Broker setup · Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers multi-account orders in TraderDesk
TraderDesk connects to Interactive Brokers through the Client Portal Gateway, which runs on your PC and uses your IBKR login. It can route stocks, options and futures where your account has the permissions, and it supports several IBKR accounts at once. The gateway must stay running while you trade.
What routes
What can you route on Interactive Brokers?
Stocks, futures and options where permitted. Segments below are the ones the current build shows. Your account still needs the permissions and data subscriptions the broker requires.
- Stocks, ETFs and listed options, subject to IBKR permissions.
- Futures where your IBKR account has futures approval and market-data entitlements.
- Paper and live IBKR accounts, each added separately.
- Several IBKR accounts from one gateway session where IBKR allows it.
Setup
How to connect Interactive Brokers to TraderDesk
Four steps. The exact labels differ in the broker's dashboard, but the sequence is the same.
- 01
Download the Client Portal Gateway
Get the gateway from Interactive Brokers and run it on the same Windows PC as TraderDesk.
- 02
Sign in through the gateway
Open the gateway page in your browser and complete the IBKR login, including two-factor authentication.
- 03
Connect in TraderDesk
Choose Interactive Brokers and point the connection at the local gateway. Confirm the accounts and permissions appear.
- 04
Check data and permissions
Futures and some options need separate permissions and market-data subscriptions in IBKR. Confirm them before sending an order.
Before you go live
- The Client Portal Gateway must be running and logged in; if it stops, orders cannot be routed.
- IBKR sessions expire and may require you to sign in again during the day.
- Futures, options and certain markets require additional IBKR permissions and market-data subscriptions.
- IBKR may apply its own order limits, order types and routing rules.
Multi-account
Can you trade several Interactive Brokers accounts at once?
Add each account as its own connection, then tick the accounts you want on the order ticket. Each account reports its own result, so a rejection on one does not hide the outcome on another.
- Every account has its own label on the order ticket.
- The send button states how many accounts will receive the order.
- Results are shown per account after the order is sent.
- Risk limits are applied before routing, on your PC.
Interactive Brokers questions
Common Interactive Brokers questions
Do I need TWS or the Client Portal Gateway?
TraderDesk uses the Client Portal Gateway, not TWS. The gateway runs locally, and you sign in through your browser.
Why does the IBKR connection drop?
Gateway sessions expire, the gateway process can stop, or the login may need two-factor confirmation again. Restart the gateway and sign in, then reconnect.
Can I trade futures through IBKR in TraderDesk?
Futures appear where your IBKR account has futures permissions and the relevant market-data subscriptions. Confirm both with IBKR before relying on the connection.
Can I use an IBKR paper account?
Yes. Add the paper account as its own connection and keep it separate from the live account on the order ticket.
Other connections
Compare the other broker setups
GET STARTED
Try the Interactive Brokers workflow with demo accounts.
Download the Windows build, practise on the demo accounts, then connect a paper or sandbox account before using live credentials.