BrokerSentiment

Search Other Brokers

IN

Interactive Brokers Sentiment Analysis

3.1
/ 5 Rating
OVERALL SENTIMENT
NEGATIVE

Analysis Summary

Interactive Brokers receives predominantly negative feedback despite having some strong competitive advantages. While customers consistently praise the platform's exceptionally low fees, comprehensive trading tools, and extensive global market access, these positives are significantly overshadowed by severe operational challenges. The most critical issue is extremely poor customer service, with users reporting wait times of 30-60+ minutes, unresponsive support staff, and difficulty reaching human representatives. Technical problems are widespread, including platform crashes during critical trading moments, account lockouts due to authentication issues, and withdrawal delays lasting weeks. The platform's complexity, while appreciated by sophisticated traders for its professional-grade features, creates substantial barriers for retail investors. Despite IBKR's competitive pricing and extensive product offerings, the overwhelming volume of service-related complaints and operational difficulties suggests systemic issues that significantly undermine user satisfaction and trust.

Pros
Exceptionally low commissions and competitive fees across all trading instruments
Comprehensive global market access with wide range of financial instruments
Professional-grade Trader Workstation (TWS) platform with advanced trading tools
High interest rates on uninvested cash balances
Competitive margin rates for leveraged trading
Reliable trade execution quality when platform functions properly
Extensive research tools and market data access
API access enabling algorithmic and automated trading
Strong financial stability and regulatory compliance
24/7 trading access across multiple international markets
Sophisticated options and futures trading capabilities
Transparent fee structure with clear pricing
Cons
Extremely poor customer service with excessive wait times and unresponsive staff
Frequent platform crashes and technical issues causing trading disruptions
Complex and outdated user interface that's not beginner-friendly
Significant withdrawal delays and account access restrictions
Persistent account lockouts due to authentication and 2FA problems
Support tickets remaining unanswered for extended periods
Complicated and cumbersome account opening and verification process
Hidden fees and unclear aspects of pricing structure
Restrictive trading permissions and excessive bureaucracy
Poor mobile app performance with frequent bugs and crashes
Automatic liquidations occurring without adequate warning
Website errors and frequent system maintenance disruptions

Recurring Praises

What users consistently appreciate

Industry-leading low commissions and fee structure
Best-in-class margin rates for leveraged trading
Excellent trade execution quality and order fulfillment
Unparalleled global market access and international reach
Professional-grade tools and comprehensive trading features
High interest rates paid on uninvested cash balances
Platform stability and reliability when functioning properly
Advanced options trading capabilities and complex strategies
Strong financial backing, security, and regulatory compliance
Extensive product offerings across multiple asset classes
Transparent and competitive pricing structure
Comprehensive research and analytical tools

Recurring Issues

Common complaints from users

Customer service wait times of 30-60+ minutes with minimal response
Platform crashes during active market hours causing potential trading losses
Account lockouts due to two-factor authentication and security system failures
Withdrawal requests being blocked, delayed, or rejected for weeks without explanation
Support tickets going completely unanswered for days or weeks
Unexpected automatic liquidations without proper advance warning
Persistent login problems and frequent session timeouts
Complex verification processes required for basic account operations
Website functionality errors and unscheduled system maintenance
Extreme difficulty reaching human customer service representatives
Account setup and verification complications creating access delays

Platform Features

Most frequently mentioned features and services

Trader Workstation (TWS) professional trading platform
Two-factor authentication and comprehensive security measures
Global market access and international trading capabilities
Margin trading accounts and securities lending programs
Options and futures trading with advanced strategies
Multi-currency accounts with automatic currency conversion
Mobile application and web-based trading portal
Research tools, market data, and analytical resources
Account reporting, statements, and tax documentation
API integration capabilities for third-party trading platforms
Customer service and technical support systems