My opinion on Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is one of the world's most established multi-asset brokers, founded in 1978 and now trusted by over 2 million clients globally.For Canadian traders, IBKR stands out with its industry-leading low fees, ultra-tight spreads, and access to over 150 markets, including comprehensive stocks, ETFs, forex, CFD, crypto, and futures offerings.Fully regulated in Canada by CIRO and a member of CIPF, Interactive Brokers is noted for its advanced trading platforms, competitive commissions, and diverse account types, including retirement accounts (RRSP, TFSA).Relative to main competitors, IBKR consistently offers institutional-grade pricing and deeper market access, but with higher minimum deposits and a learning curve for advanced tools.The broker remains highly reliable, though Trustpilot reviews (3.2/5 from 3,500+ clients) reflect a mix of positive ratings for features and some criticism for complexity and onboarding delays.In my experience, this broker is best suited to the following trader profiles:
➡️ Experienced and professional traders benefit most from IBKR’s vast market access, advanced order types, and low trading costs—making it ideal for active and sophisticated strategies.➡️ Institutional investors and fund managers seeking multi-market execution, portfolio management features, and API or Money Manager accounts will appreciate IBKR’s robust tools and compliance.➡️ Ambitious intermediate traders looking to diversify with stocks, ETFs, CFDs, or forex can harness the platform’s rich research tools and wide product selection, but should be comfortable with a more complex interface.
- ✅Extremely competitive spreads and low commissions across all major asset classes
- ✅Access to 150+ markets in 33 countries, including stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, bonds, and select cryptocurrencies
- ✅Regulated by CIRO in Canada and CIPF member for client protection
- ✅Sophisticated trading platforms (Trader Workstation, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal) with advanced order types and risk tools
- ✅Paper trading (demo) environment available after account funding
- ✅Customizable API for advanced traders and institutional clients
- ✅Wide range of account types, including RRSP & TFSA for Canadian residents
- ✅No inactivity fees for IBKR Lite; reasonable currency conversion rates; very low trading fees
- ✅Responsive customer support for Canadian users (24/6 availability)
- ❌High minimum initial deposit (USD 10,000 or equivalent), which may deter casual or beginner investors
- ❌Platform complexity can overwhelm less experienced users; learning curve is significant
- ❌Crypto trading is offered via third parties only—no staking, lending, or native crypto wallet/custody
- ❌Limited direct copy/social trading features (available only via Money Manager accounts, not for all users)
Score- ✅Extremely competitive spreads and low commissions across all major asset classes
- ✅Access to 150+ markets in 33 countries, including stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, bonds, and select cryptocurrencies
- ✅Regulated by CIRO in Canada and CIPF member for client protection
- ✅Sophisticated trading platforms (Trader Workstation, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal) with advanced order types and risk tools
- ✅Paper trading (demo) environment available after account funding
- ✅Customizable API for advanced traders and institutional clients
- ✅Wide range of account types, including RRSP & TFSA for Canadian residents
- ✅No inactivity fees for IBKR Lite; reasonable currency conversion rates; very low trading fees
- ✅Responsive customer support for Canadian users (24/6 availability)
My opinion on Interactive Brokers
- ✅Extremely competitive spreads and low commissions across all major asset classes
- ✅Access to 150+ markets in 33 countries, including stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, bonds, and select cryptocurrencies
- ✅Regulated by CIRO in Canada and CIPF member for client protection
- ✅Sophisticated trading platforms (Trader Workstation, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal) with advanced order types and risk tools
- ✅Paper trading (demo) environment available after account funding
- ✅Customizable API for advanced traders and institutional clients
- ✅Wide range of account types, including RRSP & TFSA for Canadian residents
- ✅No inactivity fees for IBKR Lite; reasonable currency conversion rates; very low trading fees
- ✅Responsive customer support for Canadian users (24/6 availability)
