 0.2 pip average spread on EUR/USD translates to real savings over hundreds of trades. Interactive Brokers's ECN accounts feature $2.0 commission per lot, combined with raw spreads. Total trading costs often work out lower than spread-only accounts for high-volume traders. To put this in perspective: trading 10 lots per month on EUR/USD at Interactive Brokers's 0.2 pip spread would cost approximately $20 in spread fees alone. Compare this to an industry-average broker at 1.0 pips, where the same volume would cost $100.
Trading Costs Breakdown
💡 Cost Calculator: Interactive Brokers
Non-Trading Fees
| Fee Type | Interactive Brokers | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Fee | Free | Free - $25 |
| Withdrawal Fee | Varies by method | $0 - $50 |
| Inactivity Fee | None | $10-50/month |
Want to compare fees with other brokers?
⚖️ Compare🛡️ Is Interactive Brokers Safe? — Complete Security Analysis
Safety and fund security are paramount when choosing a broker, and Interactive Brokers excels in this area with a Trust Score of 99/100. This rating reflects strong regulatory compliance, robust fund protection measures, and a clean operational history. Client funds at Interactive Brokers are held in segregated accounts at top-tier banks, completely separate from the company's operational funds. This means even in the unlikely event of broker insolvency, your money remains protected and inaccessible to creditors.
Regulatory Framework
Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC.
Security Features Checklist
Understanding the Trust Score
Our 99/100 Trust Score is calculated using 15+ safety factors including regulation, company history, financial transparency, and client fund protection.
📋 Methodology👤 Who Should Use Interactive Brokers?
✅ Best For
- Beginners will appreciate Interactive Brokers's low $100 minimum deposit, free demo account, and educational resources. The learning curve is manageable, making it suitable for those just starting their trading journey.
- Scalpers and high-frequency traders should consider Interactive Brokers for its 0.2 pip spreads and rapid execution. Every fraction of a pip saved adds up when executing dozens of trades daily.
- Professional traders will appreciate Interactive Brokers's institutional-grade features: tight spreads, advanced platforms, API access, and high leverage options (where permitted).
❌ May Not Suit
- Those seeking the absolute lowest trading costs.
Looking for alternatives?
📝 The Bottom Line on Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers earns our strong recommendation as a top-tier broker with a 4.7/5 rating.
📈 Interactive Brokers Detailed Scores
Our expert team evaluates brokers across 8 key categories. Here's how Interactive Brokers performed in our rigorous testing:
Interactive Brokers is among the best brokers we've reviewed, excelling in multiple categories.
💰 Interactive Brokers Fees & Spreads
Understanding trading costs is crucial for profitability. Interactive Brokers uses a Variable spread model with commissions of $2.0 per lot round turn. The average EUR/USD spread is 0.2 pips — one of the lowest in the industry.
📊 Typical Spreads
| Pair | Min | Average |
|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.1 | 0.2 pips |
| GBP/USD | 0.8 | 1.2 pips |
| USD/JPY | 0.6 | 1.0 pips |
| XAU/USD | 15 | 25 cents |
💳 Other Fees
| Commission (ECN) | $2.0/lot |
| Deposit Fee | Free |
| Withdrawal Fee | Free (method dependent) |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
| Swap-Free (Islamic) | Not available |
💡 Trading Cost Example
Trading 1 standard lot (100,000 units) of EUR/USD with Interactive Brokers:
- Spread Cost: 0.2 pips × $10/pip = $2.0
- Commission: $2.0 round turn
- Total Cost: $4.0 per lot
🛡️ Interactive Brokers Regulation & Safety
Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, a Tier 1 - Highest Protection regulatory authority. This means the broker must adhere to the strictest financial regulations, including capital requirements, regular audits, and mandatory investor protection schemes.
📜 Regulatory Licenses
- SEC
- FINRA
- FCA
- ASIC
- MAS
- IIROC
🔒 Safety Features
- ✓ Segregated Client Funds
- ✓ Negative Balance Protection
- ✓ Investor Compensation (up to $500,000 SIPC)
- ✓ Publicly Traded (IBKR)
🎯 Trust Score: 99/100
High Trust: Interactive Brokers has demonstrated excellent regulatory compliance and safety standards.
🖥️ Interactive Brokers Trading Platforms
Interactive Brokers offers 2 trading platforms, giving traders flexibility in how they access the markets. Mobile apps are also available for iOS and Android.
TradingView
Popular charting platform with social features and extensive technical analysis tools.
- ✓ Social Trading
- ✓ Pine Script
- ✓ Cloud-Based
- ✓ Paper Trading
TWS
Interactive Brokers's custom-built trading platform designed specifically for their clients.
