Why pick Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers is known for its low-cost trading, global market access, and professional-grade tools. With a broad range of assets, including stocks, ETFs, options, and futures, UAE traders can tap into over 150 markets worldwide.

Interactive Brokers

Best For Stocks & ETFs

Recommended ForAdvanced Traders, Day Traders, Institutional Investors

Open Account

All trading involves risk ⓘ

More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.

Best For Stocks & ETFs

Recommended ForAdvanced Traders, Day Traders, Institutional Investors

• Trader Level Intermediate+
• Nr. Of Stocks 87,000
• Trading Fees Low
• Base Currencies 27 (AED included)

4,9 / 5

Overall score

See Overall Score Breakdown

• Web trading platform4.9

• Fees4.9

• Mobile App5.0

• Deposit and withdrawal 4.9

• Available assets4.9

• Account opening5.0

• Education and Research 4.8

• Support4.9

• Overall rating4.9

Visit Interactive Brokers

All trading involves risk ⓘ

More than 80% of investors lose in spread bet and CFD trading. As these complex instruments allow for the use of leverage, there is a high risk of losing more money than you have deposited. Before attempting to participate in spread bets and CFDs, consider how well you understand them and if you can afford to lose your money.

What makes it unique? Ultra-low commissions and advanced trading platforms tailored for active and professional traders. However, the platform’s complexity may not be ideal for beginners, and inactivity fees can apply to certain accounts. Still, Interactive Brokers’ strong regulation, deep liquidity, and superior execution make it a top choice for serious traders in the UAE.

Overall Pros & Cons

See how the best brokers in United Arab Emirates compare to Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers offers low trading fees and some of the best margin rates in the industry. It also pays interest on cash balances. U.S. clients can trade stocks and ETFs commission-free with the IBKR Lite plan, making it a cost-effective choice for active traders.

We compared Interactive Brokers fees with two comparable brokers, eToro & AvaTrade. These competitors were chosen based on factors like available assets, target client base, and fee structures.

Low stock & ETF fees

Interactive Brokers US stock fees are some of the most competitive in the industry, calculated as follows: Fixed pricing: $0.005 per share, min. $1, max. 1% of trade value. Free for US clients on the IBKR Lite plan.

For IBKR Pro clients, SMART routing actively scans multiple markets to secure the best price for each trade. It automatically directs orders to the most favorable venue while considering factors like liquidity, execution speed, and price improvements.

Low margin rates

Interactive Brokers offers USD margin rates below the industry average. Rates follow a tiered structure, with the lowest tier set at 4.83% for IBKR Pro and 5.83% for IBKR Lite, making it a competitive choice for margin trading.

Average forex spreads

Interactive Brokers applies a forex commission based on trade value: 0.2 bps for trades under $1 billion, with a $2 minimum fee. Additional spread costs apply, such as a 0.1 spread on EUR/USD.

Above average CFD fees

Interactive Brokers charges 0.005% of trade value (min. $1) for index CFDs, plus spread costs like 0.8 on the S&P 500 CFD. Stock CFD fees are lower, starting at $0.005 per share (min. $1) for monthly volumes under $300,000.

Low options fees

Interactive Brokers’ US stock index options fees are around half the industry average. For traders with less than 10,000 contracts per month, the fee is $0.65 per contract with a $1 minimum per trade.

Minimal non trading fees, low withdrawal fees

Interactive Brokers has no inactivity, account, or deposit fees. The first withdrawal each month is free, with a $10 fee for additional USD withdrawals.

Other commission and fees

Interactive Brokers offers competitive fees across multiple asset classes. Mutual fund commissions are around the industry average, but with 18,000+ no-fee funds, traders have plenty of low-cost options. Futures and bond commissions are among the lowest, while crypto fees are on the lower end compared to major brokers.

• Mutual Funds: $14.95 per trade or 3% of trade value (whichever is lower); 18,000+ funds with no transaction fee
• Futures: $0.25 per contract (among the lowest in the industry)
• Crypto: 0.12%–0.18% of trade value ($1.75 min, capped at 1%)
• Bonds: 0.002% of trade value ($5 min) for US Treasury bonds

Interactive Brokers is a highly reputable brokerage, regulated by multiple top-tier financial authorities, ensuring strong oversight and client protection. It operates under the supervision of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and several other global regulators. Additionally, its parent company, Interactive Brokers Group (IBKR), is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange (Ticker: IBKR), providing transparency through regular financial disclosures.