- ❌High minimum initial deposit (USD 10,000 or equivalent), which may deter casual or beginner investors
- ❌Platform complexity can overwhelm less experienced users; learning curve is significant
- ❌Crypto trading is offered via third parties only—no staking, lending, or native crypto wallet/custody
- ❌Limited direct copy/social trading features (available only via Money Manager accounts, not for all users)
Score- ✅Extremely competitive spreads and low commissions across all major asset classes
- ✅Access to 150+ markets in 33 countries, including stocks, ETFs, forex, commodities, bonds, and select cryptocurrencies
- ✅Regulated by CIRO in Canada and CIPF member for client protection
- ✅Sophisticated trading platforms (Trader Workstation, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal) with advanced order types and risk tools
- ✅Paper trading (demo) environment available after account funding
- ✅Customizable API for advanced traders and institutional clients
- ✅Wide range of account types, including RRSP & TFSA for Canadian residents
- ✅No inactivity fees for IBKR Lite; reasonable currency conversion rates; very low trading fees
- ✅Responsive customer support for Canadian users (24/6 availability)
➡️ Experienced and professional traders benefit most from IBKR’s vast market access, advanced order types, and low trading costs—making it ideal for active and sophisticated strategies.➡️ Institutional investors and fund managers seeking multi-market execution, portfolio management features, and API or Money Manager accounts will appreciate IBKR’s robust tools and compliance.➡️ Ambitious intermediate traders looking to diversify with stocks, ETFs, CFDs, or forex can harness the platform’s rich research tools and wide product selection, but should be comfortable with a more complex interface.
Why trust Hellosafe?
I opened and funded a real account with Interactive Brokers, spending weeks exploring everything from the Trader Workstation and mobile app to its fees, order execution, and variety of assets—including stocks, forex, futures, and even crypto. I made trades in both live and demo environments to experience firsthand how their platform handles different market conditions.
Through this, I compared Interactive Brokers to other regulated brokers serving Canadians, focusing on how its commissions, global access, and trading tools stack up for both beginners and more active or advanced investors. I also tested deposits, withdrawals, and reached out to customer support to see how quickly they responded to real issues.
All my observations come from first-hand, practical use rather than advertising claims or secondary reviews. This helps me see where Interactive Brokers excels (like asset range and low fees), where it’s complex (sometimes too much for beginners), and how it truly fares against other major brokers you may be considering in Canada.
Interactive Brokers at a glance
| Fonctionnalité | Détail |
|---|---|
| 💰 Dépôt minimum | USD 10,000 (or equivalent) |
| 🛡️ Régulation | CIRO (Canada), CIPF member |
| 🪙 Licence crypto | Yes, via Paxos or Zero Hash (crypto trading through third-party partners) |
| 📝 Enregistrement FSMA | Not registered with FSMA |
| 📈 Actifs disponibles | 150+ markets, stocks, ETFs, stock CFDs, ETF CFDs, indices, forex, commodities, crypto, bonds |
| 📊 Plateformes de trading | Trader Workstation (desktop), IBKR Mobile (iOS/Android), Client Portal (web), API |
| 🛠️ Outils de trading | Advanced order types, market scanners, real-time risk tools, demo environment |
| 🧪 Compte démo | Yes, paper trading (requires funded account) |
| ☪️ Compte islamique | Not explicitly offered for Canadian users |
| 📝 Ordres clés | Market, limit, stop loss, take profit, conditional, trailing stop |
| ⚖️ Effet de levier | Up to 1:50 for major forex (varies by asset and regulatory status) |
| 💸 Frais | From $0.005 per share (min. $1/order), low forex spreads + commission, one free withdrawal/month |
| 📞 Support client | Phone, email, secure message center, 24/6 (Sunday 1:00 PM–Friday 7:00 PM ET) |
| ⭐ Avis Trustpilot | 3.2 / 5 (3,500+ reviews) |
Security & Regulation
Interactive Brokers stands out as one of the most robust and trustworthy brokers available to Canadian investors. Its adherence to stringent regulation under the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), as well as membership in the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), provides a high level of legal oversight and investor asset protection. Client funds are kept segregated, and the platform’s compliance history is strong.
