How do I trade foreign stocks?

Question

Accepted Answer

In order to trade foreign stocks you must add the requisite trading permissions through Client Portal.

Log into Client Portal
Select the User menu (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner) followed by Settings
If you manage multiple accounts, select an account by clicking on the account number to popup the Account Selector
Under Account Settings find the Trading section

Click on Trading Permissions
To add trading permissions, select Add/Edit or Request under the product you wish to trade and check the box next to whichever trading permission or program you want to request and click on CONTINUE.
Review and sign the disclosures and agreements.
Click CONTINUE and follow the prompts on screen.

On the following pages, review your financial information and investment objectives and make any changes necessary. You also may be prompted to sign agreements or disclosures depending on the permission or program being requested. Continue forward until you have completed all of the prompts. Permissions are typically approved in 48 business hours.

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.
When placing a trade in a foreign stock, if you do not hold the currency in your account then with a cash account you will be required to convert your currency but with a margin account a loan will be created.
Interactive Brokers’ Risk Disclosure Regarding Ramp and Dump Scams for information on the risks associated with trading stocks listed in Hong Kong.

Additional Information