U.S. Microcap Stock Restrictions
Introduction
To comply with regulations regarding the sale of unregistered securities and to minimize the manual processing associated with trading shares that are not publicly quoted, IBKR imposes certain restrictions on U.S. Microcap Stocks. A list of those restrictions, along with other FAQs relating to this topic are provided below.
Microcap Restrictions
- IBKR will only accept transfers of blocks of U.S. Microcap stocks from Eligible Clients. Eligible Clients include accounts that: (1) maintain equity (pre or post-transfer) of at least $5 million or, clients of financial advisors with aggregate assets under management of at least $20 million; and (2) have less than half of their equity in U.S. Microcap Stocks.
- IBKR will only accept transfers1 of blocks of U.S. Microcap Stocks where the Eligible Client can confirm the shares were purchased on the open market or registered with the SEC;
- IBKR will not accept transfers1 of or opening orders for U.S. Microcap Stocks designated by OTC as Caveat Emptor or Grey Market from any client. Clients with existing positions in these stocks may close the positions;
- IBKR will not accept transfers of U.S. Microcap Stocks to cover a short position established at IBKR;
- Execution-only clients (i.e., execute trades through IBKR, but clear those trades elsewhere) may not trade U.S. Microcap Stocks within their IBKR account. (IBKR may make exceptions for U.S.-registered brokers);
Microcap FAQs
What is a U.S. Microcap Stock?
The term “Microcap Stock” refers to shares (1) traded over the counter or (2) that are listed on Nasdaq and NYSE American that have a market capitalization of between $50 million to $300 million and are trading at or below $5. For purposes of this policy, the term Microcap Stock will include the shares of U.S. public companies which have a market capitalization at or below $50 million, which are sometimes referred to as nanocap stocks or trade on a market generally associated with Microcap Stocks.
To avoid situations where minor, short-term fluctuations in a stock price cause repeated reclassification, any stock classified as U.S. Microcap will remain in that classification until both its market capitalization and share price exceed $300 million and $5, respectively, for a 30 consecutive calendar day period.
As Microcap Stocks are often low-priced, they are commonly referred to as penny stocks. IBKR may make exceptions, including for stocks traded at low prices that recently had a greater market cap. In addition, IBKR will not consider ADRs on non-US companies to be Micro-Cap stocks.
Where do Microcap Stocks trade?
Microcap Stocks typically trade in the OTC market, rather than on a national securities exchange. They are often electronically quoted by market makers on OTC systems such as the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) and the markets administered by the OTC Markets Group (e.g., OTCQX, OTCQB & Pink). Also included in this category are stocks which may not be publicly quoted and which are designated as Caveat Emptor, Other OTC or Grey Market.
In addition, U.S. regulators also consider stocks listed on Nasdaq or NYSE American trading at or below $5 with a market capitalization at or less than $300 million to be Microcap Stocks.
What happens if IBKR receives a transfer from an Eligible Client where one or more of the positions transferred is a Microcap Stock?
If IBKR receives a transfer containing a block of a Microcap stock, IBKR reserves the right to restrict the sale of any Microcap position(s) included in the transfer unless the Eligible Client provides appropriate documentation establishing that the shares were either purchased on the open market (i.e., on a public exchange through another broker) or were registered with the SEC pursuant to an S-1 or similar registration statement.
Eligible Clients can prove that shares were purchased on the open market by providing a brokerage statement or trade confirm from a reputable broker reflecting the purchase of the shares on a public exchange. Eligible Clients can establish that the shares are registered by providing the SEC (Edgar system) File number under which their shares were registered by the company (and any documents necessary to confirm the shares are the ones listed in the registration statement).
NOTE: All customers are free to transfer out any shares we have restricted at any time.
What restrictions will IBKR apply to Prime accounts?
Clients whose activities include Prime services are considered Eligible Clients solely for the purposes of those trades which IBKR has agreed to accept from its executing brokers. However, while Prime accounts may clear U.S. Microcap Stocks at IBKR, those shares will be restricted until such time IBKR confirms that the shares are eligible for re-sale under the procedures discussed above.
To remove the restriction for shares purchased on the open market, please have the executing broker provide a signed letter on company letterhead or an official Account Statement stating that the shares were purchased in the open market. The letter or statement must also include the below required criteria. Alternatively, if the shares were acquired through an offering the letter or statement must provide documents or links to the relevant registration statement and state that the shares were part of it.
