Interactive Brokers FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about Interactive Brokers.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers is an online trading platform that allows users to trade a variety of financial instruments, including stocks, options, futures, currencies, and more.
How do I sign up for an Interactive Brokers account?
To sign up for an Interactive Brokers account, visit their website and click on the "Open an Account" button. Follow the prompts and fill out the necessary information to complete the account registration process.
What is the minimum deposit required for an Interactive Brokers account?
The minimum deposit required for an Interactive Brokers account is $10,000 for individuals and $5,000 for IRAs.
How do I deposit funds into my Interactive Brokers account?
To deposit funds into your Interactive Brokers account, log in to your account and click on the "Transfer & Pay" tab. From there, you can choose from various funding methods, including bank wire, ACH transfer, and checks.
Can I trade on margin with Interactive Brokers?
Yes, Interactive Brokers offers margin trading for eligible accounts. You can learn more about margin trading on their website or by contacting their customer service.
How do I withdraw funds from my Interactive Brokers account?
To withdraw funds from your Interactive Brokers account, log in to your account and click on the "Transfer & Pay" tab. From there, you can choose the "Withdraw Funds" option and select your preferred withdrawal method.
What is the commission structure for trading on Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers uses a tiered commission structure, which means the more you trade, the lower your commissions will be. You can find more information about their commission rates on their website.
How do I place a trade on Interactive Brokers?
To place a trade on Interactive Brokers, log in to your account and click on the "Trading" tab. From there, you can choose the instrument you want to trade and follow the prompts to enter your trade details.
Can I trade outside of market hours on Interactive Brokers?
Yes, Interactive Brokers offers after-hours trading for some securities. You can find more information about after-hours trading on their website.
What types of orders can I place on Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers offers a variety of order types, including market orders, limit orders, stop orders, and more. You can learn more about their order types on their website or by contacting their customer service.
What is a stop order?
A stop order is an instruction to buy or sell a security when it reaches a certain price, known as the stop price. Once the stop price is reached, the stop order becomes a market order and is executed at the best available price.
Why was my limit order not executed?
Your limit order may not have been executed if the market price did not reach your limit price. It is also possible that there was not enough volume at your limit price to fill your order.
How do I change my username or password on Interactive Brokers?
To change your username or password on Interactive Brokers, log in to your account and click on the "Account Management" tab. From there, you can choose the "User Settings" option and make the necessary changes.
What should I do if I forgot my username or password?
If you forgot your username or password, you can click on the "Forgot your username or password?" link on the login page. Follow the prompts to reset your login credentials.
Can I access Interactive Brokers on my mobile device?
Yes, Interactive Brokers offers a mobile trading app for both iOS and Android devices. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
How do I contact customer service for Interactive Brokers?
You can contact Interactive Brokers customer service by phone, email, or live chat. Their contact information can be found on their website.
Why am I experiencing slow or delayed data on Interactive Brokers?
Slow or delayed data on Interactive Brokers may be caused by a slow internet connection or a high volume of data. You can try refreshing your page or contact customer service for assistance.
What is a margin call and what should I do if I receive one?
A margin call occurs when the value of your account falls below the minimum margin requirement. If you receive a margin call, you should deposit additional funds or close positions to bring your account back to the minimum margin requirement.
What is a maintenance margin requirement?
A maintenance margin requirement is the minimum amount of equity you must maintain in your account to keep it in good standing. If your equity falls below the maintenance margin requirement, you may receive a margin call.
Why was my order rejected on Interactive Brokers?
Your order may have been rejected if it did not meet certain requirements, such as having enough buying power or being within the trading hours for that particular instrument. You can contact customer service for more information.
What is an error code 200 from Interactive Brokers?
Error code 200 from Interactive Brokers indicates a connectivity issue. You can check your internet connection and try again, or contact customer service for assistance.
How do I update my account information on Interactive Brokers?
To update your account information on Interactive Brokers, log in to your account and click on the "Account Management" tab. From there, you can update your personal, contact, and employment information.
Can I open a joint account on Interactive Brokers?
Yes, you can open a joint account on Interactive Brokers by selecting the "Joint" option when opening an account. All account holders must meet the account opening requirements.
What is a wash sale on Interactive Brokers?
A wash sale on Interactive Brokers refers to a transaction where a security is sold and then repurchased within 30 days. This transaction may not be reported correctly on your tax statement and can result in penalties from the IRS.
How do I request a tax statement from Interactive Brokers?
To request a tax statement from Interactive Brokers, log in to your account and click on the "Report Management" tab. Then, choose the "Tax Forms" section and follow the prompts to request your tax statement.
How do I transfer my account from another broker to Interactive Brokers?
To transfer your account from another broker to Interactive Brokers, log in to your Interactive Brokers account and click on the "Transfer & Pay" tab. From there, you can choose the "Account Transfers" option and follow the prompts to initiate the transfer.