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Interactive Brokers Review 2024: Is IB Broker Safe?

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InteractiveBrokers Overviews


Interactive Brokers, a prominent broker in the financial industry, to gain a better understanding of their offerings. Our analysis aims to provide insights into Interactive Brokers' features and services. By the end of this review, you will have a clearer understanding of whether Interactive Brokers aligns with your trading goals and preferences.

Interactive Brokers Review 2024: Is IB Broker Safe?

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a renowned multinational brokerage firm founded in 1977 as TP & Co. and later renamed Timber Hill Inc. in 1982. Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, the firm operates the largest electronic trading platform in the United States, catering to more than 1.76 million customers worldwide. With a strong focus on innovation and technology, IBKR has been a pioneer in computer-assisted trading and algorithmic trading systems. Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of assets, including stocks, options, futures, EFPs, futures options, forex, bonds, funds, and selected cryptocurrencies. Now, let’s see if this broker is a good choice for you.

Feature Interactive Brokers
Type of Broker Share, Spot Trading, and more
Regulation & Licensing SEC, FINRA, NYSE, CFTC, NFA, and others
Applicable Countries Operates in numerous countries (see list provided in the following sections)
Assets Offered Stocks, options, futures, EFPs, futures options, forex, bonds, funds, and more
Platforms Available Trader Workstation, WebTrader, IBKR Mobile, API solutions
Mobile Compatibility Yes, the IBKR Mobile app available for iOS and Android
Payment & Withdrawal Options Bank Wire, ACH, Checks, SEPA, and other country-specific options

Facts About InteractiveBrokers
  • Founded in 1977 by Thomas Peterffy
  • Largest electronic trading platform in the United States
  • Over 1.76 million customers worldwide
  • Offers a wide range of assets and trading products
  • Pioneered computer-assisted trading and algorithmic trading systems
  • Regulated by multiple financial authorities
  • Provides fully disclosed, omnibus, and non-disclosed broker accounts
  • Offers direct access to IEX, a private forum for trading securities
  • 23.5% of the company is publicly held
  • Offices in four cities worldwide

Pros and Cons


PROS
  • Broad product offerings, including stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, and more
  • Advanced trading platforms, such as Trader Workstation (TWS), catering to professional traders
  • Competitive pricing and low trading fees, making it cost-effective for active traders
  • Access to global markets and numerous exchanges
  • Strong regulatory oversight by multiple authorities, ensuring a safe trading environment
CONS
  • The platform may be complex and intimidating for beginners
  • Minimum account balance requirements and inactivity fees may deter casual investors
  • Some customer support channels may have longer response times, potentially causing inconvenience
  • Geographical restrictions and eligibility criteria for certain promotions and programs
  • Limited promotional offers and not prominently displayed on the website

Is InteractiveBrokers Safe? Broker Regulations


Regulation plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of entities and clients when dealing with brokerage firms. A regulated broker is one that adheres to the rules and regulations set forth by the relevant authorities in the jurisdiction(s) it operates. This adherence to regulations helps safeguard clients’ funds and provides a level of assurance that the broker operates transparently and ethically.

Regulations

Interactive Brokers (IBKR), a leading online broker with a long history of operation spanning over four decades, is known for its robust regulatory framework. Information on the regulations governing IBKR can be found on the broker’s website in the footer section. IBKR is regulated by multiple authorities, including the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Central Bank of Ireland, the Central Bank of Hungary, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, among others. This extensive regulation ensures that IBKR provides a secure trading environment for its clients worldwide.

A good way to gauge the quality of a broker is to consider the awards they have received. Interactive Brokers has been recognized for its outstanding performance in various aspects of brokerage services. Some of the awards it has received in 2023 include:

  • BrokerChooser Best Online Brokers: Rated #1 Best Online Broker, Best Stock Broker, Best Broker for Day Trading, and Best Broker for Investing
  • #1 for Best Online Broker in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and India, as well as Best Brokers for ESG Investing
  • com Online Broker Review: 5 out of 5 stars in various categories, including Overall Commissions & Fees, Offering of Investments, Platforms, and Tools, and Research

These awards, which can be found under the “Why IBKR” page on their website, attest to the quality of services provided by Interactive Brokers.