- ✓ Custom Features
- ✓ Integrated Tools
- ✓ Web-Based
- ✓ Mobile App
📋 Platform Comparison
| Feature | MT4 | MT5 | cTrader | TWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Available | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy Trading | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Algo Trading | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| VPS Available | Not offered | |||
| API Access | ✓ Available | |||
🌐 Interactive Brokers Tradable Instruments
Interactive Brokers offers access to 1000000+ tradable instruments across multiple asset classes. This includes 100 forex pairs , 45 cryptocurrencies , and 90000 global stocks.
👤 Interactive Brokers Account Types
Interactive Brokers offers various account types to suit different trading needs and experience levels. Demo accounts are available for practice.
Practice with virtual funds
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
💳 Interactive Brokers Deposits & Withdrawals
Interactive Brokers requires a minimum deposit of $0 — one of the most accessible in the industry.
📥 Deposit Methods
- 💳Credit/Debit Cards
- 🏦Bank Wire Transfer
- 📱E-Wallets (Skrill, Neteller)
📤 Withdrawal Methods
- 💳Credit/Debit Cards
- 🏦Bank Wire Transfer
- 📱E-Wallets
⚖️ Interactive Brokers Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Ultra-low spreads from 0.2 pips on EUR/USD
- Top-tier SEC regulation ensures high safety standards
- Free demo account available for practice
- Negative balance protection for retail traders
❌ Cons
- MetaTrader platforms not available
- No copy trading feature
- Limited educational resources for advanced traders
📚 Interactive Brokers Education & Research
Interactive Brokers's educational offerings are limited compared to some competitors.
Limited
Not available
Basic coverage
Available on trading platforms
🎧 Interactive Brokers Customer Support
Interactive Brokers offers customer support to assist traders with their queries.
⭐ Interactive Brokers User Reviews
📝 User reviews will be displayed here. Share your experience with Interactive Brokers!
Write a Review🏆 Interactive Brokers — Our Verdict
Interactive Brokers is among the best forex brokers we've tested. With SEC regulation, 0.2 pips EUR/USD spreads, and a $0 minimum deposit, this broker is well-suited for both beginners and experienced traders .
Best for: Scalpers and high-frequency traders , Safety-focused traders , Beginners with limited capital
⚠️ Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. Consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford the high risk of losing your money.
❓ Interactive Brokers — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Interactive Brokers a safe and regulated broker?
Yes, Interactive Brokers is regulated by SEC, which is a Tier 1 - Highest Protection regulatory authority. The broker also holds licenses from 5 additional regulators. Client funds are kept in segregated accounts with negative balance protection. Investor compensation up to $500,000 SIPC is available.
What is the minimum deposit at Interactive Brokers?
The minimum deposit at Interactive Brokers is $0. This means you can start with any amount. This is considered low and accessible for beginners.
What trading platforms does Interactive Brokers offer?
Interactive Brokers offers the following trading platforms:
- TradingView — Popular charting and analysis platform
- TWS — Custom-built trading solution
- Web Platform — Trade directly from your browser
- Mobile Apps — Available for iOS and Android
What are Interactive Brokers's spreads on EUR/USD?
Interactive Brokers offers EUR/USD spreads from 0.1 pips with an average of 0.2 pips. The broker uses Variable spreads. On ECN accounts, there's a commission of $2.0 per lot round turn.
How long do withdrawals take at Interactive Brokers?
Withdrawal processing times at Interactive Brokers depend on the payment method:
- E-wallets: 0-24 hours
- Credit/Debit Cards: 2-5 business days
- Bank Transfers: 3-7 business days
Does Interactive Brokers offer a demo account?
Yes, Interactive Brokers offers free demo accounts with virtual funds so you can practice trading without risking real money. This is an excellent way to test the platform and develop your trading strategy.
What is Interactive Brokers's maximum leverage?
Interactive Brokers offers maximum leverage of 1:50. However, note that leverage limits vary by region due to regulatory requirements:
- EU/UK/Australia: Up to 1:30 for major forex pairs (retail)
- Professional traders: Higher leverage may be available upon qualification
- Other jurisdictions: Leverage up to 1:50 may be available
Higher leverage increases both potential profits and potential losses.
Can I use Interactive Brokers in ?
Interactive Brokers accepts traders from . The broker operates under SEC regulation. Always verify current availability and applicable regulations on the broker's website.
Does Interactive Brokers offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts?
Interactive Brokers does not currently advertise Islamic accounts. If you require swap-free trading, we recommend contacting them directly or considering an alternative broker.
What instruments can I trade with Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers offers access to 1000000+ tradable instruments:
- 100 Forex currency pairs
- 45 Cryptocurrencies
- 90000 Stock CFDs
- 80 Index CFDs
- 50 Commodities
- 13000 ETF CFDs
