Margin Loans
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Getting started

Understand what buying on margin is, and how to start investing using margin at Firstrade. Read More


  • Margin Benefits

    Margin buying allows you to enjoy flexible cash, increased returns and more advantages. Learn More

  • Margin Risks

    Fully understand the risks of trading on Margin and learn how you can manage them. Read More

  • Margin Requirements

    Learn about Margin Requirements and the difference between Initial and Maintenance Margin Requirements. Read More

  • Margin Call

    A comprehensive demonstration on what a Margin Call is and how to avoid one. Read More

  • Margin Buying Power

    Learn the logic of how your Margin Buying Power is calculated and plan your portfolio more strategically. Read More

  • Day Trading Rules

    Learn the definitions and rules of Day Trading.
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Cash Account Trading Rules

Learn the Cash Account Trading Rules including Good Faith Violations and 90-Day Restriction. Read More

Scenarios/Tutorials

Find easy examples of Margin Requirements, Margin Calls and Day Trade Rules in our Tutorial section. Read More

Margin Related FAQs

Find the answers to your questions regarding trading on Margin in our Margin-related FAQs section. Read More

Margin Rates

Firstrade offers margin interest rates as low as 5% APR. For more details, please refer to our Margin Interest Rates page.

Margin Glossary

Definitions of commonly used Margin-related terms. Read More


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Brokerage Products and Services offered by Firstrade Securities, Inc. - Member FINRA and SIPC.

Online trading has inherent risk due to system response and access times that may vary due to market conditions, system performance, and other factors. An investor should understand these and additional risks before trading. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. All investments involve risk and losses may exceed the principal invested. Past performance of a security, industry, sector, market, or financial product does not guarantee future results or returns. Firstrade is a discount broker that provides self-directed investors with brokerage services, and does not make recommendations or offer investment, financial, legal or tax advice.

Options trading involves risk and is not suitable for all investors. Options trading privileges are subject to Firstrade review and approval. Please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options brochure before you begin trading options.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of a mutual fund or ETF carefully before investing. Leveraged and Inverse ETFs may not be suitable for long-term investors and may increase exposure to volatility through the use of leverage, short sales of securities, derivatives and other complex investment strategies. A mutual fund or ETF prospectus contains this and other information and can be obtained by emailing service@firstrade.com.

Margin trading involves interest charges and risks, including the potential to lose more than deposited or the need to deposit additional collateral in a falling market. The Margin Disclosure Statement and Agreement (PDF) is available for download, and contains information on our lending policies, interest charges, and the risks associated with margin accounts.

*Online market and limit stock trades are $6.95 for stocks priced $1 and above. Add $0.005 per share on the entire order for stocks priced less than $1.00. Online option trades are $6.95 plus 75 cents per option contract. See our Pricing page for detailed pricing of all security types offered at Firstrade.

Any specific securities, or types of securities, used as examples are for demonstration purposes only. None of the information provided should be considered a recommendation or solicitation to invest in, or liquidate, a particular security or type of security.

System response and access times may vary due to market conditions, system performance, and other factors.

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