The broker offers comprehensive risk management tools such as advanced order types, stop-loss, negative balance protection, and two-factor authentication (2FA), which enhance trading security. While its crypto offering is not direct—they partner with Paxos or Zero Hash with no in-house custody or wallet—the model is transparent and regulatory compliant.
Interactive Brokers has a long-established track record, serving millions globally and providing access to over 150 markets. Despite a somewhat complex platform and a high account minimum, its reputation for security and reliability is well deserved.
| Indicator | Description | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory compliance | CIRO regulated, CIPF protection, international licenses; crypto access via regulated partners | 5/5 |
| Fund security | Segregation of client funds, CIPF protection, no direct crypto custody | 5/5 |
| Risk management tools | Advanced order options, stop loss, negative balance protection, 2FA | 4.5/5 |
| Notoriety and coverage | Global leader, long history, extensive user base, Trustpilot 3.2/5 (mixed reviews but credible reputation) | 4/5 |
Fees, Spreads & Commissions
Interactive Brokers stands out for its highly competitive fee structure, notably for active traders and professionals seeking access to global markets. The broker’s commissions on stocks and ETFs start as low as $0.005 per share (with a $1 minimum per order), well below most market rivals. Spreads across major forex pairs and CFDs are institutionally tight—typically as low as 0.1 pip—though they are never commission-free, as IBKR always adds a transparent commission per trade.
Fees for crypto trading are also competitive for a major regulated platform, with buy/sell commissions ranging from 0.12% to 0.18% (minimum $1.75), plus tight quoted spreads. This makes Interactive Brokers attractive for larger, cost-sensitive crypto trades, though it is not designed for small-scale speculative trading, and there are no direct wallet or staking features.
On the downside, the account opening minimum of $10,000 is stiff by industry standards and not suitable for everyone. However, there are no account opening or standard maintenance fees, and clients benefit from free monthly withdrawals. Currency conversion fees are some of the lowest available, based on interbank rates plus a small markup—an important factor for Canadians trading in multi-currency portfolios.
For CFDs, the combination of razor-thin spreads and a commission-based model means frequent traders get true market rates, with no hidden costs or artificial markups. That said, overnight financing (swap) fees apply to margin positions. IBKR’s transparency on fee disclosures and commission structure makes it easy to calculate costs upfront, so traders avoid unwelcome surprises compared to brokers with bundled, opaque pricing.
What are the account-related fees?
| Fee Type | Conditions at Interactive Brokers | Market Average |
|---|---|---|
| Opening fee | $0 | $0–$100 |
| Maintenance fee | $0 | $0–$50/year |
| Withdrawal fee | $0 (1st per month), then $10 each | $0–$25 per transfer |
| Inactivity fee | $0 (IBKR Lite); IBKR Pro may require activity | $0–$10/month |
| Currency conversion fee | ~0.002 FX spread + $2 min commission | 0.2%–1.0% markup |
Tip
To minimize withdrawal and conversion costs, consolidate transactions whenever possible and use the integrated currency conversion tool. IBKR Lite offers the simplest fee schedule for less-intensive traders, while IBKR Pro remains the best choice for high-volume and professional trading.
What are the fees on stocks and ETFs?
Trading stocks and ETFs with Interactive Brokers is among the least expensive in the market for North Americans, especially if you trade high volumes. Commission rates are rock-bottom, spreads are virtually non-existent (as trades are routed to exchanges), and there are no custody fees for typical usage. Overnight or margin positions, however, will face daily financing (overnight) rates, and UK stocks incur a mandatory stamp duty.
| Fee Type | Conditions at Interactive Brokers | Market Average |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | $0.005 per share (min $1 per order) | $5–$9.99 per trade |
| Spread fee | $0, market/exchange spread only | $0–$0.02 per share |
| Overnight fee | IBKR benchmark + spread (varies) | 3%–10% annualized |
| Custody fee | $0 for most users | Up to $25/year |
| UK stamp duty tax | 0.5% on UK stock buys | ~0.5% (mandatory) |
What are the fees on cryptocurrencies?
