Allows for 4X leverage when trading outright Smalls and futures contracts

Intraday margin provides for greater leverage* for futures traders with a lower initial buying power requirement in comparison to the standard overnight requirement needed to trade any outright Smalls or futures contract. Instead of posting the entire overnight requirement, intraday margin provides four-times (4X) leverage or 25% of the initial margin requirement.

Please Note: Exposure to greater leverage can lead to accelerated gains or losses.

Example of an account without Intraday Margin

Let’s use a real-life example. When this example was written, a /ESM8 (E-mini S&P 500-June ‘18) futures contract had an initial margin requirement of $6,380 (plus an additional $1.25 in commissions and $1.50 in fees). Below is an example of an account without intraday margin. The full overnight requirement is needed to place the trade.

Example of an account with Intraday Margin

Now, let’s take a look at an account with intraday margin. We’ll use the same /ES contract for this example. With intraday margin, this will allow you to post 25% of the initial margin, or $1,595 ($6,380 x 0.25), plus commissions and fees, instead of the full overnight requirement.

Account Type and Level

First, you must have a margin account with our highest trading level–The Works and enable futures trading.

Account Minimum for Regular Futures Contracts

As determined by our clearing firm, Apex Clearing Corp, your account must have a minimum portfolio net liq of $25,000 or more based on the previous day's close. Intraday margin will reduce from 4X to 2X when your account closes below $25,000 and above $10,000 at our clearing firm. There are NO exceptions. 

Account Minimum for the Smalls and Micro Futures Contracts

If you only intend to trade the Smalls or CME micro futures contracts, you only need to have a minimum portfolio net liq of $2,500 to maintain intraday futures margin (4X), based on the previous day's close, as determined by our clearing firm, Apex Clearing Corp. There are NO exceptions.

Log in to your account at tastytrade.com>My Accounts>Trading Preferences

If intraday margin fits your trading style, then all you need to do is apply for it. To apply for intraday futures margin, start by logging into your account at manage.tastytrade.com>My Accounts>Trading Preferences or click here for a shortcut. If you do not see the ENABLE button for intraday margin, then your browser may be caching old data. To bypass this and refresh your browser, please use the following keystrokes:

• PC: CTRL + F5
• Mac:  ⌘ Cmd + ⇧ Shift + R

Once successfully enabled, there is no waiting period. Intraday margin is immediately available after applying for intraday futures margin if your account meets the minimum.

Illustrated Instructions