Interactive Brokers Offers Spot Crypto and Crypto ETF Access to US Retail Customers
A major brokerage adds crypto trading to its platform
Interactive Brokers LLC, a US brokerage firm, offers eligible US retail customers access to spot cryptocurrency trading and crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs). An ETF is a fund that trades on a stock exchange, similar to a stock, but tracks an underlying asset such as a basket of coins.
Crypto trading at Interactive Brokers is routed through two custodians, Paxos and Zero Hash, depending on the account type and the customer's jurisdiction. The brokerage also provides access to up to 20 different cryptocurrencies for spot trading.
How the product is structured
- Interactive Brokers provides two free pricing plans: IBKR Lite and IBKR Pro, which customers choose when applying.
- Spot crypto trading is available through either Zero Hash or Paxos, depending on the account type.
- Up to 20 cryptocurrencies are available for spot trading.
- Crypto ETF access is offered, but requires complex-product permission, and eligibility varies by account.
- The firm also offers stocks, ETFs, options, futures, bonds, mutual funds, fractional shares, and international market access alongside crypto.
- Account minimum is $0, and transfer-out fees are $0 by ACATS.
Regulation and asset protection details
Interactive Brokers LLC is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the National Futures Association (NFA). Its CRD number is 36418.
Traditional assets at Interactive Brokers carry SIPC protection plus an excess Lloyd's policy, both triggered only if Interactive Brokers LLC collapses. However, crypto assets held through Zero Hash or Paxos fall outside SIPC coverage. This means digital assets traded through the brokerage do not receive the same federal insurance protection that applies to stocks and bonds.
Trading platforms available
Customers can trade through Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, or API access. The firm also provides paper trading, which lets users practice with simulated money. Paper trading is available for stocks and other products, though the source does not specify whether it extends to crypto.
Why this matters for crypto adoption
The availability of spot crypto and crypto ETFs at a long-established, regulated US brokerage may lower the barrier for traditional investors who want to add digital assets to their portfolios without using a dedicated crypto exchange. Having crypto offered alongside conventional investment products in a single account could simplify portfolio management for some customers.
However, the absence of SIPC protection for crypto assets at Interactive Brokers means investors still carry custodial risk that they would not face with traditional brokerage holdings.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.