Award winning platform and services

In conclusion, Interactive Brokers has a strong regulatory framework that ensures the safety and security of its clients. The numerous awards it has received speak to its high standards in providing exceptional brokerage services. By choosing a well-regulated and award-winning broker like Interactive Brokers, clients can know that their investments are in safe hands.

  • Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
  • The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
  • Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
  • Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission
  • Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)

What Can I Trade with InteractiveBrokers?


Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offers a wide range of tradable assets, allowing clients to diversify their investment portfolios. These assets include Stocks/ETFs, Options, Futures/FOPs, Event Contracts, Spot Currencies, Crypto, US Spot Gold, Bonds, and Mutual funds. You can find more information about these products under the “Products” section, which is located under the “Trading” menu on the broker’s website.

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) Tradable Assets

Though the website provides an overview of the available tradable assets, it does not offer extensive contract specifications for each asset class or instrument. However, the platform does provide some key features and advantages for different asset types:

Stocks and ETFs: Interactive Brokers offers low commissions (ranging from USD 0.0005 to USD 0.0035 per share), global trading access to over 90 market centers, professional trading platforms, order types, tools, and more. Clients can also benefit from the IB SmartRoutingSM system, which aims to provide the best available prices across exchanges and dark pools.

Options

With commissions starting from USD 0.15 to 0.65 per US option contract, clients can trade options on more than 30 market centers worldwide. Then the trading platform also provides advanced trading tools and order types, including OptionTrader and Options Analytics. Additionally, the Options Portfolio feature helps investors align their portfolios with their risk preferences.

Futures/FOPs

Interactive Brokers offers low commissions (from USD 0.25 to 0.85 per contract) and access to over 30 global market centers for trading commodity futures. The platform also features professional trading tools and order types.

Event Contracts

IBKR EventTrader allows clients to take positions on daily price movements of key futures markets, offering a new way to participate in these markets. Not much other information is given in terms of an instrument list. If you are looking to trade Event Contracts, then we suggest you contact the broker.

Spot Currencies

Clients can access tight spreads, deep liquidity, real-time quotes, and professional FX trading tools. The platform this broker uses (which we will discuss) offers over 100 currency pairs and has been rated 5/5 stars in the ForexBrokers.com 2022 Annual Review.

Crypto

Professional investors can trade and hold Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) in their IBKR accounts. The platform offers low, transparent commissions (0.20% to 0.30% of trade value) and a unified trading platform for multiple asset classes.

US Spot Gold

Interactive Brokers offers low, transparent commissions and efficient pricing for trading US Spot Gold, which can be traded alongside other asset classes on the platform.

Bonds

The Bond Marketplace features a vast selection of global fixed-income securities, with no mark-ups or built-in spreads and low, transparent commissions. As we stated no specifics on indtruments or contract specifications are given.

Mutual funds

The Mutual Fund Marketplace offers over 48,000 funds to residents worldwide, including 19,000+ funds with no transaction fees. The platform provides a free Mutual Fund Search tool to help clients find suitable funds for their investment needs.

Interactive Brokers provides diverse tradable assets for investors looking to diversify their portfolios. Though the website does not offer in-depth contract specifications, it does provide key features and advantages for each asset class. Investors can access this information on the broker’s website and use the provided tools and resources to make informed decisions about their investments.

  • Options
  • Futures
  • Event Contracts
  • Spot Currencies
  • Crypto
  • US Spot Gold
  • Bonds
  • Mutual Funds

How to Trade with InteractiveBrokers?


Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offers an extensive suite of trading platforms to cater to different trading needs, providing traders access to various financial instruments and markets. While MetaTrader, a popular industry standard, is not available, IBKR provides an array of alternative platforms for a seamless trading experience. The trading platforms offered by IBKR can be found under the “Platforms” section on their website, located under the “Trading” menu.

