How to Open an IBKR Paper Trading Account

Duration 1:54

Level Beginner

Capital you invest is at risk. | Capital you invest is at risk.

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An IBKR paper trading account is a great place to start If you’re new to trading or want to test strategies without putting your actual funds at risk.

To get started, it’s important to note that IBKR only allows access to its paper trading account after opening an actual, funded account. If you need any help applying for one,

you can get more details in our ‘Getting Started at IBKR’ course on Traders’ Academy, or visit our website to complete an application.

Now, you don’t need to fund your live account straight away, but it must be approved before paper trading is made available.

Once your live account is approved, or if you’re already an IBKR client with a live account, you’re just a few clicks away from accessing paper trading. Here’s how:

Log into IBKR’s Client Portal, then, from the side menu, select Settings, then Paper Trading Account – listed under the Account Configuration selections; once there,
Establish unique credentials for the Paper Trading Account – a username and password, which you’ll use to log into the separate, simulated trading environment.
Once completed, your Paper Trading Account will be made available with its own account number.

And that’s it!

Notice that when you log in, your account will come pre-funded with US $1 million in simulated buying power. That means you can begin placing trades, experimenting with tools, and testing strategies—all in a safe, simulated, and financially risk-free trading environment.

In our next lesson, we’ll dive into some of the platforms, features, and configurations available with your paper trading account.

Learn More

Traders’ Academy

Traders’ Academy (US Campus) (EU Campus)

New IBKR Institutional Account: Requesting a Paper Trading Account

Getting Started for Financial Advisors: Signing-up for a Paper Trading Account

How to Open an Account, Deposit, and Withdraw Funds

IBKR Guides

Paper Trading Account

IBKR Website

Start a Free Trial

Guide to Choosing the Right Account

What You Need for the Application

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If you have a general question, it may already be covered in our FAQs page. go to: IBKR Ireland FAQs or IBKR U.K. FAQs. If you have an account-specific question or concern, please reach out to Client Services: IBKR Ireland or IBKR U.K..

Visit IBKR Ireland Open an IBKR Ireland Account
Visit IBKR U.K. Open an IBKR U.K. Account

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The analysis in this material is provided for information only and is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security. To the extent that this material discusses general market activity, industry or sector trends or other broad-based economic or political conditions, it should not be construed as research or investment advice. To the extent that it includes references to specific securities, commodities, currencies, or other instruments, those references do not constitute a recommendation by IBKR to buy, sell or hold such investments. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.

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