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What is Interactive Brokers Maximum Forex and CFDs Leverage?

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Interactive Brokers is available in US
FULL Interactive Brokers OVERVIEW

Editorial Note: While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for How We Make Money. None of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer.

The maximum leverage on Interactive Brokers is 30:1. This highest leverage level is available for major currency pairs. In some jurisdictions, there may be regulations that limit the maximum leverage available to traders. These measures ensure compliance with local laws while providing a safer trading environment for traders.

Interactive Brokers Maximum Leverage Per Regulatory Body
FCA UK EUR/USD maximum leverage is 30:1
ASIC EUR/USD maximum leverage is 30:1
NFA EUR/USD maximum leverage is Variable
CFTC EUR/USD maximum leverage is Variable
DFSA EUR/USD maximum leverage is 50:1
EUR/USD maximum leverage is
CIRO EUR/USD maximum leverage is 50:1
MAS EUR/USD maximum leverage is 20:1
Sebi EUR/USD maximum leverage is 50:1
SEC EUR/USD maximum leverage is CFTC limits
FINRA EUR/USD maximum leverage is CFTC limits
EUR/USD maximum leverage is
Warning

There is a high level of risk involved when trading leveraged products such as Forex/CFDs. Between 65% and 82% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

What is Interactive Brokers maximum leverage for EUR/USD, Gold and Apple Stock?

The maximum leverage offered by Interactive Brokers depends on the specific regulatory framework and the trading instruments involved. It also varies based on the division of the broker where the trader has opened an account and the trader’s country of citizenship. Below, we have gathered the regulatory information that Interactive Brokers adheres to and the current leverage limits imposed by various regulators.

Interactive Brokers is regulated by:

  • FCA UK
  • ASIC
  • NFA
  • CFTC
  • DFSA
  • CIRO
  • MAS
  • Sebi
  • SEC
  • FINRA
Leverage Rules Set by Interactive Brokers’s Regulators
FCA UK ASIC NFA CFTC DFSA CIRO MAS Sebi SEC FINRA
Country of regulation United Kingdom Australia United States United States Dubai Canada Singapore India United States United States
Regulation Tier Tier-1 Regulators are considered the highest level of reliability and trust in the regulatory world. Tier-1 regulators enforce stringent rules on maximum leverage levels to protect retail traders from excessive risk. Tier-2 and Tier-3 regulators have significantly fewer restrictions compared to Tier-1 regulators. These regulators impose fewer limitations, brokers may still choose to limit leverage for the most volatile assets to mitigate risks. Tier-1 Tier-1 Tier-1 Tier-1 Tier-2 Tier-1 Tier-1 Tier-2 Tier-1 Tier-1
EUR/USD and other
majors These pairs include EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, USD/CHF, AUD/USD, and USD/CAD. These are the most traded currencies globally and typically have the highest leverage limits because they are highly liquid and have lower volatility compared to minor or exotic pairs.
30:1 30:1 Variable Variable 50:1 50:1 20:1 50:1 CFTC limits CFTC limits
Minor currency
pairs These pairs, such as EUR/GBP, AUD/CAD, GBP/JPY, EUR/AUD, NZD/JPY, and CHF/JPY, are less frequently traded than major pairs, resulting in lower liquidity and higher volatility.
20:1 20:1 20:1 20:1 20:1 20:1 20:1 CFD trading is not allowed CFTC limits CFTC limits
Shares (CFDs) 5:1 5:1 CFD trading is not allowed Not allowed for retail investors 10:1 5:1 10:1 CFD trading is not allowed CFTC limits CFTC limits
Gold 10:1 10:1 10:1 10:1 50:1 10:1 10:1 CFD trading is not allowed CFTC limits CFTC limits
Cryptocurrencies
(CFDs) In some countries, trading cryptocurrencies through CFDs (Contract for Difference) is not available due to regulatory restrictions. It is important to check with broker Interactive Brokers for the availability of this asset in your region
2:1 2:1 CFD trading is not allowed Not allowed for retail investors 5:1 2:1 2:1 CFD trading is not allowed CFTC limits CFTC limits

Ho to identify Interactive Brokers's branch for your account

To determine which branch of the broker your account is opened with, follow these steps:

  • Review your agreement:

    • Check the initial account opening agreement or contract, typically under sections titled "Account Details," "Regulatory Information," or "Jurisdiction."
  • Contact customer support:

    • Method: Reach out to the Interactive Brokers’s customer support via chat, email, or phone.
  • Visit Interactive Brokers’s website:

    • Method: Refer to the broker’s official website.
    • Where to look: Navigate to sections like “About Us,” “Regulatory Information,” or “Legal Information” to find a list of branches and corresponding regulatory jurisdictions.

