FAQs - Mobile Trader

How much does it cost to use MobileTrader?
IB does not charge its customers for the convenience of using MobileTrader. Commissions and fees are the same as those you incur using TWS.

Note that you will probably be billed by your service provider for internet minutes you use to access MobileTrader. These charges are outside of the control of IB. You should check with your service provider to ensure you have the most cost-effective plan to accommodate your internet usage.

What do I need to look for if I'm going to buy a new wireless device and want to access MobileTrader?
If you want to access MobileTrader with the latest technology, you should ask if the browser on your device uses WAP 2.0, and ensure that the ISP (internet service provider) supports secure internet HTTPS (also called SSL), Port 443.

Is MobileTrader as reliable as TWS?
IB's MobileTrader technology is as reliable as the TWS technology, however mobile wireless technology is not yet as reliable as your landline-wired internet connection. You may experience more internet disconnects with your wireless device, and this could affect order transmission and executions. For these reasons, IB does not recommend using MobileTrader as a substitute for TWS.

Can I send a relative order?
Currently MobileTrader only supports Limit, Market and Stop orders.

How do I switch the exchange to which my order is routed?
MobileTrader uses IB SmartRouting whenever it is available, otherwise the order is routed direct to the primary exchange. You cannot select a destination.

Do I need cookies?
By default, MobileTrader uses cookies to keep you logged in. If you have completely disabled cookies in your browser, url-session information will be used instead.

For time in force, I only see Day and GTC. Where are OPG, GTD and the others I can use in TWS?
Currently MobileTrader only supports Day and Good-'Till-Cancelled time-in-force options.

Why isn't MobileTrader as full-featured as TWS?
MobileTrader is as robust as the current phase of wireless technology will allow. As wireless technology becomes more sophisticated, MobileTrader will continue to evolve in step.