Commissions
Options - Overview
For options, we offer Fixed and Tiered commissions that depend on region.
Options pricing structures are defined per region/denomination and cannot be changed by the client.
Fixed Plans
Fixed plans charge a single flat rate per contract that includes all commissions and all exchange, regulatory and other third party fees, plus VAT (also referred to as consumption tax or goods and services tax) where applicable.
Tiered Plans
Tiered plans charge our low broker commissions, decrease based on volume, plus exchange, regulatory, and clearing fees, plus VAT where applicable. In cases where an exchange provides a rebate, we pass some or all of the savings directly back to you. 1
Interactive Brokers, 85% lower than our competitors.
| US Commission Rates Comparison 2 - 1 Stock Option | |
|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | $1.00 |
| E-Trade | $7.70 |
| Fidelity | $5.60 |
| Schwab | $5.60 |
| TD Ameritrade | $7.70 |
| Vanguard | $8.00 |
Interactive Brokers has lower commission rates for larger volumes and comparable rates worldwide.
2018 Awards
Rated #1 - Best Online Broker
Best for Option Traders
Best for Frequent Traders
Best for Occasional Traders
Lowest Cost Broker Rating
Low Cost for 17th Year in a Row 3
Disclosures
- IB's Tiered commission models are not intended to be a direct pass-through of exchange and third-party fees and rebates. Costs passed on to clients in IB’s Tiered commission schedule may be greater than the costs paid by IB to the relevant exchange, regulator, clearinghouse or third party. For example, IB may receive volume discounts that are not passed on to clients. Likewise, rebates passed on to clients by IB may be less than the rebates IB receives from the relevant market. For example, IB may receive enhanced rebate payments for exceeding volume thresholds on particular markets, but typically will not pass these enhancements directly to clients.
- Rates were obtained on September 10, 2018 from each firm's website. Services vary by firms. Some of the firms listed may have additional fees and some firms may reduce or waive commissions or fees, depending on account activity or total account value. Supporting documentation for any claims and statistical information will be provided upon request.
- Low Cost Rated by Barron's 17 Years Straight - Low cost broker 2002 through 2018 according to Barron's online broker review. 2002 - 5 Stars, 2003 - 4.9 Stars, 2004 - 5 Stars, 2005 - 5 Stars, 2006 - 5 Stars, 2007 - 4.8 Stars, 2008 - 4.5 Stars, 2009 - 4.5 Stars, 2010 - 4.2 stars, 2011 - 4.5 stars, 2012 - 4.3 stars, 2013 - 4.5 stars, 2014 - 4.5 stars, 2015 - 4.5 stars, 2016 - 4.5 stars, 2017 - 4.5 stars, 2018 - 4.6 stars. Interactive Brokers earned a 4.6 star ranking in the March 26, 2018 Barron's Annual Best Online Brokers - “All Together Now”. Criteria included Trade Experience and Technology, Usability, Mobile, Range of Offerings, Research Amenities, Portfolio Analysis & Reports, Customer Service, Education and Security, and Costs. Barron's is a registered trademark of Dow Jones & Co. Inc.