ACH transfers, while electronic, function similarly to checks as funds are not guaranteed upon receipt. ACH deposits received before 2pm EST are subject to a 4-business-day hold period from the value date, while those received after 2pm EST require a 5-business-day hold. This ACH deposit credit hold is systematically released when the US regular market opens on the respective fourth or fifth business day following the transaction.
IBKR, as the originator of the transfer request, imposes this hold as it is obligated to return the funds to your bank, without recourse, should your bank later determine the transfer request to be unauthorized or in error. While your bank generally has the right to validate and request a return of funds well beyond IBKR's hold period, past experience has proven a 4 business day hold sufficient in most instances.
Note
- ACH deposits are eligible for credit interest from the date the deposit arrives and through the hold period.
- All deposits made by ACH are subject to a standard 4 business days credit hold. Though funds may be released earlier at IBKR's sole discretion at the time of acceptance (depending on tenure, deposit history and account balance), IBKR does not provide any guarantees of the accelerated provision on all ACH deposits. Due to the programming configuration of our ACH system, the 4 business day hold cannot be overridden once applied.
- Brokers receiving ACH funds transfer to portfolio margin accounts will not have the funds credited to the account until the funds are settled. If you seek immediate use of funds in your portfolio margin account, you may wish to consider a wire transfer.
- Clients who require immediate use of deposited funds are encouraged to use bank or broker wire transfers which are irrevocable and are therefore credited to your account and available for trading purposes immediately upon arrival. IBKR does not charge for incoming wires for any currency with the exception of the Mexican Peso.
Additional Information
- Limitations, credit and withdrawal hold period for ACH deposits on the IBKR website.