Option Chains

Instructions

View Option Chains on the selected instrument and quickly create an order by clicking the bid or ask price for a specific contract. To do so, please take the steps outlined below.

  1. Click the Trade tab followed by Option Chain

    • Alternatively, click Menu in the top left corner > Trade > Option Chain

    Image displays the Option Chain menu in Portal.

  2. Use the search bar to search for a contract or underlying symbol.

  3. To filter the options displayed, click the Settings icon outlined below

    Image of the option chain settings for an instrument in Portal.

  4. Select any of the layout settings to make changes.

    Image of the option chain settings in Portal.

  5. Click Done.

  6. To create an order from an Option Chain:

    • Use the tabs along the top of the screen to choose an expiration date.

    • The call options will populate on the left and the put options will populate on the right

      • You may change this view by selecting the View button in the top left corner

    • For the contract you want to trade, click the Bid price (for a sell order) or the Ask price (for a buy order).

    • A pop-up will appear on the right hand side with a summary of your trade. Select the blue Order button in the top right corner.

    • The Order Ticket panel will now populate. Modify the order parameters as needed.

    • Elect to Preview or Submit the order.

    • Image of the order ticket in Portal.

  7. To create an option combination order from an Option Chain:

    • Use the tabs along the top of the screen to choose an expiration date.

    • The call options will populate on the left and the put options will populate on the right

      • You may change this view by selecting the View button in the top left corner

    • For the contracts you want to trade, click the Bid price (for a sell order) or the Ask price (for a buy order).

    • As you select multiple contracts, they will be added as legs to your combination.

    • Once you have selected all desired legs, a pop-up will appear on the right hand side with a summary of your trade. Select the blue Order button in the top right corner.

    • The Order Ticket panel will now populate. Modify the order parameters as needed.

    • Elect to Preview or Submit the order.

  8. For convenience, the order fields are pre-filled based on the option contract from which you clicked the Bid or Ask price. These order values can be modified before you submit the order.

 

Additional Resources

Learn About Trading in the Portal at IBKR Campus

Visit the IBKR Advisor Portal Website