Different deposit methods may be available to you depending on the country in which your bank account is held and the Interactive Brokers entity your trading account was opened under.
Deposit Methods Only Available to Clients of Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Ltd (IBHK)
Faster Payment System (FPS)
The Faster Payment System (FPS) is a payment infrastructure introduced by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and operated by Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) to enable instant payments in HK.
Fund transfers from your Hong Kong (HK) bank account are instructed by entering our FPS ID number, or by scanning a QR code, as provided in our transfer instructions. While the FPS ID can be used for all transfer amounts, QR codes are only provided for small-value payments (i.e. 10,000 HKD or below). Funds are generally received and credited within hours.
Electronic Direct Debit Authorization (eDDA)
Using the Faster Payment System, eDDA offers a quick and convenient way to draw funds from your HK bank account to credit your IBHK account.
To setup your HK bank account for eDDA deposits, you simply need to select the transfer currency, provide your bank account number, and confirm your authorization for IBKR to establish an eDDA on your behalf. Once the initial eDDA setup request has been confirmed by your bank, you can top up your IBHK account at any time by simply confirming the desired transfer amount in the Make a Deposit section of Client Portal. Funds are generally received and credited within minutes.
HKD Check
IBHK can accept personal checks either mailed or dropped off in person to one of our Hong Kong offices, so long as the check meets the following conditions:
If the check is being dropped off, please ensure you have your HK ID / Passport with you. If a third party is dropping off the check for you, they will need to have a letter, signed by you, authorizing them to do so on your behalf.
For mailed in checks, if you are sending the check to remove a funding restriction on your account, ensure the check is posted in the same letter as all supporting forms and a copy of your HK ID / Passport.
Checks received by IBKR before 12pm (noon) are generally credited to your account within two business days. Funds will only be available in your account after the check is cleared by your bank.
Deposit Methods Available to All Interactive Brokers Clients
Domestic Bank Transfer
Banks in HK offer interbank payments in HKD. To make a local HKD transfer you will need to provide your HK bank, via online banking/branch, the account details generated for you when you confirm your intended deposit details in the Make a Deposit section of Client Portal using the Bank Wire Deposit Method. This includes the bank account name, bank code, branch code and bank account number. Depending on the time it takes for your bank to process the transfer, funds are usually received and credited within hours.
International Bank Transfer (SWIFT/ WIRE)
The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), is a network that allows banks to communicate financial information securely around the globe. Most banks offer international money transfers using the SWIFT network. When a payment is instructed, a series of banks will work together to make sure your money arrives at the instructed destination account.
A transfer of HKD from a financial institution outside of Hong Kong is known as a cross-border payment. Your bank may use an intermediary or correspondent bank to transfer the funds to our bank.
Cross-border payments can take some time to complete as they are processed via the correspondent banking network and typically pass between several different banks along the way. After being initiated, a wire transfer is sent by the debtor agent to an intermediary bank which transfers the funds to the creditor agent. Once these steps are complete, the recipient will receive their funds.
There are numerous reasons why a cross-border payment may be delayed or held up. First, not all banks can process transfers outside of the operating hours of local settlement systems. Delays can also arise if compliance checks need to be carried out, especially when a payment passes through different countries and jurisdictions. While newer payment systems allow almost instant transfers, making a payment to another country can be much more complex and time-consuming.
To make an international HKD transfer you will need to provide your bank with the account details generated for you when you confirm your intended deposit details in the Make a Deposit section of Client Portal using the Bank Wire Deposit Method. This includes the bank account name, bank code, branch code, bank account number, SWIFT code, account address and payment reference.
Difference Between Domestic and International Bank Transfers
Banks make a domestic transfer to send funds to financial institutions residing in the same country or financial zone. When sending funds to financial institutions in a foreign country or financial zone, banks have to make an international bank transfer. The differences between these two bank transfers affect the number of fees banks charge and the duration it takes to complete the transfer.
How long does it usually take for my funds to arrive?
Payment type |
Timing |
Approximate Cost* |
Fast Payment System (FPS) |
Usually same day within hours |
free of cost or very low cost |
Electronic Direct Debit Authorization (eDDA) |
Usually same day within minutes |
free of cost or very low cost |
Local Bank Transfer |
Usually same day within hours |
free of cost or very low cost |
Mail a check |
Available in two business days after check arrival |
free of cost |
International Bank Transfer (SWIFT/WIRE) |
From 1 to 4 business day |
Vary by bank |
*Please consult with the sending institution about the costs to process your payment as this may vary by financial institution. IBKR does not charge fees for the deposit of funds.
IBKR credits funds real-time upon receipt. Please note that we do not have influence on the speed of transfer. You may consult with your bank regarding their processing times.
Payments that are subject to additional review may take longer to credit.