Who are Interactive Brokers regulated by?

Interactive Brokers is regulated by multiple top-tier financial authorities worldwide, ensuring a high level of oversight and security. Notably, it is regulated in the UAE by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Other key regulators include:

• United States: Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) & Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
• United Kingdom: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• European Union: Central Bank of Ireland (CBI)
• Australia: Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
• Canada: Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC)
• Hong Kong: Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)
• Japan: Financial Services Agency (FSA)
• Singapore: Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)

Each regulatory body enforces strict rules on client fund protection, trading practices, and financial stability, making Interactive Brokers one of the most highly regulated brokers in the industry.

Is Interactive Brokers a safe broker to use?

Yes, Interactive Brokers is a safe broker. It is regulated by top-tier authorities, including the SEC (US), FCA (UK), ASIC (Australia), and FSRA (UAE). Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and the broker is publicly traded on NASDAQ, ensuring transparency and financial stability.

Is there investor protection for Interactive Brokers?

SIPC protection at Interactive Brokers LLC applies specifically to US-based clients, covering up to $500,000 per client, including a $250,000 cash sublimit. This safeguards securities in case of broker insolvency. However, clients under other IBKR entities outside the US are not covered by SIPC protection and may have different investor protection schemes depending on their region.

Note: UK clients of Interactive Brokers are protected by the FCA (£85,000) for CFDs, non-US stock index options, and futures. For stocks, bonds, funds, and US stock index options, SIPC protection applies ($500,000, including $250,000 cash).

Clients of Interactive Brokers Ireland and Singapore receive SIPC protection ($500,000, including $250,000 cash) for stocks, bonds, funds, and US stock index options. Indian clients have INR 2.5 million protection for funds.

Does Interactive Brokers offer private insurance?

No, Interactive Brokers does not offer private insurance beyond the SIPC coverage for US clients. Unlike eToro, which provides additional third-party insurance, IBKR relies on regulatory protections from the respective financial authorities in each jurisdiction. For non-US clients, investor protection varies based on regional regulations rather than an additional private insurance policy.

Does FRSA provide investor protection?

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) ensures strong client protection by requiring firms to segregate client funds, conduct regular reconciliations, and maintain detailed records for asset security. Clients receive clear information on protections, ensuring transparency and safeguarding assets in case of insolvency.

Interactive Brokers background

Founding: Established in 1978 by Thomas Peterffy in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Mission: Provides traders with direct market access, low-cost trading, and advanced technology.

Global Presence: Serves 2.6 million clients in 34 countries, processing over 3 million trades daily.

Leadership: Thomas Peterffy founded the firm and remains a key figure in its growth and innovation.

Employee Base: Employs thousands globally across its brokerage and technology divisions.

Services: Offers trading in stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, gold, crypto, and funds across global markets.

Regulation: Publicly listed on NASDAQ, regulated by the SEC (U.S.), FCA (U.K.), and other top-tier authorities.

Innovation: A pioneer in electronic trading, introduced handheld trading computers in 1983 and continues to lead in automation.

Recent Developments: Manages total customer equity of $426 billion as of 2023, reinforcing its position.

Interactive Brokers offers free deposits and multiple base currencies. The first withdrawal each month is free, but additional withdrawals incur a fee. Currency conversion fees apply for non-base currency transfers.

Account base currencies

27 Base currencies, including AED are available for Interactive Brokers clients

Fees and options for deposits

Interactive Brokers does not charge a deposit fee, and bank transfer is the only option available for UAE clients looking to deposit funds.

US residents have additional deposit options, including ACH transfers, checks, and IRA-specific methods like Direct Rollover and Trustee-to-Trustee transfers. Australian clients can also deposit via BPAY.

Deposit currency conversion fees

Fees and options for withdrawal

First withdrawal each month is free, with fees applied to additional withdrawals. Like deposits, bank wire is the only option for outgoing transfers, except for US residents who can also use ACH or check.

