Founded in 1978 and publicly listed on NASDAQ (ticker: IBKR), Interactive Brokers is one of the world’s most trustworthy brokers, having weathered multiple major financial crises while maintaining a rigorous risk management process. The firm is now also part of the S&P 500 index.
This article covers IBKR’s current cryptocurrency offering, including its 2025 and 2026 expansion in the US and Europe, and the alternatives for those who want a wider range of crypto assets.
Can you buy crypto with Interactive Brokers?
Yes. Interactive Brokers offers real crypto trading to clients in the US, the UK, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Hong Kong, with a coin list that has grown quickly since 2025. Which coins you can trade depends on the IBKR entity that holds your account:
| Region | Coins | IBKR entity | Crypto provider |
| US | 20 | Interactive Brokers LLC | Paxos or Zero Hash |
| EEA | 17 | Interactive Brokers Ireland | zerohash europe |
| UK | 10 | Interactive Brokers (U.K.) | Paxos |
| Hong Kong | 3 | Interactive Brokers Hong Kong | OSL |
For US clients, IBKR offers 20 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), Chainlink (LINK), Avalanche (AVAX), Sui (SUI), Aave, Uniswap and Pax Gold. Trading is provided through Interactive Brokers LLC, with execution and custody by Paxos Trust Company or Zero Hash LLC, depending on account type and residence. US clients can choose between two permission levels: Crypto Basic and Crypto Plus, which adds 24/7 trading and non-marketable limit orders.
For European clients (EEA), IBKR launched crypto trading on 31 March 2026 through Interactive Brokers Ireland Limited, authorised as a crypto-asset service provider under MiCA (the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation). Coins are held in an account in your name at zerohash europe B.V., authorised by the Dutch AFM. The launch included 11 coins, and the list has since grown to 17, including Aave, Uniswap, NEAR and Aptos. You can trade them on Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, Client Portal, IBKR Mobile and IBKR GlobalTrader. Until March 2026, European clients could not trade crypto at IBKR at all.
For UK clients, IBKR offers spot crypto through Paxos. Since 8 October 2025, the FCA has also allowed retail access to crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs). These products are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), and the FCA’s ban on retail crypto derivatives (such as CFDs) remains in place.
For Hong Kong clients, crypto trading is available through Interactive Brokers Hong Kong, with execution by OSL Digital Securities. Only Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana are available there.
Since March 2026, clients of Interactive Brokers LLC and Interactive Brokers (U.K.) can also transfer supported cryptocurrencies in from external wallets or platforms into their linked Paxos or zerohash account.
Interactive Brokers’ crypto fees
Cryptocurrency trading on Interactive Brokers has a commission of 0.18% of trade value for monthly volume up to $100,000, 0.15% up to $1 million and 0.12% above that, with a $1.75 minimum per order and a maximum of 1% of trade value. For example, a $100 order costs $1 (the 1% cap), and a $10,000 order costs $18 at the first tier. US clients with a Paxos account also pay a $0.15 monthly account fee passed on by Paxos. In Hong Kong, pricing is different (0.20% to 0.30%, with a custody fee).
IBKR says there are no added spreads, markups or custody fees on top of the commission. That is a meaningful advantage over many crypto apps, where a “no commission” headline is often offset by wide spreads or built-in markups. IBKR’s transparent pricing structure is one of the main reasons it stands out in the crypto brokerage space.
Crypto derivatives on Interactive Brokers
Alongside real crypto, Interactive Brokers also gives access to crypto derivatives, mainly regulated futures contracts on US exchanges. For clients in jurisdictions where real crypto trading is not yet available, derivatives can be the primary route to crypto exposure on the platform.
A futures contract is a standardised agreement to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a specified future date. With futures, you don’t own the underlying cryptocurrency, but you get exposure to its price movements, with leverage that amplifies both gains and losses.
IBKR’s current crypto futures and derivatives lineup includes:
- CME Bitcoin Futures (BTC), the flagship cash-settled bitcoin contract;
- CME Micro Bitcoin Futures (MBT), a smaller contract for retail-sized positions;
- CME Ether Futures (ETH) and CME Micro Ether Futures (MET);
- CME Solana Futures (SOL) and Micro Solana Futures (MSL);
- Coinbase Derivatives nano Bitcoin and nano Ether futures, launched on IBKR on 10 February 2026, with monthly and perpetual-style contracts that trade 24/7.
IBKR’s commission per contract starts at $5 for CME Bitcoin, $3 for CME Ether, $0.85 for Micro Bitcoin, $0.20 for Micro Ether and $0.20 for the Coinbase nano contracts, and falls with higher volume. On top of the IBKR commission, you’ll typically also pay exchange, clearing, and regulatory fees.
Pros and cons of investing in Crypto Futures
Pros
-
Easy way to invest in crypto through your broker. The hassle of opening a new account in an exclusively dedicated crypto broker or another traditional broker with direct exposure to cryptos may not be entirely justified (for organizational purposes, for example).
- You use only a portion of your money. You just need to put in a margin that works as collateral if the market moves opposite to the position you have taken and incurs losses. This can also be a Con (“leverage issues”).
