Interactive Brokers Review 2026
Founded 1978 · Greenwich, Connecticut, USA
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a publicly traded brokerage powerhouse founded by Thomas Peterffy. With direct access to 150+ markets across 34 countries, institutional-grade margin rates, and the legendary Trader Workstation (TWS) platform, IBKR is the gold standard for sophisticated investors and active traders who demand unparalleled market access.
Interactive Brokers Spreads & Fees Breakdown
Our automated tracking systems monitor Interactive Brokers's live pricing across all major trading sessions. Below is the historical average spread data for their most popular account type.
Non-Trading Fees
Frequently Asked Questions about Interactive Brokers Fees
What is Interactive Brokers (IBKR)?
Interactive Brokers is a publicly traded (NASDAQ: IBKR) electronic brokerage firm founded in 1978 by Thomas Peterffy. It provides direct access to over 150 markets in 34 countries, offering stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, funds, and crypto trading. IBKR is regulated by the SEC, FCA, MAS, CIRO, and other top-tier authorities worldwide.
What is the difference between IBKR Pro and IBKR Lite?
IBKR Pro offers direct market access with tiered or fixed commissions and the lowest margin rates in the industry — ideal for active traders. IBKR Lite offers $0 commissions on US stocks and ETFs using payment for order flow (PFOF) — better for casual, buy-and-hold investors. Both accounts have no minimum deposit requirement.
Is Interactive Brokers available in my country?
Interactive Brokers operates in 200+ countries through its regulated entities: Interactive Brokers LLC (US/SEC), Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited (UK/FCA), Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited (EU/CBI), Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Limited (HK/SFC), Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte. Ltd. (SG/MAS), and Interactive Brokers Canada Inc. (CA/CIRO).
What is IBKR TWS (Trader Workstation)?
TWS is Interactive Brokers' flagship desktop trading platform. It offers advanced order types, algorithmic trading tools, real-time risk management, options strategy builders, and direct market access. While powerful, it has a steep learning curve. IBKR also offers the newer IBKR Desktop platform with a more modern, simplified interface.
What are IBKR margin rates?
Interactive Brokers offers the lowest margin rates in the industry. Current rates start at Benchmark + 1.5% for balances over $100K (approximately 5.83% as of May 2026). This is significantly lower than most retail brokers, which typically charge 8-13% on margin loans.
Does Interactive Brokers offer the IBKR Client Portal?
Yes, the IBKR Client Portal is a web-based account management interface where you can manage your account, view statements, transfer funds, and perform basic trading. For advanced trading, IBKR recommends using TWS or the newer IBKR Desktop application.
Is Interactive Brokers safe and regulated?
Yes. Interactive Brokers is one of the safest brokers in the world. It is publicly traded on NASDAQ with a market capitalization exceeding $15 billion. It is regulated by 6+ Tier-1 authorities including the SEC, FCA, MAS, CIRO, CBI, and SFC. Client securities are protected by SIPC (up to $500K in the US) and additional Lloyd's of London excess coverage.