IBKR GlobalTrader

A simple, worldwide stock trading platform, GlobalTrader allows users to trade in 90+ stock markets, including NYSE, NASDAQ, LSE, and HKSE. The platform offers access to global options trading on 30+ market centers and fractional shares trading. IBKR GlobalTrader is available as a mobile app for both Apple and Android devices, enabling users to trade on-the-go.

IBKR GlobalTrader

Web Terminal (Client Portal)

The Client Portal is an intuitive, web-based platform that provides an all-in-one account management solution. The platform offers a streamlined view of key account metrics, portfolio performance, essential trading tools, and services. Users can access advanced charting, detailed quotes, and relevant news.

Web Terminal (Client Portal)

IBKR Mobile

This mobile app offers a comprehensive trading experience on-the-go, providing access to over 150 markets worldwide. Users can trade stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, and more using advanced order types and trading tools. The app also features an Options Wizard to help users find suitable options strategies, pre-authorization for large purchases using the Interactive Brokers Debit Mastercard®, and integrated IBKR Mobile authentication (IB Key) for two-factor security.

IBKR Mobile Application

Trader Workstation (TWS)

An advanced trading platform, TWS offers professional tools and features for trading stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, and more. The platform provides powerful research capabilities, with over 50 data columns and access to institutional-quality research.

Trader Workstation (TWS)

IBKR EventTrader

This platform allows users to buy and sell event contracts, offering a new way of participating in key futures markets. Event contracts are based on the outcome of an event and are short-term positions good for that trading day only.

IMPACT

A platform specifically designed for sophisticated and discerning investors, IMPACT enables users to review performance data for independent hedge funds, access private placement memoranda and subscription information, and invest in participating hedge funds via a password-protected area on IBKR’s website.

IMPACT enables users to review performance data

Interactive Brokers provides an extensive range of trading platforms to meet the diverse needs of traders, ensuring a comprehensive trading experience across various financial instruments and markets.

Feature IBKR GlobalTrader Web Terminal (Client Portal) IBKR Mobile Trader Workstation (TWS) IBKR EventTrader IMPACT
One-Click or One-Tap Trading Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Trade Straight off Charts No No No Yes No No
Email Alerts or Push Notifications No Yes Yes Yes No No
Mobile Alerts Yes Yes Yes No No No
Stop Order Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Market Order Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Trailing Stop Order Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
OCO Orders (One-Cancels-The-Other) No No No Yes No No
Limit Order Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
24hr trading Yes No Yes Yes No No
Charting Package No Yes Yes Yes No No
Streaming News Feed No Yes Yes Yes No No

Please note that the information in the table is based on available data and may change as platforms are updated or new features are added. Always refer to the official Interactive Brokers website for the most current information on platform features.

  • IBKR Global Trader
  • Web Terminal
  • IBKR Mobile
  • Trader Workstation
  • IBKR Event Trader
  • IMPACT

How Can I Open InteractiveBrokers Account? A Simple Tutorial


In order to open an account, you will need to head to the broker’s website. Then look in the menu and click the “open account” button to the right.

click the "open account" button

You will then be prompted with a screen that will detail information about specific regions and the entity of the broker you are going to sign up with.

New Account Opening Information

After the disclaimer, you will be taken to the registration page, where you will be prompted to fill in some of your details. This will include your Email address, Username, Password, and country.

registration page with Registration form

You will then be redirected to the next page, the start of the registration process. It is quite lengthy compared to other brokers, but the steps are simple enough. You will need to fill in details including your physical address, personal information, identification, employment status, and other numerous fields here.

