About Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is the absolute professional standard for active traders, quantitative analysts, and sophisticated investors demanding unparalleled market access. It provides direct routing to over 150 global markets, institutional-grade execution speeds, and the lowest margin rates in the Canadian industry. Furthermore, IBKR offers rock-bottom, spot-rate FX conversions that save heavy US-traders thousands. While its flagship Trader Workstation (TWS) carries a steep learning curve, it is the ultimate, unrivaled ecosystem for options strategists, day traders, and those building complex global portfolios.
The Good
- CIRO & CIPF Regulated Dealer
- Rock-bottom commissions for high-volume traders
- Access to over 150 global markets in 33 countries
- Industry-leading low margin interest rates
The Bad
- Interface is professional-grade and intimidating for beginners
- Tiered margin pricing requires careful calculation
- Customer support is notoriously difficult to reach
Fee Structure
Updated 2026| Fee Type | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Stock Trade Commission
|
CAD Stocks: 1¢/share (Min $1.00 CAD). US Stocks: 0.5¢/share (Min $1.00 USD). Tiered pricing also available.
|
$1.00 |
|
ETF Buy Commission
|
ETFs share the same commission structure as stocks: 1¢/share CAD or 0.5¢/share USD.
|
$1.00 |
|
ETF Sell Commission
|
ETFs share the same commission structure as stocks: 1¢/share CAD or 0.5¢/share USD.
|
$1.00 |
|
Options Commission
|
CAD Options: $1.25/contract (Min $1.50). US Options: $0.65/contract (Min $1.00 USD).
|
$1.25 |
|
Inactivity / Low Balance Fee
|
No inactivity fees or account minimums.
|
Free |
|
Withdrawal Fee
|
1 free withdrawal per calendar month. Subsequent CAD EFTs are $2.00, USD Wires are $10.00.
|
Free |
Key Features
Fractional Shares
Buy slices of expensive stocks or ETFs with as little as $1, making it incredibly easy to diversify a small portfolio.
U.S. Dollar (USD) Accounts
Hold US dollars natively in your account to avoid paying punishing currency conversion fees every time you trade US stocks.
Options Trading
Trade options contracts to hedge your portfolio, generate income, or speculate on future price movements.
Practice Account / Demo Mode
Test your trading strategies and learn the platform interface using virtual money with absolutely zero financial risk.
Advanced Charting & Research Tools
Access institutional-grade technical indicators, Level 2 market data, and deep fundamental analysis tools.
Mobile App (iOS & Android)
Manage your portfolio, execute trades, and monitor the markets on the go with a fully-featured mobile application.
CIPF Protected
Your account is safeguarded by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) against the insolvency of the brokerage.
Best for Active Traders
Built for high-volume traders, offering lightning-fast execution, advanced order routing, and highly sophisticated order types.
Discount Broker
A highly cost-effective platform that significantly undercuts traditional bank fees, keeping your trading expenses to a minimum.
Extended Hours Trading
Trade before the market opens and after it closes, allowing you to react instantly to breaking news and earnings reports.
Margin Trading
Borrow money against your existing portfolio to increase your buying power and potentially amplify your returns.
No FX Fee
Avoid paying the standard percentage-based markup when converting Canadian Dollars to US Dollars.
CIRO Member
RateBuddy Verdict
undefined stands out for its accessibility to new investors. With competitive pricing and a solid reputation backed by Interactive Brokers, it remains a top contender in the Canadian market.