Note: Withdrawals are only allowed to accounts in your name. Fees for additional withdrawals vary based on the currency and withdrawal method.

How long does it take to withdraw money from Interactive Brokers?

Our test showed a processing time of 2 business days. In the meantime, you can monitor your withdrawal status in real-time through the Client Portal.

How do you withdraw money from Interactive Brokers?

To withdraw funds from Interactive Brokers, log into the Client Portal and navigate to ‘Transfer & Pay,’ then select ‘Transfer Funds.’ Choose your account, click on ‘Withdraw Funds,’ and select the currency and withdrawal method. Enter the necessary details, submit your request, and track its status under ‘View Transaction History.’

Interactive Brokers offers a fully digital account opening process, but it is more complex and time-consuming compared to other brokers. The IBKR Global Trader app provides a slightly smoother onboarding experience, but users may still face follow-up questions when trading advanced products.

Account availability

Interactive Brokers is accessible in most countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is not available in regions with political or economic instability, such as North Korea.

What is the minimum deposit at Interactive Brokers?

• Cash accounts: No minimum deposit
• Margin accounts: $2,000 minimum to trade with leverage or short sell

Account types

Interactive Brokers offers a variety of accounts tailored for individuals and institutions.

For Individual Traders & Investors:

• Individual – Owned and used by a single trader
• Joint – Shared ownership between two individuals
• Trust – Managed by a trustee for beneficiaries
• IRA – Retirement account (US clients only)
• UGMA/UTMA – Accounts for minors (US clients only)

For Groups & Businesses:

• Friends & Family – Up to 15 members under one manager
• Family Office – Managed on behalf of a family portfolio
• Small Business – Designed for corporate accounts
• Advisor – For professional advisors managing client portfolios
• Money Manager – Hired by advisors to manage client funds

IBKR Lite vs. IBKR Pro

• IBKR Lite: Available only for US residents, offers commission-free US-listed stocks & ETFs but lacks SmartRouting.
• IBKR Pro: Available worldwide, offers tiered or fixed pricing for all products and SmartRouting for best execution.

Margin vs. Cash Accounts

• Cash Account – No leverage, suitable for beginners.
• Reg T Margin Account – Standard margin trading account with leverage.
• Portfolio Margin Account – For advanced traders, automatically assigned to EU clients choosing a margin account.

How to open an account?

• Step. 1: Visit the Interactive brokers website & choose account type: Head to the website and click “Open Account.” Select your account type: Individual, Joint, IRA, or Institutional, and decide between IBKR Lite for commission-free U.S. stock trading or IBKR Pro for advanced traders with more competitive pricing.
• Step 2: Fill out the application & provide personal information: Complete the online form with your details, including name, contact information, employment status, and investment experience. This information helps tailor your account and assess product suitability.
• Step 3: Verify identity & provide documents: Upload identification documents like a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card, along with proof of address (utility bill or bank statement) for identity verification, a key requirement for regulatory compliance.
• Step 4: Set trading preferences & review terms: Choose your base currency, indicate the assets you plan to trade (stocks, options, futures, etc.), and select features like margin trading if desired. Review the terms, fee structures, and risk disclosures before agreeing to the conditions.
• Step 5: Submit, fund your account & start trading: Submit your application for review (approval usually takes 1-2 business days). Once approved, fund your account using bank transfer, wire transfer, or other methods. After the account is funded, you can start trading across Interactive Brokers’ vast markets.

Note:  While Interactive Brokers provides a wide range of accounts and services, the onboarding process is more complex than average. Users in the UAE can access IBKR Pro, but should expect a longer verification process before they can start trading.

The IBKR GlobalTrader app offers a user-friendly trading experience, allowing users to trade stocks, options, ETFs, and spot crypto with ease. A key feature is the stock swap tool, enabling easy exchanges between stocks in the same currency for quick portfolio adjustments.