Cons
-
You have no direct ownership of crypto. Since you do not own the coins, you cannot transfer them to another wallet or use them in peer-to-peer transactions.
-
Limited trading hours on CME. CME crypto futures trade from 17:00 to 16:00 Chicago time, Sunday to Friday, while crypto markets trade 24/7. The Coinbase nano contracts are an exception, as they trade 24/7.
-
Leverage. Futures are leveraged, so if you do not size your position with that in mind, you may take on much more crypto risk than intended.
- Expiration. Most futures contracts have an expiry date, so you need to roll your position into a new contract to keep your exposure, which adds costs.
Please remember that to trade cryptocurrency futures, you must have trading permissions for US Crypto Futures. It can be done through the Client Portal by clicking the “User menu” (head and shoulders icon in the top right corner) followed by “Manage Account”. Next, click the gear icon in the top right corner of the “Trading Experience & Permissions” section. Go to the “Futures” section and check off “United States (Crypto)”.
Interactive Brokers crypto alternatives
If you’re located in a jurisdiction where IBKR’s crypto offering isn’t yet available, or simply want a wider range of digital assets than IBKR’s lineup, here are the top alternatives worth considering:
eToro
With more than 40 million registered users and listed on NASDAQ (ticker: ETOR) since May 2025, eToro gives you access to more than 200 cryptoassets, offered in the EU under MiCA. You can trade independently or copy other investors via eToro’s social trading features. Read our eToro summary below (and our detailed comparison between eToro and Interactive Brokers).
Coinbase
Coinbase is the leading crypto exchange in the US and a member of the S&P 500 index since May 2025. It operates in more than 100 countries and held $246 billion in assets on its platform at the end of June 2026. In August 2025, it completed the acquisition of derivatives exchange Deribit for about $2.9 billion. Explore our Coinbase summary.
Crypto.com
Crypto.com is one of the largest crypto investment, trading, and staking platforms globally, with more than 150 million users. It issues the Cronos (CRO) token, supports payments with the Crypto.com Visa card and runs the Cronos blockchain. It received a MiCA licence in the EU through its Malta entity in January 2025. Explore our Crypto.com summary.
Kraken
Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the world’s largest and longest-running crypto exchanges, used by more than 13 million people, with a strong presence in Europe. Read our Kraken summary.
#ad This article includes our Kraken affiliate link. We earn a commission if you sign up with it. Availability varies by location.
Disclaimer: You should be aware that the risk of loss in trading or holding digital currencies can be substantial. As with any asset, the value of digital currencies can go up or down, and there can be a considerable risk that you lose money buying, selling, holding, or investing in digital currencies.
1. eToro
55% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
Founded in 2007 in Israel, eToro is a well-known global fintech and the leader in social trading (following and copying other investors’ trades), with over 40 million users worldwide. Alongside crypto, the platform also offers real stocks, ETFs, and CFDs on stocks, ETFs, commodities, forex, and indices.
The eToro platform is intuitive and beginner-friendly, with $0 commission on ETFs and $1 per stock trade in most EU markets ($0 for UK residents, other fees apply). Crypto trades carry a 1% fee when you buy and when you sell. Opening an account and depositing is easy, and you can try the platform first with a $100,000 demo account. You can fund your account via debit card, bank transfer, e-wallets, and (depending on region) other payment methods.
You can hold local accounts in EUR, GBP, DKK or AUD besides the USD account, which cuts conversion costs, and withdrawals from local accounts are free. Withdrawals from the USD account cost $5, with a $30 minimum, and spreads can be high on some products.
Note: CFD trading carries significant risk: 51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with eToro (Europe) Ltd.
Want to know more about eToro? Read our full eToro review.
2. Coinbase
Coinbase is the leading US crypto exchange, with a 10.3% share of global crypto trading volume at the end of June 2026. The platform is designed for both beginners and more experienced investors, who can use the integrated Coinbase Advanced interface (formerly Coinbase Pro) with professional order types and lower fees.
The range of supported cryptocurrencies is extensive, covering everything from major coins (BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP) to a long tail of newer tokens. Coinbase also offers a highly functional mobile app, staking on supported chains, USDC stablecoin yield, and, since its acquisition of Deribit in August 2025, a full crypto derivatives platform.
On the downside, Coinbase’s standard “Buy/Sell” interface has high fees (particularly on smaller transactions below ~$200) and a comparatively complex fee structure. Investors trading larger sums or actively are far better served by Coinbase Advanced or by subscribing to Coinbase One (from $4.99/month for the basic tier), which includes zero trading fees up to a monthly volume cap.
On the regulatory side, Coinbase is licensed for money transmission in most US jurisdictions, joined the S&P 500 on 19 May 2025, and operates in the EU under MiCA through Coinbase Luxembourg S.A., licensed by the CSSF in June 2025.
3. Crypto.com
Crypto.com is an all-in-one crypto trading and ecosystem platform, founded in 2016. The platform lets users trade, spend, stake, and store cryptocurrencies, with its native token Cronos (CRO) powering the broader Crypto.com ecosystem and Cronos blockchain.
