Broker Review
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) Review: global access, multi-currency, low friction FX
IBKR is the default “core broker” for many non-US investors because it combines broad market access with multi-currency funding and typically low FX drag. The tradeoff is a more technical platform and more knobs than most people need.
Educational content only. Not personalized investment advice.
Eligibility, fees, FX pricing, and product access vary by country and IBKR entity. Verify current terms inside your account and on IBKR’s official pricing pages before committing.
Fast decision
- Non-US investor: IBKR is often the best “core broker” because of multi-currency + FX control.
- EU/UK retail: if US ETFs are blocked, you still use IBKR — but you buy UCITS ETFs.
- If you need a cute app or you won’t act: pick a simpler broker and accept the trade-offs.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account using our links. You do not pay extra.
IBKR in 60 seconds
Interactive Brokers is a global, multi-currency broker built for serious access and cost transparency. For long-term ETF investing (especially non-US), it often wins on the things that matter over decades: eligibility, exchange access, FX workflow, and predictable fees. The trade-off is usability: it’s not a “swipe app.” If you want a broker you’re unlikely to outgrow, IBKR is usually the right default.
Best reasons to use IBKR
- Multi-currency funding + internal FX conversion (often the biggest non-US edge).
- Broad exchange access for stocks and UCITS ETFs.
- Transparent pricing vs “free” platforms that leak via spreads/FX.
- Scales with you as portfolio size and needs grow.
Main downsides
- Steeper learning curve (permissions, base currency, order types).
- UI feels technical; early mistakes create confusion.
- Too many product choices; you must stay disciplined.
- Not “pies-first” automation (that’s a different workflow).
EU/UK retail note: US-domiciled ETF access can be restricted regardless of broker. If a US ETF ticker is blocked, use UCITS equivalents. Read UCITS vs US ETFs.
Who IBKR is actually for
IBKR fits if:
- You’re non-US and want one “core broker” for years.
- You fund in EUR/GBP/CHF and want to control FX leakage.
- You mostly buy ETFs and want broad exchange access.
- You can learn basic mechanics (FX, order types, statements).
IBKR doesn’t fit if:
- You need phone-only simplicity or you won’t execute.
- You only invest locally in one currency forever.
- You want “set-and-forget pies” as your core workflow.
- You want leverage/derivatives without understanding risk.
The simple IBKR setup (fund → FX → buy UCITS ETFs)
Most users get stuck because they treat IBKR like a toy app. Don’t. Use a repeatable 3-step workflow.
- Fund the account (SEPA/wire depending on country). Use: How to fund IBKR from Europe.
- Convert currency inside IBKR (planned chunks, not tiny repeated conversions). Use: IBKR currency conversion guide.
- Buy UCITS ETFs (limit orders, correct exchange, correct currency). Use: How to buy UCITS ETFs on IBKR.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account using our links. You do not pay extra.
Fees: what actually matters at IBKR
IBKR usually wins because costs are more explicit. Long-term investors typically lose money to FX leakage + poor execution before they lose money to visible commissions.
- Stocks/ETFs: commissions vary by market and pricing plan (fixed/tiered).
- FX conversion: typically tight rates with an explicit fee (entity-dependent).
- Market data: optional subscriptions if you want real-time feeds.
- Only-if-you-use-them: margin interest, options/futures fees, add-ons.
FX workflow (the core non-US advantage)
For non-US investors, broker choice is often an FX decision. IBKR is picked because you can fund in home currency, convert inside the broker, and avoid repeated bank/app spreads.
- Hold multiple currencies: EUR and USD can coexist without forced conversions.
- Convert on purpose: fewer, larger conversions reduce repeated leakage.
- Keep it boring: build a routine and stop touching settings.
Platform: what to use (and what to ignore)
Long-term ETF investing does not require power tools. Use the simplest interface that reliably executes your plan.
- Client Portal (web): best default for deposits, FX, orders, statements.
- Mobile: fine for monitoring and occasional orders; still more complex than app-brokers.
- TWS (desktop): only if you truly need advanced workflows (most investors don’t).
Research vs execution
Keep research separate from execution: use TradingView for charts/alerts and execute on IBKR.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you subscribe using our link. You never pay extra.
Safety: what is protected vs what is not
IBKR operates through different regulated entities depending on residency. “Big and regulated” improves operational reliability, not returns. Market risk is still yours.
- Entity matters: protections and disclosures depend on the IBKR entity you’re onboarded to.
- Segregation: client assets are generally held separately from broker capital (verify in entity docs).
- Real risk: concentration, leverage, and behavior cause more damage than broker choice.
Want something simpler than IBKR? Pick the workflow you’ll actually execute.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account using our links. You do not pay extra.
How IBKR fits into a clean setup
- Core broker: IBKR for global access + multi-currency.
- Automation layer: add M1 Finance only if you specifically want pie automation.
- Trading layer: add Webull only if you actively trade (separate account, separate rules).
Build fundamentals first: What is an ETF?, Diversification, Rebalancing.
Related comparisons
Fidelity vs IBKR
US “home base” feel (if eligible) vs global default for non-US.
Read comparison →Webull vs IBKR
Trading app workflow vs FX-first global execution.
Read comparison →M1 Finance vs IBKR
Automation and pies vs maximum flexibility and market access.
Read comparison →Trading 212 vs IBKR
Easy recurring app vs control mode for FX and breadth.
Read comparison →CLUSTER
Next steps: setup & first trades
Deposit rules, timing, and common funding failures you can avoid.
Hold multiple currencies and convert deliberately (instead of “auto FX” surprises).
Step-by-step order flow: listing, currency, and execution basics.
Execution is a cost. Control it with limit orders and liquidity awareness.
CLUSTER
Next steps: when IBKR is the right “default”
Long-run fit is about total drag, access, reliability, and repeatability.
IBKR often wins because FX is explicit and close to market rate—verify pricing.
Why “small %” conversion costs compound into meaningful underperformance.
The real total cost is TER + spread + FX + friction, not just commissions.
Interactive Brokers FAQ
Is Interactive Brokers good for non-US investors? +
Is IBKR too complex for beginners? +
Can I buy US-domiciled ETFs at IBKR from Europe? +
What fees matter most at IBKR for long-term investing? +
How should I use IBKR for a long-term ETF portfolio? +
Ready to use IBKR as your core broker? Open an account after your allocation plan is already decided.
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you open an account using our links. You do not pay extra.
Educational content only. Not personalized investment advice.
Want better charts and alerts? Use TradingView for analysis and keep execution at IBKR.
Try TradingView Pro →Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you subscribe using our link. You never pay extra.
Educational content only. Not personalized investment advice.
Educational content only. Not personalized investment advice.
Investments can lose value and past performance does not guarantee future results. You are responsible for your own decisions and for confirming tax and legal rules in your country.