Before you can trade cryptocurrencies, you need to log into Client Portal and request trading permissions. Choose from Basic and Crypto Plus trading permission. See What trading permissions do I need to trade cryptocurrencies? for instructions and for a comparison of the two permission types.
If you choose the Crypto Plus trading permission, you need to pre-fund your cryptocurrency trading at Cryptocurrency Service Providers by transferring USD from your IBKR Securities account to your Cryptocurrency Service Providers account. You can sweep unused USD from your Cryptocurrency Service Providers account back to your IBKR Securities account as well. With Crypto Plus trading permission enabled, you can place orders with Cryptocurrency Service Providers for BTC, ETH, LTC or BCH using TWS, Client Portal, IBKR Mobile, and IBKR GlobalTrader (our new simplified mobile platform) or you can place the orders with Cryptocurrency Service Providers for these coins using the Cryptocurrency Service Provider's web app. For any additional coins offered by Cryptocurrency Service Providers, all orders must be placed using their web app. You can access the web app from within TWS, Client Portal, IBKR Mobile, and IBKR GlobalTrader.
If you elect the Basic Cryptocurrency trading permission, once trading permissions are established you will become a client of Cryptocurrency Service Providers, and a new IBKR-linked Cryptocurrency Service Providers account is created. You will then be able to trade cryptocurrencies in the same way that you trade other products. Search for the symbol and open it in Quote Details or add it to your Watchlist. Select the symbol to trade, then complete the available parameters to create and then submit the order.
All exchange and custody services in connection with trading and holding cryptocurrency tokens and other digital asset tokens through IBKR trading platforms are provided by Cryptocurrency Service Providers. Learn more.