Interactive Brokers offers professional-grade trading across 150+ markets with industry-lowest margin rates and comprehensive API access.
✓ Pros
- Lowest margin rates
- Global market access
- Professional TWS platform
- IBKR Lite for $0 trades
✗ Cons
- Complex interface
- Steep learning curve
- Pro pricing can add up
Fees & costs
- Min. deposit
- €$0
- Trading
- $0 for US stocks (IBKR Lite), Pro: $0.005/share (min $1)
- Stock fee
- $0.35 min
- Spread
- Forex from 0.1 pips
- Deposits
- Free
- Withdrawals
- 1 free per month
- Inactivity
- None
Platforms & features
✓
Trader Workstation (TWS)
Professional-grade desktop platform with advanced tools
✓
IBKR GlobalTrader
Simplified mobile app for casual traders
✓
Paper Trading
Practice with virtual money on full TWS platform
✓
API Trading
Fully documented API for algorithmic trading
✓
Global Market Access
Trade on 150+ markets in 33 countries
✓
Lowest Margin Rates
Industry-lowest margin rates starting at 5.83%
✓
Fractional Shares
Buy fractional shares of stocks and ETFs
Who this fits best
✓ Professional traders✓ Active traders✓ global_investors
Note: complex interface.
Account opening steps
- 1.
Choose Account Type
Select from IBKR Lite (free trades) or IBKR Pro (lowest costs for active traders)
- 2.
Complete Application
Provide personal information, SSN, and answer questions about trading experience
- 3.
Verify Identity
Upload ID and proof of address for verification
- 4.
Fund Your Account
Transfer funds via ACH, wire, or check
- 5.
Access TWS or GlobalTrader
Download Trader Workstation for full features or use IBKR GlobalTrader for simplified trading
Frequently asked
What is the difference between IBKR Lite and Pro?
IBKR Lite offers $0 commission on US stocks and ETFs but uses payment for order flow. IBKR Pro offers better execution and lower costs for active traders at $0.005/share (min $1).
Is Interactive Brokers good for beginners?
Interactive Brokers has a steep learning curve and complex platforms. The IBKR GlobalTrader app is more beginner-friendly, but overall the broker is best suited for experienced traders.
What markets can I access with Interactive Brokers?
IBKR offers access to 150+ markets in 33 countries, including stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, and crypto across global exchanges.
What are IBKR's margin rates?
Interactive Brokers offers the lowest margin rates in the industry, starting at 5.83% for balances over $100,000 (rates vary by balance and may change).
Does IBKR offer paper trading?
Yes, IBKR offers a fully-featured paper trading account that mirrors the real platform, allowing you to practice with virtual money.
Can I use an API with Interactive Brokers?
Yes, IBKR provides a fully documented API for algorithmic and automated trading, supporting multiple programming languages including Python and Java.
What is Trader Workstation (TWS)?
TWS is Interactive Brokers' flagship desktop platform offering advanced charting, analysis tools, and access to all markets. It has a significant learning curve but is extremely powerful.