How much EUR/USD, Gold, and shares can I buy with $200 at Interactive Brokers with leverage?

When trading on margin with Interactive Brokers, we recommend adhering to risk management rules and following Tier-1 regulatory guidelines. Specifically, avoid using leverage higher than 30:1 for EUR/USD, 10:1 for Gold, and 5:1 for Appl stock (CFDs). Below is a breakdown of what you can control with $200, according to prices as of the beginning of July 2025:

Instrument Leverage Buying Power Price Equivalent in Lots/Shares
EURUSD 30:1 $6,600 1,1585 0.06 standard lots or 6 micro lots.
Gold (XAU/USD) 10:1 $2,000 3337,43 0.01 standard lot (1 micro lot)
Apple Stocks 5:1 $1,000 211,29 4-5 shares

Is Interactive Brokers a high leverage broker?

Brokers that offer a maximum leverage exceeding 100:1 for the EURUSD pair are considered high leverage brokers.

Since the maximum leverage at Interactive Brokers is 30:1, which does not exceed the 100:1 threshold, Interactive Brokers is not considered a high leverage broker. This aligns with more conservative risk management practices and regulatory guidelines.

Can I trade with $10 at Interactive Brokers?

No, you cannot trade effectively with $10 at Interactive Brokers if the leverage is less than 100:1. For instance, with a leverage of 30:1, you would need $30.30 to buy even a micro lot (0.01 lot) of EUR/USD.

Example Calculation:

  • Leverage: 30:1
  • Required for Micro Lot: $1,000 / 33 ≈ $30.30
  • Shortfall: You would need approximately $30.30 to buy 0.01 micro lots with 30:1 leverage.

Therefore, if the leverage provided by Interactive Brokers is less than 100:1, you would not be able to open a trade with just $10.

How to change maximum leverage at Interactive Brokers?

By default, broker Interactive Brokers sets the maximum leverage for all trades. However, you can limit your leverage through account settings.

  • Login to Your Account:

    • Access your broker’s web platform or client portal and log in with your credentials.
  • Go to Account Settings:

    • Navigate to the "Account Settings" or "Profile" section where you can manage your account preferences.
  • Find Leverage Settings:

    • Look for the leverage settings. This might be under "Trading Preferences" or a similar section.
  • Submit a Change Request:

    • If leverage adjustment is not directly available, you may need to submit a request. Look for options like "Request Leverage Change" or contact customer support.
  • Confirm Changes:

    • Follow the broker’s instructions to confirm and apply the new leverage settings. This might involve filling out a form or sending an email request.
Need Help?

If you encounter any difficulties, you can reach out to customer support through the following channels

00800-42-276537,+41-41-726-9500, +44 207-710-5695

Customer support will guide you through the process and help resolve any issues you may have.

Practical insights for Interactive Brokers leveraged trading

When choosing a position size strategy for trading with Interactive Brokers, it's important to consider proper risk management techniques even though the platform offers high leverage levels. Research shows that limiting each trade's risk to 1% of the overall account value leads to better long-term results for traders compared to those who do not impose such risk controls. Specifically, a study from the Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance found that 82% of consistently profitable traders adhere to strict position sizing rules.

By determining position sizes based on a set risk percentage per trade, rather than simply taking advantage of full leverage amounts, traders can potentially avoid unprofitable outcomes. For example, a $10,000 account holder following the 1% rule would limit risk to $100 per trade with Interactive Brokers, regardless of allowable 1:500 leverage levels. Maintaining discipline with a predefined strategy in this way has been shown to enhance trading performance over time.