How do I close my Interactive Brokers account?

Question

Accepted Answer

To close your Interactive Brokers account, please follow the steps below.

Step 1: Resolve Any Outstanding Items

Before initiating account closure, ensure the following are addressed:

Please Note: Non-base currency balances below USD 1,000 equivalent will be automatically converted when you submit your closure request.

Step 2: Withdraw Remaining Funds (if applicable)

Log in to Client Portal
Click Transfer & Pay followed by Transfer Funds
Click Make a Withdrawal
Select the currency from the currency list to see eligible methods
Click Use this Method next to your desired method and complete the instructions
If prompted, confirm your identity using the confirmation number emailed to you
Click CONTINUE to submit your withdrawal request

Step 3: Transfer Out Any Positions (if applicable)

If you hold securities or other positions, initiate an ACATS or ATON transfer to another broker before proceeding with closure.

Step 4: Submit the Account Closure Request

Log in to Client Portal
Click the User menu (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner)
Select Settings
Under Account Settings, find the Account Configuration section
Click Close Account to launch the account closure page
Review all steps displayed on the screen. Any pending or outstanding items required before closure will be listed here
Click Continue and follow the on-screen prompts to submit your request

Step 5: After Submitting the Request

For accounts with ACH bank instructions on file, funds will be returned via ACH. If no ACH instruction is available, a check may be mailed to your address on file.
For non-US accounts, a wire transfer will be issued based on the banking instructions on file.
To cancel a closure request at any time, log back in to Client Portal, go to Settings > Closure Status, and click Cancel Request.

Step 6: Confirm Account Closure

Log into Client Portal and navigate to Settings under Account Settings.
If you see the option Account Reopen, your account has been successfully closed.

Important Notes:

The account closure request must be placed by the account holder (the client) directly.
No specific documentation is typically required unless requested during the process.
Review the current IBKR fee schedule for any applicable account closure fees.
If you encounter difficulties completing the process online, contact IBKR Client Services by phone — find the number for your region on the IBKR website and select option 3.

Please Note

If you hold non-base currency balances exceeding USD 1,000 equivalent in your account, refer to how do I close a currency balance in TWS for instructions on how to convert funds back to your base currency.
For USD-based accounts, IBKR will initiate an ACH transfer based on an ACH bank instruction you have on file. If you have more than one ACH bank instruction on file, you will have the opportunity to select one. If you do not have any ACH bank instructions, IBKR will issue a check to your U.S. mailing address on file.
For all non-USD based accounts, we will issue a wire based on the banking instruction on file. If no banking information is saved, create new bank information, then return to the close account screen to close your account. We will issue a withdrawal based on your saved bank information.

Additional Information