With more than 400 cryptocurrencies available in the EEA, Crypto.com is one of the broadest exchanges by asset coverage. It also offers a Visa prepaid card for crypto spending (with cashback rewards), staking products, NFT marketplace access, and a self-custodial DeFi Wallet. In the EU, Crypto.com received a MiCA licence through Foris DAX MT Limited, authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) in January 2025, which lets it serve the whole EEA.
On the downside, newer crypto investors may find the platform’s interface and tiered product range (Exchange, App, DeFi Wallet, Earn, etc.) overwhelming, and the standard app fees can be high for smaller and low-volume trades. Active traders are better served by the Crypto.com Exchange interface, which uses maker-taker pricing similar to other professional crypto exchanges.
4. Kraken
Kraken at a glance
Founded in 2011, Kraken is one of the oldest and most established crypto exchanges in the world. It offers more than 600 crypto trading pairs, with Kraken Pro fees that fall with your 30-day volume (from 0.40% maker and 0.80% taker at the entry tier down to 0% maker and 0.05% taker at the highest), versatile funding options and 24/7 customer support via live chat. In the EU, Kraken operates under MiCA through Payward Europe Solutions Limited, authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland in June 2025.
Kraken provides dedicated educational content through its Kraken Learn Center, with guides, tutorials, and explainers covering everything from basic crypto concepts to advanced trading strategies. The platform also offers staking on supported chains.
The simple Kraken app is more expensive: instant and recurring buys cost 1% and custom orders 1.5%, plus a spread. For active or larger traders, Kraken Pro is the better choice, as the simpler app may feel basic if you want advanced charts or order types.
Staking and rewards rates are variable, are not guaranteed and may change at any time. Staking and rewards are not available in all states. Staking involves risks, including the loss of value of staked assets, and bonded assets cannot be withdrawn during the unbonding period. Kraken is not a bank; rewards are not interest and are not FDIC insured.
Which crypto platform should you choose?
After its 2025 and 2026 expansion, IBKR offers real crypto to clients in the US, the EEA, the UK and Hong Kong. If you live elsewhere, or you want crypto-native features (staking, DeFi) or far more coins than IBKR’s list, a dedicated crypto platform is the better fit. Crypto derivatives are another route within IBKR, but they are more complex.
Before making a final decision, weigh several factors: exchange security (custody arrangements, insurance, hack history), fees (both headline commissions and spread/markup costs), liquidity on the specific assets you trade, regulatory standing in your jurisdiction (and any prior enforcement actions), asset coverage, and platform usability for your level of experience.
The best crypto exchange for you will depend on your experience, preferences, and objectives. Explore the platforms above and decide what fits your situation best.
A reminder that the above should not be seen as investment advice and should be considered information only. Investors should do their own research and diligence about the best-suited services and opportunities for risk, returns, and impact strategy.
FAQs
Can I transfer crypto to or from my IBKR account?
Since March 2026, clients of Interactive Brokers LLC and Interactive Brokers (U.K.) can transfer supported cryptocurrencies from external wallets or platforms into their linked Paxos or zerohash account. Your coins are held by Paxos or zerohash in an account in your name, separate from IBKR. Check the provider’s terms for transfers out and for availability in the EEA.
Can I trade Ripple, Cardano, Dogecoin or other altcoins on Interactive Brokers?
Yes, some of them. IBKR now offers up to 20 cryptocurrencies, depending on your region, including Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE), Solana (SOL), Chainlink (LINK) and Avalanche (AVAX). Coins like Shiba Inu and Stellar are not available.
What is Paxos Trust? Is it involved in my crypto trading?
Paxos Trust is a New York Limited Trust Company licensed by the New York Department of Financial Services, specifically authorized to engage in virtual currency services. A partner of IBKR working as an independent entity.
For US and UK clients, when you start trading crypto you log in through Interactive Brokers, but your crypto account is opened with Paxos (or, in the US, Zero Hash), and your trades are executed there. EEA clients use zerohash europe instead. This means Paxos Trust will be your custodian and counterparty for crypto trades while holding your digital assets for you and representing the ownership (yours) on their internal ledger.
Is crypto investing covered by SIPC, FDIC or any other Investor Protection Scheme?
No, crypto holdings are not covered by investor protection schemes like SIPC in the US or the investor compensation schemes in Europe.
Crypto entities are not insured banks, so the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) coverage, $250,000 per depositor, is not applicable.
In addition, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) does not protect digital assets. Brokerage firms are not permitted to have custody of non-securities digital assets. This is why IBKR works with separate providers (Paxos, Zero Hash or zerohash europe) to hold clients’ coins. These crypto brokers/custodians are not broker-dealers, crypto assets are not securities, and so the SIPC coverage of $500,000, which includes a $250,000 limit for cash, does not apply.
Can I trade Bitcoin and Ethereum on Interactive Brokers?
Yes. Bitcoin and Ethereum are available in every region where IBKR offers crypto: the US, the EEA, the UK and Hong Kong.
