How to Open an Interactive Brokers (IBKR) Account in the Philippines
If you’re a Filipino who wants to invest in U.S. stocks, ETFs, or global markets, Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is one of the best platforms available. Unlike most local brokers in the Philippines that only give access to the PSE (Philippine Stock Exchange), IBKR lets you trade worldwide, from U.S. tech giants like Apple and Tesla, to ETFs like VOO, and even forex or options if you want to expand further.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for Filipinos who want to open an Interactive Brokers account.
Step 1: Interactive Brokers Website
Visit interactivebrokers.com.
Click Open Account at the top right of the page.
Use my link to open your own account with IBKR
Step 2: Start Your Application
Fill in the initial registration form:
Full Name
Email address
Username and Password
Country of Residence: Philippines
After this, you’ll receive a confirmation email to proceed.
Step 3: Provide Personal and Financial Information
Log in and complete your profile. IBKR requires detailed information because they are a regulated international broker. You’ll be asked for:
Contact information such as your address and phone number in the Philippines
Date of Birth and Citizenship
Tax Identification Number (TIN) required for Filipinos
Employment and financial details such as occupation, annual income, net worth, and investment experience
This helps IBKR determine your trading permissions and comply with regulations.
Step 4: Choose Your Account Type
Filipinos usually open an Individual account for personal investing. Other options like Joint, Corporate, Trust, or Retirement accounts are available but not common for first-time investors.
Step 5: Select Base Currency and Trading Permissions
Base Currency: Most Filipinos choose USD since they plan to invest in U.S. markets.
Trading Permissions: Start with Stocks and ETFs. You can add Options, Futures, Forex, or Bonds later when you are ready.
Step 6: Verify Your Identity (KYC)
IBKR will ask for:
Valid Government ID such as a Philippine passport, driver’s license, or UMID
Proof of Address such as a recent utility bill, credit card statement, or bank statement with your name and Philippine address
Upload clear scanned copies or photos. Verification usually takes 1 to 3 business days.
Step 6.1: Submit the W-8BEN Form
As part of account verification, IBKR will also ask you to fill out the W-8BEN form. This form is required for all non-U.S. residents, including Filipinos.
It certifies that you are not a U.S. taxpayer.
It ensures the correct withholding tax rate is applied to your U.S. dividends.
For Filipinos, the tax treaty rate is 25% (instead of the default 30%).
IBKR will guide you through filling this out online during the application process, so you don’t need to download or submit a paper form separately.
Step 7: Fund Your Account from the Philippines
After approval, you’ll get your IBKR account number. To deposit money:
Log in to Client Portal.
Go to Transfer & Pay → Transfer Funds.
Select Bank Wire Transfer.
💡 Best Option for Filipinos:
The most convenient way to fund your IBKR account is through Wise Philippines. With Wise, you can:
Send USD directly to IBKR’s bank account
Enjoy lower transfer fees compared to local bank wires
Get better exchange rates if you are converting from PHP to USD
Step 8: Download the Trading Platform
IBKR has several platforms to suit your level:
Client Portal (Web) simple and user-friendly
IBKR Mobile trade on your phone anytime
IBKR Desktop (Trader Workstation, TWS) advanced tools for experienced traders
Filipino beginners usually start with the Client Portal or Mobile App.
Step 9: Start Trading Global Markets
Once your funds arrive, you can start buying U.S. and international stocks. Simply search for the company or ETF (for example, AAPL, NVDA, VOO) and place your buy order.
Disclaimer: Trade at you own risk. This is not financial advice.
Trading Hours are in US time for it is 9:30PM in the Philippines and add 1 hour or 10:30PM during Daylight Saving time.
Want to start investing in foreign stocks?
Use my link to create your account today!
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