Required Broker Letter Criteria:
1) IBKR Account Number
2) IBKR Account Title
3) Trade Date
4) Settlement Date
5) Symbol
6) Side
7) Price
8) Quantity
9) Time of Execution
10) Exchange
11) Must be signed
12) Must be on Firm's official letterhead
To summarize: Sell Long trades will be accepted if the long position is no longer restricted. Sell Short trades will be accepted. Buy Long trades will be accepted and the position will be restricted until Compliance is provided with sufficient information to remove the restriction. Buy Cover trades and intraday round trip trades will not be accepted.
What happens if a stock you purchase gets reclassified as Grey Market or Caveat Emptor?
If you purchase a stock in your IBKR account that at a later date becomes classified as a Caveat Emptor or Grey Market stock, you will be allowed to maintain, close or transfer the position but will not be able to increase your position.
What are some of the reasons why Microcap Stock trading may be restricted in my account?
There are two primary reasons why you might be restricted from trading in a Microcap Stock:
- Potential Affiliation to Issuer: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Rule 144 places certain limitations on trading of stocks (including Microcap Stocks) by an “affiliate” of the issuer. If IBKR observes trading activity or holdings in a Microcap Stock that are close to the trading volume thresholds under Rule 144 (“Rule 144 Thresholds”), IBKR may restrict the customer from trading the Microcap Stock until a compliance review is completed.
- Transfer of Microcap Stock: If the customer has recently transferred a Microcap Stock into their IBKR account, IBKR may restrict the customer from trading in that security until a compliance review is completed.
If one of the above reasons apply, trading will be restricted in the security and a notification will be sent to the customer’s message center in Account Management. This notification will describe the reason for the restriction and the steps the customer must take before IBKR will consider lifting the restriction.
Why does IBKR consider me to be a potential affiliate of a Microcap Stock issuer?
An “affiliate” is a person, such as an executive officer, a director or large shareholder, in a relationship of control with the issuer.
Rule 144 applies to all securities, including Microcap Stocks. However, given the heightened risks associated with trading Microcap Stocks, if a customer’s trading and/or holdings in a Microcap Stock are close to the Rule 144 Thresholds, IBKR will restrict the customer’s trading in the Microcap Stock. This restriction will remain in effect pending a compliance review into the customer’s potential affiliate status.
For the Potential Affiliate review, why do I need to ask for a new review every two weeks?
A customer’s affiliate status may change soon after IBKR completes the above-referenced Potential Affiliate review. As such, IBKR believes it is appropriate to refresh a Potential Affiliate review every two weeks if a customer’s trading activity and/or holdings in the Microcap Stock remain close to the Rule 144 Thresholds.
Where can I find a list of stocks that IBKR has designated as U.S. Microcaps?
A list of stocks designated as U.S. Microcaps by IBKR is available via the following link: www.ibkr.com/download/us_microcaps.csv
Note that this list is updated daily.
Where can I find additional information on Microcap Stocks?
Additional information on Microcap Stocks, including risks associated with such stocks may be found on the SEC website: https://www.sec.gov/reportspubs/investor-publications/investorpubsmicrocapstockhtm.html
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1This includes transfers by any method (e.g., ACATS, DWAC, FOP), conversion of Canadian listings to their U.S. equivalent via “Southbound” transfer, transfers to cover existing short positions, IB Prime customers executing with other brokers and clearing to IBKR, etc.
South African Rand (ZAR) - Onshore/Offshore
Overview:
Explanation of Onshore/Offshore South African Rand (ZAR)
Background
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has currency exchange control rules in place for South African residents. A South African resident is a person (i.e. a natural person, body corporate, foundation, trust or partnership) whether of South African or any other nationality who has taken up residence, is domiciled or registered in the Republic of South Africa (RSA). A resident account is also the account of persons resident, domiciled or registered in the Common Monetary Area (CMA). The CMA comprises of the Republic of South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland. There are no exchange control restrictions between the members of the CMA and they form a single exchange control territory.
The rules stipulate that there is a yearly limit placed on the amount of ZAR that can be taken out of the country by South African residents – i.e. taken "Offshore". ZAR that remain in South Africa are deemed “Onshore”.