IBKR is designed for efficiency and transparency in crypto trading costs, but does not allow direct coin custody or on-platform staking. Buy/sell fees are a fraction of most crypto platforms and especially competitive for high-volume traders, but all transactions clear via a third-party provider.
| Fee Type | Conditions at Interactive Brokers | Market Average (crypto or CFD brokers) |
|---|---|---|
| Buy/sell fees | 0.12%–0.18% per trade (min $1.75) | 0.2%–1.5% per trade |
| Spread fees | As low as $1 per side (tight quotes) | $2–$20 (wider/variable) |
| Overnight fees | Yes, only if margin trading (varies) | Yes, often higher |
| Custody fees | $0 (no wallet, third-party partner) | Typically $0–$5/month (varies) |
| Transfer fees | Not available (no direct crypto transfer) | Network fees for transfers |
What are the fees on CFDs?
Interactive Brokers provides low spreads and a commission-based model across its CFD offering, which leads to very transparent pricing. Overnight financing applies to most margined CFD trades, and commissions vary by asset.
| Underlying Asset | Maximum Leverage | Spread at Interactive Brokers | Overnight Fee | Market Average (CFD brokers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFD Stocks | Up to 1:5 | Market spread + $0.005/share | Interest rate + markup | 1–3¢/share + wider spread |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | Up to 1:100 | ~0.3–0.5 pip + commission | Interest rate + markup | 0.5–2.0 pip (markup) |
| Silver (XAG/USD) | Up to 1:50 | ~0.5 pip + commission | Interest rate + markup | 1–2 pip (markup) |
| Oil (WTI) | Up to 1:40 | Futures price, exchange fee | Futures margin, varies | 3–8¢/barrel (CFD brokers) |
| EUR/USD | Up to 1:50 | As low as 0.1 pip + commission | Interest rate + markup | 0.8–1.5 pip (all in) |
| EUR/GBP | Up to 1:50 | As low as 0.1 pip + commission | Interest rate + markup | 1.0–2.0 pip (all in) |
| USD/JPY | Up to 1:50 | As low as 0.1 pip + commission | Interest rate + markup | 0.9–1.8 pip (all in) |
| GBP/USD | Up to 1:50 | As low as 0.1 pip + commission | Interest rate + markup | 1.0–2.0 pip (all in) |
| BEL 20 (BEL20) | Up to 1:5 | Market spread + commission | Interest rate + markup | 1–2 points (spread, all in) |
| BTC/USD (crypto CFD) | Up to 1:2 | 0.12%–0.18% (min $1.75/trade) | Interest rate + markup | 0.50%–2.0% (all in) |
Assets & Markets
Interactive Brokers stands out for its unparalleled access to global markets and asset classes. I appreciate the depth of its spot stock and ETF offering, with over 18,000 equities and ETFs available—including fractional shares for both US and Canadian securities. This provides me with a powerful platform for building highly diversified portfolios, as well as for pursuing both buy-and-hold investing and active trading strategies.
The breadth of ETFs and mutual funds is a notable strength, spanning North American and global issuers. Spot and CFD trading on stocks and ETFs are both supported, with commission structures that compare favorably at scale. Fixed income coverage is another strong point, with a wide range of global government and corporate bonds accessible alongside CD ladders and municipal debt.
For traders focused on macro opportunities, there is extensive access to more than 100 forex pairs, major and minor indices, and a wide array of exchange-traded futures and options. Commodity exposure comes via futures, options, and select ETFs, with institutional-grade pricing and low-latency execution.
On the digital asset side, Interactive Brokers provides direct spot crypto trading for BTC, ETH, and a handful of other major coins, all facilitated through regulated partners (Paxos, Zero Hash). While the lack of staking, spot stablecoins, or NFT access is a current limitation, the crypto offering is secure and regulatory-compliant, suited for both private investors and professionals.
