Interactive Brokers Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5

“Great for frequent traders costs stay low even with volume”

As someone who trades multiple times a week, IBKR cuts my trading costs dramatically compared to older brokers I used. The savings add up fast when you trade often.

Pros : Low commission, volume discounts and competitive margin rates make IBKR cost-efficient if you trade often.

Cons : If you trade infrequently or hold long-term positions, the monthly activity / inactivity fees (or maintenance/complexity) can feel heavy compared to ultra-simple brokers.

Switched from : Lightspeed Trading

Reason to switch : I switched because frequent per-trade costs were squeezing my margins; IBKR’s low fees made frequent trading economically viable.

4.5/5

“Access to global bonds, currencies, diversified my portfolio beyond equities”

I wanted to invest globally, not just US stocks. Interactive Brokers let me buy foreign bonds, stocks and ETFs all in one account. That level of diversification was impossible with my old local-only broker.

Pros : IBKR offers not just equities but bonds, forex, international ETFs, and allows diversified global portfolios.

Cons : The complexity of global tax/regulations, currency conversion, and compliance can be a bit intimidating for someone not familiar with cross-border investing.

Switched from : E TRADE

Reason to switch : I switched because the local broker limited me to domestic assets; IBKR allowed me to build a globally diversified portfolio.

4.5/5

“Strong reporting and account tools I feel more in control”

After shifting to IBKR, I love that I can download detailed performance reports, track commissions, taxes, and holdings in various currencies. It gives me control and clarity over my investments.

Pros : IBKR’s detailed account reporting, performance tracking, statements, and transparency of charges/fees.

Cons : For novice investors, the reports and data can be overwhelming, and interpreting them requires some financial understanding.

Switched from : Charles Schwab

Reason to switch : I switched because the old broker’s statements were minimal and hard to reconcile; with IBKR I get full transparency and better record-keeping.

4.5/5

“Learning curve sucks but once you get over it, it pays off”

My first few weeks with IBKR were confusing: margin requirements, FX conversions, fees, UI navigation. But once I spent time reading documentation and watching tutorials, I started reaping the benefits. Now I wouldn’t trade with a simpler broker.

Pros : Once you master IBKR’s tools, you get almost everything: global access, derivatives and low fees.

Cons : The interface, terminology, fee structure, margin rules, and global trading rules can overwhelm new or casual investors.

Switched from : Alpaca

Reason to switch : I switched because the beginner-friendly broker lacked features; though IBKR was harder initially, it gave long-term value once I invested the time.

4.5/5

“Reliable execution and fast settlement, my trades clear quickly”

With IBKR, even complex cross-border trades settle quickly, and I seldom face delays. That reliability helps me plan my next moves without fear of being stuck waiting for funds.

Pros : IBKR’s execution speed, reliability, and efficient settlement across global markets.

Cons : Settlement in different currencies/time zones sometimes causes delays; foreign-exchange conversions add complexity.

Switched from : TradeZero

Reason to switch : I switched because settlement delays and limited markets restricted me; IBKR’s efficiency gave me confidence to trade globally with less friction.

4.5/5

“Good for derivatives and margin but risk comes with it”

I trade futures and use margin for part of my portfolio. IBKR gives me that ability but I’ve learned to be careful, use proper risk management and not treat margin as free money.

Pros : For traders using margin, options, futures. IBKR supports these across many markets.

Cons : Using margin/leverage dramatically increases risk and mistakes can be costly.

Switched from : AstroApp Financial Astrology

Reason to switch : I switched because the old broker didn’t support derivatives or margin; IBKR offered that advanced capability, which matched my risk/return profile.

4.3/5

“Low cost and global markets ideal for serious traders”

I switched to Interactive Brokers because I trade US, European and Asian stocks, and needed a broker that offers real global-market access with low costs. With IBKR I now place trades across regions easily, something my old broker couldn’t do without huge fees.

Pros : IBKR provides access to many global markets and offers very competitive commission/fee structure, which many reviewers highlight as a major advantage.

Cons : The learning curve can be steep, especially for new or casual investors IBKR's platform and fee/commission models can feel complex.

Switched from : Moomoo

Reason to switch : I moved from a local broker because it lacked international market access and had higher per-trade fees; Interactive Brokers offered better value and global reach.

4.3/5

“Advanced tools for active traders, I finally feel empowered”

I’m not a casual investor. I trade options, futures and use margin. IBKR’s Trader Workstation, advanced order types, and access to global derivatives gave me flexibility and power that simpler brokers lacked.

Pros : IBKR’s advanced trading tools: real-time data, charting, margin/leverage, derivatives/options/futures support.

Cons : For casual investors, the abundance of tools can feel overwhelming and the interface less user-friendly.

Switched from : Bybit

Reason to switch : I switched because the discount broker couldn’t support options and advanced orders; IBKR gave me the full feature set I needed.

4.3/5

“Advanced Options Trading Platform”

I trade options, and Interactive Brokers offers the tools I need to execute complex strategies. The analytics help me understand potential outcomes and risks. The platform's interface is detailed, which might be overwhelming at first, but it's worth learning. It has enhanced my options trading significantly.

Pros : Supports complex options strategies with detailed analytics.

Cons : The interface can be intimidating for new options traders.

Switched from : QuantMan

Reason to switch : I needed a platform that supports advanced options trading strategies.

4.3/5

“Excellent for Global Trading”

Interactive Brokers lets me trade in many countries, which is perfect for my investment goals. I can buy stocks from Europe, Asia, and more. The fees are low, and the execution is fast. However, the platform isn't the easiest to use at first. It took me some time to learn where everything is. But now, I can manage my investments globally without any issues.

Pros : Access to over 135 markets in 33 countries.

Cons : The user interface isn't very beginner-friendly.

Switched from : E*TRADE

Reason to switch : I needed access to international markets and lower trading fees.