Select an Account Type

After you have moved to the regulatory information and filled that out, you will then move to the account setup page and need to fill in the details there. Lastly is the account status page. Note that most brokers make signing up quite fast and smooth, but the process for IBKR is quite long. However, it should not take you more than 10 minutes.

user needs to add Contact Information

  • Head to the broker's website
  • Click on the "open account" button located in the header
  • Fill in your Email address, username, and password
  • Verify your Email address
  • Carry on with the registration process that will take you through 4 sections.
  • o About you
  • o Regulatory information
  • o Account Setup
  • o Status

InteractiveBrokers Charts and Analysis


Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offers its clients a comprehensive set of trading resources and educational material. These resources can be found under the “Education” section on the broker’s website, which includes the IBKR Campus, Trader’s Academy, Trader’s Insight, IBKR Podcasts, IBKR Quant Blog, Webinars, Student Training Lab, and Short Videos.

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) have education section

IBKR Campus provides financial education and market news, along with a range of financial courses covering topics such as stocks, options, futures, bonds, and other trading products. The platform also offers lessons on economics, fundamentals, and IBKR tools for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Trader’s Academy offers free online courses on financial trading concepts and tools for active traders, investors, educators, and students. These courses utilize award-winning trading tools and provide notes and quizzes to help reinforce each lesson.

Trader's Academy offers free online courses on financial trading

Trader’s Insight delivers financial news and market commentary, while IBKR Podcasts provide financial market commentary podcasts that can be listened to on various platforms like Apple, Spotify, Google, and Audible. The IBKR Quant Blog offers quantitative code and news, and Webinars feature financial professionals delivering live events on trading, world finance, and current trends in the stock market.

The Student Training Lab is a free online resource for educators looking to blend finance or computer science classwork with real-world trading experiences. The program allows students to open their paper trading accounts and receive a paper trading account with a full complement of trading tools and a starting balance of USD 1,000,000 in paper trading equity.

Showcasing Student Trading Lab

Lastly, the Short Videos section offers quick, informative videos on various topics, including Trader Workstation, TWS trading tools, and Account Management features, as well as exploring stocks, options, futures, and forex trading.

informative videos on various topics

These resources are essential for clients as they provide them with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed trading decisions. Moreover, they help the broker by attracting and retaining clients, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the financial markets confidently and successfully.

  • IBKR Campus
  • Trader's Academy
  • Trader's Insight
  • IBKR Podcasts
  • IBKR Quant Blog
  • Webinars
  • Student Training Lab
  • Short Videos

InteractiveBrokers Account Types


Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offers one of the most diverse and in-depth account types we have come across on PipPenguin. Their trading account types cater to a wide variety of clients, from individuals and small businesses to institutional investors and professional advisors. This information can be found on the Interactive Brokers website under the “Accounts guide” section.

Here is a detailed outline of the various account types available at Interactive Brokers:

Individual, Joint, Trust, IRA, and UGMA/UTMA Accounts: These account types cater to different client descriptions such as single account holders, two account holders, legally established trusts, Individual Retirement Accounts (for US tax residents only), and custodians managing accounts for minors (for US residents only). The trading access, account management, and margin options vary depending on the specific account type.

Non-Professional Advisor Accounts

These accounts are designed for advisors exempt from registration with 15 or fewer clients. The master account is linked to individual client accounts and used for fee collection and trade allocations. The advisor can open a single client account for his or her own trading. Trading access, account management, and margin options are available for these accounts.

Family Office Accounts

These accounts are designed for Family Office Managers, with a master account linked to multiple client accounts. Family Office Managers can access some or all accounts or functions, and client users can trade and directly fund and view statements. Trading access, account management, and margin options are available for these accounts.

Small Business Accounts

These accounts cater to small business corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, or unincorporated legal structures. Trading access, account management, and margin options are available for these accounts.

Advisor Accounts

These accounts are for registered advisors who manage both client administration (Wealth Management) and the client’s money (Money Management). The master account is linked to individual or organization client accounts, and the advisor can open a single account for his or her own trading. Trading access, account management, and margin options are available for these accounts.

Money Manager Accounts

These accounts are for registered advisors who manage money on behalf of other advisors (Wealth Managers) and their clients. Money Managers can manage money across multiple advisors and their clients. Trading access, account management, and margin options are available for these accounts.