Each resident can take the following amounts offshore per calendar year:
- ZAR 1 million can be taken offshore as a “Single Discretionary Allowance”
- ZAR 10 million can be taken offshore as an “Foreign Capital Allowance”
Only institutions licensed as “Authorised Dealers” (AD) are able to send ZAR outside of South Africa and so offshore. An AD is responsible for reporting the offshoring of any ZAR to the SARB. As a result, residents sending ZAR offshore must accurately state the purpose for which the ZAR is being sent. Residents must receive approval from an AD before they are able to send any ZAR offshore. Prior to taking ZAR offshore as part of the Foreign Capital Allowance, residents must also have additional clearance from the SA tax authorities.
The full exchange control rulebook from the SARB can be found here: https://www.resbank.co.za/RegulationAndSupervision/FinancialSurveillanceAndExchangeControl/EXCMan/Pages/default.aspx
Current Situation
Our cashiering account is a non-resident account. Therefore, we are permitted to:
- Receive deposits in ZAR from other non-resident accounts.
- Disburse ZAR from our cashiering account to non-resident accounts.
- Receive deposits from accounts of South African residents.
- Disburse ZAR to accounts of South African residents.
盈透证券欢迎您
Overview:
现在您的账户已完成入金并获批，您可以开始交易了。以下信息可以帮助您入门。
- 您的资金
- 设置您的账户以进行交易
- 如何交易
- 在全球范围进行交易
- 拓展您IB经验的五个要点
1. 您的资金
存款&取款基本信息。所有转账都通过您的账户管理进行管理
存款
首先，通过您的账户管理 > 资金 > 资金转账 > 转账类型：“存款”创建一个存款通知（如何创建存款通知）。 第二步，通知您的银行进行电汇转账，在存款通知中提供详细银行信息。
取款
通过您的账户管理 > 资金 > 资金转账 > 转账类型：“取款”创建一个取款指令（如何创建取款指令）
如果您通知要进行超出取款限额的取款，则会被视为异常取款，我们因此将需要匹配银行账户持有人和IB账户。如果目的地银行账户已被用作存款，那么取款将会被处理；否则，您必须联系客户服务并提供所需文件。
错误排查
存款：我的银行发出了资金，但我没有看到资金记入我的IB账户。可能的原因：
a) 资金转账需要1至4个工作日。
b) 存款通知缺失。您必须通过账户管理创建存款通知并向客户服务发送一条咨询单。
c) 修改详情缺失。转账详情中缺失您的姓名或IB账户号码。您必须联系您的银行索取完整的修改详情。
d) IB发起的ACH存款7个工作日内限额为10万美元。如果您开立的是初始要求为11万美元的投资组合保证金账户，最好选择电汇存款以减少您第一笔交易的等待时间。如果选择ACH，会需要等待近2周时间，或者可以选择临时升级至RegT。
取款：我已经请求了取款，但我没有看到资金记入我的银行账户。可能的原因：
a) 资金转账需要1至4个工作日。
b) 被拒。超出最大取款限额。请检查您账户的现金余额。注意，出于监管要求，存入资金时会有三天置存期，之后才可以被取出。
c) 您的银行退回了资金。可能是因为接收银行账户与汇款银行账户名称不匹配。
2. 设置您的账户以进行交易
现金与保证金账户的区别：如果您选择快速申请，默认您的账户类型为配备美国股票许可的现金账户。如果您想使用杠杆并以保证金交易，参见此处如何升级为RegT保证金账户
交易许可
为了能够交易特定国家的某一特定资产类别，您需要通过账户管理获得该资产类别的交易许可。请注意，交易许可是免费的。但您可能需要签署当地监管部门所要求的风险披露。如何请求交易许可
市场数据
如果想获取某一特定产品/交易所的实时市场数据，您需要订阅交易所收费的市场数据包。如何订阅市场数据
市场数据助手会帮助您选择正确的数据包。请观看该视频，其解释了市场数据助手是如何工作的。
客户可以通过从未订阅的代码行点击免费延时数据按钮选择接收免费的延时市场数据。
顾问账户
请阅读用户指南顾问入门指南。在这里，您可以看到如何向您的顾问账户创建其他使用者以及如何授予其访问权限等等。
3. 如何交易
如果想学习如何使用我们的交易平台，您可以访问交易者大学。在这里您可以找到我们以10种语言提供的实时与录制网研会以及有关交易平台的课程与文档。
