Direct answer
What does it mean for a basket to be checked before sending?
Automated checks verify every order against the broker requirements before you see a Send button: correct field names, market-open order type, the right tickers (including China A-share ETF mapping), fractional-share rules, total value, and file integrity. If any check fails, the basket is not shown as ready.
The rules that matter
Small errors break real orders: a field named LmtPrice instead of LimitPrice, an order type that IBKR does not accept at open, a restricted ticker, or fractional shares on an account that does not allow them.
What is verified
- Correct order fields and values
- Market-open order type with a limit price
- China A-share tickers mapped to an eligible ETF
- Fractional quantities within account rules
- Total value inside the account range
- File parses cleanly with the expected number of orders
When a check fails
The basket stays blocked. You see which check failed and why, so the problem is visible instead of failing at the broker after you pressed send.
Limits
- Checks prevent format errors, not market risk.
- Broker rules change; checks must be maintained as they do.
- A checked basket still needs your review before sending.
Common questions
Questions about this workflow
Does a checked basket guarantee the order will fill?
No. Checks confirm the order is formatted correctly and allowed by the broker rules. Fills depend on market conditions, liquidity, and the order type.
Why do China A-share tickers need special handling?
Some IBKR tickers are restricted or unavailable to retail accounts. Mapping the intended exposure to an eligible ETF, such as ASHR, is one of the checks so the basket does not fail at transmit.