Broker & FCM Accounts

These accounts are designed for registered brokers or FCMs that provide marketing and advice to clients. The master account is linked to an individual or organization client accounts, and the broker can open a single proprietary trading account. Trading access, account management, and margin options are available for these accounts.

Proprietary Trading Group Accounts

These accounts are designed for corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, or unincorporated legal structures. Trading access, account management, and margin options are available for these accounts.

Hedge & Mutual Fund Accounts

These accounts are designed for single or multiple funds managed by an investment manager. Trading access, account management, and margin options are available for these accounts.

Compliance Officers (EmployeeTrack)

These accounts are designed for organizations that need to monitor all or some of their employees’ trading activity. Trading access, account management, and margin options are available for these accounts.

Administrators

These accounts are designed for organizations that provide third-party administrative services to other institution accounts. Trading access, account management, and margin options are available for these accounts.

Institutional Hedge Fund Investors

These accounts are designed for institutions such as endowments, foundations, pensions, family offices, or funds of funds who want to access the Hedge Fund Marketplace to browse and invest in hedge funds. Trading access, account management, and margin options are available for

Due to the extensive array of account types available at Interactive Brokers, providing a comprehensive table breakdown for comparison purposes may not be feasible. Instead, we encourage users to visit the Interactive Brokers website and contact the broker directly for detailed information on the account types that best suit their needs.

One of the most popular account types at Interactive Brokers is the Individual account, which is tailored for a single account holder. This account type provides the account holder with access to all trading functions and allows them to add additional users with a Power of Attorney. Individual accounts offer various margin options, including Cash, Reg T, and Portfolio Margin.

It is essential to consider several factors when choosing an Individual account, as even this type of account comes with numerous options and features. To help make an informed decision, let’s take a closer look at some of the commission structures and pricing plans available at Interactive Brokers for different financial products:

  • Stocks/ETFs: Interactive Brokers offers two pricing plans for trading stocks and ETFs – IBKR Lite and IBKR Pro. The IBKR Lite plan, available only for US residents, charges $0 per share. The IBKR Pro plan, on the other hand, offers tiered and fixed pricing options. Tiered pricing ranges from USD 0.0005 to 0.0035 per share, while fixed pricing is set at USD 0.005 per share. Both pricing options provide commission-free trading for No Transaction Fee ETFs.
  • Options: Options trading at Interactive Brokers comes with tiered and fixed pricing options as well. Tiered pricing ranges from USD 0.15 to 0.65 per contract, while fixed pricing is set at USD 0.65 per contract.
  • Futures: For futures trading, Interactive Brokers charges tiered pricing ranging from USD 0.25 to 0.85 per contract, and fixed pricing at USD 0.85 per contract for US futures and futures options.
  • Spot Currencies: Interactive Brokers offers competitive spreads on spot currency trades, with commission rates ranging from 0.08 to 0.20 basis points × Trade Value per order and tight spreads as narrow as 1/10 PIP.
  • Bonds: Bond trading at Interactive Brokers comes with a commission rate of 10 basis points × Face Value per order.
  • Mutual Funds: For mutual fund trades, Interactive Brokers charges a commission of 3% x Trade Value up to $14.95 per transaction. However, No Transaction Fee Funds are available for commission-free trading.

It is worth noting that the information provided in this article is based on the data available on the Interactive Brokers website and our analysis. To learn more about these account types and choose the one that best suits your needs, we highly recommend visiting the “Accounts guide” section on the Interactive Brokers website and exploring their platform in detail.

Furthermore, it’s important to carefully evaluate your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment strategy before deciding on a specific account type. You may also consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure that your account type aligns with your overall investment objectives and financial situation.

Interactive Brokers stands out with its diverse and in-depth account types, making it an attractive choice for investors and traders with varying needs and preferences. By offering such a comprehensive range of account types, Interactive Brokers demonstrates its commitment to providing tailored solutions that cater to the unique requirements of different clients.