While most major traditional and derivative markets are available, I consider the platform less suitable for those seeking speculative digital products such as NFTs, stablecoins, or DeFi tokens, as these are not integrated. Still, for broad multi-asset exposure—from single stocks to complex options spreads—Interactive Brokers consistently delivers one of the market’s most comprehensive suites.
| Asset Class | Type | Number at Interactive Brokers | Market Average | Example Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stocks | Spot, CFD | 18,800+ | 5,000–10,000 | Apple, Shopify, Royal Bank |
| ETFs | Spot, CFD | 8,000+ | 1,000–3,000 | SPY, XIU, QQQ, VOO |
| Cryptocurrencies | Spot | 8+ | 20–100 (select brokers) | BTC, ETH, LTC, BCH |
| Currencies | Spot Forex | 100+ | 50–80 | EUR/USD, USD/CAD, GBP/JPY |
| Commodities | Futures, Options, ETF | 50+ | 20–50 | Gold, Oil, Silver via futures |
| Indices | CFD, Futures, Options | 30+ | 10–30 | S&P 500, TSX 60, DAX |
| Bonds | Spot | 40,000+ | 100–5,000 | US Treasuries, Canada Govt Bond |
| Stablecoins | Not available | 0 | 3–5 | – |
| NFTs | Not available | 0 | 0–3 | – |
| Other derivatives | Options, Futures, Warrants | 1,000,000+ | 10,000–100,000 | S&P 500 options, VIX futures |
Trading Tools and Apps
Interactive Brokers delivers a comprehensive platform suite tailored to the demands of active traders, institutional investors, and sophisticated retail users. Trader Workstation (TWS), the flagship desktop platform, stands out for its depth: advanced order routing, real-time risk visualization, and a massive array of professional-grade tools for equities, options, futures, forex, and more. Navigating TWS can feel intimidating for true beginners due to its detailed interface, but the customization and analytical power are industry-leading.
The IBKR Mobile app carries over a surprisingly broad set of TWS features—multi-leg options, multi-asset watchlists, and advanced charting tools—all within a secure and fluid interface. Order tickets include all core types, and navigation is snappy once you learn the logic of the app. While IBKR Mobile is robust for order management and portfolio tracking, the learning curve is a barrier for absolute novices.
For browser-based access, the Client Portal is more accessible, offering an intuitive dashboard with asset search, real-time quotes, basic technical tools, and simplified order placement. I find this option strikes a middle ground, serving both new and intermediate traders who prioritize a balance of function and ease over TWS’s analytics density.
Technical analysis capabilities are extensive: TWS and IBKR Mobile provide built-in indicators, market scanners, and backtesting for algorithmic strategies. Auto-trading is possible via IBKR’s extensive API suite—suitable for coders and quants seeking custom executions or integration with third-party algo systems. While IBKR does not offer copy trading, EAs, or plug-and-play bots, the infrastructure supports full algorithmic development and automation, including direct market access for equities and crypto.
Crypto access works through third-party partners (Paxos or Zero Hash) and is smoothly integrated but remains limited relative to dedicated crypto platforms: spot purchases are available, yet features like staking, wallets, or DeFi are absent. CFD and forex users benefit from sophisticated order management, negative balance protection, and rapid execution, though some global platform competitors offer more educational support within the dashboard for novices.
| Feature | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Mobile app | IBKR Mobile for iOS/Android; no MetaTrader or TradingView; crypto handled in-app via partners |
| Usability | TWS: technical, highly customizable; Client Portal: fluid and intuitive; Mobile: robust but complex for beginners |
| Compatible software | Trader Workstation, IBKR Mobile, Client Portal, powerful API (REST/Java/Python/C++); no MetaTrader/TradingView |
| Order types | Market, limit, stop-loss, take-profit, trailing stop, OCO, conditional orders on all primary platforms |
| Charting and technical analysis | Extensive built-in indicators, screeners, risk tools; advanced analytics in TWS and mobile; no TradingView |
| Auto trading / Automated strategies | Full suite of APIs for automation, algo development, third-party integration |
| Algorithmic trading | Supported via custom scripts, coded algos, API access, institutional routing |
| Negative balance protection | Yes, on CFD/Forex contracts |
| Trading signals | Alerts, screeners, and customizable notifications; no classic copy trading or curated signals |
| Asset search and filters | Powerful global scanner and asset search; supports crypto, stocks, ETFs, derivatives, and more |
| Spot stock purchase | Yes; fractional shares available on US/CA/European stocks and ETFs |
| Staking and earn | Not available |
Tip
Trader Tip: IBKR’s demo (paper trading) mode is nearly identical to the live environment—use it to simulate full strategy workflows on TWS, mobile, or web. For mobile traders, customizing watchlists and adjusting order presets can dramatically speed up order entry and risk control on the go.
