Commissions At Interactive Brokers
If you trade at Interactive Brokers, you know the broker has two pricing models: IBKR LITE and IBKR PRO. Each is designed for different types of traders and comes with different commission schedules.
No matter which one you use, you may be interested in finding ways to lower your commissions.
We contacted IBKR to see if lower commissions were possible. Here’s what we found.
Types of Commissions at IBKR
Before looking at how to negotiate lower commissions, let’s first go over what Interactive Brokers charges.
IBKR is a global broker, but for this article we will focus on U.S. commissions.
Stocks and ETFs
Commissions on U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs depend on your account type.
IBKR LITE = $0 (Over-the-counter securities, foreign stocks, and some ETFs use fixed pricing and are not included in the zero-commission plan. For example, OTC trades are $0.05 per share).
IBKR PRO = $0.005/share (Fixed) with a $1 minimum per order, or $0.0005-$0.0035/share (Tiered) with a $0.35 minimum per order. Tiered prices depend on monthly trading volume.
Options
Options are charged per contract. For IBKR PRO, the commission depends on the number of contracts traded.
IBKR LITE = $0.65 per contract with a $1 minimum per order.
IBKR PRO = $0.15-$0.65 per contract with a $1 minimum per order.
Futures
Futures are charged per contract. For IBKR PRO, the rate also depends on monthly trade volume.
IBKR LITE = $0.85/contract (E-mini), $0.25/contract (E-micro), $0.20-$5/contract (Cryptocurrency), $0.50/contract (E-mini FX), $0.15/contract (E-micro FX)
IBKR PRO = $0.25-$0.85/contract (E-mini), $0.10-$0.25/contract (E-micro), $0.20-$5/contract (Cryptocurrency), $0.15-$0.50/contract (E-mini FX), $0.05-$0.15/contract (E-micro FX)
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrency trades cost between $0.12 and $0.18. The minimum fee is $1.75 per trade.
Here is a quick summary:
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Are Lower Commissions at Interactive Brokers Possible?
As you can see, Interactive Brokers has a detailed pricing system that fits nearly every type of trader.
Because commission discounts are already built into their pricing, negotiations don’t usually go far. But in certain cases, it may still be possible to get better rates.
IBKR’s commission reductions mainly apply to high-volume traders and large accounts.
When I asked about lowering my rates, I was trading with a medium-sized account and had a good record of profitable trades. Still, this wasn’t enough to start a real conversation.
That said, it isn’t impossible to get lower commissions if the right conditions are met.
Considerations for Negotiating Commissions
Here are a few things that can help when asking for lower rates:
Age of the Account
If you’ve been with Interactive Brokers for over a year, you may have better chances of starting a serious discussion about fees. Brokers value long-term customers and may be more open to adjusting pricing for them.
Account Size
Account balance is another factor. IBKR is clear about offering better rates to large accounts. Even if your account doesn’t meet their set thresholds, having more funds may still improve your chances.
Trading Activity
Trade volume and frequency also play a big role. High-volume traders already benefit from IBKR’s tiered pricing. But even if you don’t reach the highest levels, showing higher-than-average activity could help you secure a personal discount.
Trading History
Consistency and profitability can also matter. If you have a strong trading record, the broker may see value in keeping you long term and be more open to lowering your commissions.
Updated on 8/18/2025.
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