IBKR Introduction

Interactive Brokers was established in the United States in 1977. It is currently the world's largest Internet brokerage firm, providing individual and institutional clients with trading services for various assets such as stocks, options, futures, foreign exchange and funds, covering more than 150 markets around the world.

Interactive Brokers is regulated by financial regulators in many countries and regions. It is also a member of the Securities Investor Protection Organization (SIPC). With its advanced trading platform, rich API support and efficient risk management system, Interactive Brokers has become the first choice for high-frequency traders and professional investors.

IBKR Advantages

1. Rich trading products: Provide multiple asset classes around the world, including stocks, futures, options, foreign exchange, etc., to meet the diversified investment needs of investors.
2. Low fees: Zero spreads, low commissions and low financing rates make transaction costs relatively low, suitable for high-frequency traders and large investors.
3. Professional trading platform: Its TWS (Trader Workstation) platform is rich in functions, supports automated trading and advanced order options, and is suitable for professional traders.
4. Global market access: One account invests in the stock markets of 33 countries around the world, including stocks of listed companies such as Japan, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom, making it convenient for investors to make global arrangements.
5. Strict risk control: Having an advanced risk management system helps reduce trading risks and better respond to market fluctuations.

IBKR Account Opening Requirements

1. Minimum account capital: Interactive Brokers 'minimum opening capital requirement is US$2,000, which applies to most account types (such as personal accounts). If it is a financing account or a margin account, the capital requirement may be higher.
2. Identity verification: Valid identity documents (such as passport or ID card) and proof of address (such as utility bills, bank statements, etc.) need to be provided. In some cases, information such as investment experience and risk appetite may need to be filled in to meet KYC regulations.
3. Personal background: Interactive Brokers usually requires applicants to have certain investment experience, especially for trading complex financial products (such as options, futures, etc.).Some accounts may require financial status and work background to evaluate the appropriate type of transaction.
4. Tax Information: Depending on your location, you need to provide information about your tax country of residence and complete Form W-8BEN or W-9 (for U.S. tax residents and non-residents).
5. Other requirements: Interactive Brokers also has certain requirements for the age of account holders, generally 18 years old or older.The account opening process includes filling out an online application form, which usually requires more personal information and financial details, and may be subject to electronic signature or video verification.

These requirements may vary depending on regions and account types. It is recommended to check the details of the official website before opening an account.

IBKR Account Opening Process for China Mainland Residents

You can complete the account opening process online via your computer or mobile phone. The whole process takes only about 10 minutes.You need to enter your personal data and associate your bank account to start trading and invest in financial products such as Hong Kong and U.S. stocks.The details are as follows:

1. Go to the IBKR official website and click the "Open Account" button to enter the account opening page.

2. Select the account type according to your personal needs. Generally select a personal account (you can also choose a joint or IRA account), and click the "Start Application" button to continue to the next step.

3. Fill in your personal information to ensure that the information is true and detailed.

4. Receive the Captcha, verify the mobile phone number, and fill in income-related information.

5. "Read and sign the agreement", check whether it is correct, and please sign and continue after confirming that it is correct.

6. Wait for review after completing it. After passing it, you can obtain all information related to your stock account through email, and then you can deposit funds and start trading Hong Kong and U.S. stocks and other products.

IBKR Account Opening Bonus

At this stage, new users who open accounts with Interactive Brokers can enjoy the following three major benefits:

1. The interest rate on idle funds in the account is up to 4.8%, and there is no cap;
2. Support the purchase of US bonds/digital currencies;
3. Account insurance up to $2.75 million.

Now, click "Open an account with Interactive Brokers Now" and new users will receive 1 share of IBKR stock (NASDAQ: IBKR) for every US$100 they trade, up to US$1,000 worth of IBKR stock!

IBKR Information Group

IBKR Deposit & Withdrawal

IBKR Deposit

Interactive Brokers supports multiple ways to deposit funds. The following are the main deposit methods and processes:

Bank wire transfer: The most commonly used method of deposit, supporting multiple currencies. Customers need to transfer wire transfer to the designated account of Interactive Brokers through their personal bank account:

1. 1. Log in to your Interactive Brokers account and go to the Funds Transfers page.
   2. Select "Wire Transfer" and choose the currency and amount.
   3. The system will generate a wire transfer instruction, including Interactive Brokers' bank account information, which customers can use for bank wire transfers.
   4. After completing the wire transfer, it usually takes 1-3 business days to arrive in the account, depending on the bank's processing time.
   5. Check deposit: Only for US customers, customers can mail checks to the address specified by Interactive Brokers. Due to the long processing time, international customers do not often use this method.

In addition to bank wire transfers, investors can also choose other deposit methods:

1. ACH transfer: Only for U.S. customers. ACH transfer allows you to easily transfer funds between bank accounts and Interactive Brokers accounts. The arrival time is 1-2 working days.
2. Online payment: Some U.S. banks provide online payment services. Customers can directly pay funds to Interactive Brokers accounts through online banking. They need to confirm in advance that the bank supports this service.
3. E-wallets: Some regions support e-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill to deposit funds.Customers need to log in to their account and select the appropriate e-wallet option to complete the transfer.

Note: All deposit methods require the same source of funds as the account name, that is, the deposit account must be a bank account in the name of the IB account holder; when wire transfer, it is necessary to confirm whether the bank charges a handling fee to avoid insufficient amount received.