Account Opening & Deposits
Account opening
Creating an account with Interactive Brokers involves several clear steps. Initially, you’ll complete an online registration form where you provide personal and financial details, select your desired account type (individual, joint, corporate, trust, or retirement), and set your user credentials. As part of international regulatory requirements, you must upload a government-issued photo ID, proof of address (such as a recent utility bill or bank statement), and supply your tax identification information.
During the application, you will be asked to answer a regulatory questionnaire that assesses your trading experience and investment objectives. Once all documentation is submitted, Interactive Brokers’ team will validate the application, which typically takes from one to three business days but may take longer during peak times. When your account is approved, you’ll receive confirmation by email, including instructions for your first deposit to activate the account.
Good to know
Selecting your preferred base currency during registration helps reduce future conversion fees on both deposits and withdrawals. Expect longer review times if documents are missing or during periods of high demand.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening procedure | Complete online form, KYC details, regulatory questionnaire, upload ID & address documents |
| Validation time | Typically 1–3 business days (may be longer in busy periods) |
| Accepted deposit methods | Bank wire, EFT, direct deposit, bill payment; cards and stablecoins not accepted |
| Minimum required deposit | USD 10,000 (or CAD equivalent) |
| Required documents | Government-issued photo ID, proof of address, tax information |
| Practical tip | Prepare scanned copies of your ID and address documents in advance for a faster application |
Deposits and withdrawals on Interactive Brokers
Depositing and withdrawing funds on Interactive Brokers is straightforward but comes with certain constraints. Deposits are accepted by bank wire, electronic funds transfer (EFT), bill payment, and direct deposit; cards and e-wallets are not supported. All major account base currencies (including CAD and USD) are supported, but cryptocurrency deposits are not available. Most deposit methods are credited within 1–3 business days. For withdrawals, funds are sent via EFT or bank wire, with the first withdrawal each month being free and subsequent ones incurring a fee.
There are no deposit fees for standard banking methods, but your bank may charge for outgoing wires. Interactive Brokers does not provide an integrated wallet or fiat-to-crypto conversion—crypto trading is available through third-party partners and is not held in custody at Interactive Brokers.
Good to know
Double-check your bank account details for all withdrawals and monitor your base currency to avoid unnecessary currency conversion or bank fees, especially with cross-border transfers.
| Payment method | Accepted currencies | Minimum amount | Processing time | Possible fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card | Not accepted | – | – | – |
| Bank transfer (wire/EFT) | CAD, USD, major FX | USD 10,000 (first) | 1–3 business days | Bank fees may apply |
| E-wallets | Not accepted | – | – | – |
| Stablecoins/cryptos | Not accepted (crypto trading only via partner platforms) | – | – | – |
| Other local options | Bill payment, direct deposit | Varies | 1–3 business days | Bank/processing fees possible |
Account Types
Interactive Brokers offers a hybrid platform for Canadian residents, serving as both a comprehensive securities broker and a gateway to global CFD, forex, and select crypto trading. The platform provides access to a vast range of asset classes and is particularly strong for experienced, active traders, professional users, and institutions. Canadian clients benefit from unique account structures (including retirement accounts), robust trading tools, and access to advanced order types. However, some account features commonly found on crypto-native platforms—like staking or integrated wallets—are not available, and demo (paper trading) accounts are only accessible after funding a live account.
