Interactive brokers options trading requirements

IB provide iPhone and Android apps. Their apps are also compatible with tablets. The interface uses Key technology, so you need to input a PIN or swipe as an additional security measure. Two-factor login with Touch ID is supported, but a secondary key app is needed, instead of just Touch ID logging into the actual app as you load it.

Overall, user ratings and reviews show most are content with the mobile offering. You are given everything you need to trade with ease including:. In addition, balances, margins and market values are easy to get a hold of.

Interactive Brokers Account Fees and Features List |

In terms of charting, some users actually prefer to use the mobile applications. You get the same choice of indicators, but with a cleaner interface. The downside to the charting capabilities is that even with 68 different optional studies, the charts are not flexible. Unfortunately, there also a number of other drawbacks. You do not get access to complex tools or venue-specific interfaces, such as FX Trader. Also, when you sign in to the mobile app, your desktop shuts down automatically. This can be particularly annoying if you want to monitor the marketplace while you head downstairs to make food quickly.

In addition, placing sophisticated order types can prove challenging. You also cannot customise the home screen or stream live TV. Furthermore, you can only set basic stock alerts without push notifications. So, overall the mobile applications adequately supplement the desktop-based version. In fact, custom screening and after-hours charting are two features few in the industry offer in their mobile applications. However, as iPad app reviews highlight, applications are not comprehensive and are perhaps best used only to support desktop trading.

There are two types of deposit methods. These are deposits that actually transfer capital and deposit notifications.

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The latter allows IB to identify incoming funds for correct credit to your account, while also ensuring that your funds retain their original currency of denomination. Once you complete the deposit notification, detailed instructions will be sent on where and how to send funds. Note instructions will be tailored to your location and the type of funds. A deposit notification will not move your capital. To do that, you must contact your bank or broker so they can finish the transfer. A wire transfer fee may be applied by your bank.

Wire instructions will be emailed when you open an account. With a secure login system, there are withdrawal limits to be aware of. There will be no charge for the first withdrawal of each calendar month. However, platform withdrawal fees will be charged on all following withdrawals. If you want to receive funds into your account in an alternative currency than your base currency, conversion rates are the same as the forex trading conversion rates.

How to Get Approved for Options Trading Permission

There is also a Universal Account option. Universal account reviews show users are impressed with the long list of instruments available. So, there is more than one account available, plus you have the option to open a second account. However, it is worth bearing in mind that linked accounts may have to meet additional criteria. Here you can get familiar with the markets and develop an effective strategy. Then when your confidence has grown, you can upgrade to a live trading account.

Interactive Brokers Review

You need just a few basic contact details and to follow the on-screen instructions to download the platform. Demo account reviews have been very positive. Once you have signed in, you will find access to a multitude of trading tools and financial instruments, while customising the interface is quick and easy. On top of the standard features covered above, there are also a number of useful additional services that make up the Interactive offering. Some of the most beneficial include:. So, there are a number of fantastic extras traders can get their hands on. However, some of the above may require an additional payment, depending on the account type you hold.

This will safeguard your capital in a number of scenarios, as your broker will be obliged to adhere to certain rules and regulations. It is also overseen by a number of other regulatory bodies around the world. Despite the number of benefits mentioned above, there are also several serious downsides to using IB.

These include:. Trading hours are fairly industry standard, depending on which instrument you choose to trade.

Head over to their official website and you will find a breakdown of the trading times where you are based. In addition, extended and after-hours trading is also available. This ensures traders with limited time or those on inflexible schedules will still have the opportunity to capitalise on market conditions. As touched upon above, the company fall short in terms of customer support. While it is true they offer a live help chat, a telephone line and email support, user reviews show all are fairly poor. If you have any security issues, such as resets or security tokens, you must use their contact telephone number, which can be found on their website.

There is phone access 24 hours a day, however, the service shifts to foreign venues overnight, making contact more difficult. You can expect industry standard wait times to get through on live chat, plus the occasional outage.

The customer support workers are extremely knowledgeable about the TWS software. In addition, they can walk you through all of their products. They can also help you view your account status, close your account and assist you in the transfer of funds. Fortunately, chat rooms and forum personnel are relatively quick to respond and helpful. They can inform you of new account promotions, as well as instructing you on how to upgrade to a margin account.

You will also be pointed towards useful research and user guides. Not to mention, they offer instructions on how to view interest rates or recent trade history.


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  • Trading Permissions!

Overall, there is a number of straightforward means of contacting IB. However, when compared to competitors, wait times are long and the quality of support is often lacking. Having said that, customer service reviews show support workers do have relatively strong technical knowledge. Therefore, they can help you with error codes, forgotten passwords and a number of issues if your account is not working. Configuring Your Account. Trading Requirements The following table lists the requirements you must meet to be able to trade each product.

Important: To qualify as a client, you must meet these requirements: To trade any product, you must have a Good or Extensive Knowledge Level for that product. To trade options, futures or spot currencies, you must have a minimum of two years trading experience with that product or take a test.

To trade Bonds, if you are Hong Kong applicant, you must have a minimum of five years trading experience with that product or take a test.

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If you select only Options or only Single-stock Futures, Stocks will automatically be selected as well. For Options, in addition to the Years Trading and Trades per Year requirements, your Total lifetime Options trades must equal at least For spot currencies, in addition to the Years Trading and Trades per Year requirements, your Total lifetime spot currency trades must equal at least Applicants who have completed the teaching exam for Options or spot currencies are exempt from the two years experience requirement to trade Options or spot currencies.

If you select Futures Options only, Futures will automatically be selected as well. The Speculation investment objective requirement does not apply to Futures and Futures Options trading in a Trust account. HK Applicants who have completed the teaching exam for Bonds are exempt from the five years experience requirement to trade Bonds.