交易者工作站（TWS）
要求更高级交易工具的交易者可以使用我们做市商设计的交易者工作站（TWS）。TWS有着便于操作的电子表格式界面，可优化您的交易速度和效率，支持60多种定单类型，配备可适应任何交易风格的特定任务交易工具，并可实时监控账户余额与活动。试试两种不同模式：
魔方TWS：直观可用性，简便的交易准入，定单管理，自选列表与图表全部在一个窗口呈现。
标准模式TWS：为需要更高级工具与算法的交易者提供高级定单管理。
基本描述与信息 / 快速入门指南 / 用户指南
互动课程：TWS基础 / TWS设置 / 魔方TWS
如何下单交易：标准模式TWS视频 / 魔方TWS视频
交易工具：基本描述与信息 / 用户指南
要求：如何安装适用于Windows的Java / 如何安装适用于MAC的Java / 需打开端口4000和4001
登录TWS / 下载TWS
网络交易者（WebTrader）
偏好干净简洁界面的交易者可以使用我们基于HTML的网络交易者。网络交易者便于查看市场数据、提交定单以及监控您的账户与执行。从各浏览器使用最新版本网络交易者
快速入门指南 / 网络交易者用户指南
简介：网络交易者视频
如何下单交易：网络交易者视频
登录网络交易者
移动交易者（MobileTrader）
我们的移动解决方案可供您随时随地用您的IB账户进行交易。IB TWS iOS版和IB TWS BlackBerry版是为这些型号定制设计的，而通用的移动交易者支持大多数其他智能手机。
基本描述与信息
定单类型 可用定单类型与描述 / 视频 / 课程 / 用户指南
模拟交易 基本描述与信息 / 如何获得模拟交易账户
一旦您的模拟交易账户创建成功，您便可用模拟交易账户分享您真实账户的市场数据：账户管理 > 管理账户 > 设置 > 模拟交易
4. 在全球范围进行交易
IB账户为多币种账户。您的账户可以同时持有不同的货币，可供您从一个账户交易全球范围内的多种产品。
基础货币
您的基础货币决定了您报表的转换货币以及用于确定保证金要求的货币。基础货币在您开立账户时决定。客户随时可通过账户管理改变其基础货币。
我们不会自动将货币转换为您的基础货币
货币转换必须由客户手动完成。在该视频中，您可以学习如何进行货币转换。
要开仓以您账户所不持有之货币计价的头寸，您可以有以下两种选择：
A) 货币转换。
B) IB保证金贷款。（对现金账户不可用）
请查看该课程，其解释了外汇交易方法。
5. 拓展您IB经验的五个要点
1. 合约搜索
在这里，您会找到我们的所有产品、代码与说明。
2. IB知识库
IB知识库包含了一系列术语、指导性文章、错误排查技巧以及指南，旨在帮助IB客户管理其IB账户。只需在搜索按钮输入您想要了解的内容，您便会得到答案。
3. 账户管理
我们的交易平台可供您访问市场，账户管理则可供您访问自己的IB账户。使用账户管理可管理账户相关任务，如存入或取出资金、查看您的报表、修改市场数据与新闻订阅、更改交易许可并验证或更改您的个人信息。
登录账户管理 / 账户管理快速入门指南 / 账户管理用户指南
4. 安全登录系统
为向您提供最高级别的在线安全，盈透证券推出了安全登录系统（SLS），通过安全登录系统访问账户需要进行双因素验证。双因素验证旨在于登录时采用两项安全因素确认您的身份：1)您的用户名与密码组合；和2)生成随机、一次性安全代码的安全设备。因为登录账户需要既知晓您的用户名/密码又持有实物安全设备，所以参加安全登录系统基本上可以杜绝除您之外的其他任何人访问您账户的可能性。
如何激活您的安全设备 / 如何获取安全代码卡 / 如何退还安全设备
如果忘记密码或丢失安全代码卡，请联系我们获取即时帮助。
5. 报表与报告
我们的报表与报告方便查看和进行自定义，覆盖了您盈透账户的方方面面。如何查看活动报表
如何通过银行电汇转账存入资金?
要向账户进行电汇存款，您首先需要通过客户端提供存款通知。登录客户端后依次选择转账与支付>转账资金菜单选项。在这里，转账类型选择“存入资金”，存款方式选择“银行电汇”。
系统会提示您输入发款银行详细信息，包括存款金额、币种和汇款机构。您完成信息填写后，系统会以可打印的形式显示所有详细信息（如，ABA号码、Swift BIC代码以及银行账户号码），您可将这些信息提供给银行以发起电汇转账。
请注意，创建存款通知至关重要，因为您的银行在电汇资金时所需要的信息会因电汇币种的不同而不同。此外，存款通知还可帮助确保资金到达后立即匹配到您的账户。
如还有其它疑问，请联系我们的客户服务中心。您可从以下网站链接查看我们的联系方式和工作时间：https://individuals.interactivebrokers.com/cn/index.php?f=2440
Depositing Shares Held in the Direct Registration System (DRS)
Overview
The Direct Registration System (DRS) allows shareholders to register their U.S. share holdings on the books and records of the issuer in an electronic rather than paper certificate form through the issuer’s designated transfer agent. Once held in a DRS account, the shares may then be transferred electronically via the Depository Trust Company (DTC) to your IB account where transactions may take place or where the shares may be afforded margin loan value.
