Best Brokers That Pay Interest On Uninvested Cash 2024
An increasing number of brokers are paying interest on uninvested cash balances, incentivising clients to keep their funds in trading accounts until they decide to trade. Discover the top brokers offering interest on idle funds in November 2024.
Best Brokers That Pay Interest On Cash
These are the top 3 day trading brokers paying interest on uninvested cash:
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1
Interactive BrokersUSD: 4.8%, GBP: 4.7%
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$0$1001:50FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFMStocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, CryptocurrenciesTrader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentralCheque, ACH Transfer, Wire Transfer, Automated Customer Account Transfer Service, TransferWise, Debit CardUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF -
2
eToro USAUSD: 4.9%Invest $100 and get $10Securities trading offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc. (“the BD”), member of FINRA and SIPC. Cryptocurrency offered by eToro USA LLC (“the MSB”) (NMLS: 1769299) and is not FDIC or SIPC insured. Investing involves risk. https://www.daytrading.com/ is not an affiliate and may be compensated if you access certain products or services offered by the MSB and/or the BD.
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$100$10SEC, FINRAStocks, Options, ETFs, CryptoeToro Trading Platform & CopyTraderACH Transfer, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire TransferUSD -
3
MoomooUSD: 5.1%Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000
Ratings/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5/ 5
$0$01:2SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFCStocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCsDesktop Platform, Mobile AppWire Transfer, ACH TransferUSD, HKD, SGD
Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:
- Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.
- eToro USA - eToro is a social investing platform that offers short-term and long-term trading on stocks, ETFs, options and crypto. The broker is well-known for its user-friendly community-centred platform and competitive fees. With FINRA and SIPC oversight and millions of users across the world, eToro is still one of the most respected brands in the industry. eToro securities trading is offered by eToro USA Securities, Inc.
- Moomoo - Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean, Australian and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand offers a zero-deposit account as well as several bonuses.
Best Brokers That Pay Interest On Uninvested Cash 2024 Comparison
| Broker | Interest Rate | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Platforms | Regulators |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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|
USD: 4.8%, GBP: 4.7% | $0 | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
|
|
USD: 4.9% | $100 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader | SEC, FINRA |
|
|
USD: 5.1% | $0 | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs | Desktop Platform, Mobile App | SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC |
Interactive Brokers
"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
Interactive Brokers Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, Futures, Forex, Funds, Bonds, ETFs, Mutual Funds, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies |
| Regulator | FCA, SEC, FINRA, CFTC, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB, FINMA, AFM |
| Platforms | Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $100 |
| Leverage | 1:50 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, INR, JPY, SEK, NOK, DKK, CHF, AED, HUF |
Pros
- With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
- IBKR is one of the most respected and trusted brokerages and is regulated by top-tier authorities, so you can have confidence in the integrity and security of your trading account.
- There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.
Cons
- Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
- TWS’s learning curve is steep, and beginners may find it challenging to navigate the platform and understand all the features. Plus500's web platform is much better suited to new traders.
- IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.
eToro USA
"eToro remains a top pick for traders looking for leading social investing and copy trading services. With a low deposit, zero commissions and an intuitive platform, the broker will meet the needs of newer day traders."
eToro USA Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Invest $100 and get $10 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, Crypto |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA |
| Platforms | eToro Trading Platform & CopyTrader |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | $10 |
| Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Investors can access Smart Portfolios for a more hands-off approach, covering a range of sectors and markets such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence
- eToro USA Securities is a trustworthy, SEC-regulated broker that is a member of FINRA and SIPC
- A free demo account means new users and prospective day traders can try the broker risk-free
Cons
- The proprietary terminal doesn't support trading bots and there are no additional stock market analysis tools
- Average fees may cut into the profit margins of day traders
- There's no MetaTrader 4 platform integration for traders who are accustomed to using third-party charting tools
Moomoo
"Moomoo remains an excellent choice for new and intermediate stock traders who want to build a diverse investment portfolio. What really stands out is the broker's user-friendly app and the low trading fees."
Moomoo Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | Get up to 15 free stocks worth up to $2000 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs |
| Regulator | SEC, FINRA, MAS, ASIC, SFC |
| Platforms | Desktop Platform, Mobile App |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 |
| Minimum Trade | $0 |
| Leverage | 1:2 |
| Account Currencies | USD, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- There is no minimum deposit requirement making the broker accessible for beginners
- There are reduced options contract fees from $0.65 to $0
- The broker offers access to extended pre-market trading hours
Cons
- There is no negative balance protection, which is a common safety feature at top-tier-regulated brokers
- There is no phone or live chat support - common options at most other brokers
- It's a shame that there is no 2 factor authentication (2FA), despite the other security features on offer
Higher interest rates are forcing brokers to think differently. The last few years have seen interest rates across the US and UK floating around 5% and 4.5% in the Eurozone.
When you can make this without lifting a finger, day trading returns have to be higher to make it a worthwhile activity. And uninvested cash in trading accounts making zero is a lost opportunity.
FAQ
Which Broker Pays The Highest Interest On Uninvested Cash?
We’ve listed the brokers paying the highest interest on uninvested cash, with XTB standing after recently introducing a 5.2% rate on all balances.
However, we don’t recommend choosing a day trading broker solely based on how much interest they’re paying on unused funds. Equally important is the quality of their trading environment, which our ratings take into account.
What Is The Minimum Balance I Need In My Trading Account To Earn Interest?
This varies by online broker. Some brokerages cater to traders with modest balances, notably CMC Markets, paying interest on balances from just $0.01. Other trading platforms cater to investors with higher account balances, notably Saxo, paying interest on $10,000+.
It’s important to consider the amount you plan to leave in your trading account to get the best rate. For example, XTB pays 5+% interest on all balances, while eToro only pays 5% interest on balances of 50k+.
What Do You Need To Do To Earn Interest In A Brokerage Account?
Other than meeting the minimum deposit requirements – mostly nothing. The majority of brokerages automatically pay interest on uninvested cash as long as it is held in the correct account.
For example, Interactive Brokers pays cash on securities accounts only, not commodities accounts. Alternatively, eToro requires traders to hold a Club Member account and switch on ‘Interest on Balance’ in their profile settings.
When Do Brokers Pay Interest On Unused Balances?
Most brokers pay interest monthly, with the interest calculated daily. This means you can add cash to your account on any day throughout the month, and your interest will be calculated from that day.
Platforms generally specify a day of the month that the interest will be paid. For example, XTB pays interest on the 5th working day of the month.
Can Brokers Change Interest Rates?
Yes, the interest rate can change. Brokers decide their interest rates based on government interest rate benchmarks, which will fluctuate depending on the economic environment.
Almost every day trading broker we examined confirmed that interest rates are subject to change with varying frequencies. For example, XTB recalculates their interest rates daily, while at eToro it’s quarterly.
Article Sources
- XTB Details On Cash Interest
- Saxo Details On Cash Interest
- eToro Details On Cash Interest
- AvaTrade Details On Cash Interest
- Interactive Brokers Details On Cash Interest
- CMC Details On Cash Interest
- FreeTrade Details On Cash Interest
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