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Broker review
Multi-asset

Interactive Brokers (US)

Founded 1978 Headquartered United States ✓ SEC · FINRA · CFTC

Interactive Brokers offers professional-grade trading via 170+ market destinations worldwide, with margin trading and comprehensive API access. This is the US entity; IBKR Lite is only for US residents.

✓ Pros
  • Low margin rates
  • Global market access
  • Professional TWS platform
  • IBKR Lite: $0 on US stocks (US residents only)
✗ Cons
  • Complex interface
  • Steep learning curve
  • Pro pricing can add up

Fees & costs

Min. deposit
€$0
Trading
$0 for US-listed stocks and ETFs (IBKR Lite, US residents only; small regulatory fees on sells); Pro Fixed: $0.005/share, min $1; options $0.65/contract; futures $0.85/contract (Tiered from $0.25); forex 0.08-0.20 bps of trade value, min $2
Stock fee
$1 min (Pro tier; Lite is $0)
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 170+ market destinations worldwide
✓
Low Margin Rates
Margin loans starting at 4.38% (rates may change)
✓
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. 1.

    Choose Account Type

    Select IBKR Lite ($0 commission on US stocks and ETFs, US residents only) or IBKR Pro (fixed or tiered commissions for active traders)

  2. 2.

    Complete Application

    Provide personal information, SSN, and answer questions about trading experience

  3. 3.

    Verify Identity

    Upload ID and proof of address for verification

  4. 4.

    Fund Your Account

    Transfer funds via ACH, wire, or check

  5. 5.

    Access TWS or GlobalTrader

    Download Trader Workstation for full features or use IBKR GlobalTrader for simplified trading

Editorial review

Interactive Brokers (US) is een van de meest uitgebreide brokers ter wereld, opgericht in 1978 en gereguleerd door de SEC, FINRA en CFTC (Interactive Brokers LLC); aangesloten bedrijven buiten de VS vallen onder eigen toezichthouders. Met toegang tot meer dan 170 handelsplaatsen wereldwijd — inclusief aandelen, ETF's, opties, futures, forex en obligaties — richt IBKR zich op ervaren beleggers en professionele traders.

IBKR Lite biedt $0-commissies voor Amerikaanse aandelen en ETF's, maar alleen voor inwoners van de VS; op verkooporders gelden kleine toezichtkosten. Via IBKR Pro (Fixed) betaal je $0,005 per aandeel met een minimum van $1 per transactie, en de margerente begint lager dan bij Lite. Woon je buiten de VS? Dan verwijst de site van IBKR je door naar de Ierse website. Het TWS-platform (Trader Workstation) is toonaangevend voor zijn diepgang: geavanceerde ordertypen, risicoanalyse, algoritmisch handelen en toegang tot internationale markten zijn allemaal beschikbaar.

De keerzijde is duidelijk: TWS heeft een steile leercurve en kan overweldigend zijn voor beginners. Pro-tarieven kunnen voor occasionele beleggers relatief hoog uitvallen. IBKR is het meest geschikt voor actieve traders, beleggers met internationale spreiding, en iedereen die margehandel overweegt — voor hen kunnen het brede marktaanbod en de margerentes (afhankelijk van valuta en saldo) relevant zijn.

Frequently asked

What is the difference between IBKR Lite and Pro?
IBKR Lite offers $0 commission on US-listed stocks and ETFs for US residents only; IBKR receives payment for order flow on these orders, and sell orders carry small regulatory fees. IBKR Pro charges $0.005/share (min $1) on the Fixed plan, or a lower tiered rate at higher monthly volume.
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 states it does business on over 170 market destinations worldwide, including stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, and crypto.
What are IBKR's margin rates?
IBKR says its margin loans start at 4.38% (rates depend on currency and loan size, are based on a benchmark rate, and may change). Check the current rates on the IBKR site.
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.

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