Mobile app information

Interactive Brokers offers three mobile trading platforms, each designed for different types of traders:

• IBKR GlobalTrader – The most beginner-friendly app with a simple interface, supporting stock, ETF, options, and spot crypto trading. It also features a stock swap tool for seamless portfolio adjustments. We tested GlobalTrader for this review and found it to be the best option for new users due to its ease of use.
• IBKR Mobile – The most advanced mobile platform, offering the widest range of asset classes, but with a steeper learning curve, making it better suited for experienced traders.
• IMPACT – A well-designed app for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, ideal for traders who want to align their portfolios with ethical and sustainable investments.

All platforms are available on iOS and Android, giving traders flexibility based on their trading style and experience level.

Languages

English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Russian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Arabic.

Look and feel / User Interface

• User-friendly interface – Clean design with intuitive navigation.
• Easy trade execution – Simplified order placement for quick trading.
• Smooth performance – Responsive with minimal lag.
• Modern aesthetics – Well-organized layout with a professional look.
• Dark & light mode – Customizable display options for user preference.
• Stock swap feature – Allows seamless exchange of stocks within the same currency.
• Limited customization – Some elements, like chart layouts, cannot be adjusted.

Security & login

• Two-step authentication – Enhances security beyond basic login.
• Biometric login – Supports fingerprint and facial recognition for quick access.
• Secure account access – Encrypted login process to protect user data.
• Session timeout – Automatically logs out after inactivity for added safety.
• Device management – Allows users to monitor and manage logged-in devices.
• No SMS authentication – Lacks SMS-based 2FA for additional security layers.

Search

• Efficient search bar – Quickly finds assets by typing their name.
• Pre-categorized sectors – Allows users to browse assets by industry (e.g., energy, financials).
• Auto-suggestions – Displays relevant results as you type.
• Multi-asset search – Supports stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto in one search.
• Recent searches – Saves previous queries for easy access.
• Simple navigation – Clean interface makes searching intuitive.

Placing orders

• Supports basic order types – Market, Limit, and Stop orders.
• Order time limits – Includes Day and Good ‘Til Canceled (GTC) options.
• User-friendly order placement – Simple interface for quick trade execution.
• Stock swap feature – Seamlessly exchange one stock for another in the same currency.
• Clear order summary – Displays trade details before confirmation.
• No advanced order types – Lacks conditional orders like One-Cancels-the-Other (OCO).

Products

• Wide asset selection – Trade stocks, ETFs, options, and spot crypto.
• Fractional shares available – Invest in partial shares of US and European stocks.
• Spot crypto trading – Includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash (for IB LLC clients).
• Extensive stock market access – Trade on major exchanges like NASDAQ, NYSE, and LSE.
• No forex or CFD trading – These products are not available on the mobile app.
• Options trading support – Access to 30+ market centers with streamlined options trading tools.

Interactive Brokers offers several powerful desktop platforms: IBKR Desktop for a user-friendly experience with advanced tools and Trader Workstation (TWS) for professionals needing algorithmic trading, direct market access, and deep customization. Both provide robust research, market screening, and extensive order options.

We tested IBKR Desktop for this review and found it to be the best overall for user experience.

Web/desktop platform information

Additional desktop platforms: The Client Portal is a web-based platform for easy trading and portfolio management. It offers real-time account metrics, customizable charts with indicators, Quick Trade for fast order placement, and live market news.

Available Languages

English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Russian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.

Look and feel / User Interface

• User-friendly interface – Modern, intuitive design with easy navigation.
• Customizable layouts – Users can resize windows, organize tabs, and create personalized workspaces.
• Advanced charting tools – Multiple timeframes, overlays, and indicators similar to TradingView.
• Smooth performance – Fast, responsive platform with minimal lag.
• Professional aesthetics – Clean, well-organized layout suitable for all trader levels.
• Dark & light mode – Customizable display options for better visibility.
• Limited customization – Some elements, like preset layouts, have restricted flexibility.

Security & login

• Two-step authentication – Enhanced security with push notifications via IBKR Mobile.
• Biometric login – Supports fingerprint and facial recognition for quick access.
• Session timeout – Automatic logout after inactivity for added security.
• Device recognition – Identifies trusted devices to prevent unauthorized logins.
• Encrypted data – Secure connection with SSL encryption to protect user information.
• Customizable security settings – Users can adjust login preferences for added control.
• No third-party authentication – Limited options for external authentication apps.