  • Individual, Joint, Trust, IRA and UGMA/UTMA Accounts
  • Non-Professional Advisor Accounts
  • Family Office Accounts
  • Small Business Accounts
  • Advisor Accounts
  • Money Manager Accounts
  • Broker & FCM Accounts
  • Proprietary Trading Group Accounts
  • Hedge & Mutual Fund Accounts
  • Compliance Officers
  • Administrators
  • Institutional Hedge Fund Investors

Do I Have Negative Balance Protection with This Broker?


Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offers robust risk management features such as negative balance protection, leverage limits, and margin requirements to ensure clients’ trading experience is secure and compliant with regulatory standards. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has established specific rules applicable to retail clients trading CFDs, effective since August 1, 2018. For more information on these rules, you can visit their website using this link.

CFDs are complex instruments that carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. According to IBKR’s data, 63.7% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. Understanding how CFDs work is crucial and evaluating if you can afford the high risk of losing your money before trading.

The ESMA rules consist of leverage limits, a margin close-out rule on a per-account basis, negative balance protection on a per-account basis, restrictions on incentives offered to trade CFDs, and a standardized risk warning.

  • Leverage Limits: ESMA has set different leverage limits depending on the underlying asset. For example, major currency pairs have a leverage limit of 3.33%, non-major currency pairs and major indices have a limit of 5%, non-major equity indices have a limit of 10%, and individual equities have a limit of 20%. In addition to the ESMA margin requirements, IBKR establishes its own margin requirements based on the historical volatility of the underlying asset and other factors.
  • Margin Close-Out Rule: According to ESMA regulations, IBKR must liquidate CFD positions when qualifying equity falls below 50% of the initial margin posted to open the positions. However, IBKR may close out positions sooner based on its risk view. Qualifying equity for this purpose includes cash in the F-segment (excluding cash in any other account segment) and unrealized CFD P&L (positive and negative).
  • Negative Balance Protection: ESMA’s Decision limits a retail client’s CFD-related liability to the funds dedicated to CFD trading. This means that assets in the security and commodity segments of your main account and non-CFD assets held in the F-segment are not part of your capital at risk for CFD trading. However, all cash in the F-segment can be used to cover losses arising from CFD trading. Due to the additional risk associated with Negative Equity Protection, IBKR charges retail investors an extra financing spread of 1% for CFD positions held overnight.
  • Incentives to Trade CFDs: The ESMA Decision bans monetary and certain non-monetary benefits related to CFD trading. IBKR does not offer any bonuses or other incentives to trade CFDs.

In summary, Interactive Brokers has implemented the ESMA rules to ensure a secure trading environment for its retail clients. These rules include leverage limits, margin close-out rules, negative balance protection, and restrictions on incentives to trade CFDs. To learn more about these regulations and how they affect your trading experience, visit the Interactive Brokers website using the provided link.

  • Yes, on specific account types and situations

InteractiveBrokers Deposits and Withdrawals


Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offers a variety of flexible and convenient methods for depositing funds into your account. However, it is essential to note that the deposit methods may vary based on the user’s region of residence. The broker provides an “input field” to select your region, and the available deposit methods will be displayed accordingly. For more information on the deposit methods, you can visit Interactive Brokers’ website using this link.

For instance, if your region of residence is South Africa and you wish to deposit South African Rand (ZAR), the available deposit method is through Bank Wire. This method involves a one-time setup of a wire template at your bank to transfer funds from your bank to your IBKR account. The transaction speed is relatively fast, with trades typically taking one business day or less, determined by your bank. However, your bank determines fees for this method, and generally, fees do apply.

The two steps involved in the Bank Wire method are:

  1. Notify IBKR of each deposit.
  2. Contact your bank to send the wire. There is no limit on the deposit amount.

Two Types of methods for Bank Wire

Please be aware that IBKR does not accept physical currency (cash) deposits, and it is against their policy. All deposits should be made through wire transfer, check, direct bank transfer (ACH), or other methods described on their website. IBKR will charge a special handling fee of 1% of the deposit amount (minimum $50 fee) for any physical currency deposits.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that IBKR does not provide any specific withdrawal methods on their website. This might be because the withdrawal options could vary based on the user’s region of residence and account type.

