Interactive Brokers is a global broker providing professional traders access to 170 market centers worldwide, with margin rates from USD 4.38% (depending on currency and balance).
- Margin rates from USD 4.38% (depending on currency and balance)
- Access to 170 market centers worldwide
- Professional-grade platforms
- No inactivity fees
- Complex interface
- Steep learning curve
Fees & costs
- Min. deposit
- €0
- Trading
- Dutch stocks (EUR): fixed 0.05% of trade value (min €3.00 with IB SmartRouting); tiered 0.05% (min €1.25). US stocks: fixed $0.005 per share (min $1.00), tiered $0.0035 per share (min $0.35). US options: tiered from $0.25 per contract.
- Stock fee
- 0.05% (min €3.00 fixed SmartRouting; €1.25 tiered)
- Spread
- Forex: spreads from 0.1 pip plus a separate commission (no markup on quotes)
- Deposits
- € 0
- Withdrawals
- De eerste 2 opnames per kalendermaand zonder kosten; daarna EUR: SEPA € 1,00, bankoverschrijving € 8,00 (derde-partijkosten van banken komen daar bovenop)
- Inactivity
- None (removed in 2021)
Who this fits best
Note: complex interface.
How to use in practice
Global Portfolio Diversification
Access 170 market centers worldwide to build a truly global portfolio with stocks, bonds, and ETFs from any country.
Hold Japanese stocks on TSE, European ETFs on Xetra, and US tech giants on NASDAQ all in one account with multi-currency support.
Options and Derivatives Trading
Trade options, futures, and other derivatives on major exchanges with professional-grade tools; fees are charged per contract (see the price list).
Execute covered call strategies on your US stock holdings or trade index futures for portfolio hedging.
Algorithmic Trading
Utilize IBKR's powerful APIs for automated trading strategies and connect third-party platforms.
Connect quantitative trading software to execute automated strategies across multiple asset classes and markets.
Tips for beginners
- 01
Start with IBKR GlobalTrader for a simpler experience
Interactive Brokers offers two main platforms: the professional TWS and the simpler GlobalTrader app. Beginners should start with GlobalTrader before transitioning to the more powerful TWS.
- 02
Use the paper trading account extensively
IBKR offers a paper trading account at no cost with virtual funds. Use it to learn the platform, test strategies, and practice order execution without risking real money.
- 03
Take advantage of IBKR Campus
IBKR Campus offers educational content at no cost, including webinars, courses, and tutorials. It's particularly valuable for learning about options, futures, and advanced trading concepts.
- 04
Understand the tiered vs fixed pricing structure
Interactive Brokers offers two pricing models. Tiered pricing is often cheaper for larger trades, while fixed pricing is simpler and may suit smaller traders.
Extended guide
Complete Guide to Investing with Interactive Brokers
Getting Started
Interactive Brokers is designed for serious investors and professional traders. Opening an account requires completing an online application with detailed personal and financial information. You'll need to provide identification, proof of address, and answer questions about your trading experience. Verification typically takes 1-3 business days.
Once approved, you can choose between the powerful Trader Workstation (TWS) desktop platform or the simpler IBKR GlobalTrader mobile app. For beginners, GlobalTrader provides an easier entry point with essential features. Advanced users will appreciate TWS's comprehensive toolset.
Key Features and How to Use Them
Global Market Access: Trade on 170 market centers worldwide. Use the universal search to find any instrument by symbol, company name, or ISIN. The platform supports stocks, ETFs, bonds, forex, options, futures, and more.
Paper Trading: Before risking real capital, practice with IBKR's paper trading account. This simulated environment mirrors the live platform, allowing you to test strategies and learn order types without financial risk.
IBKR Campus: Access educational resources at no cost through IBKR Campus. Courses cover everything from platform navigation to advanced options strategies. Webinars feature market insights and trading techniques.
Portfolio Analyst: Use this tool to analyze your portfolio performance, risk metrics, and allocation. Generate reports comparing your returns against benchmarks and understand your exposure to different sectors and regions.
Tips for Success
Start with the GlobalTrader app if you're new to Interactive Brokers. Once comfortable, transition to TWS for its advanced capabilities. Take time to explore the platform's educational resources—IBKR Campus offers learning material at no cost.
Pay attention to the fee structure. IBKR shows margin rates from USD 4.38% (depending on currency and balance). Margin increases your risk: you can lose more than your deposit. Monitor currency exposure when trading international markets and consider whether currency hedging aligns with your strategy.
Kerncijfers met bron
- Markten beschikbaar
- 170 marktcentra wereldwijd (groep)IBKR Fact Sheet (Q2 2026) 2026-10-10
- Klanten wereldwijd
- 5,185 miljoen klantaccounts (Q2 2026, groep)IBKR Fact Sheet (Q2 2026) 2026-10-10
- NL-aandelen tarief
- 0,05% (min. € 3, vast tarief SmartRouting)interactivebrokers.ie/en/pricing/commissions-stocks.php 2026-10-10
- US-aandelen tarief
- $0,005/aandeel (min $1)interactivebrokers.ie/en/pricing/commissions-stocks.php 2026-10-10
- Regulering (EU)
- Central Bank of Ireland (referentie C423427)interactivebrokers.ie/en/general/security-investor-protection.php 2026-10-10
Editorial review
Interactive Brokers EU (IBKR Ireland Limited) is the broker for serious Dutch investors needing access beyond stocks and ETFs. Founded in 1977 as a market maker, IBKR Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Suited to active traders, options investors, algorithmic traders, and those seeking global diversification. Access to 170 market centers worldwide, margin rates from USD 4.38% (depending on currency and balance), and no inactivity fees since 2021.
The TWS platform is complex with a steep learning curve. Investor protection: 90% of the loss up to €20,000 (Irish scheme), applying on failure of the firm, not to market losses. If you only want to buy ETFs, you may not need the wide range of Interactive Brokers; compare DEGIRO or Trade Republic as well.
Margin trading significantly increases risk. Losses can exceed your initial investment.