Overview
Deposits
Easily fund your Interactive Brokers (IBKR) account using our straightforward deposit options. We have included everything you need to know to get your funds working for you quickly and efficiently.
Before initiating your transfer, ensure your IBKR account is active and gather the necessary information:
- Your IBKR account number.
- Deposit amount.
- Sending institution details.
The specific banking instructions will be provided when you create a deposit notification through the Client Portal – an essential step that ensures your funds are properly matched to your account.
Quick Start: FUND YOUR ACCOUNT
- Log in to the Client Portal
- Select Transfer & Pay and then Transfer Funds menu options
- Select Deposit Funds followed by the desired Deposit Method
- Click Get Instructions to get started
Important HKD Deposit Information
- Different deposit methods may be available to you depending on the country in which your bank account is held and the entity your trading account was opened under.
- Deposit methods available to IBKR Hong Kong (IBHK) clients and/or HK Bank account holders:
- Faster Payment System (FPS)
- Electronic Direct Debit Authorization (eDDA)
- HKD Check
- Deposit methods available to all IBKR Clients:
- Domestic bank transfer
- International bank transfer (SWIFT/WIRE)
- FPS: The Faster Payment System (FPS) is a payment infrastructure introduced by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and operated by Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) to enable instant payments in HK.
- Fund transfers from your Hong Kong (HK) bank account are instructed by entering our FPS ID number, or by scanning a QR code, as provided in our transfer instructions. While the FPS ID can be used for all transfer amounts, QR codes are only provided for small-value payments (i.e. 10,000 HKD or below). Funds are generally received and credited within hours.
- eDDA: Using the Faster Payment System, eDDA offers a quick and convenient way to draw funds from your HK bank account to credit your IBHK account.
- To setup your HK bank account for eDDA deposits, you simply need to select the transfer currency, provide your bank account number, and confirm your authorization for us to establish an eDDA on your behalf. Once the initial eDDA setup request has been confirmed by your bank, you can top up your IBHK account at any time by simply confirming the desired transfer amount in the Make a Deposit section of Client Portal. Funds are generally received and credited within minutes.
- HKD Check: IBHK can accept personal checks either mailed or dropped off in person to one of our Hong Kong offices, so long as the check meets the following conditions:
- It is denominated in Hong Kong Dollars,
- It has a value of at least HKD 10,000.00,
- It is not postdated or from a third-party bank account,
- It is signed and dated by the account holder,
- The back includes your IBHK account number (i.e. U########) and account name
- If the check is being dropped off, please ensure you have your HK ID / Passport with you. If a third-party is dropping off the check for you, they will need to have a letter, signed by you, authorizing them to do so on your behalf.
- For mailed in checks, if you are sending the check to remove a funding restriction on your account, ensure the check is posted in the same letter as all supporting forms and a copy of your HK ID / Passport.
- Checks received by us before 12pm (noon) are generally credited to your account within two business days. Funds will only be available in your account after the check is cleared by your bank.
- Domestic Bank Transfers: Banks in HK offer interbank payments in HKD. To make a local HKD transfer you will need to provide your HK bank, via online banking/branch, the account details generated for you when you confirm your intended deposit details in the Make a Deposit section of Client Portal using the Bank Wire Deposit Method. This includes the bank account name, bank code, branch code and bank account number. Depending on the time it takes for your bank to process the transfer, funds are usually received and credited within hours.
- International Bank Transfer (SWIFT/WIRE): A transfer of HKD from a financial institution outside of Hong Kong is known as a cross-border payment. Your bank may use an intermediary or correspondent bank to transfer the funds to our bank. To make an international HKD transfer you will need to provide your bank with the account details generated for you when you confirm your intended deposit details in the Make a Deposit section of Client Portal using the Bank Wire Deposit Method. This includes the bank account name, bank code, branch code, bank account number, SWIFT code, account address and payment reference.
- Difference Between Domestic and International Bank Transfers: Banks make a domestic transfer to send funds to financial institutions residing in the same country or financial zone. When sending funds to financial institutions in a foreign country or financial zone, banks have to make an international bank transfer. The differences between these two bank transfers affect the number of fees banks charge and the duration it takes to complete the transfer.
- IBKR may require you to use a Virtual Account Number (VAN) as the beneficiary account to deposit or withdraw HKD.
- IBKR does not control transfer speed. Consult your sending institution about processing times and cut-off times.
- Payments requiring additional review may take longer to credit.
- Please consult with the sending institution about costs, as fees vary by financial institution. We do not charge for deposits.
Deposit Transfer Methods
Transfer Methods
IBKR offers multiple methods for depositing HKD into your account. Each method provides different benefits in terms of processing speed, convenience, and associated fees. Available transfer options may vary depending on which IBKR entity services your account, as certain deposit methods are entity-specific.
- Bank Transfer
- Transfer from Wise Balance
- Instant Local Transfer via FPS
- Instant Local Transfer via eDDA
- Mail a Check
Bank Transfer
- Setup a template at your bank to transfer funds from your bank to your IBKR account.
| Availability | All entities except IB Ireland, IB India and IB Japan |
| Required Information: | Sending bank's details (sending institution name and account number), and IBKR's provided bank account details |
| Speed: | 1 business day or less for local transfers. 1 to 4 business days for international transfers |
| Limits: | Transfer limits may be set by your bank |
| Fee(s): | Determined by your bank, generally fees do apply |
| Trading Availability: | Funds are immediately available for trading after arriving at IBKR |
| Withdrawal Hold(s): | 3 business days |
FPS
- Initiate an FPS transfer from your bank using instructions provided through our portal.
