Commissions at Interactive Brokers
If you trade at Interactive Brokers, you may already know that the broker has two main pricing plans for its customers:
IBKR Lite and
IBKR Pro. Each plan is designed for a different type of trader and comes with different commissions.
Whether you use IBKR Lite or IBKR Pro, you might want to learn how to reduce your trading commissions at Interactive Brokers.
We reached out to IBKR to lower our commissions. Please keep reading to see what we learned.
Types of Commissions at IBKR
Before discussing negotiating lower commissions at IBKR, let’s first look at the commissions that the broker charges.
For reference, IBKR is a broker with a global reach. We will focus on U.S. commissions for this article.
Stocks and ETFs
The commissions you pay for U.S. exchange-listed stocks and ETFs depend on your account type.
IBKR Lite =
$0 for eligible U.S. exchange-listed stocks and ETFs. OTC securities, foreign stocks, de-listed ETPs, warrants, and other non-qualifying products are not included
in the zero-commission plan. For those securities, IBKR Lite accounts are generally subject to fixed pricing, which is
$0.005 per share for U.S. stocks and ETFs, with a
$1 minimum per order.
IBKR Pro =
$0.005 per share under the fixed plan, with a
$1 minimum per order. Under tiered pricing, IBKR Pro charges
$0.0005 to $0.0035 per share, with a
$0.35 minimum per order. Tiered IBKR Pro prices are based on trade volume.
Options
Commissions on options at IBKR are charged on a per-contract basis. Commissions on options at IBKR Pro are based on trade volume and option premium.
IBKR Lite =
$0.65 per contract, with a
$1 minimum per order for the first 1,000 U.S. option contracts traded per month. For U.S. options volume above 1,000 contracts per month, IBKR applies the IBKR Pro U.S. options tiered commission model.
IBKR Pro =
$0.15 to $0.65 per contract, with a
$1 minimum per order.
Futures
Commissions on futures are charged on a per-contract basis. For IBKR Pro, prices are also based on monthly trade volume.
IBKR Lite =
$0.85 per contract for many U.S. dollar-denominated futures and futures options,
$0.25 per contract for many spot-quoted and E-micro futures,
$0.20 to $5.00 per contract for many cryptocurrency futures and futures options,
$0.50 per contract for E-mini FX futures, and
$0.15 per contract for E-micro FX futures.
IBKR Pro =
$0.25 to $0.85 per contract for many U.S. dollar-denominated futures and futures options,
$0.10 to $0.25 per contract for many spot-quoted and E-micro futures,
$0.11 to $5.00 per contract for many cryptocurrency futures and futures options,
$0.15 to $0.50 per contract for E-mini FX futures, and
$0.05 to $0.15 per contract for E-micro FX futures.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrency trades through Paxos or Zero Hash on Interactive Brokers’ platform cost
0.12% to 0.18% of trade value. There is a
$1.75 minimum per order, but the minimum is capped at
1% of trade value.
Here is a summary for convenience:
Interactive Brokers Promotion
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Are Lower Commissions at Interactive Brokers Possible?
As you can see, Interactive Brokers has a complex pricing schedule that accommodates many types of investors.
Since the broker already has a built-in commission-reduction system, commission reduction negotiations may not go very far. If some extenuating circumstances could help convince them, the chances of securing better rates could increase.
One thing to note is that IBKR’s commission-reduction strategy is geared toward heavy volume and large accounts.
When I contacted the broker to lower my commissions, my angle was that of a medium-sized account holder with a history of consistently successful trades. Unfortunately for me, it wasn’t enough to start a conversation.
That is not to say that achieving lower commissions on a per-customer basis is impossible, though.
Considerations for Negotiating Commissions
Here are a few things you can try when making your case.
Age of the Account
If you have been with Interactive Brokers for more than a year, getting a meaningful conversation going about commissions may be more likely. Brokers usually appreciate long-term customers and can be more accommodating to them.
Account Size
Another thing to consider is your account size. As mentioned, IBKR is already set up to offer lower rates to customers with high trading volume. Cheaper rates are already built into the pricing schedule. Bringing your balance up, even if it doesn’t quite meet the minimum threshold requirements for a price break, can help tip the scales in your favor.
Trading Activity
Trade volume and frequency are also built into the commission-reduction system at IBKR. Even if you aren’t making more than
10,000 options transactions each month, securing a personal deal on commissions may be possible if your volume is higher than average.
Trading History
The quality of your trading may also play a role in convincing the broker to help you with trading costs. Trading in a consistent way that is both predictable and profitable shows the broker that giving you a break on commissions could make good business sense.
Updated on 6/3/2026.
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