In conclusion, Interactive Brokers offers a range of deposit methods tailored to the user’s region of residence, ensuring flexibility and convenience. The broker’s website provides detailed information on the available deposit methods, making it easier for users to fund their accounts. However, the withdrawal methods are not explicitly mentioned on the website, and users may need to contact IBKR’s customer support for more information.

  • Will vary based on region

Support Service for Customer


Interactive Brokers (IBKR) provides a comprehensive customer support system to assist clients with their queries and concerns. This information can be found on their website by heading to the “support” section in the header and then going to “for individuals.” Their support channels include an FAQ section, Forums, Video Tutorials, Email, Phone Support, and Live Chat.

Showing support section on the website

The FAQ section offers quick answers to common questions, such as “How do I transfer funds to IBKR?” or “How do I subscribe to market data?” This section is a helpful starting point for users seeking immediate assistance with basic inquiries.

Interactive Brokers also offers a Community Forum where users can seek help from other IBKR clients, sharing knowledge and experience with the platform. This forum provides a collaborative space for users to discuss various topics and resolve issues.

Additionally, the broker has an extensive library of Video Tutorials that cover a wide range of topics, from using the IBKR Fundamental Explorer to managing Client Portal Account Features. These tutorials are designed to guide users through various aspects of the trading platform and other account-related tasks.

Clients who need more personalized assistance can contact IBKR’s customer support through Email, Phone Support, or Live Chat. The email support allows users to send a detailed message outlining their issue, while phone support connects them with a representative who can walk them through any problems. The live chat option offers real-time assistance, ensuring clients receive prompt help.

Clients who need to submit documents to Interactive Brokers can use the Secure Document Upload feature. This allows users to upload or mail necessary documents securely and efficiently.

Various platform to contact

In summary, Interactive Brokers offers a wide range of customer support channels to accommodate the varying needs of its clients. By providing an FAQ section, Forums, Video Tutorials, Email, Phone Support, and Live Chat, the broker ensures that users have multiple avenues to access help and information. This comprehensive support system allows clients to navigate the platform with ease and confidence, knowing that assistance is readily available when required.

Interactive Brokers Customer Support Overview
Supported Languages English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese
Customer Service By IBKR
Customer Service Hours Not Specified
Email Response Time Within 2 business days
Telephonic Support Yes
Personal Account Manager Yes

  • Supported Languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese
  • Customer Service Channels: Forums, FAQ, Live Chat, Email, Phone, Videos
  • Customer Service Hours: Not Specified

Prohibited Countries: Where Can I Not Trade with this Broker?


Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a global online brokerage firm operating in numerous countries and regions. This information can be found using this link. Brokers can only operate in specific regions due to various factors, such as local regulations, laws, and sanctions. These restrictions ensure that brokers adhere to the specific rules and guidelines established by each region’s financial regulatory authorities, providing clients with a secure and transparent trading environment.

Interactive Brokers is one of the few brokers allowed to operate in the United States, a market with strict regulations and high entry barriers. The company also offers its services in various other countries, including ones that can be found in the list below this section.

Being able to operate in such an extensive list of countries demonstrates Interactive Brokers’ commitment to meeting the various regulatory requirements and providing access to global financial markets for a wide range of clients. It is essential to note that the availability of certain financial products, account types, or trading platforms may vary depending on the client’s location due to specific regional regulations.

In conclusion, Interactive Brokers is a leading brokerage firm that caters to clients worldwide by offering its services in numerous countries and regions. The company’s ability to operate in such vast locations is a testament to its commitment to adhering to local regulations, laws, and sanctions, ensuring a secure and transparent trading environment for all its clients.

