Global Access & Low Margins
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) offers unmatched global market access (150+ markets in 33 countries) and some of the lowest margin rates in the entire brokerage industry.
Key Specifications:
- Margin Rates: Frequently range from 5.83% to 6.83% depending on balance (Pro tier).
- Interest on Cash: High APY on uninvested idle cash.
- Platform: Trader Workstation (TWS) and IBKR Mobile.
The Verdict
If you trade on margin, short hard-to-borrow stocks, or trade international markets, IBKR is the undisputed king. However, their TWS desktop app has a steep learning curve.