The Interactive Brokers referral program is one of the most rewarding offers available, giving new customers the opportunity to earn up to $1,000 in IBKR shares by meeting just a few simple requirements.
Here is how it works:
- Click this referral link to access the exclusive Interactive Brokers bonus page.
- Select “Open Account” and complete your registration.
- Once approved, you’ll receive $1 in IBKR shares for every $100 deposited (or the equivalent in another currency), up to a maximum bonus of $1,000.
Get free shares »
📌 Terms of the Referral Program:
- The sign-up bonus is calculated based on net deposits made within the first 365 days after your initial deposit.
- Only new clients opening an individual or joint account are eligible.
- Earned shares cannot be sold or transferred for one year.
- You must maintain an average balance for at least one year for your bonus shares to fully vest (details below). 👇
What Is an Average Balance and How Does It Work?
Your average balance is determined by your total deposits and the value of your portfolio over a given period. This includes both cash deposits and all assets, such as stocks and other securities. Bonus shares are credited to your account, but you cannot trade, transfer, or withdraw them until you meet the requirement of maintaining an average balance for one year (the vesting period). Interactive Brokers monitors your account value daily (cash deposits + investments). At the end of the one-year period, it calculates your average balance over 365 days, most likely using an arithmetic average.
Bonus shares are allocated based on this average balance:
- $1 in IBKR shares is awarded for every $100 of average balance.
- If you deposit a large amount for only a short period (e.g., $100,000 on day 365), your average balance will be much lower, as your account remained low or empty for most of the year. See scenarios below…
Scenario #1:
- First deposit: $10,000.
- Balance maintained throughout the year with no withdrawals.
- Average balance: $10,000.
- Bonus: $100 in shares.
Scenario #2:
- First deposit: $1.
- Second deposit: $100,000 on the 364th day after the first deposit.
- Balance for most of the year: $1.
- Average balance: (1 × 365 days + 100,000 × 1 day) / 365 = $274.97.
- Bonus: $2.75 in shares
I hope I’ve explained the concept of IB’s average balance for the bonus as clearly as possible.
When Will I Receive My IBKR Bonus Shares, and Where Can I Track Them?
Bonus shares are typically credited to your account on the next trading day after your deposit is processed (see details below).
For example, in the screenshot, a deposit was credited to IB’s account via electronic fund transfer on November 1, 2023. The next day (November 2, 2023 – award day), 0.3794 fractional shares were credited. These shares remained locked until November 1, 2024 (vesting day).
🔍 How to track your bonus shares: Go to the Client Portal → Performance & Reports → Statements → Activity.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Interactive Brokers referral program?
The Interactive Brokers referral program rewards new clients who sign up using a referral link from an existing client. New clients can earn a bonus in IBKR shares by meeting the program’s requirements.
How much is the bonus?
The bonus is calculated based on net deposits: you’ll receive $1 in IBKR shares for every $100 deposited, up to a maximum of $1,000 in shares.
What are net deposits?
Net deposits include cash deposits and asset transfers into your account. Any withdrawals made within the first year are deducted from your net deposit total.
Do referral program deposits have to be in USD, or can I use other currencies?
You can deposit funds in any currency supported by Interactive Brokers. When calculating the bonus, deposits in other currencies are converted to USD at the current exchange rate.
Do I need a promo code to get the bonus?
No, you don’t need a promo code. Simply open an account using a referral link from an existing client, and you’ll be automatically enrolled in the program.
How much do I need to deposit to get the maximum bonus?
To receive the full $1,000 bonus, you need to deposit at least $100,000 and maintain an average balance of that amount for one year.
What does “average balance” mean?
The average balance is the arithmetic mean of your account value over one year (365 days) from the date of your first deposit. It is calculated by adding up your daily balances and dividing the total by 365.
Can I sell bonus shares as soon as they are credited?
No, IBKR bonus shares are locked for one year (vesting period). After that, you are free to sell or transfer them.
Will I receive only whole shares, or also fractional shares?
You will receive both whole and fractional shares. For example, if your bonus is $523 and the share price is $50, you will receive 10 full IBKR shares plus 0.46 fractional shares.
Can I participate in the program if I already have an Interactive Brokers account?
No, only new clients without an existing Interactive Brokers account are eligible. If you already have an account, you do not qualify for the referral bonus.
What is the minimum deposit amount to receive the bonus?
There is no minimum deposit required to qualify for the referral bonus.
Where can I find the official terms and conditions of the program?
You can find the official terms and conditions on the Interactive Brokers website.