Instant Deposits via USDC and Other Stablecoins
Interactive Brokers has introduced a new feature allowing eligible clients to fund their accounts 24/7 using stablecoins. Initially supporting USD Coin (USDC), the service is set to expand to include RLUSD and PayPal USD (PYUSD) in the week of January 19, 2026. This innovation aims to bypass traditional banking delays and costs associated with wire transfers.
The brokerage firm announced on January 15, 2026, that this new capability enables near-instant deposits, granting clients access to over 170 markets within minutes, even on weekends and holidays.
The funding process is facilitated by ZeroHash, a stablecoin infrastructure firm. ZeroHash processes transfers across the Ethereum, Solana, and Base networks. Upon receipt, the stablecoins are converted into U.S. dollars and credited to the client’s brokerage account.
Benefits Over Traditional Wire Transfers
This stablecoin-based system offers a significant improvement over traditional cross-border wire transfers. Such wires typically require one to three business days to settle and can incur fees ranging from $25 to $50 per transaction. The new method allows capital to be deployed almost immediately after the transfer, irrespective of banking hours.
Interactive Brokers will not charge any deposit fees for this service. ZeroHash, however, applies a 0.30% conversion fee, with a minimum charge of $1, for converting stablecoins into USD.
Milan Galik, CEO of Interactive Brokers, stated, "The goal is to deliver the speed and flexibility required in today’s markets."
Integration of Digital Assets for Cash Deposits
This initiative represents an extension of Interactive Brokers' integration of digital asset infrastructure into its operational framework. It is important to note that clients are not directly trading cryptocurrency through this feature. Instead, blockchain networks are being utilized as a mechanism to facilitate cash deposits into brokerage accounts.
The enhanced funding capability allows Interactive Brokers to operate on a 24/7 basis, aligning with the schedules of the global markets its clients access.