IBKR Withdrawal

1. Bank wire transfer: A handling fee is usually charged, and the specific amount varies based on the customer's region, currency and bank.Under normal circumstances, the arrival time is 1-3 working days, and the specific duration depends on the bank's processing speed.
2. ACH transfer: Only for U.S. customers. Customers need to complete the ACH account association settings in the account in advance. Usually, there is no handling fee and the account can be received within 1-2 working days.
3. Online Payment (Bill Pay): U.S. banks in some regions support the Bill Pay function, and customers need to set up payments to their Interactive Brokers account through online banking.A small handling fee may be incurred during the transfer process, which depends on bank regulations; it will be received within 1-2 working days.
4. E-wallet: Customers in some regions can choose to withdraw cash using e-wallet (e.g. PayPal, Skrill). They only need to set up e-wallet information in their Interactive Brokers account.The handling fee depends on different e-wallet platforms and is usually paid immediately, but the details depend on the actual situation.

Note: In order to comply with anti-money laundering regulations, the withdrawal account must be the same as the name of the Interactive Brokers account holder; cross-border transfers may involve exchange rate conversions, so it is recommended to check possible exchange rate costs in advance.Interactive Brokers also provides free withdrawals once a month to all customers. If the number exceeds, a handling fee will be charged. The specific charging standards can be viewed in the account settings.

IBKR Commissions & Fees

Interactive Brokers 'low-cost model has attracted a large number of high-frequency traders and fee-sensitive investors, making it a highly cost-effective platform in the industry.

	Hong Kong stocks	us stocks
Account maintenance fee	10USD (no charge is required for commission ≥10USD)	10USD (no charge is required for commission ≥10USD)
new share subscription	Brokerage fee: allocated to 1% of stock value Handling fee: 100HKD	not apply
real-time bidding	Hong Kong stocks, warrants (tier 2): 200USD	U.S. stocks and U.S. futures: 10USD per month
wire transfer deposit	Cash deposit service: 1%(minimum 50USD) Automatic customer account transfer service: Free	Cash deposit service: 1%(minimum 50USD) Automatic customer account transfer service: Free

• • Commissions: Interactive Brokers adopts two commission structures: stepped and fixed commission structures. The former offers lower commission rates for customers with higher trading frequency.
  • Tiered: US stocks have a minimum of US$0.35 per transaction and a maximum of 1% of the transaction value; Hong Kong stocks have a commission of 0.015% to 0.08% of the transaction value.
  • Fixed: US stocks have a minimum of US$0.005 per share, a minimum of US$1 per transaction and a maximum of 1% of the transaction value; Hong Kong stocks have a commission of 0.08% of the transaction value and a minimum of HK$18, with no maximum commission.
• Financing interest rate: Interactive Brokers provides lower financing interest rates, and the interest rate level varies according to the financing amount, making it highly competitive.
• Foreign Exchange Spread: Interactive Brokers 'foreign exchange trading spreads are relatively low and are suitable for day traders and high-frequency traders.

FAQs

Is IBKR Safe?

Interactive Brokers is regulated by financial regulators in many countries and regions, including the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to ensure the safety of clients 'funds and transaction transparency.

Moreover, Interactive Brokers is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), and client funds enjoy the protection provided by the SIPC.

In addition, Interactive Brokers has also set up segregated accounts for customers-client funds are stored separately from the company's own funds to ensure the independence and security of customer assets.Through the platform's risk control module, investors can monitor positions, margin requirements and market risks in real time.

What Trading Platforms Does IBKR Provide?

Interactive Brokers provides investors with diverse and powerful trading platforms, as listed below:

• IBKR TWS: Interactive Brokers 'flagship platform, suitable for professional traders, provides advanced charts, algorithmic trading, market scanners, real-time data analysis and other tools, and supports trading in multiple asset classes, including stocks, options, futures, foreign exchange, etc.
• IBKR Mobile: A mobile app for iOS and Android devices that allows you to trade anytime, anywhere, view real-time quotes, account information, and place orders.
• Client Portal: A web-based trading platform suitable for ordinary investors and users who need convenient access. It provides basic trading functions, account management, fund transfer and other services. It has a friendly interface and is easy to operate.
• IBKR APIs: Provide professional investors and developers with multiple API interfaces, including REST APIs, FIX APIs and Python APIs, making it convenient for users to integrate Interactive Brokers 'trading functions into their own platforms and support automated trading and custom strategies.
• IBKR GlobalTrader: Interactive Brokers 'mobile application specifically designed for global stock trading. It is easy to operate and suitable for novices and users with international investment needs. It can trade stocks in more than 80 markets around the world.

Is IBKR HK Offshore Account?

Interactive Brokers 'Hong Kong accounts are not considered offshore accounts because the funds are still in the local banking system.

Is There a Handling Fee of IBKR Account Opening?

Interactive Brokers 'account opening process itself has no handling fees, but a monthly maintenance fee may be charged after the account is activated, especially for users with low account balances or low trading frequency.

What Types of Accounts Does IBKR Support?

Interactive Brokers offers multiple account types such as personal accounts, joint accounts, corporate accounts, trust accounts, and retirement accounts.Individual investors generally choose personal accounts, while professional trading institutions choose corporate accounts or other dedicated account types.