| Account type | Available | Main features |
|---|---|---|
| Demo account | ✅* | Paper trading (“demo”) account available after funding a live account; full access to platform features |
| Standard account | ✅ | Full access; minimum deposit USD 10,000 (or equivalent); access to all markets, asset types, and currencies |
| Raw ECN account | ❌ | No explicit ECN-only account, but tight institutional spreads and direct market access on all major products |
| Islamic account | ❌ | Swap-free/Islamic accounts are not officially offered for Canadian users |
| Professional account | ✅ | Intended for active traders, advisors, money managers, and institutions; supports advanced features and high-volume trading |
| CFD account | ✅ | CFD trading available on global stocks, indices, forex, commodities, and more |
| Classic securities account | ✅ | Full brokerage services: buy/sell stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options, bonds, etc.; supports individual, joint, corporate, retirement types |
| Staking/earn account | ❌ | Not available; no yield or staking features for crypto assets |
| Cold storage account | ❌ | Not available; crypto holdings facilitated via partners/no direct custody or wallet service |
| Tax-advantaged account | ✅ | Canadian tax-advantaged accounts offered: RRSP, TFSA, RESP |
| Accepted base currencies | – | Multiple currencies available (including CAD, USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, CHF, HKD, SGD, etc.) |
Tip
If you’re planning to manage a diverse portfolio across stocks, ETFs, CFDs, forex, and even crypto, Interactive Brokers offers unmatched global access—but the learning curve is steeper than most competitors. Use the paper trading environment (after funding) to master Trader Workstation and advanced order types before risking real capital, and compare account types based on your eligibility for tax-advantaged structures like RRSP or TFSA.
Customer reviews
Interactive Brokers holds a Trustpilot rating of 3.2 out of 5, based on more than 3,500 user reviews. Les utilisateurs mettent en avant plusieurs aspects positifs de la plateforme, notamment :
- Very wide range of global assets and markets (stocks, ETFs, CFDs, forex, crypto, futures, options)
- Extremely competitive commissions and tight spreads
- Professional-grade trading platforms (Trader Workstation, IBKR Mobile)
- Fractional shares and access to retirement account types (RRSP, TFSA)
- Responsive customer support, especially for complex needs
- Advanced order types and risk management tools
En revanche, plusieurs points négatifs sont régulièrement évoqués dans les avis :
- Complex and intimidating platform interface for beginners
- High minimum deposit compared to competitors
- Paper trading (demo account) only available after funding a live account
- Occasional delays in account verification and funding
- No built-in copy trading or social features
- Limited crypto options, no direct wallet or staking services
Voici quelques exemples représentatifs d’avis publiés sur Trustpilot :
R.D. – 08/07/2025 : “IBKR offers a wide range of assets and low commissions, but the platform can be complex for beginners.”
M.K. – 27/06/2025 : “Customer service is responsive, but the account verification process took longer than expected.”
S.P. – 15/05/2025 : “Great for active traders, but the minimum deposit is high compared to other brokers.”
FAQ
Is Interactive Brokers regulated in CA?
Interactive Brokers is fully regulated in Canada by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). This ensures that client funds and accounts receive strong regulatory oversight and investor protection.
What is the minimum deposit on Interactive Brokers?
The minimum deposit required to open an account with Interactive Brokers is USD 10,000 or the equivalent in another currency. This deposit is applied against commissions over the first eight months, helping to offset initial account costs for active traders.
Does Interactive Brokers offer a welcome bonus?
Interactive Brokers does not provide a welcome bonus or sign-up rewards for new accounts in Canada. The focus is on competitive commissions, broad market access, and institutional-grade tools rather than promotional incentives.
How does leverage work on Interactive Brokers?
Leverage is available for margin trading, with specific ratios depending on the account type and asset class. Leverage on forex and CFDs can be significant for qualifying clients, but always aligns with Canadian regulatory requirements to ensure investor safety.
How does Interactive Brokers make money?
Interactive Brokers earns revenue from trading commissions, spreads, currency conversion fees, financing on margin accounts, market data, and platform services. For crypto trades, a small percentage fee is charged per transaction, typically between 0.12% and 0.18%.
