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Margin Trading Overview

Benefits of a Margin Trading Account

Leverage Assets

Use the cash or securities in your account as leverage to increase your buying power.

Access Funds

Get the lowest market margin loan interest rates of any broker.

Enable Account for Short Selling

Diversify trading strategies with short selling, options and futures contracts, or currency trading.

Understand the Risks of Margin Trading

Margin borrowing is only for experienced investors with high risk tolerance.
You may lose more than your initial investment.

Before trading on margin, understand the following risks
  • Trading losses may be greater than the value of the initial investment
  • Leveraged investments create a greater potential risk of loss
  • Additional costs from margin interest charges
  • Potential margin calls or liquidation of securities

Rated Lowest Margin Fees1 by StockBrokers.com

US Margin Loan Rates Comparison2

USD 25K USD 300K USD 1.5M USD 3.5M
Interactive Brokers 6.83% 6.50% 6.28% 6.17%
E-Trade 13.70% 12.20% N/A N/A
Fidelity 13.08% 11.83% 9.25% 9.25%
Schwab 13.08% 11.83% N/A N/A
Vanguard 13.25% 11.75% N/A N/A

Each firm's information reflects the standard online margin loan rates obtained from their respective websites. Competitor rates and offers subject to change without notice. Services vary by firm.

Futures trading at IBKR

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Disclosures
  1. According to StockBrokers.com Online Broker Survey 2022: Read the full article Online Broker Reviews, January 11, 2022. "Professionals can take advantage of industry-leading commissions, including the lowest margin rates across all balance tiers."
  2. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on USD margin loan balances as of September 12, 2023. Interactive Brokers calculates the interest charged on margin loans using the applicable rates for each interest rate tier listed on its website. Learn more about margin loan rates.