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.
Min Deposit
$0
Spread From
$0 commission (IBKR Lite)
Max Leverage
1:50
Execution
< 10ms
TrustMetrics™ Score
98
out of 100
🛡️ Regulation & Safety30/30
💰 Trading Costs24/25
⚡ Platform & Execution20/20
🏦 Withdrawals & Support14/15
📚 Education & Tools10/10
Interactive Brokers Account Types
Choosing the right account type is critical. We've broken down every account offered by Interactive Brokers to help you match their pricing structure to your specific trading style.
IBKR Pro
Best for: Active Traders, Professionals & Institutions
Min Deposit$0
Spread FromInterbank spreads
CommissionTiered: $2.00/100K min
ExecutionDirect Market Access (DMA)
Key Advantages
- ✓True DMA to interbank FX
- ✓Lowest margin rates in the industry
- ✓Access to IBKR algorithms and SmartRouting
IBKR Lite
Best for: Casual Investors & Long-Term Portfolio Holders
Min Deposit$0
Spread FromMarked-up spreads
Commission$0 on US stocks/ETFs
ExecutionPayment for order flow (PFOF)
Key Advantages
- ✓Zero commission on US stocks
- ✓No account minimums
- ✓Same global market access