I've used Interactive Brokers for about 15 years. I was recently reviewing my Market Data Subscriptions and realized that there are a lot of choices for new users of Interactive Brokers to navigate.

If you are an option trader who primarily trades the U.S. equity indexes, here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Login to your Account Management home on the Interactive Brokers web site.

Interactive Brokers Account Management Home Image

Step 2: Navigate to “Manage Account” > “Trade Configuration” > “Market Data”

Navigate to Market Data Image

Step 3: Click on the “Market Data Assistant” button.

Market Data Assistant Button Image

Step 4: Enter the symbol you want to trade and find where it's traded. Notice if the symbol you want to trade is included in the “US Value Bundle” or not.

Market Data Assistant Search Image

Step 5: The “US Value Bundle” and “US Options” are normally all you need to trade the US equities, equity indexes and options. There are some exceptions but this is a good setting for most people.

Market Data Selections Image

Step 6: After you make your selections, click the “Confirm” button at the bottom of the page. You'll be asked to confirm your status (normally non-professional) and then you'll see a summary of what you are subscribed to.

Market Data Subscription Confirmation Image

Step 7: Restart Trader Workstation (TWS) to have your new market data choices reflected in TWS.

Restart Trader Workstation (TWS) Image

Summary

By carefully selecting the market data you subscribe to, you won't over-pay for data you aren't using. See if the US Value Bundle and US Options are all you need or not. You can potentially save yourself some money!