It should be noted that not all shares are DRS eligible. In general, most U.S. exchange traded securities are, but many OTC shares, as well as shares subject to a restriction and therefore held in certificate form, are not.
Transfer Process
To deposit shares held in your DRS account to your IB account you will need to log into Account Management and create transfer instructions. These instructions require that you provide IB with certain information regarding your DRS account (e.g., account number and taxpayer ID) which you will need to obtain from and/or confirm with your transfer agent. It’s important that you provide IB with information which matches that of your DRS account, otherwise your transfer agent will reject the request and you will be charged a rejection fee. Information regarding fees for rejected as well as settled transactions are posted on the website.
Once the DRS account information has been confirmed, log into Account Management and proceed as follows:
1. Select the Funding and then Position Transfers menu options;
2. From the Position Transfer screen, select a transfer method of DRS-Direct Registration System and transfer type of Deposit via the drop-down menus;
3. You’ll be directed to the DRS Transfer screen where the taxpayer ID you’ve provided to IB is displayed. If this does not match that which you maintain for your DRS account, you will first need to reconcile and correct the information so it matches prior to proceeding with the transfer request. Requests submitted with a mismatched taxpayer ID will result in the transfer being rejected by your transfer agent and your account being subject to a rejection processing fee;
4. Enter your DRS account number and click the Continue button. Note that requests submitted with an account number that doesn't match that of your DRS account will result in the transfer being rejected by your transfer agent and your account being subject to a rejection processing fee;
5. Enter the symbol of the security you intend to transfer as well as the share quantity. Note that requests submitted with a symbol not held within or a share quantity which exceeds that held in your DRS account will result in the transfer being rejected by your transfer agent and your account being subject to a rejection processing fee;
6. Enter your electronic signature and click the “Continue” button to confirm your transfer request.
IB will then notify DTC who will match the security to its associated transfer agent and send them notification of your request. Assuming the DRS account and share information you’ve provided is correct, the transfer agent will post the shares for delivery to IB. Note that while transfer requests typically settle within 2 -5 business days, the transfer agent may take longer to respond to the notification and, if no response is received within 30 days, the request will be canceled.
IMPORTANT NOTE
If you are transferring shares from a joint account or are a non-US person, special consideration needs to be provided to the taxpayer ID you provide to IB for matching to your DRS account. In the case of a joint account, the ID will generally be one of the SSNs of the joint account holders or a default value of 999999999. In the case of a non-US person, where no US taxpayer ID exists, a default value of 111111111 is often used. In either case, you will need to verify with the transfer agent the identifier they will recognize for matching purposes. If the transfer agent requests an identifier which doesn’t match one of the elections provided within Account Management, please contact Customer Service for transfer assistance.
Welcome to Interactive Brokers
Overview:
Now that your account is funded and approved you can start trading. The information below will help you getting
started as a new customer of Interactive Brokers.
- Your Money
- Configure your account to trade
- How to trade
- Trade all over the World
- Five points to enrich your IB experience
1. Your Money
Deposits & Withdrawals General Info. All transactions are administered through your secure Account Management
Deposits
First, you create a deposit notification through your Account Management > Funding > Fund Transfers > Transaction Type: “Deposit” How to create a deposit notification. The second step is to instruct your Bank to do the wire transfer with the bank details provided in your Deposit Notification.
Withdrawals
Create a withdrawal instruction via your secure Account Management > Funding > Fund Transfers > Transaction Type: "Withdrawals" How to create a withdrawal instruction
If you instruct a withdrawal over the Withdrawal limits, it will be considered an exceptional withdrawal and we will therefore need to match bank account holder and IB account. If destination bank account has been used for a deposit, withdrawal will be processed; otherwise, you must contact customer service and provide the documents needed.