  • Aland Islands, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chad, Channel Islands and Jersey, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D'Ivoire, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus1, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Faeroe Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People`s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao Special Administrative Region of China, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Federated States of, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Republic of North Macedonia, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Reunion, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, United States, United States Virgin Islands, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Zambia.

Special Offers for Customers


Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offers a special promotion called “Refer a Friend,” which is designed to incentivize existing clients to refer new clients to the platform. In this program, eligible IBKR clients can earn $200 for each successful referral, while their referred friends can earn up to $1,000 worth of IBKR stock. This information can be found by using this link, although navigating to it on their website might be somewhat challenging.

Brokers should have special offers and promotions at the forefront of their business to attract new clients, increase engagement, and maintain a loyal customer base. These promotions can help to differentiate the brokerage from competitors, create buzz, and incentivize clients to spread the word about their positive experiences with the platform.

In the case of Interactive Brokers’ Refer a Friend program, there are specific eligibility criteria and restrictions that apply to both the referrer and the referred client:

Eligibility

Participation is limited to IBKR clients with individual or joint accounts with a net liquidation value (NLV) of at least $2,000 and at least one securities trade.

Geographic restrictions may apply, and residents of certain countries may not be eligible.

Financial Advisors, Hedge Funds, and Institutional accounts are ineligible for the program.

Referrer Payout

Referrers receive $200 for each referred client when the referred client opens an individual or joint account and maintains a balance of at least $10,000 for one year.

Referred Payout

Referred accounts receive $1 in IBKR shares for every $100 of value added to their account, up to $1,000 worth of IBKR shares. The average balance must be maintained for at least 1 year for the shares to vest and become accessible.

Restrictions

Referrers are prohibited from having any involvement with the referred account once the referral is complete.

Referrers are limited to 15 referrals per year and 30 referrals in total. Referral bonuses and welcome shares will not be paid when the referrer and the new client are within the same household.

Interactive Brokers’ Refer a Friend program is a promotional offer aimed at encouraging existing clients to refer new clients to the platform. By placing special offers and promotions at the forefront of their business, brokerage firms like IBKR can attract new customers and maintain a loyal client base, ultimately boosting their market presence and profitability.

  • Referral program

InteractiveBrokers Review Conclusion: Reputable Broker with Easy-to-use Platform


The broker's commitment to client security, demonstrated through its robust account protection measures and transparency, instills confidence in its users and makes it a trustworthy option for investors worldwide.

PIPPENGUIN

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a safe and reliable broker, as evidenced by its extensive regulatory oversight and strong track record in the industry. With its diverse product offerings, advanced trading platforms, and competitive pricing, IBKR has earned a reputation for being a top choice for retail and institutional investors. The broker’s commitment to client security, demonstrated through its robust account protection measures and transparency, instills confidence in its users and makes it a trustworthy option for investors worldwide.

Summary and Key Takeaways


In summary, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) stands out as a leading broker due to its broad range of offerings, powerful trading tools, and competitive pricing structures. While the platform may be more suitable for experienced traders, its educational resources and comprehensive customer support make it accessible for beginners as well. Overall, IBKR’s strong regulatory framework and commitment to client satisfaction make it an appealing choice for traders of all levels.

  • Extensive range of investment products and asset classes
  • Advanced trading platforms and tools suitable for professional traders
  • Competitive pricing structures and low trading costs
  • Comprehensive customer support, including multiple channels and educational resources
  • Strong regulatory oversight ensuring safety and reliability

FAQs


What is interactive brokers kown for?

Interactive Brokers is known for its online brokerage services and its advanced trading platform.

Who is interactive brokers owned by?

Interactive Brokers is owned by Interactive Brokers Group, Inc.

Does interactive brokers have forex?

Yes, Interactive Brokers offers forex trading.

Why is interactive brokers so good?

Interactive Brokers is considered good due to its competitive pricing, wide range of investment options, advanced trading tools, and global market access.

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Interactive Brokers Review 2024: Is IB Broker Safe?
Interactive Brokers Review 2024: Is IB Broker Safe?
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