Connection and Interface

Customers may connect to our trading system through the Internet, extranet, or dedicated line, and may send trades through our Java-based Trader Workstation, Propriatery API or FIX-based message interfaces. See our comparison table below for more information.

Connection Comparison

Only one type of connection may be utilized for each account (account types with multiple accounts, such as advisors, may only have one connection type for all accounts). Switches in connection type can take up to a week.

Connection Type	Internet	Extranet	Dedicated Line
Description of Connection	Standard connection through public internet.	A T1 line routed to one of IB's extranet providers, Radianz or Savvis. They route directly to IB over a secure private line.	Client pays for a T1 line that connects directly to one of IB's Data Centers, which are located throughout the world. A dedicated lease line connects users directly into the IB system and facilitates a quicker and more secure connection than a regular Internet line.
Available Interfaces	TWS API CTCI (FIX)	Same as Internet	Same as Internet
Monthly Minimum Commissions:
TWS	$10.00 ($3 for age 25 and under)	$500.00	$500.00
API	$10.00 ($3 for age 25 and under)	$500.00	$500.00
CTCI	$100.00 $500.00 one time setup fee.	$1,500.00 (line 1) $1,000 (line 2)	$1,500.00 (line 1) $1,000.00 (line 2)

Individuals and Non-pro advisors that require Extranet, Dedicated Line, or CTCI integration should send a request to tac@interactivebrokers.com. Pro Advisors, Institutions, and Brokers requiring integration should contact their sales representative. Integration can take up to a week.

Interface Comparison

TWS, the API, and the CTCI may be run concurrently. Setting up a CTCI account can take up to a week.

Features	TWS	API (Proprietary)	CTCI (FIX)
Description of Application	A java-based electronic trading platform written by IB, available through a browser or as a standalone product.	An application programming interface that allows you to write custom applications that link to TWS using Java, C++, Active X, or DDE (Excel).	Computer-to-computer interface that uses FIX protocol, which allows you to use IB's order routing network to facilitate your own trading application or front-end.
Level of programming expertise required	None	Intermediate to Expert	Expert
Supported Platforms	Windows, MAC, UNIX/Linux	Windows - All APIs MAC, UNIX/Linux - Java API	Windows, MAC, UNIX/Linux
Customer Access	Internet with secure login	Internet with secure login through an active TWS session.	Internet via secure login Extranet Dedicated line
Supported Order Types	All. Please refer to the Order Types page on our website for a full list of all supported order types.	Market Market at the open Limit Limit on Close Pegged to the Market Stop Stop Limit Trailing Stop Relative VWAP	Market Limit Stop Stop Limit Market on Close Limit on Close Hidden Iceberg Pegged to the Market Pegged to Primary Trailing Stop VWAP Combo Conditional Good after time Good until time
Message limit per second	Depends on speed of manual entry	50	150
Method for placing orders	Manual	Proprietary API message	FIX message
Receive real-time portfolio update data	Yes	Yes	No
Receive real-time market data	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sample test application available	N/A	Yes	No
Accessible from multiple IP addresses?	Yes	Yes	Internet - Yes Extranet and Dedicated Line - No
Built-in event/error logging	Yes	Yes	No, must program your own logging.
Advisor allocations	Yes	Yes	Orders may only be sent to one account at a time.
Support	Release Notes User's Guide Customer Service Email: tac@interactivebrokers.com	Software Release Notes User's Guide Email: api@interactivebrokers.com	Individuals and Non-pro Advisors should send an email to tac@interactivebrokers.com in order to request CTCI integration. Pro Advisors, Institutions and Brokers should contact their sales representative for integration information. Integration can take up to one week.
Monthly Minimum Commissions	Internet: $10.00 ($3 for age 25 and under) Extranet and Dedicated Line: $500.00	Same as TWS	Internet: $100.00 $500.00 one time setup fee. Extranet and Dedicated Line: $1,500.00 (line1) $1,000.00 (line2)