Trade Crypto for Less Coin
PRODUCTS
Trade Crypto for Less Coin
The IBKR Advantage
- Trade and hold Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) in your IBHK account1
- Low, transparent commissions of just 0.20% to 0.30% of trade value2 with no added spreads or markups
- Invest in crypto, plus stocks, options, ETFs, futures, bonds, and more from a single unified platform
- Professional trading platforms, order types, and tools
- IBKR Rated Best Online Broker – 2025 Broker Chooser Best Online Brokers3
Low Commissions
Just 0.20% to 0.30% of Trade Value1
With No Added Spreads or Markups
While other crypto exchanges and brokers charge trading fees as high as 2.00% of trade value or more, and add spreads or markups to the cryptocurrency price, cryptocurrency on Interactive Brokers’ platform has a low commission of just 0.20% to 0.30% of trade value1 with a USD 2.25 minimum per order (but the minimum is subject to a cap of 1% of trade value). Plus, there are no added spreads or markups.
View Cryptocurrency Commissions
Discover a World of Investment Opportunities
Clients can trade cryptocurrencies alongside global stocks, options, futures, spot currencies, bonds, funds and more via the Interactive Brokers platform.
- Commissions just 0.20% to 0.30% of trade value
- Trade and hold BTC and ETH
- USD 2.25 minimum per order, capped at 1% of trade value
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that exists only online. It uses mathematical algorithms and encryption techniques known as cryptography to secure transactions and manage the network. Unlike traditional fiat currencies issued by governments, cryptocurrencies are decentralized and operate on blockchain technology, which is a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.
Key features of cryptocurrency include:
- Digital-only
No physical coins or bills. - Decentralized
Most cryptocurrencies are not controlled by a central authority like a bank or government. - Blockchain-based
Transactions are recorded on a transparent and secure ledger. - Cryptographic security
Ensures the integrity of transactions and ownership. - Pseudonymous
Users are identified by digital addresses, not personal names (though not fully anonymous).
Key Cryptocurrency Terms
As an emerging asset class, there are key terms associated with cryptocurrency that you should know:
- Bitcoin: The first and most popular cryptocurrency.
- Blockchain: A digital record book that keeps track of all cryptocurrency transactions. It is shared across many computers, so it is hard to change or hack.
- Wallet: A software program or physical device that stores your cryptocurrency. It lets you send and receive digital coins.
- Private Key: A secret code that gives you access to your cryptocurrency. You must keep it safe and never share it.
- Public Key: A code that works like your digital address. People use it to send you cryptocurrency.
- Mining: The process of using computers to solve puzzles that confirm transactions and add them to the blockchain. People who do this are called miners, and they earn new coins as a reward.
- Exchange: A website or app where you can buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrency using regular money or other digital coins.
- Token: A type of cryptocurrency that is built on another blockchain. Many tokens are used in apps or games or represent things like points or access rights.
- Ethereum: A popular cryptocurrency that lets people create smart contracts and apps that run on the blockchain.
- Smart Contract: A digital agreement written in code. It runs automatically when certain conditions are met.
- NFT (Non-Fungible Token): A special type of digital asset that shows ownership of a unique item, like art, music, or video.
- DeFi (Decentralized Finance): Financial services that work without banks or middlemen. These are built using blockchain technology.
- Gas Fee: A small amount of cryptocurrency you pay to process a transaction or run a smart contract on a blockchain like Ethereum.
- Altcoin: Any cryptocurrency that is not Bitcoin. Examples include Ethereum, Litecoin, and Solana.
- Stablecoin: A type of cryptocurrency that is linked to the value of a real-world asset, like the US dollar. It is made to be less risky and more stable in price.
- Ledger: A record of all transactions. In cryptocurrency, the ledger is digital and usually takes the form of a blockchain.
- Satoshi: The smallest unit of Bitcoin. One Bitcoin equals 100 million satoshis.
- ICO (Initial Coin Offering): A way for new cryptocurrency projects to raise money by selling their coins to investors before launch.
- HODL: A slang term that means to hold on to your cryptocurrency instead of selling it, even when prices go up or down.
How Do I Buy Cryptocurrency?
To purchase cryptocurrency, open an account with a trusted cryptocurrency exchange or an online broker like Interactive Brokers who offers access to cryptocurrency. Once your account is open and funded, you may have to request trading permissions for trading cryptocurrencies and virtual assets products. Choose a cryptocurrency to buy, enter the amount you wish to invest, review commissions and fees, and place your order.
After purchasing your cryptocurrency, you could store it by keeping it on the exchange used to purchase it or transfer it to a crypto wallet.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Trading Cryptocurrency?
Benefits of Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrency offers several benefits to users and investors. It provides the potential for high returns and allows people to access financial markets without needing a traditional bank account. Crypto trading is available 24 hours a day, so investors can buy or sell at any time. Many cryptocurrencies also allow for fast, low-cost transfers across borders. People who buy cryptocurrency often enjoy greater control over their funds and more privacy than with standard banking. In addition, crypto can help diversify a portfolio and support new technologies such as smart contracts and decentralized apps.
Risks of Cryptocurrencies
While cryptocurrency can be rewarding, it also comes with serious risks. Prices can change quickly, which means there is a chance of losing a large portion of your investment. Because the market is still developing, crypto is less regulated than traditional financial systems, which increases the risk of fraud or scams. Some platforms have been hacked, and users who lose their private keys may lose access to their funds permanently. Also, government policies can affect how crypto is taxed or allowed to be used, adding uncertainty for buyers. Like any investment, it is important to understand the risks before getting involved.
Interactive Brokers’ Education and Resources for Cryptocurrencies
Traders’ Insight
Traders’ Insight provides market-related articles and commentary from Interactive Brokers’ employees, exchanges and third-party contributors.
IBKR Webinars
Participate in an upcoming webinar or review previous webinars regarding cryptocurrency.
Professional Trading Platforms and Tools
Powerful, award-winning trading platforms and tools for managing your portfolio. Available on desktop, mobile, and web.
Use a full suite of professional trading tools to help make better decisions and manage your portfolio. Spot market opportunities with Advanced Market Scanners and analyze your portfolio with Risk Navigator.
Interested in Trading Crypto?
IBKR Clients –
Log in to Request Cryptocurrency Trading Permissions
Log in to Client Portal and click the User ("Head/Shoulders" icon) > Settings menu. From the Settings page, click Trading Permissions to request Cryptocurrency trading permission.
Trading permission requests are typically approved overnight.
Interested in Trading Cryptocurrencies at IBHK?
Open an Account.
Disclosures
- A monthly custody fee of 8 bps on the average daily value of crypto held in the account will be charged.
- Depending on client monthly volume, with a USD 2.25 minimum commission per order (but the minimum is subject to a cap of 1% of trade value).
- For more information, see our awards page.
- Virtual Asset and Virtual Asset-Related products are complex products and can only be traded by eligible investors. The risk of loss can be substantial. Before trading, read the IBHK Virtual Asset Risk Disclosure.