Interactive Brokers
brokerage
Interactive Brokers is a US-regulated broker-dealer that also functions as a multi-currency cash management account. It accepts clients from 200+ countries and territories, including US persons worldwide. The IBKR Global Trader and IBKR Pro accounts support 23 currencies with excellent FX conversion rates (near interbank). The debit card (via IB) enables spending from brokerage cash. Particularly valuable for expats who want to invest in global markets while maintaining USD cash. SIPC protection up to USD 500,000 on securities; additional Lloyd's of London coverage available. No minimum balance required for IBKR Lite.
Details
- Headquarters
- United States
- Currencies
- 23
- Monthly Fee
- Free
- Non-Residents
- Accepted
- US Persons
- Accepted
- Debit Card
- Available
- Business Account
- Available
Opening Requirements
- •Government-issued photo ID
- •Proof of address
- •Tax identification number (SSN for US persons, or foreign TIN)
- •W-8BEN or W-9 tax form
- •Financial background questionnaire
Restricted Nationalities
Not available to nationals of: north-korea, iran, cuba, syria
Nationality Acceptance Matrix
Who this provider will and will not onboard. Refusals are listed first. Sourced from the provider's own published terms and recent public onboarding reports — confirm with the provider before applying.
| Nationality | Accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| russia | NO | Russian nationals restricted post-2022; IBKR suspended new account openings for Russian residents; existing accounts subject to limitations. |
| iran | NO | Blocked — OFAC Iran sanctions. |
| cuba | NO | Blocked — OFAC Cuba sanctions. |
| north korea | NO | Blocked — OFAC DPRK sanctions. |
| syria | NO | Blocked — OFAC Syria sanctions. |
| us | YES | Fully accepted; US persons are core clients; W-9 required; SIPC + FDIC protection applies. |
| uk | YES | UK nationals fully accepted via IBKR UK (FCA-regulated). |
| eu | YES | EU nationals accepted via IBKR Ireland (CBI-regulated); 200+ countries served. |
| china | YES | Chinese nationals accepted; IBKR operates in Hong Kong and accepts mainland Chinese clients via HK entity. |
| myanmar | YES | Accepted; IBKR serves 200+ countries including FATF grey-list jurisdictions with enhanced KYC. |
Similar Banking Options
Options matched on type and jurisdiction — not a recommendation.
Related Guides
US expat tax checklist: FBAR, FATCA, PFIC, FEIE, GILTI
A neutral walk-through of the US tax obligations that follow American citizens abroad — what they are, when they bite, and how the mainstream planning around each one actually works.
Zero and low-tax residencies: the real list
Countries with zero personal income tax, territorial-only taxation, or special expatriate regimes — and what each one actually requires from you to qualify as a resident.
Exit tax: countries that charge you to leave
Country-by-country reference of departure taxes, deemed-disposition rules, and wealth-locking regimes that trigger when tax residency ends.