Interest-bearing forex accounts—also known as yield-generating or swap accounts—allow traders to earn interest on idle margin or open positions when positive swap rates apply. These accounts are particularly attractive for carry traders and investors who hold long-term positions aligned with central bank differentials. But not all brokers offer competitive interest terms, and some impose restrictions that dilute potential gains. This guide explains what are the best forex brokers for interest-bearing accounts and how to choose the right one based on your goals.

What Is an Interest-Bearing Forex Account?

An interest-bearing account in forex refers to:

• Swap or rollover interest earned for holding positions overnight, based on interest rate differentials
• Accounts that pay interest on unused cash or margin balances
• Broker models that enable carry trading strategies, where traders profit from interest rate spreads between currency pairs

These accounts can generate passive yield in addition to price movement profits.

Key Features to Evaluate in Interest-Bearing Forex Accounts

1. Transparent and Positive Swap Rates

A top broker will:

• Clearly display daily swap rates on long and short positions
• Offer positive swaps on pairs like AUD/JPY, NZD/JPY, or USD/MXN
• Update swap rates regularly based on central bank policies and market liquidity
• Provide triple swaps on Wednesdays (for weekend rollover) with clear documentation

This is essential for profitable carry trading and swap yield optimisation.

2. Interest on Margin Balances

Some brokers pay:

• Annual interest on unused cash balance or margin collateral
• Yield depending on account type, tier, and currency
• Rates that track major overnight benchmark rates (e.g. SOFR, ESTR)

These accounts reward disciplined traders who don’t use full margin.

3. Islamic (Swap-Free) Account Alternatives

If you’re trading in accordance with Sharia law:

• Brokers should offer swap-free accounts with no overnight interest
• These may involve fixed fees instead of interest-based rollover
• Ensure they’re available on standard, ECN, or premium account types

This ensures ethical compliance without sacrificing flexibility.

4. Multi-Currency Accounts and Tiered Interest

Premium brokers offer:

• Accounts denominated in USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, AUD, etc.
• Different interest rates depending on account size or tier
• Clear segmentation of interest earned on cash vs. leveraged positions

Flexibility in currency and interest structure is ideal for sophisticated investors.

5. Daily Reporting and Compounding Options

Interest-bearing brokers provide:

• Daily breakdowns of earned interest or rollover costs
• Real-time accrual tracking via trading platforms
• Integration with profit/loss and tax reports
• Some offer compounded interest payouts monthly or quarterly

Visibility helps manage expectations and evaluate strategy performance.

Top Forex Brokers Offering Interest-Bearing Accounts

1. IC Markets

• Provides competitive swap rates on all major and minor pairs
• Swap calculator and daily rate publication available via client portal
• ECN environment suited for carry traders and long-term investors
• Does not offer interest on cash balances, but very swap-transparent

2. TiBiGlobe

• Tailored for professional traders and macro strategies
• Offers customised interest-bearing solutions on idle margin
• Swap-optimised account structures with transparent funding rates
• Great for institutional-style carry trades and multi-currency accounts

3. ThinkMarkets

• Displays live swap rates on ThinkTrader platform
• Swap-free account options available upon request
• Suitable for discretionary traders seeking passive swap accrual
• Provides educational content on interest-bearing strategies

4. AvaTrade

• Offers positive swap opportunities on selected pairs
• AvaTradeGO app includes swap visibility and projected earnings
• Islamic accounts available with fixed admin fee structure
• Best for beginners looking to explore carry trading strategies

5. Vantage

• ECN and Standard accounts provide full overnight swap visibility
• Swap rates updated in real time with platform-based calculators
• High leverage can magnify swap yield (with proper risk control)
• Suitable for medium-term position traders

6. Intertrader

• UK-based broker with predictable overnight rate structure
• Fixed spread model ensures cost certainty around rollover
• Conservative interest-bearing conditions, ideal for stability-focused traders

How to Choose the Right Broker for Swap or Interest Yield

1. Compare daily swap rates using the broker’s calculator or market info section
2. Review interest paid on margin balances, not just open positions
3. Confirm whether interest is credited daily, monthly, or upon withdrawal
4. Ask about swap-free options if you need ethical alternatives
5. Read all terms on rollover timing, triple swaps, and rate adjustments

Red Flags to Avoid

• No transparency on swap rates or hidden overnight costs
• Variable interest policies that change without notice
• No published schedule of rollover times or rate conditions
• Excessively wide spreads that cancel out swap yield
• Interest only paid on extremely high balances (e.g. $100,000+)

These signs suggest poor yield reliability or weak account terms.

Conclusion

Interest-bearing accounts can enhance returns when used strategically, especially in carry trades or for margin-efficient investors. By understanding what are the best forex brokers for interest-bearing accounts, you can align with a broker that supports both price and yield potential—while maintaining transparency and control.

To learn how to incorporate carry trading, swap optimisation, and interest strategies into your trading plan, explore the interest-based trading module at Traders MBA.