| Availability | Available only to Hong Kong Bank account holders |
| Required Information: | Our FPS ID number or scan the QR code provided in our transfer instructions |
| Speed: | Same day, usually within hours |
| Limits: | Transfer limits may be set by your bank. Transfer limits are lower when using the QR code |
| Fee(s): | Fees are determined by your bank, but generally free |
| Trading Availability: | Funds are immediately available for trading after arriving at IBKR |
| Withdrawal Hold(s): | 3 business days |
Transfer from Wise Balance
- Link your Wise profile, then initiate a fund transfer from your Wise multi-currency account to your IBKR account. Wise converts your funds into an IBKR supported currency and transfers the funds to your IBKR account.
| Availability | All entities except IB Ireland, IB Canada, IB India and IB Japan |
| Required Information: | Your Wise username and password to link to your IBKR account |
| Speed: | Wise converts your funds into a supported currency for this method and transfers the funds to your account. Provide transaction details to review currency-specific arrival times |
| Limits: | Generally no limits, however transfer limits may be set by Wise |
| Fee(s): | Wise charges for currency conversion. Provide transaction details to review currency-specific fees |
| Trading Availability: | Funds are immediately available for trading after arriving at IBKR |
| Withdrawal Hold(s): | 3 business days |
Instant Local Transfer via eDDA
- One-time setup that enables you to draw funds from your HK bank account to credit your IBKR account.
| Availability | Available only to Hong Kong Bank account holders |
| Required Information: | Your Hong Kong bank account number and currency you would like to use |
| Speed: | Same day, usually within hours |
| Limits: | Transfer limits may be set by your bank. Please contact them for further information |
| Fee(s): | Fees may apply and are determined by your bank. Generally fees are free or very low |
| Trading Availability: | Funds are immediately available for trading after arriving at IBKR |
| Withdrawal Hold(s): | 3 business days |
Mail a Check
- Send a paper check to IBKR.
| Availability | Available only to Hong Kong Bank account holders |
| Required Information: | The check is denominated in Hong Kong Dollars It has a value of at least HKD 10,000.00. It is not postdated or from a third-party bank account It is signed and dated by the account holder. The back includes your IBHK account number (i.e. U########) and account name |
| Speed: | Available in 2 business days after check arrival |
| Limits: | Checks must be HKD 10,000.00 or more |
| Fee(s): | Free |
| Trading Availability: | 1 business day after we receive official confirmation from our bank that the funds have cleared |
| Withdrawal Hold(s): | 3 business days |
Withdrawals
Withdrawals
- Access your funds with our streamlined withdrawal process. This section shows you how to transfer money from your IBKR account back to your bank. We have made retrieving your funds straightforward so you can access your money when you need it.
Quick Start: WITHDRAW FROM YOUR ACCOUNT
- Log in to the Client Portal
- Select Transfer & Pay and then Transfer Funds menu options
- Select Withdraw Funds followed by the desired Withdrawal Method
- Click Use the Method to get started
Important HKD Withdrawal Information
- IBKR allows 2 free withdrawals per month. Subsequent withdrawals, regardless of method, are charged a fee. The fee charged depends upon the denomination of the currency withdrawn and the withdrawal method. Please see the IBKR website for more details.
Transfer Methods
IBKR provides withdrawal options depending on which IBKR entity services your account, as certain withdrawal methods may be entity-specific. Available method(s) differ in processing time, limits and associated fees. Review the details below to understand your options.
- Bank Wire
- Local Electronic Transfer
Bank Wire
- One-time setup of a withdrawal destination at IBKR to tell us where to send the withdrawal via the SWIFT Network.
| Availability | All entities except IBKR Ireland, IB India and IB Japan |
| Speed: | Receive the funds next day |
| Limits: | Daily limits apply depending on your secure login device. May be subject to further review by your bank |
| Fee(s): | IBKR charges a fee of HKD 95.00 for subsequent withdrawals beyond the complimentary allowance. Your bank may also charge a fee for incoming wires. |
Local Electronic Transfer
- One-time setup of a withdrawal destination at IBKR to tell us where to send the withdrawal electronically.
| Availability | IBKR LLC and IB Hong Kong |
| Speed: | Receive the funds in 2-3 business days |
| Limits: | Daily limits apply depending on your secure login device. May be subject to further review by your bank |
| Fee(s): | IBKR charges a fee of HKD 8.00 for subsequent withdrawals beyond the complimentary allowance. Your bank may also charge a fee for incoming electronic deposits |
Other Considerations
Unacceptable Deposit Methods
The following deposit methods are not accepted for HKD:
- Physical cash (coin or currency) – IBKR does not support physical cash deposits or over-the-counter transactions at bank branches.
Third-Party Deposits and Withdrawals
- Third-party deposits are funds that originate from an account not owned by the receiving IBKR account holder. IBKR generally discourages and reserves the right to reject third-party deposits due to industry-wide fraud and money laundering concerns.
- IBKR considers requests to withdraw funds to a bank account not held in your name, but approval is not guaranteed and can require additional screening. For faster processing it is recommended to withdraw funds to your own bank account. Note that this service is not available for IBA, IBIN, IBSJ, and IBSG customers.
Digital Wallet Providers
- IBKR does not support digital banks when the bank is based on a digital wallet. IBKR does not recommend sending funds from a payment processor as funds are often sent without the payment details or sufficient information. This can lead to significant delays in allocating the deposit to your brokerage account or in some cases, to the rejection of the payment. Please see Deposit instructions for payment apps for more information.
Other Restrictions
- For anti-money laundering compliance, residents of high-risk countries face restrictions on transfers between countries and can only withdraw to accounts they previously deposited from. We may limit your transfer destinations regardless of location, and changing your base currency requires a 5-day waiting period before withdrawals. Restricted transactions will be automatically blocked. Please see Funds transfer restrictions for more information.
Top Deposits and Withdrawals FAQs