Best Brokers That Pay Interest On Uninvested Cash 2025
We’ve thoroughly tested brokers and selected the top providers offering interest on uninvested cash in May 2025 so you earn returns on idle funds.
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Interest Rates
USD: 4.9%
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Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.3 Interest Rates
USD: 4.8%, GBP: 4.7%
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3
Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.3 Interest Rates
USD: 5.1%
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Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.9 Interest Rates
USD: 2.7%
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Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.8 Interest Rates
USD: 2%, GBP: 4.5%, EUR: 1.25%
Compare The Best Brokers Paying Interest On Cash
Safety Comparison
Compare how safe the Best Brokers That Pay Interest On Uninvested Cash 2025 are.
Mobile Trading Comparison
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Comparison for Beginners
Compare how suitable the Best Brokers That Pay Interest On Uninvested Cash 2025 are for beginners.
Comparison for Advanced Traders
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Accounts Comparison
Compare the trading accounts offered by Best Brokers That Pay Interest On Uninvested Cash 2025.
Detailed Rating Comparison
Compare how we rated the Best Brokers That Pay Interest On Uninvested Cash 2025 in key areas.
Fee and Cost Comparison
Compare the cost of trading with the Best Brokers That Pay Interest On Uninvested Cash 2025.
Broker Popularity
See how popular the Best Brokers That Pay Interest On Uninvested Cash 2025 are in terms of number of clients.
Broker | Popularity |
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Moomoo |
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Interactive Brokers |
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eToro USA |
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XTB |
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AvaTrade |
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Why Trade With eToro USA?
eToro is a top choice for traders due to its top-notch social investing and copy trading services. The broker caters well to new traders with its low deposit requirement, commission-free trading, and user-friendly platform.
Pros
- A free demo account enables new users and potential traders to test the broker without risk.
- The low minimum deposit and simple account setup allow beginners to start trading quickly.
- eToro USA Securities is a reliable broker that's regulated by the SEC, part of FINRA, and a member of SIPC.
Cons
- The exclusive terminal does not accommodate trading bots and lacks extra equity market analysis tools.
- Traders used to third-party charting tools won't find MetaTrader 4 platform integration.
- Average fees can reduce the profits of traders.
Why Trade With Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers is ideal for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, updated data, and adaptability, especially with the IBKR Desktop application. Its exceptional pricing and advanced order features appeal to traders, and its variety of stocks remains unmatched in the market.
Pros
- There's a large selection of free or paid research subscriptions available to all traders. If you subscribe to Toggle AI, you will also receive commission refunds from IBKR.
- IBKR is a highly regarded brokerage, regulated by prime authorities. This ensures the safety and reliability of your trading account.
- Interactive Brokers was named Best US Broker for 2025 by DayTrading.com for its dedication to US traders, ultra-low margin rates, and affordable global market access.
Cons
- IBKR offers many research tools. However, the tools are not uniformly distributed across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page, causing confusion for the users.
- Customer service may take time to respond, and there may be delays in fixing problems based on tests. It could be difficult to reach the customer service promptly.
- Only one active session per account is allowed, which means you can't run the desktop version and mobile app at the same time. This can sometimes lead to a frustrating trading experience.
Why Trade With Moomoo?
Moomoo is a great option for beginner and intermediate traders aiming to diversify their investment portfolio. The brokerage's app is easily navigable and the trading fees are significantly low.
Pros
- Moomoo is a FINRA and SIPC member, providing additional security for potential clients interested in trading.
- Moomoo is a licensed entity with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
- The broker provides early access to trading hours before the market opens.
Cons
- Regrettably, even with its existing security features, this platform still lacks 2 factor authentication (2FA).
- The protection against negative balance, a standard security measure at highly regulated brokers, is not available here.
- The broker doesn't offer phone or live chat support, options typically provided by other brokers.
Why Trade With AvaTrade?
AvaTrade provides traders with essential tools: an intuitive WebTrader, strong AvaProtect risk management, a quick 5-minute sign-up, and reliable support for fast-paced markets.
Pros
- The WebTrader performed well in our tests, featuring an easy-to-use interface for beginners and strong charting tools, including 6 chart layouts and over 60 technical indicators.
- Years later, AvaTrade is still among the few brokers with a custom risk management tool, AvaProtect, which insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is simple to use on the platform.
- AvaTrade enhances its products with AvaFutures, offering an alternative to trade over 35 markets with low trading margins.
Cons
- Signing up is easy, but AvaTrade doesn't offer an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides raw spreads and fast execution that many traders want.
- The AvaSocial app is satisfactory but could be better. Its design, usability, and navigation between strategy providers and account management need improvement to compete with top platforms like eToro.
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but it needs more customization as widgets like market watch and watchlists can't be hidden, moved, or resized.
Why Trade With XTB?
XTB is a leading choice for new traders due to its exceptional xStation platform, no commission costs, no mandatory deposit, and high-quality educational resources, most of which are smoothly incorporated into the platform.
Pros
- XTB provides swift same-day withdrawals for requests made before 1 pm. This grants traders prompt access to their funds.
- The xStation platform stands out with its easy-to-use interface and intuitive features. These include personalized news feeds, sentiment heat maps, and a trading calculator, making it simpler for new traders.