Who is behind Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers was founded by Thomas Peterffy and remains publicly traded under the ticker IBKR. The company is a global leader in electronic brokerage, with a long-standing reputation for advanced technology and compliance with major regulatory bodies.
When was Interactive Brokers launched?
Interactive Brokers was established in 1978 and has grown into one of the largest and most recognized international brokers, serving individuals, institutions, and advisors in over 150 markets worldwide.
Does Interactive Brokers offer copy trading or social trading?
Interactive Brokers does not offer direct copy trading or social trading to retail clients in Canada. However, professional advisors and money managers can manage multiple client portfolios under the advisor or money manager account structures.
How can I contact Interactive Brokers’s customer service?
Canadian clients can contact Interactive Brokers customer service via phone, email, or a secure message center. Support is available six days a week, from Sunday afternoon through Friday evening Eastern Time, with assistance provided for a wide range of inquiries.
Does Interactive Brokers offer any promotions or referral programs?
Interactive Brokers occasionally offers referral programs, but there are no ongoing promotions or welcome bonuses for Canadian users. Clients should check the latest on the official website or client portal, as offers are subject to change and regional restrictions.
Does Interactive Brokers provide insurance or proof-of-reserve for customer funds?
Funds held with Interactive Brokers in Canada are protected by CIPF, covering eligible accounts up to prescribed limits in case of insolvency. For crypto assets, trading is facilitated through third-party partners, and traditional proof-of-reserve is not provided, as custody is not direct.
Is Interactive Brokers regulated in CA?
Interactive Brokers is fully regulated in Canada by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). This ensures that client funds and accounts receive strong regulatory oversight and investor protection.
What is the minimum deposit on Interactive Brokers?
The minimum deposit required to open an account with Interactive Brokers is USD 10,000 or the equivalent in another currency. This deposit is applied against commissions over the first eight months, helping to offset initial account costs for active traders.
Does Interactive Brokers offer a welcome bonus?
Interactive Brokers does not provide a welcome bonus or sign-up rewards for new accounts in Canada. The focus is on competitive commissions, broad market access, and institutional-grade tools rather than promotional incentives.
How does leverage work on Interactive Brokers?
Leverage is available for margin trading, with specific ratios depending on the account type and asset class. Leverage on forex and CFDs can be significant for qualifying clients, but always aligns with Canadian regulatory requirements to ensure investor safety.
How does Interactive Brokers make money?
Interactive Brokers earns revenue from trading commissions, spreads, currency conversion fees, financing on margin accounts, market data, and platform services. For crypto trades, a small percentage fee is charged per transaction, typically between 0.12% and 0.18%.
Who is behind Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers was founded by Thomas Peterffy and remains publicly traded under the ticker IBKR. The company is a global leader in electronic brokerage, with a long-standing reputation for advanced technology and compliance with major regulatory bodies.
When was Interactive Brokers launched?
Interactive Brokers was established in 1978 and has grown into one of the largest and most recognized international brokers, serving individuals, institutions, and advisors in over 150 markets worldwide.
Does Interactive Brokers offer copy trading or social trading?
Interactive Brokers does not offer direct copy trading or social trading to retail clients in Canada. However, professional advisors and money managers can manage multiple client portfolios under the advisor or money manager account structures.
How can I contact Interactive Brokers’s customer service?
Canadian clients can contact Interactive Brokers customer service via phone, email, or a secure message center. Support is available six days a week, from Sunday afternoon through Friday evening Eastern Time, with assistance provided for a wide range of inquiries.
Does Interactive Brokers offer any promotions or referral programs?
Interactive Brokers occasionally offers referral programs, but there are no ongoing promotions or welcome bonuses for Canadian users. Clients should check the latest on the official website or client portal, as offers are subject to change and regional restrictions.
Does Interactive Brokers provide insurance or proof-of-reserve for customer funds?
Funds held with Interactive Brokers in Canada are protected by CIPF, covering eligible accounts up to prescribed limits in case of insolvency. For crypto assets, trading is facilitated through third-party partners, and traditional proof-of-reserve is not provided, as custody is not direct.
