Transfer positions from an external broker

How to transfer positions into IBKR from an external broker, including ACATS, plus tips to avoid rejections.

Updated 16 June 2026

Use this guide to move positions from an external broker into your IBKR account. IBKR supports several transfer methods depending on where your current broker is located.

1. Open the Transfer menu

After logging in, click Transfer in the top navigation bar.

IBKR Client Portal navigation bar showing Portfolio, Transfer, Performance & Reports, Market Overview
Click Transfer in the top navigation bar.

2. Select Transfer Positions

In the Transfer menu, click Transfer Positions.

Transfer dropdown menu with Transaction Status & History, Transfer Funds, Transfer Positions, Saved Information, and Direct Deposit/Debit options
Select Transfer Positions from the Transfer menu.

3. Choose Incoming

Click Incoming to transfer assets from an external broker into your IBKR account.

Four transfer direction options: Incoming, Outgoing, Depository/Trading Currency Change, and Internal

Choose Incoming — Transfer Assets into your IBKR account.

4. Select the region of your broker

From the Select Region dropdown, choose the region where your external (delivering) broker is located.

Select a Transfer Method page with a Select Region dropdown open, showing United States, Canada, All Other Regions, and Australia

Select the region that matches your delivering broker’s location.

5. Choose the transfer method

Select the transfer method that applies to your broker. For US broker-to-broker transfers, ACATS (Automated Customer Account Transfer Service) is the most common option.

Transfer method options: ACATS, Free of Payment Transfer of US Securities, Transfer Shares Held at Transfer Agent, and Transfer Employee Stock Options or Share Plan Assets

Select the appropriate transfer method — ACATS for most US broker-to-broker transfers.

6. Enter the delivering broker’s details

Fill in the broker information form with the following details:

  • Broker name — select your current broker from the popular broker list or the dropdown
  • DTC number (for US transfers) or your account number at the delivering broker
  • Account Number at Broker — your account number at the delivering broker
  • Account Title — the name on your account (must match exactly at both brokers)
Enter Broker Information form with Broker where assets are held, Account Number at Broker, Account Title, Account Type, and Tax Identification Number fields

Enter your delivering broker’s details. The Account Title must match exactly between both accounts.

7. Select positions to transfer

Choose whether you want a Full Transfer (all positions) or a Partial Transfer (specific assets). For partial transfers, specify each security by ticker symbol and quantity.

Assets section with 'Transfer all assets?' toggle set to No, and options to authorize removal of unsupported mutual funds

Select full or partial transfer, and confirm which assets to include.

8. Review and submit

Review all details carefully, then confirm and submit the transfer request. IBKR will generate a transfer instruction and send it to your delivering broker.

9. Approve at the delivering broker

Log in to your external broker’s platform (or contact your relationship manager there). Locate the incoming transfer request — they may reach out to you, or you may need to approve it manually. Confirm and authorise the outgoing transfer on their end.

You can monitor the transfer status at any time in the IBKR Client Portal under Transfer & Pay → Transfer Status.

Tips and things to watch out for

Account name must match

The account title must be identical at both brokers. Even a small mismatch will cause the transfer to be rejected.

Outgoing transfer fee

Your current broker may charge an outgoing transfer fee, typically $50–$150. Check with them before initiating.

  • Options, mutual funds, and certain foreign securities may not be transferable and may need to be liquidated before the transfer.
  • Make sure your positions are not restricted or under a trading lock at the delivering broker.
  • IBKR may require positions to be supported and listed on their platform before accepting them.
  • ACATS transfers typically take 3–5 business days to complete.
  • International transfers can take 1–3 weeks, depending on the broker and country.