Recommended · Pro feature

Connect IBKR with a Flex Token & Query ID

This sets up one-click syncing. You'll create an Activity Flex Query (which gives a Query ID) and turn on the Flex Web Service (which gives a Token), then paste both into Helmfolio. You only do this once — it takes about 5–10 minutes.

Time: ~10 min · You'll need: access to IBKR Client Portal on a desktop browser.

Your data stays yours. The token and Query ID are stored on your computer, encrypted by your operating system. When you sync, your machine talks directly to IBKR over HTTPS — nothing passes through Helmfolio's servers.

Part A · Create an Activity Flex Query

This defines what data Helmfolio downloads and produces your Query ID.

  1. 1

    Log in to IBKR Client Portal

    Sign in at interactivebrokers.com on a desktop browser and open Client Portal.

  2. 2

    Open Flex Queries

    Go to Settings (the gear, top-right) and find Flex Queries under the Reporting section. Some accounts show it as Performance & Reports → Flex Queries.

  3. 3

    Create a new Activity Flex Query

    Next to Activity Flex Query, click the + (Create) button. Give it a name like Helmfolio.

  4. 4

    Add the sections — click Select All in each one

    Add each of the five sections below. When you open a section, click Select All so every field is ticked — this is the safest way to make sure no field Helmfolio needs is missed.

    • ✓ Trades — your executions & orders (P/L, commissions, prices)
    • ✓ Open Positions — current holdings & unrealized P/L
    • ✓ Cash Transactions — dividends, interest, fees, deposits/withdrawals
    • ✓ Net Asset Value (NAV) — for the equity curve
    • ✓ Change in NAV — deposits & withdrawals

    Why “Select All” matters: it guarantees the FXRateToBase field is included on Cash Transactions, which Helmfolio uses to convert non-USD dividends, interest and deposits into your base currency. Without it, foreign-currency amounts can be off.

  5. 5

    Set Format, Period & General Configuration

    First the basics:

    • • Format: XML
    • • Period: Last 365 Calendar Days (IBKR's maximum window)

    Then, in the General Configuration panel, set every option to match this table exactly:

    SettingChoose
    Date Format must matchyyyyMMdd
    Time Format must matchHHmmss
    Date/Time Separator must match; (semi-colon)
    Profit and LossDefault
    Include Offsetting Trade/Cancel Pairs?No
    Include Currency Rates?Yes
    Include Audit Trail Fields?No
    Display Account Alias in Place of Account ID?No
    Breakout by Day?No
  6. 6

    Save and copy the Query ID

    Click Continue / Save. IBKR lists your query with a numeric Query ID — copy it. You'll paste it into Helmfolio later.

Get these three exactly right. Helmfolio reads dates as yyyyMMdd, times as HHmmss, separated by a semi-colon (;). If the Date Format, Time Format or separator differ, your trade dates, holding periods and trade cycles will display incorrectly in Helmfolio — even though the statement looks fine on IBKR's side. This is the most common setup mistake.

About “Include Currency Rates?” Helmfolio converts non-base-currency cash (dividends, withholding tax, deposits/withdrawals) using the per-row FXRateToBase field that “Select All” already includes — not the separate currency-rates table. So this toggle is optional; we leave it Yes (it does no harm).

Screenshot placeholder — IBKR "General Configuration" panel with the settings above, plus the Query ID.
Replace this block with <img src="/assets/guides/flex-query-config.png" …>

Part B · Turn on the Flex Web Service

This produces your Token — the key that lets Helmfolio request your query.

  1. 7

    Find the Flex Web Service Configuration

    On the same Flex Queries page, look for the Flex Web Service Configuration panel (usually near the top or bottom of the page).

  2. 8

    Enable it

    Click the configure/gear icon, set the status to Active, and save. You may be asked to confirm with two-factor authentication.

  3. 9

    Generate & copy the Token

    IBKR shows a long Current Token (a string of numbers). Copy it now — you may not be able to view it in full again later.

Good to know. A new token can take a few minutes to activate. The token is valid for about one year, after which you'll regenerate it here. Keep it private — anyone with the token and Query ID could download your statements.

Part C · Enter them in Helmfolio

  1. 10

    Open Helmfolio settings

    In Helmfolio, open Settings (the gear) and find the IBKR Flex Web Service section.

  2. 11

    Paste the Token and Query ID

    Paste both, then click Save. They're encrypted by your OS and never uploaded.

  3. 12

    Sync

    Click Sync IBKR Flex Now on the dashboard. Your trades, positions, NAV and cash flow in automatically — and every future sync merges new data without duplicates.

Troubleshooting

"Token expired" or "invalid token"

Tokens expire about a year after creation. Go back to Flex Web Service Configuration, generate a fresh token, and paste the new one into Helmfolio's settings.

"No data" or empty sync

Open your Flex Query and confirm the sections (Trades, Open Positions, Cash Transactions, NAV, Change in NAV) are selected and the period covers dates with activity. Save the query, then sync again.

I can't find Flex Queries in the menu

IBKR's menus differ by account type and change over time. Use the portal search box for "Flex", or look under Settings → Account Settings → Reporting. If you're still stuck, IBKR client services can point you to it.

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