An introducing broker program (also called an IB program or partner program) is a broker's offer to pay you for referring clients. Two programs with the same headline rate can pay very differently once you read the details. Go through these ten points before you choose.
1. Regulation of the entity your clients will join
Your reputation depends on the broker your clients trade with. Check the licence on the regulator's own register, and check it applies to the entity that will onboard your clients. A broker group can be FCA-regulated in the UK and offshore-only for everyone else. Our guide on checking broker regulation shows how.
2. The commission model fits your audience
CPA suits large audiences of newer traders, rebates suit active traders and revenue share suits loyal long-term clients. See CPA vs revenue share vs rebates.
3. The real rate, not the headline
"Up to $15 per lot" may apply only to one account type, one instrument or the top volume tier. Ask for the rate you will actually get at your expected volume, by instrument.
4. Qualification rules
For CPA: minimum deposit, minimum lots and the time window. For rebates: minimum trade duration rules, which stop scalping abuse but can also cut your pay.
5. Payout frequency and method
Daily, weekly or monthly; to a bank, wallet or trading account; minimum threshold; fees. See how IB payouts work.
6. Tracking and reporting
You need a partner portal that shows clients, deposits, volume and commission close to real time. If you can't see the numbers, you can't check what you're owed.
7. Client experience
Your clients will judge you by the broker. Test the account opening, deposit and withdrawal process yourself. Slow withdrawals become your problem.
8. Marketing support and rules
Good programs give landing pages, banners, education and a dedicated partner manager. Check the rules too: risk warnings, restricted countries and whether you can bid on the brand in search ads. See forex IB marketing rules.
9. Contract terms
Clawbacks, termination, lifetime commission and changes to terms matter as much as the rate. Use our IB agreement checklist.
10. Reputation with other IBs
Ask other IBs: do they get paid on time, and does the broker keep its promises? On IB2broker, only IBs who actually partnered with a broker can review it.
A quick scorecard
| Check | Good sign | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Licence for the entity your clients join | "Regulated" only for another region |
| Rate | Clear rate per instrument at your volume | "Up to" figures only |
| Payout | Weekly or monthly on a fixed day | "On request", vague timing |
| Reporting | Live portal with client-level data | Monthly spreadsheet by email |
| Contract | Notice before changes, lifetime commission | Changes "at sole discretion" |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best introducing broker program?
There's no single best program. The best one for you is regulated where your clients are, pays in a model that fits your audience, pays on time and treats your clients well.
Can I join more than one IB program?
Usually yes, unless your agreement has an exclusivity clause. Many IBs work with two or three brokers to serve different regions or client types.
Compare IB programs on IB2broker
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