Troubleshooting
Deposits: My bank sent the money but I do not see it credited into my IB account. Possible reasons:
a) A fund transfer takes 1-4 business days
b) A Deposit Notification is missing. You have to create it via your Account Management and send a ticket to Customer Service
c) Amending details are missing. Your name or IB account number is missing in the transfer details. You have to contact your bank and ask for the full amending details.
d) ACH initiated by IB is limited to 100k USD in a 7 business period. If you opened a Portfolio Margin account where the initial requirement is 110k, a wire deposit might be the better deposit option to reduce wait time for your first trade. If selecting ACH a wait time of almost 2 weeks or a temporary downgrade to RegT can be possible solutions.
Withdrawals: I have requested a withdrawal but I do not see the money credited to my bank account. Possible reasons:
a) A fund transfer takes 1-4 business days
b) Rejected. Over the max it can be withdrawn. Please check your account cash balance. Note that for regulatory requirements, when the funds are deposited, there is a 3 day holding period before they can be withdrawn.
c) Your bank returned the funds. Probably because receiving bank account and remitting bank account names do not match.
2. Configure your account to trade
Difference between Cash and Margin accounts: If you have chosen the FastTrack application, by default your account type is a cash account with US stock permission. If you would like to get leverage and trade on margin, here how to upgrade to a RegT Margin account
Trading Permissions
In order to be able to trade a particular asset class in a particular country, you need to get the trading permission for it via your Account Management. Please note that trading permissions are free. You might however be asked to sign risk
disclosures required by local regulatory authorities. How to Request Trading Permissions
Market Data
If you want to have market data in real-time for a particular product/exchange, you need to subscribe to a market data package charged by the exchange. How to subscribe to Market data
The Market data assistant will help you choose the right package. Please watch this Video explaining how it works.
Customers have the option to receive delayed market data for free by clicking the Free Delayed Data button from a non-subscribed ticker row.
Advisor Accounts
Have a look at the user guide getting started as advisors. Here you see how to create additional users to your advisor account and grant them access and much more.
3. How to trade
The Trader's University is the place to go when you want to learn how to use our Platforms. Here you will find our webinars, live and recorded in 10 languages and tours and documentation about our various Trading Platforms.
Trader Workstation (TWS)
Traders who require more sophisticated trading tools can use our market maker-designed Trader Workstation (TWS), which optimizes your trading speed and efficiency with an easy-to-use spreadsheet interface, support for more than 60 order types, task-specific trading tools for all trading styles, and real-time account balance and activity monitoring. Try the two models
TWS Mosaic: for intuitive usability, easy trading access, order management, watchlist, charts all in one window or
TWS Classic: the Advanced Order Management for traders who need more advanced tools and algos.
General Description and Information / Quick start guide / Usersguide
Interactive Tours: TWS Basics / TWS configuration / TWS Mosaic
How to place a trade: Video Classic TWS / Video Mosaic
Trading tools: General Description and Information / Users guide
Requirements: How to install Java for Windows / How to install Java for MAC / Port 4000 and 4001 needs to be open
Login TWS / Download TWS
WebTrader
Traders who prefer a clean and simple interface can use our HTML-based WebTrader, which makes it easy to view market data, submit orders, and monitor your account and executions. Use the latest WebTrader from every browser
Quick Start Guide / WebTrader User's Guide
Introduction: Video WebTrader
How to place a Trade: Video WebTrader
Login WebTrader
MobileTrader
Our mobile solutions allow you to trade your IB account on the go. The mobileTWS for iOS and the mobileTWS for BlackBerry are custom-designed for these popular models, while the generic MobileTrader supports most other Smart phones.
General Description and Information
Order Types Order Types available and Description / Videos / Tour / Users guide
Paper Trading General Description and Information / How to get a Paper Trading Account
Once your paper account is created, you can share the market data of your real account with your paper trading account: Account Management > Manage Account > Settings > Paper trading
4. Trade all over the World
IB accounts are multi-currency accounts. Your account can hold different currencies at the same time, this allows you to trade multiple products around the world from a single account.
Base Currency
Your base currency determines the currency of translation for your statements and the currency used for determining margin requirements. Base currency is determined when you open an account. Customers may change their base currency at any time through Account Management.
We do not automatically convert currencies into your Base currency
Currency conversions must be done manually by the customer. In this video you can learn how to do a currency conversion.
In order to open a position denominated in a currency that you do not have in your account, you have two possibilities:
A) Currency conversion.
B) IB Margin Loan. (Not available for Cash Accounts)
Please see this course explaining the mechanics of a foreign transaction.
