This page explains in detail how to open and fund an Interactive Brokers (IB/IBKR) account with a complete walkthrough using both images and text. IBKR is a large, US-listed broker regulated by SEC and FINRA, supporting 26 currencies for deposits, 160+ markets, offering global stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, forex, and more.
1. What is Interactive Brokers (IBKR)?
- One of the largest US electronic brokers, founded in 1978, NASDAQ-listed (IBKR).
- Supports many currencies and international markets, widely used globally.
- Compared to other major brokers like Firstrade, Schwab: IB has no account minimum, fast funding, and one free wire withdrawal per month.
2. Latest Account Opening Instructions (2025)
Summary of Steps:
- Prepare Documents: ID, proof of address, common email, mobile number.
- Get Account Opening Bonus: Use a referral link to get stock rewards (get $1 in IBKR stock for every net $300 deposit).
- Create username, password, select account type.
- Fill in personal info and source of funds.
- Verify your mobile number.
- Select trading account and product types.
- Complete tax documents (W-8BEN form).
- Sign agreements electronically.
- Upload proof documents, await approval.
Approval is usually completed within 1–2 days.
3. Account Opening Bonus—Get $1,000 in IBKR Stock
- You must use a valid referral link to receive rewards.
- Get $1 in IBKR stock for every net $300 USD deposit, up to a max of $1,000 (stock must be held for one year).
- If you withdraw funds, stock rewards are clawed back proportionally.
- The bonus is US-source income, subject to 30% withholding tax.
4. Funding Your IBKR Account—Funds Within 3 Hours
Main Steps:
- Log in to your IBKR account.
- Choose a funding method (e.g. international wire transfer from a Taiwan bank).
- Fill out the deposit notification form.
- Obtain recipient bank info and SWIFT Code.
- Complete the transfer (at the bank or online).
- Funds typically arrive within 3 hours.
Note: IBKR does not accept third-party wire transfers—the account holder and sender must match.
5. IBKR Fee Plans – Comparison
| Plan | Who can use it | Fee per share | Min fee | Max fee | Other Fees | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBKR Pro Tiered | All users | From $0.0005 | $0.35 | 1% | Some apply | Small, frequent traders |
| IBKR Pro Fixed | All users | $0.005 | $1 | 1% | Few apply | Larger/regular trades |
| IBKR Lite | US residents only | $0 | $0 | $0 | Few apply | US residents, infrequent trading |
Non-US users must use Pro plans.
6. Real-Time Market Data
- IB offers free quotes from some exchanges (like IEX).
- If you need full real-time quotes, subscribe to streaming data ($4.50/month for the three major US exchanges), or just use snapshot quotes (pay per view).
- Low-frequency traders can use nuggets; high-frequency traders should consider full subscriptions.
7. Pros, Cons, and Security
Key Advantages:
- Security: US public company, regulated, client funds segregated from company assets, SIPC insurance up to $500,000.
- Low barrier: no account or maintenance fees.
- Wide range of products/currencies, supports fractional shares, dividend reinvestment.
- 24-Hour customer service in Chinese.
Fraud Prevention:
- Only use official IBKR channels (all URLs start with interactivebrokers.com, official e-mails).
- Never send funds through another person’s account; avoid all copycat platforms.