Requirements and Restrictions
Under the rules of NYSE and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a trader who is deemed to be exhibiting a pattern of day trading will be subject to the "Pattern Day Trader" laws and restrictions, which is treated differently from a normal trader. In order to day trade:
- Day trading minimum equity: the account must maintain at least US$25,000 worth of equity.
- Margin call to meet minimum equity: A day trading minimum equity request is called when the pattern daytrader account falls below US$25,000. This minimum must be restored by means of cash deposit or other marginable equities.
- Deadline to meet calls: Pattern day traders are allowed to deposit funds within 5 business days to meet the margin call
- Non-withdrawal deposit requirement: This minimum equity or deposits of funds must remain in the account and cannot be withdrawn for at least 2 business days.
- Cross guarantees are prohibited: Pattern day traders are prohibited from utilizing cross guarantees to meet day trading margin calls or to meet minimum equity requirements. Each day trading account is now required to meet all margin requirements independently, using only the funds available in the account.
- Restrictions on accounts with unmet calls: if the call is not met, the account's day trading buying power will be frozen for 90 days or until day trading minimum equity margin call is met again.
Read more about this topic: Pattern Day Trader