Known as the largest digital trading platform in the United States, Interactive Brokers now operates a profitable affiliate program for publishers to jump in.
This comprehensive article will provide you with very helpful information about the Interactive Brokers affiliate program. Read on to see whether this program is worth a try.
Overview of Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is one of the largest electronic brokerages in the world. Founded in 1978, it now executes over 3 million daily trades across 125 market centers in 33 countries.
IBKR aims to offer the most sophisticated trading technology along with low commissions and financing rates. The broker provides access to stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, funds, and more in over 135 market centers worldwide.
Overview of Interactive Brokers Affiliate Program
The Interactive Brokers Affiliate Program allows eligible publishers to earn money by referring new users to open IBKR accounts. For each qualified referral, publishers will be awarded a flat commission.
To be eligible for this program, you must be an IBKR client with an individual or joint account. Your account is required to have a net liquidation value of at least $2000 and place at least one securities trade.
The program also applies geographic restrictions. Accordingly, residents of Japan, Spain, Portugal, and Israel are not allowed to join.
Additionally, financial advisors, hedge funds, and institutional accounts, including introducing broker and proprietary trading accounts are ineligible for the program.
Interactive Brokers Commissions and Payment Details
IBKR will pay affiliates a flat fee payment of $200 per eligible referral. A bonus can only be paid if the customer uses the unique application link shared with them.
The program applies no cookie policy. Yet, publishers can only refer to up to 15 people in a calendar year and 30 in total.
Note that affiliates are only commissioned if the referred client opens an account through the shared link, deposits at least $10,000 within 30 days, and maintains at least that amount for one year following the opening of the account.
Besides, referred accounts will receive $1 in IBKR shares for every $100 of value added to their account for up to $1000 worth of IBKR shares. The average balance must be kept for at least 1 year for the shares to vest and become accessible.
As you must be an IBKR client first to join the program, your payout will be made via your IBKR account. Note that tax-deferred accounts are ineligible for both the referral bonus and awarding of Interactive Brokers stock.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Becoming an Interactive Brokers Affiliate
Before joining the program, it’s essential to consider both its benefits and drawbacks.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| High flat commission ($200) | Strict requirements to join |
| No cookie duration | Limited referred clients (30 in total) |
Noticeably, compared to other affiliate programs, IBKR offers an outstanding flat commission, of up to $200 per qualified referred. Still, referred users must deposit at least $1,000 in 30 days and maintain this balance for more than 1 year since they open their accounts. Only in this case will affiliates be commissioned.
In addition, one of the biggest pluses of the program is that it applies no cookie policy. This means publishers are under no pressure of time constraints. No matter how long it takes for an eligible referral, they will still receive a commission.
On the contrary, IBKR requires much stricter conditions for eligible affiliates. Publishers must be IBKR clients to apply for the program. Moreover, their accounts must have at least $2000 as a net liquidation value and conduct at least one securities trade. It also applies some geographical restrictions. Besides, it does not allow creators with financial professions to join.
Unlike other programs, there’s a limit to how much you can earn. Affiliates are only entitled to attract 30 new clients in total. You can earn $6,000 as affiliate revenue if you do your best.
How to Apply for the Interactive Brokers Affiliate Program
Follow this step-by-step guide to sign up for the IBKR affiliate program.
Step 1: Visit IBKR affiliate main site
Visit its affiliate homepage at https://www.interactivebrokers.com/en/trading/referral-member-to-member.php. Click the “Open Account” button to start applying.
Step 2: Create an account
Fill in all required information and click “Create Account”. Then, verify your email address.
Step 3: Complete application form
After verifying your email address, you will be taken back to the application site. Here, fulfill the affiliate registration before submitting.
Step 4: Wait for approval and begin referring
After your application is approved, you can log into your registered account and share affiliate links.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings with the Interactive Brokers Affiliate Program
Here are some tips to maximize your earnings with the IBKR affiliate program.
Firstly, you can share your experience with Interactive Brokers to build credibility. By leveraging your and IBKR’s trustworthiness, you can encourage potential clients to sign up through your affiliate link.
Secondly, publishers should take advantage of SEO strategies. Optimizing your content for search engines helps increase visibility. You can use relevant keywords in your content, meta descriptions, and titles. This can help your content rank higher in search engine results and attract organic traffic.
Thirdly, staying informed is one of the most crucial things. Publishers should keep themselves updated on Interactive Brokers’ latest features, promotions, and changes in the industry. This helps you provide accurate and timely information to your audience, making your referral links more attractive.
Is the Interactive Brokers Affiliate Program Worth It?
Whether the IBKR affiliate program is worth it depends on your specific business model and monetization strategies. But for the right type of affiliate marketer, it can prove quite lucrative.
Compared to other broker affiliate programs, IBKR pays an upfront flat fee. You can potentially earn $3,000 per year from just 15 referred accounts.
Be sure to set realistic expectations, as it takes time and effort to get 15 qualified referrals initially. If you consistently promote IBKR to targeted audiences who fund active trading accounts, the program can become a significant source of affiliate revenue.
Overall, if you cater to active traders and investors, the Interactive Brokers affiliate program is definitely worth consideration for your monetization toolbox.
FAQs
Does the Interactive Brokers offer a legit affiliate program?
Yes. The affiliate program operated by IBKR is legitimate. It also provides a strict affiliate agreement for publishers.
Who should join the Interactive Brokers affiliate program?
The Interactive Brokers affiliate program is best suited for individual investors or traders who already have an account with IBKR and meet the minimum requirements. It allows them to earn money by referring new clients. Financial advisors, hedge funds, and institutional accounts are not eligible.
Are there any minimum requirements to become an Interactive Brokers affiliate?
To become an IBKR affiliate, you need a personal or joint IBKR account. The account must have a minimum net liquidation value of $10,000. Additionally, you must have made at least one trade.
Can the Interactive Brokers program be combined with other affiliate programs?
Yes. You can promote Interactive Brokers program with other broker, financial services, or general affiliate programs. There are no exclusivity requirements.
Is the Interactive Brokers affiliate program free to join?
Yes. This program requires no entrance fee. However, you need to be an IBKR client first and meet its eligible requirements to join.
What are the best Interactive Brokers affiliate program alternatives?
Some top alternatives are TD Ameritrade, E*TRADE, Ally Invest, Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and TradeStation.
