Quick Facts
Founded
1978
Headquarters
Greenwich, Connecticut, US
Regulation
SEC · FCA · ASIC · MAS · SFC · IIROC
Min. Deposit
$0
Avg. Spread EUR/USD
0.1 pips
Commission
$2 per lot
Platforms
TWS, IBKR Mobile, API
Max Leverage
Up to 1:40 (US), 1:400 (intl)
How Interactive Brokers Scored
Spreads
Live Spread Data — ECN/Raw Account
Measured over 30 trading days from a live account opened by our team. Data reflects averages across London, New York, and Asian sessions.
| Pair | Spread (avg) | Commission RT | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | 0.1 pips | $4 RT | ~0.5 pips |
| GBP/USD | 0.2 pips | $4 RT | ~0.6 pips |
| USD/JPY | 0.1 pips | $4 RT | ~0.47 pips |
| XAU/USD | 0.2 pips | $4 RT | ~0.6 pips |
✓ Pros
- ✓Lowest margin rates in the industry
- ✓Access to 150+ global markets from one account
- ✓Institutional-grade TWS platform with full API
- ✓SEC, FCA, ASIC and MAS regulated simultaneously
- ✓FDIC/SIPC insured up to $500K (US)
- ✓Excellent for stock+forex combo portfolios
✗ Cons
- ✗TWS platform is extremely complex — steep learning curve
- ✗Not designed for casual traders
- ✗Minimum activity requirements can frustrate low-frequency traders
- ✗Customer support less responsive than specialist forex brokers
- ✗No MT4 / MT5 / cTrader
Our Verdict
Final Assessment
Interactive Brokers is the best option for sophisticated traders who want institutional access, multi-asset trading, and the lowest financing rates available to retail clients. It is not suitable for beginner forex traders — the platform complexity alone will defeat most newcomers. For pure forex trading, Pepperstone and IC Markets offer better dedicated execution. Where IBKR truly excels is for the active trader who also trades stocks, options, and futures alongside forex from a single account.
⚠ Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments. 68–89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. FXTopBrokers may earn a commission if you open an account via our links. This does not affect our score.