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Interactive Brokers Referral Bonus: Earn Up to $1,000 in Free IBKR Stock
Through Interactive Brokers' referral program, new clients can earn up to $1,000 worth of free IBKR stock, while existing clients earn $200 for each successful referral. It's one of the most valuable welcome offers from any major brokerage.
How the Program Works
For new clients: You receive $1 worth of IBKR stock for every $100 deposited, up to $1,000 maximum. The number of shares depends on IBKR's stock price on the day you deposit. Deposit $100,000 and you get the full bonus.
For referrers: Earn a flat $200 for each friend who opens an account, deposits at least $10,000, and maintains that balance for one year. You can refer up to 15 people per year (30 total), meaning potential earnings of $6,000.
How to Claim Your Bonus
The process is straightforward, but you need to follow it correctly to qualify:
- Use a valid referral link - Open your account here to ensure eligibility
- Complete the application - Takes 10-15 minutes, approval usually within 1-2 days
- Deposit at least $10,000 - Must be done within 30 days of opening
- Maintain your balance - Keep $10,000+ for the full year
Who Can Participate
The referral program has geographic and account type restrictions. Check the table below to confirm your eligibility before applying.
Important Terms to Know
One-year lock-up: You cannot sell, transfer, or dispose of your bonus shares for one full year from the award date. Selling early forfeits the shares entirely.
Withdrawal impact: If you withdraw during the first year, your bonus is reduced proportionally using a "first in, first out" method. Withdraw half your balance, lose half your bonus shares.
Household restriction: You cannot refer family members or others living at your address.
Tax implications: Bonus shares are taxable income. US residents will receive a Form 1099-MISC reporting the fair market value when the shares vest after one year. IBKR may withhold shares to cover tax obligations.
Program changes: Interactive Brokers can modify or terminate the program at any time, so it's worth taking advantage while available.
Is IBKR Worth It Beyond the Bonus?
Interactive Brokers offers extremely low commissions (often $0.005 per share), access to 150+ global markets, professional-grade platforms, and competitive margin rates. The platform can be overwhelming for beginners, but for active traders and larger portfolios, IBKR often provides better value than competitors.
Read our full IBKR review, learn which pricing tier to choose, or see our Trading 212 vs IBKR comparison.
Ready to get started? Open your Interactive Brokers account here to claim your bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until I receive my bonus shares?
Shares are awarded daily as you deposit during your first year. You'll see your "Welcome Share Balance" update immediately, but shares cannot be sold for one year from the award date.
What happens if my balance drops below $10,000?
You may forfeit your bonus eligibility. The terms require maintaining the minimum balance for the full year to qualify for both the stock bonus and referrer payment.
Can I refer myself with a different email?
No. Referrals must be genuine new clients who never held an IBKR account. Attempting to game the system can result in account closure and forfeiture of bonuses.
Can I participate with a previously closed IBKR account?
No. The program is only for clients who have never held an IBKR account, even if it was closed.
Are there trading requirements?
The referred client must execute at least one trade for the referrer to receive their $200. No ongoing trading is required to keep your stock bonus.
What deposits count toward the bonus?
Cash deposits and securities transfers both count, based on fair market value. The $10,000 minimum must be met within 30 days of account opening.
Is the bonus available for business accounts?
No. Only individual and joint personal accounts qualify. Business, institutional, and advisor accounts are not eligible.