Search

• Fast and responsive – Quickly retrieves relevant results as you type.
• Asset categorization – Displays stocks, options, futures, and other asset classes separately.
• Symbol lookup – Recognizes both ticker symbols and full company names.
• Auto-suggestions – Predictive text helps refine searches efficiently.
• Advanced filters – Allows sorting by exchange, asset type, and region.
• Recent searches – Keeps track of previously searched instruments for easy access.
• Market data integration – Displays real-time price quotes and fundamental details within search results.

Placing orders

• Diverse order types – Supports market, limit, stop, stop-limit, trailing stop, and more.
• Advanced execution – IB SmartRouting finds the best market price for trades.
• One-click trading – Quick execution for active traders.
• Custom order presets – Allows users to save and apply preferred order settings.
• Time-in-force options – Choose from GTC, IOC, FOK, and other duration settings.
• Conditional orders – Set triggers based on price movements or technical indicators.
• Multi-leg strategies – Supports complex options and futures trading strategies.

Products

• Wide asset selection – Trade stocks, ETFs, options, futures, forex, bonds, and commodities.
• Global market access – Invest in over 150 markets across 33 countries.
• Fractional shares – Buy and sell fractional shares of US and European stocks.
• Cryptocurrency trading – Spot crypto available through Paxos for IBKR LLC clients.
• Extensive ETF options – Access to over 13,000 ETFs from major exchanges.
• Diverse derivatives – Trade options, futures, and structured products.
• Fixed income securities – Bonds, treasury bills, and other fixed-income investments.
• Mutual funds – Over 48,000 funds available, including no-transaction-fee options.
• CFD trading – Stock and index CFDs for leveraged trading.

Alerts and notifications

• Customizable alerts – Set price, volume, and market movement alerts for specific assets.
• Real-time notifications – Receive instant updates on executed trades and market events.
• Portfolio monitoring – Track account balances, margin status, and P&L changes.
• Economic event alerts – Stay informed about major economic releases and news events.
• Email and push notifications – Alerts can be sent via email or mobile push for convenience.
• Conditional alerts – Set alerts based on predefined trading conditions or technical indicators.
• No SMS alerts – Currently, SMS notifications are not available for IBKR Desktop.

Portfolio and fee report

• Clear portfolio overview – Displays real-time account balances, P&L, and buying power.
• Detailed transaction history – Tracks past trades, deposits, and withdrawals.
• Customizable fee reports – Breaks down commissions, spreads, and financing costs.
• Exportable data – Download reports in CSV or PDF format for easy analysis.
• Performance tracking – Visualizes gains, losses, and asset allocation trends.
• Tax reporting tools – Generates statements for tax filing and compliance.
• Integrated with Client Portal – Syncs with the web-based platform for easy access.

Interactive Brokers offers a vast range of assets across 150+ global exchanges, including stocks, ETFs, bonds, and structured products. While it excels in ETFs and bonds, its FX pair and CFD selection is more limited. IB also provides services like Interactive Advisors (a mix of robo-advisory and social trading) and Overnight Trading Hours, allowing nearly 24/5 trading for 10,000+ US stocks, ETFs, and select CFDs. Availability varies by region and IB affiliate.

Assets & Products

Interactive Brokers offers access to 135 global markets across 33 countries, which include:

Forex

• 100 forex pairs across 23 currencies.
• Tight spreads with deep liquidity and direct market access.

Stock Index CFDs

• 13 indices available as CFDs, including S&P 500, NASDAQ 100, Dow Jones, FTSE 100, and DAX 40.
• Leverage and trading conditions vary by region.

Stock CFDs & Equities

• 87,000 stocks, including long, short, penny stocks, fractional shares, and CFDs.
• Direct market access to global exchanges with competitive commissions.

ETF CFDs & ETFs

• 13,000 ETFs covering global markets and sectors.

Options

• 50,000 options contracts, supporting single-leg and multi-leg strategies (up to 8 legs).
• Available across multiple international markets.

