As one of the world's largest electronic brokers, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) serves investors in over 200 countries/regions. Its core advantages include: ultra-low US stock commissions at $0.0035/share, access to 135+ global markets, and the proprietary TWS trading platform. Regulated by top-tier authorities including the US SEC, FINRA, UK FCA, and Hong Kong SFC, client assets are held in segregated accounts with SIPC insurance coverage up to $500,000 plus supplementary excess protection, ensuring industry-leading fund security.

This guide details the complete IBKR account opening process, covering company background, document requirements, step-by-step procedures, and FAQs to help you efficiently establish your global trading account.

Why Choose Interactive Brokers (IBKR)?

1. Preferred Platform for Global Investors

Interactive Brokers, founded in 1978, is one of the world's largest electronic brokers serving investors in over 200 countries. Key advantages include:

• Ultra-low costs: US stock commissions as low as $0.0035/share (significantly below industry average of $0.01~$0.05/share);
• Global market access: Supports trading in 135+ markets including US stocks, Hong Kong stocks, European equities, futures, forex, and cryptocurrencies;
• Advanced trading tools: TWS platform supports algorithmic trading, options strategy lab, and risk management models.

2. Top-tier Regulation & Fund Security

IBKR is regulated by multiple global financial authorities with licenses covering major financial centers: US, EU, Singapore, Australia, Japan, etc.

• US (Interactive Brokers LLC): Regulated by SEC, FINRA, NYSE, etc.
• Canada (Interactive Brokers Canada Inc.): CIRO member; CIPF participant.
• UK (Interactive Brokers (U.K.) Limited): Authorized by FCA (Ref: 208159).
• Ireland (Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited): Regulated by Central Bank of Ireland (Ref: C423427); ICS member.
• Australia (Interactive Brokers Australia Pty. Ltd.): Licensed by ASIC (AFSL:453554); Participant of ASX, ASX 24, Cboe Australia.
• Hong Kong (Interactive Brokers Hong Kong Limited): Regulated by SFC; HKEX and HKFE member.
• India (Interactive Brokers India Pvt. Ltd.): NSE, BSE trading member; NSDL depository participant (SEBI Reg. No. INZ000217730).
• Japan (IB Securities): Regulated by Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Registration No. 187); JSDA member.
• Singapore (Interactive Brokers Singapore Pte. Ltd.): Licensed by MAS (License No. CMS100917).

3. Service Features

• Unified Management Account (UMA): Supports automatic multi-currency conversion, simplifying cross-market investing.
• Real-time Risk Management: Provides margin monitoring, stress testing, Value at Risk (VaR) calculations, and other tools to help investors control risk.

How to Open an IBKR Account

1. Registration & Information Submission

• Visit IBKR Official Website, click the top-right red "OPEN ACCOUNT" button, select account type (Individual/Joint/Corporate).
• Create username and password (must include uppercase + lowercase + numbers), enter email and country.

2. Complete Profile

• Fill in personal information, employment status, investment experience, complete risk assessment (affects trading permissions, e.g., margin trading requires passing test).
• Non-US residents must submit W-8BEN form for tax treaty benefits.

3. Document Upload & Review

• Scan and upload ID proof, address proof; review typically takes 1-3 business days (complex accounts may require 5 days).
• Can simultaneously apply for "Free Trial Account" with $1 million virtual funds for practice trading.

【Recommended Reading】Interactive Brokers (IBKR) Account Opening Guide

4. Account Activation & Funding

• After approval, activate account via email link.
• Funding options: Wire transfer (1-2 business days), ACH transfer (free in US), asset transfer via ACATS. No minimum deposit, but $2,000+ recommended for US stock trading.

【Recommended Reading】Interactive Brokers: Complete Guide to Deposits & Withdrawals [2025 Edition]

Global Account Opening Document Checklist (By Country/Region)

1. Universal Basic Requirements

All users must provide:

• Full name, residential address, date of birth, nationality
• Tax residency status & tax ID number (e.g. US SSN, China ID number)
• Employment information, asset & income proof, investment objectives & experience
• Bank or third-party brokerage account information for funding

2. Detailed Requirements by Region

US Users

• Individual account: SSN or non-US citizen ID (e.g. passport), employer information, bank account (with routing number).
• IRA account: Beneficiary name, address, SSN, and ownership percentage.
• Trust account: Trust deed, trustee & beneficiary ID proof (tax ID required for entities), grantor information (for revocable trusts).
• Joint account: Complete personal information and bank accounts for both parties.