5. Five points to enrich your IB experience
1. Contract Search
Here you will find all our products, symbols and specifications.
2. IB Knowledge Base
The Knowledge Base is a repository of glossary terms, how-to articles, troubleshooting tips and guidelines designed to assist IB customers with the management of their IB accounts. Just enter in the search button what you are looking for and you will get the answer.
3. Account Management
As our trading platforms give you access to the markets, the Account Management grants you access to your IB account. Use Account Management to manage account-related tasks such as depositing or withdrawing funds, viewing your statements, modifying market data and news subscriptions, changing your trading permissions, and verifying or changing your personal information.
Log In Account Management / AM Quick Start Guide / AM Users Guide
4. Secure Login System
To provide you with the highest level of online security, Interactive Brokers has implemented a Secure Login System (SLS) through which access to your account is subject to two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication serves to confirm your identity at the point of login using two security factors: 1) Something you know (your username and password combination); and 2) Something you have (an IB issued security device which generates a random, single-use security code). As both knowledge of your username/password and physical possession of the security device are required to login to your account, participation in the Secure Login System virtually eliminates the possibility of anyone other than you accessing your account.
How to Activate your Security Device / How to Obtain a Security Code Card / How to return Security device
In case you forgot your password or lost your security code card, please call us for immediate assistance.
5. Statements and Reports
Easy to view and customize, our statements and reports cover all aspects of your Interactive Brokers account. How to view an Activity Statement
Mailing Address For Check Deposits to Interactive Brokers
Overview:
For paper and mail based deposit of funds
Before sending your check deposit, you should write your account number on the check. We highly encourage you to create a deposit notification, which allows us to efficiently identify your incoming funds for proper credit to your account.
The specific mailing instructions, including the printing of the deposit form, and addresses will be displayed during the deposit notification process. The IBKR address for sending your check will be printed on the deposit form.
Upon receipt of this deposit the notice should update to provide the availability date of the deposit.
Background:
- To ensure proper handling and to avoid unnecessary delays, please instruct your financial institution not to mail checks directly to our bank.
- Please take note that Interactive Brokers Canada customers cannot fund their accounts with cheques or bank drafts.
- Deposit notifications do NOT move any funds; you must contact your bank to move the funds into your IBKR account.
In order to create a Check deposit notification, you will need to visit our secure website: www.interactivebrokers.com. Be prepared to provide your username, password and any additional secure log-in information when submitting your notice.
1. Log into Client Portal
2. Select Transfer & Pay
3. Click on Transfer Funds
4. Your Transaction Type: Deposit
5. The Currency: USD
6. Choose the Method: Check
and follow the prompts.
Next, mail your check with the Confirmation Page to one of the addresses listed below.
(If you are sending your check via overnight delivery service (FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc))
Interactive Brokers LLC
2 Pickwick Plaza
Attn: IBCD
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
United States
(If you are sending your check via regular mail or US Postal Service (USPS) EXPRESS MAIL)
Interactive Brokers LLC
P.O. Box 7579
Attn: IBCD
Greenwich, Connecticut 06836-7579
United States
Please Note:
- The person who signs the check must be the account holder.
- Your name must be printed on the check.
- You must sign and date your check.
- Payee Name must be Interactive Brokers LLC
IRA: Retirement Account Resource Center
IMPORTANT NOTE: This article has been customized for use by self-directed Individual Retirement Account (IRA) owners for information purposes only. Persons are encouraged to consult a qualified tax professional with the investments and elections within the IRA. IB does not provide tax advice. For detailed information regarding IRAs, you may consult the IRS Publication 590-A about IRA contributions and the IRS Publication 590-B about IRA distributions.
This resource center provides a central reference point for information concerning the various IRA account types offered by IB.
Important Notice - Select IRA Tax Reporting for key information with transaction and tax reporting in your IRA.
Account Management IRA Reference
Beneficiary Options
Recharacterizations from a Roth IRA
Required Minimum Distributions
IRS Circular 230 Notice: These statements are provided for information purposes only, are not intended to constitute tax advice which may be relied upon to avoid penalties under any federal, state, local or other tax statutes or regulations, and do not resolve any tax issues in your favor.
IRA: Rollover Rules & Conditions
This information is for general educational purposes only. Individuals should consult with their financial adviser or legal counsel to determine how rollover regulations affect their unique situations.