Mutual Funds

• 45,000 mutual funds, the world’s largest mutual fund marketplace.
• Includes funds from leading global providers with various fee structures.

Bonds

• 100,000 bonds, including corporate, municipal, treasury, CDs, and international bonds.

Cryptocurrency

• 20 crypto assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other major digital currencies.
• Tradeable as spot assets or via regulated futures contracts.

The vast coverage of different markets and asset classes makes Interactive Brokers an interesting choice for global traders looking for a variety of tradable instruments. They finish best in class for availability of: stocks & ETFs, Options, Mutual funds and Global Bonds.

Interactive Brokers research and education offers beginners to advanced research tools, analysis reports and educational materials which makes it a great fit for traders looking to step up their knowledge.

Education

They have a Traders Academy with 45+ courses for beginners, professionals, investors and students to help them understand markets, currencies, tools and functionality available on IBKR platforms.

In addition, they are featuring the IBKR Campus, Traders’ Insight, IBKR Podcast, the IBKR Quant Blog, webinars, the Student Trading Lab, the Trader’s Glossary, and short video tutorials on how to trade and invest, which is a great choice if you are a casual trader looking to step up your game. Users can also download a demo version of Traders Workstation to practice placing complex trades.

Research

The Fundamentals Explorer is Interactive Brokers’ research tool providing access to fundamental data, news services from Refinitiv, Thomson Reuters, TipRanks and analyst ratings on over 5,000 companies. Users get access to a dividend calendar, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores and income statements of the past six years for every company that users can trade stocks. Users can also access the IBKR GlobalAnalyst stock screener and free daily ETF trading ideas from Trading Central.

Interactive Brokers provides multiple customer support channels, including phone, email, and live chat. Support is available 24/5, but response times and service quality can vary.

Support options available

Interactive Brokers offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat. Additionally, a detailed FAQ section is available for self-service assistance.

Response times and quality of service

Users report mixed experiences with response times. While phone support is available 24/7, wait times can be long. Email and chat responses may take longer during peak hours.

Support ticket system

Clients can submit inquiries through a support ticket system. However, response times can be inconsistent depending on query complexity.

Live chat-bot

Live chat is available, but it is not always immediate. Some users report delays in connecting to a human representative.

Email

Email support is available for non-urgent queries, but response times can be slow, especially during high-traffic periods.

UAE specific features

• Dubai DIFC Office – Interactive Brokers has a local presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), providing regional support.
• Access to Global Markets – UAE clients can trade stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds, and funds across 150+ global markets.
• Multi-Currency Accounts – Support for 27 currencies (AED included) enables easy international investing.
• No Islamic Accounts – Sharia-compliant (swap-free) accounts are not available.
• Local Bank Transfers – UAE residents can fund accounts via free local transfers, reducing deposit costs.
• Tailored for Investors & Institutions – Serves individuals, family offices, wealth managers, and institutions in the GCC.

Author comment

“Interactive Brokers impressed me with its extensive market access, low fees, and powerful trading tools. I found the IBKR Desktop platform to be a great balance between usability and advanced features, while TWS offers deep customization for more experienced traders. One of my favorite aspects is the industry-leading margin rates, which can make a huge difference for active traders. That said, the learning curve is steep, and navigating all the available tools took some time. Customer support could also be faster, but knowing IBKR is regulated by the FSRA in the UAE gives me confidence in its security and reliability. For traders who want professional-grade tools without paying premium fees, it’s hard to beat IBKR.”

FAQ

What is Interactive Brokers?

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a global brokerage firm founded in 1978, offering access to a wide range of financial instruments, including stocks, ETFs, options, futures, forex, bonds, and mutual funds. The broker serves retail and institutional traders across 150+ markets worldwide.

Is Interactive Brokers regulated?

Yes, Interactive Brokers is regulated by top-tier financial authorities, including:

• United States: Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
• United Kingdom: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• European Union: Central Bank of Ireland (CBI)
• UAE: Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)
• Australia: Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)

What trading platforms do Interactive Brokers offer?