Mainland China Users

• Preferred option: Front/back scan of ID card (must match application address, serves as both ID and address proof).
• Alternative options:
  • ID proof: Passport, driver's license, or government ID;
  • Address proof: Property deed, utility bill within 12 months (not mobile phone), bank statement (FATF member bank), household registration booklet.

📍 Note: Joint accounts require joint bank account for withdrawals.

Hong Kong Users

• ID proof: Hong Kong ID card or passport.
• Address proof: Utility bill or credit card statement with name/address within 3 months.
• Compliance verification: Complete identity confirmation via:
  • In-person visit to Hong Kong offices (Admiralty/Kwun Tong); or
  • Mail notarized documents and Hong Kong Acknowledgement Form certified by lawyer/accountant.

European Users (UK, Ireland, etc.)

• ID proof: Passport, national ID, or driver's license (with photo and validity period).
• Address proof: Council tax bill, bank statement, lease agreement within 6 months (mobile bills not accepted). Hungary requires Address Card.

📋 Terminology: Must clarify "Source of Wealth" (e.g. inheritance, asset accumulation) and "Source of Funds" (e.g. salary, investment income).

Canadian Users

• Individual/Joint accounts: SIN number, valid photo ID (driver's license/passport), address proof within 12 months (government document/insurance policy).
• TFSA/RRSP accounts: Beneficiary information, spouse details (for spousal RRSP).
• Trust accounts: Trust documents, trustee and beneficiary ID proof.

Japanese Users

• ID proof: Driver's license or passport (with residential address).
• Address proof: Pension book, tax notice, or utility bill with seal within 6 months.
• Tax ID: My Number Card (required for trading Japanese products).

Australian Users

• Document certification: If electronic verification fails, provide documents certified by JP or lawyer:
  • 1 Category A document (e.g. driver's license/passport) OR 1 Category B + 1 Category C document.
• Trust accounts: Additional certified trust deed and principal place of business proof.

Practical Tips & Considerations

1. How to Expedite Review?

• Document clarity: Use scanner instead of phone camera, ensure no glare/obstructions.
• Information consistency: Tax details must match passport/ID nationality to avoid rejection.
• Priority verification: Contact customer service post-submission to request expedited processing.

2. Troubleshooting Common Issues

❗️ Address proof rejected

✔️ Use bank/credit card statement with current residential address.

❗️ Tax form errors

✔️ Submit correction request via "Message Center" in Client Portal.

❗️ Account locked

✔️ Contact support with verification documents; typically resolved within 24 hours.

FAQs: 10 Most Common Questions Answered

Q1: Does IBKR have minimum deposit requirements?

A: No minimum deposit for individual accounts, but maintain $2,000+ balance for US stock trading.

Q2: Can non-US residents trade US stocks?

A: Yes, but must complete W-8BEN form to reduce dividend withholding tax from 30% to 10%.

Q3: Do documents require notarization?

A: Only in certain countries (e.g. Russia/Brazil). Mainland China users generally don't need notarization.

Q4: Why do account applications get rejected?

A: Main reasons: Mismatched address proof, incomplete tax information, or missing beneficiary details.

Q5: How to modify account information?

A: Submit change request via "Message Center" in Client Portal and upload updated documents.

Q6: What currencies does IBKR accept for funding?

A: Supports 23 currencies including USD, HKD, EUR, CNY (CNH), JPY, etc.

Q7: Can minors open accounts?

A: Only via Custodial Accounts opened by legal guardians with proof of relationship.

Q8: How to manage multiple accounts?

A: Use Household Account feature for centralized management with shared margin benefits.

Q9: Is Chinese language support available?

A: Yes, 24/5 Chinese customer support; website and TWS platform offer Simplified/Traditional Chinese interfaces.

Q10: Will inactive accounts be closed?

A: Accounts with zero balance and no trading activity for 12 months become dormant - contact support to reactivate.

Conclusion

Interactive Brokers (IBKR), with its low fees, global market access, and technological advantages, is the preferred platform for investors worldwide. Whether you're a beginner or experienced trader, follow this guide to efficiently open your account and begin your global investment journey. Visit the IBKR official website now or contact customer support for personalized assistance!