As selling short involves borrowing (of stock rather than cash) and poses unlimited risk (as there is no limit as to how high the stock price may increase when the position is eventually closed), a "Margin" type account is a prerequisite to entering orders to sell short.
If you maintain a "Cash" type account which does not allow such borrowing and wish to request an upgrade to a "Margin" type, please log in to Client Portal and select the User menu (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner) followed by Settings. Under Account Settings find the Account Configuration section, click Account Type to request an upgrade from Cash to Margin then click on Continue and complete the steps presented.
Please Note
- IBKR cannot disclose its eligibility requirements for products. Please do not contact Customer Service to ask for these criteria as they cannot provide additional information.
- Account upgrade requests are subject to review and approved by a Compliance Officer prior to the upgrade taking place.
Additional Information