IBKR provides multiple platforms:

• Trader Workstation (TWS) – Advanced desktop trading platform for professional traders
• IBKR Desktop – Modern, user-friendly desktop platform with advanced features
• Client Portal – Web-based trading for everyday investors
• IBKR Mobile – Comprehensive mobile app mirroring TWS
• IBKR GlobalTrader – Simplified mobile app for global stock trading
• IMPACT App – ESG-focused investing platform

What is the minimum deposit for Interactive Brokers?

There is no minimum deposit for a standard IBKR account. However, margin accounts require a $2,000 minimum.

Is Interactive Brokers safe to use?

Yes, IBKR is highly secure, operating under strict regulatory oversight. Client funds are held in segregated accounts, and SIPC protection in the U.S. covers up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash). Additional private insurance is available for eligible clients.

Does Interactive Brokers offer a demo account?

Yes, IBKR provides a free paper trading (demo) account that allows users to practice trading with virtual funds.

Can I trade cryptocurrencies on Interactive Brokers?

Yes, IBKR offers spot crypto trading in partnership with Paxos for U.S. clients. Non-U.S. clients can trade crypto futures.

What educational resources does Interactive Brokers provide?

IBKR offers extensive educational content, including:

• IBKR Campus – Webinars, trading guides, and tutorials
• Traders’ Academy – Free interactive courses
• IBKR Podcasts – Market analysis and industry insights

How can I contact Interactive Brokers’ customer support?

Support is available 24/5 via:

• Phone – Regional helplines, including a UAE contact
• Live chat – Available through the Client Portal
• Email – Support for technical and account-related inquiries

Is Interactive Brokers available in the UAE?

Yes, IBKR operates in the UAE under ADGM FSRA regulation, offering local traders access to international markets.

What deposit methods are available at Interactive Brokers?

Deposits can be made via:

• Bank wire transfer
• ACH (U.S. clients only)
• Check (U.S. clients only)
• BPAY (Australian clients only)

How do I withdraw money from Interactive Brokers?

Log into the Client Portal, select ‘Transfer & Pay’ > ‘Withdraw Funds’, choose a withdrawal method, enter the details, and submit the request. The first withdrawal each month is free; subsequent withdrawals have a fee.

Does Interactive Brokers charge inactivity fees?

No, IBKR no longer charges an inactivity fee.

What leverage does Interactive Brokers offer?

Leverage varies by region and asset type:

• Stocks – Up to 1:4 intraday
• Forex – Up to 1:50 (varies by jurisdiction)
• Futures – Varies by contract specifications

Does Interactive Brokers offer Islamic accounts?

No, IBKR does not provide swap-free Islamic accounts.

What fees does Interactive Brokers charge?

• Stock & ETF commissions – Free for U.S. stocks (IBKR Lite), $0.0035 per share for non-U.S. stocks
• Options trading – Starts at $0.15 – $0.65 per contract
• Futures trading – Starts at $0.25 per contract
• Forex commission – 0.2 basis points per trade value
• Margin rates – Among the lowest in the industry, starting at 6.08%

Does Interactive Brokers support automated trading?

Yes, IBKR allows API trading, algorithmic trading, and third-party platform integrations, including TradingView and MetaTrader 5 (via oneZero Hub).

Does Interactive Brokers offer negative balance protection?

No, IBKR does not offer negative balance protection, meaning clients are responsible for covering losses beyond their deposit.

How long does it take to withdraw money from Interactive Brokers?

Processing times depend on the method:

• Bank transfer – 2-5 business days
• ACH (U.S. clients only) – 2-3 business days
• Check (U.S. clients only) – 5-7 business days

What makes Interactive Brokers stand out?

• Ultra-low trading fees and tight spreads
• 150+ global markets across multiple asset classes
• Professional trading tools, including TWS and IBKR Desktop
• Strong regulatory oversight, including FSRA in the UAE
• Best-in-class margin rates for active traders

What are the alternatives to Interactive Brokers?

Competitors include Saxo Bank, eToro, TD Ameritrade, and Fidelity, each offering different trading features depending on the user’s needs.

Everything you find on Business24-7 is based on trustworthy data and impartial analysis. We combine over 11 years of financial expertise with valuable reader feedback to provide accurate insights. Learn more about our methodology.