Does the job great
Cheap and good fills. BEST thing about them is averaging up and down in and out of trades. Only $1 commission, so legging in and out is pain free. Whereas trading with scottrade or tdameritrade you're paying a minimum of $14 - $20 to get in and out of a trade. Now that I'm using IB I can buy 25 shares, another 25, another 50, leg out 50 at where i think is the top, observe for resistance or break through, and continue trading without worrying about commissions eating up my profits.
Charts aren't great, maybe I'm spoiled by ThinkorSwim's charts. TOS has the best charts and studies I've experienced, but their customer service is horrible and lately(since May merger with TD) they have been getting everything wrong. But this is an Interactive Broker's review!
Really great options chains, nice simple clean platform. Was very confusing at first but after a week I realized it was very simple and easy to use. Also you can just call them and they'll help you sort things out. Once you have the platform set up how you like it and options chains set to your favorite view as default, it's a cake walk to use.
I don't use automated trading, and I think its so annoying, but I've heard IB is good for algo's and ninjatrader auto trading. I am totally against that stuff, maybe I'm old school. Leave it to the big machines. I'm Paul Bunyon, maybe they'll beat me at chopping but May 6th 2010 is an example of what happens when machines are left to run things.
Really good alerts system also, for catching stock prices while you're on the move or living life, and can choose to have them sent to you by text message. Quick flow from time of alert to message on phone, which beats time of any other broker I've used. Almost instant.
Also they have a great iphone app. I believe they are working on apps for other smartphones.
GREAT security measures. I have no fears when using IB at free wi-fi areas.
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This review is the subjective opinion of an Investimonials.com member and not of Investimonials LLC.