Interactive Brokers Review 2026: Fees, Markets & Verdict
Pros
- Access to dozens of global markets
- Very low trading commissions
- Strong, professional-grade tools
- Well-regulated international broker
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- You handle your own offshore tax admin
- Funding requires moving money offshore
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is the platform of choice for serious investors who want to trade global markets directly, with institutional-grade tools and very low costs.
Unmatched market access
From one account you can trade shares, ETFs, and other instruments across more than 30 countries. For South Africans wanting genuine global diversification beyond the JSE, few brokers come close.
Low costs, serious tools
Commissions are among the lowest available, and the platform offers deep research, advanced order types, and powerful charting. That power comes with complexity, which can overwhelm newcomers.
Things to plan for
Investing offshore through IBKR means moving money abroad and handling your own tax reporting in South Africa. It is manageable, but it is admin you should be ready for.
Verdict
Interactive Brokers is outstanding for experienced, cost-conscious investors who want the world’s markets in one account. Beginners are usually better served starting local with EasyEquities or Satrix before graduating to IBKR.
