Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is a global multi-asset broker with roots dating back to 1977. For European clients, the relevant entity is Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited, regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. The broker offers access to stocks, ETFs, options, futures, currencies, bonds, funds, commodities, CFDs and other products across global markets.
Min. Deposit
$0
Max Leverage
1:30
Est.
1977
Regulated by
FXJ Score
8.0
/ 10Execution Model
STP
How orders are processed
Segregated Funds
Yes
Client funds held separately
Negative Balance
Protected
You cannot lose more than you deposit
Scalping
Not Allowed
Short-term high-frequency trading
Pros
Long operating history since 1977
Interactive Brokers Ireland regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland
Member of the Irish Investor Compensation Scheme
SEC, FINRA, CFTC and NFA-regulated US group entity
FCA-regulated UK group entity
ASIC, CIRO, SFC and MAS-regulated group entities
Very broad global market access
Stocks, ETFs, options, futures, currencies, bonds, funds, CFDs and commodities available
Access to global markets from one integrated account
Trader Workstation available
IBKR Desktop available
Client Portal available
IBKR Mobile available
IBKR GlobalTrader available
API access available
Multi-currency account functionality
Low FX commissions
Spot FX spreads as narrow as 0.1 pip
No hidden spread markup stated for spot currencies
Segregated client funds
Negative balance protection for retail CFD clients
Suitable for advanced traders and investors
Cons
Platform ecosystem can be complex for beginners
No MetaTrader 4
No MetaTrader 5
No cTrader
No xStation 5
Product availability varies by jurisdiction and trading permissions
Market data subscriptions may add extra costs
Fee structure can be complex across products and exchanges
Margin trading may result in losses greater than the original investment
Negative balance protection is specific to retail CFD clients
Spot FX and other products use commission-based pricing
Card and e-wallet funding options are limited compared with many CFD brokers
Some account types and institutional structures have higher requirements
Not designed primarily as a simple beginner-only trading app
Typical Spreads
Varies by account type| Symbol | Category | Typical Spread | Min Spread |
|---|
Account Currencies
Deposit Methods
Withdrawal Methods
Account Types
Individual Account
Standard account for a single account holder, suitable for investing and trading across global markets.
Joint Account
Account for two account holders, with access to trading and account management features.
Cash Account
Account type where trading is limited to settled cash and available funds, without margin borrowing.
Margin Account
Account type that allows margin trading, subject to eligibility, product permissions and margin requirements.
Portfolio Margin Account
Advanced margin account designed for eligible clients with larger portfolios and more complex risk-based margin requirements.
Advisor Account
Account structure for financial advisors and investment managers managing client accounts.
Institutional Account
Account type for companies, funds, proprietary trading groups and other institutional clients.
Platforms
Instruments
FX Junction Verdict
Interactive Brokers is a very strong choice for experienced investors and active traders who want access to global markets, advanced platforms and a broad range of asset classes from one account. Its main strengths are regulation, market access, platform depth, multi-currency functionality and transparent pricing across many products. The main weaknesses are complexity, limited beginner simplicity, limited card/e-wallet funding options and a fee structure that requires attention across different asset classes. Overall, Interactive Brokers is best suited for serious traders and investors who value professional tools, broad market access and strong regulatory coverage.