- XTB increased its interest rate on uninvested funds and introduced zero-fee ISAs for UK clients, offering 3,000 stocks and 700 ETFs for varied trading options.
Cons
- XTB does not provide a raw spread account. This is often given by competitors such as Pepperstone. This can be of disadvantage to traders searching for the narrowest spreads.
- Trading costs are fair with typical spreads of around 1 pip on the EUR/USD. However, they're not as low as those offered by the least expensive brokers, like IC Markets. Also, an inactivity fee applies after one year.
- The demo account ends in four weeks. This is a limit for traders wanting to fully explore the xStation platform and try out strategies before using actual money.
Filters
Note: Interest rates and terms are subject to change. For the most current information, consult the respective broker’s official website or contact customer service.
Methodology
We routinely investigate and track interest rates on unused cash across multiple currencies to find the best brokers offering high-yield accounts.
Beyond interest payments, we test each broker across 8 core areas and 200+ data points, assigning an overall rating to rank the best all-around brokers that also offer competitive interest on idle funds.
What to Look for in a Broker That Pays Interest on Cash
We know from our investigations that not all brokers handle idle cash the same way. Some actively reward you for keeping cash in your account, while others do nothing – or worse, charge fees that eat into your potential earnings.
Here’s what to focus on when choosing a broker:
Interest Rates: How Much Can You Earn?
- Brokers offer different rates on unused cash, often tied to market conditions.
- Some pay a fixed interest rate, while others adjust rates based on the federal funds rate.
- Compare brokerage rates with traditional savings accounts and money market funds.
For UK and European traders, XTB stand out with high interest rates and easy access. At the same time, Interactive Brokers remains a solid choice for those with more significant account balances.
Cash Sweep Programs vs. Money Market Funds: What’s the Difference?
- Cash Sweep Programmes: Automatically move idle cash into interest-bearing accounts, typically FDIC-insured or FCIS-protected bank accounts.
- Money Market Funds: Invest unused cash in low-risk securities with potentially higher returns but no FDIC insurance.
- Understand which option your broker offers and how accessible your cash remains.
Minimum Balance Requirements and Eligibility Criteria
- Some brokers only offer interest on balances above a certain threshold.
- Higher-tier accounts or premium memberships may unlock better rates.
- Check if you need to opt in or if interest is automatically applied.
Fees and Limitations to Watch Out For
- Some brokers charge fees for participating in cash programmes, negating your interest gains.
- Withdrawal restrictions may apply, limiting liquidity when you need it.
- Hidden conditions, like only paying interest on settled cash, could reduce earnings.
How to Trade Smart with Brokers That Offer Cash Interest
Earning interest on idle cash is great, but how do you balance that with an active trading strategy? Here are some key tactics:
Optimizing Your Cash Balance to Earn More
- Keep a portion of your funds in interest-earning accounts instead of reinvesting everything.
- Adjust your cash allocation based on market conditions – stay liquid during volatility.
- Use brokers that allow automated cash management so your funds are always working.
When to Leave Cash Idle vs. Putting It to Work
- Hold cash when waiting for trade opportunities, reducing exposure in uncertain markets.
- Deploy cash in short-term investments like Treasury bills or ETFs if interest rates are low.
- Find a balance between liquidity, risk, and return based on your strategy.
Trading Strategies That Complement Cash-Earning Accounts
- Swing trading: Earn interest between trades when holding cash for days or weeks.
- Options trading: Use cash-secured puts to generate additional income.
- Dividend investing: Pair high-yield dividend stocks with a cash-interest account for dual income streams.
FAQ
When Do Brokers Pay Interest on Unused Balances?
From our analysis, interest is typically paid monthly and calculated daily. You can top up your account any day, and your interest will accrue from that point.
Brokers generally specify a payment day in the month.
Can Brokers Change Interest Rates?
Yes, brokers can change interest rates. Rates generally often depend on economic factors and government benchmarks.
Most brokers update their rates periodically, such as XTB, which recalculates daily, or eToro, which does so quarterly.
Should I Put My Idle Cash in an Interest-Paying Account With a Brokerage?
If you’re a trader or investor, chances are you have some unused cash sitting in your brokerage account from time to time. Maybe you’re waiting for the perfect trade setup or just closed a position and haven’t reinvested yet.
The good news? Some brokers actually reward you for that idle cash, offering interest payments or other perks that can help boost your bottom line.
But, not all brokers handle unused cash the same way. Some offer competitive interest rates, while others may charge hidden fees or have strict requirements to qualify for those payouts.
That’s why choosing the best brokers for unused cash on account is crucial – you want to maximize your earnings even when you’re not actively trading.
What Are The Pros and Cons of Brokers That Reward Unused Cash?
Pros:
- Passive Income – Your cash earns money even when you’re not trading.
- Enhanced Liquidity – Immediate access to funds when needed for trades.
- Safety – FDIC-insured sweep accounts provide security compared to riskier investments.
- Compounded Earnings – Interest can add up over time, increasing overall profitability.
Cons:
- Potential Fees – Some brokers charge for sweep programs, reducing net gains.
- Lower Yields vs. Other Investments – Returns may lag behind money market funds or bonds.
- Limitations on Access – Some programmes require waiting before withdrawing cash.
- Variable Rates – Interest rates fluctuate based on the broker’s terms and market conditions.