Generally, an IRA rollover is a tax-free distribution to you of cash or other assets from one retirement plan that you contribute to another retirement plan. The contribution to the second retirement plan is called a rollover contribution.
This article outlines the types of IRA rollover transactions, rules and conditions, IB's Rollover Certification form, and rollover transaction details. Select from list below for details:
Eligible Rollover Transactions
Rules & Conditions
Prior to completing an IRA Rollover transaction, we recommend that you review the rules and conditions surrounding eligibility. Interactive Brokers can accept as a tax-free transaction an eligible rollover distribution as defined under the Internal Revenue Code. Included in this article is information about eligible transactions, as well as the Interactive Brokers IRA Rollover Certification form.
IRA Rollover Certification
Before accepting an IRA rollover transaction into an Interactive Brokers LLC IRA, we require that you review your eligibility for the rollover and certify your understanding of the rollover rules and conditions. The IRA Rollover Form includes the IRA Rollover Certification.
The Transfer Funds page within the Client Portal lets you notify IB of an IRA Rollover deposit of funds into your account. From the Transfer & Pay menu select Transfer Funds and then Make a Deposit. Select one of the saved deposit instructions and follow the prompts on the screen or create a new deposit instruction by selecting the Currency of the deposit from the drop-down menu. Click Connect or Get Instructions for the method you will use to transfer funds. And finally follow the remaining instructions provided to initiate the transfer with your bank.
Rollover Transactions
Two types of IRA rollover transactions exist with different guidelines and delivery methods:
- Direct Rollover - a transfer of assets from an employer-sponsored retirement plan directly to an eligible IRA. If you choose to receive the distribution first, then you may roll over the funds to the IRA within 60 days.
- Indirect Rollover - a distribution from an IRA paid to you, followed by a rollover into another IRA within 60 days. The IRS allows an indirect rollover of each IRA's funds once during a twelve-month period.
(Note: A distributions directly from one IRA trustee to another IRA trustee is a Trustee-to-Trustee transfer. It is not affected by the twelve-month waiting period.)
For additional information about rollovers, visit Understanding Rollovers. See also IRS Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) for more specific guidelines on moving retirement plan assets.
Eligible Rollover Transactions
Almost any distribution from a qualified plan can be rolled over to an IRA. Your retirement account may be eligible for one of the following eligible rollover transactions.
Traditional IRA or SIMPLE IRA to Traditional IRA Rollover
- Funds or property deposited less than 60 days of receipt by the IRA owner from the previous IRA
- During the preceding 12 months, no other distributions from the distributing IRA were rolled over
- The assets involved in the transaction have not been rolled over in the past 12 months
- Required Minimum Distribution satisfied (if over 73)
- For SIMPLE IRAs, after two years from the first contribution
Roth IRA to Roth IRA Rollover
- Funds or property deposited less than 60 days of receipt by the IRA owner from the previous IRA
- During the preceding 12 months, no other distributions from the distributing IRA were rolled over
- The assets involved in the transaction have not been rolled over in the past 12 months
Rollover or Direct Rollover from Qualified Plan into a Traditional IRA
- Eligible participant (participant, spouse beneficiary, or former spouse due to divorce)
- Funds or property deposited less than 60 days of receipt by the participant from the previous plan
- Funds received from an eligible qualified retirement plan
- Required Minimum Distribution satisfied (if over 73)
- Consists of funds, property, or proceeds from the sale of property distributed from the qualified plan
- All of the funds are eligible to be rolled over
Roth IRA to Roth IRA Rollover
- Funds or property deposited less than 60 days of receipt by the IRA owner from the previous IRA
- Required Minimum Distribution satisfied (if over 73)
Ineligible Rollover Transactions
Some funds distributed from a retirement plan are not eligible for rollover into an IRA. The following transactions are not eligible rollover transactions.
- Any portion of a distribution from a retirement plan not rolled over
- Required Minimum Distributions
- Distribution of excess contributions and related earnings
- Retirement plan loan treated as a distribution
- Hardship distributions
- Distributions part of substantially equal payments (73-t)
- Dividends on employer securities
- Non-spousal death benefit distributions
- The cost of life insurance coverage
Click here to return to the Retirement Account Resource page.
Disclaimer: IB does not provide tax advice. These statements are provided for information purposes only, are not intended to constitute tax advice which may be relied upon to avoid penalties under any international, federal, state, local or other tax statutes or regulations, and do not resolve any tax issues in your favor. We recommend that you consult a qualified tax adviser or refer to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
