# Understanding Pattern Day Trader (PDT) Rules and Margin Requirements

![Pattern Day Trader (PDT)](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/5eX1zNyu1RB1WLWJfsI64AMSoro=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Patterndaytrader-1af2dcedc8fd4f0bac9a8194f300f26d.jpg)

*— Michela Buttignol / Investopedia*

> **Definition**
>
> A pattern day trader executes four or more day trades within a five-business-day period using a margin account, which must have a minimum equity of $25,000.

## What Is a Pattern Day Trader (PDT)?

A pattern day trader (PDT) is a regulatory designation for those traders or investors who execute four or more [day trades](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/daytrader.asp) over the span of five business days using a [margin account](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/marginaccount.asp). The number of day trades must constitute more than 6% of the margin account's total trade activity during that five-business-day window.

If this occurs, the trader's account will be flagged as a PDT by their [broker](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/broker.asp). The PDT designation places certain restrictions on further trading, such as maintaining a $25,000 margin account; this designation is put in place to discourage investors from trading excessively. Brokers may have different rules in place for defining or governing pattern day traders.

### Key Takeaways

*   Pattern day traders must maintain a minimum account balance of $25,000 in a margin account, and if it falls below this threshold, they can't make additional day trades until the balance is restored. 
*   The PDT designation allows traders to leverage their buying power up to four times their excess equity, potentially increasing both the risk and reward of day trading.
*   The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) sets the rules for pattern day trading, with brokerage firms having the discretion to impose stricter requirements or allow customers to self-identify as day traders.
*   If a pattern day trader receives a margin call, they have five business days to address it; failing to do so may result in trading restrictions being imposed on their account.
*   While pattern day trading provides the opportunity for potentially enhanced returns, it also amplifies the risk of substantial losses, especially for high-net-worth individuals.

## Exploring the Details of Pattern Day Traders (PDTs)

Pattern day traders may trade different types of securities, including stock options and short sales. Any type of trade will be accounted for, in terms of this designation, as long as it occurs on the same day.

This is typically four times the equity they hold beyond their [maintenance margin](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/maintenancemargin.asp), the minimum amount required to be held in their account. Those without the PDT designation can trade only up to two times their amount of excess equity.

If there is a [margin call](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/margincall.asp), the pattern day trader will have five business days to answer it. Their trading will be restricted to that of two times the maintenance margin excess until the call has been met. Failing to address this issue after five business days will result in a 90-day cash-restricted account status, or until such time that the issues have been resolved.

Note that [long](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/long.asp) and [short](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/short.asp) positions that have been held overnight—but sold prior to new purchases of the same security the next day—are exempt from the PDT designation.

> **Important**
>
> Pattern day trading is limited to stock and equity options trades.

## Key Regulations for Pattern Day Traders: A FINRA Overview

The [Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/finra.asp) determines the PDT designation, which differs based on day trade frequency. Both standard and pattern day traders must meet minimum [asset](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/asset.asp) requirements, but a PDT must have at least $25,000 in their account. That amount need not necessarily be cash; it can be a combination of cash and eligible securities. If the trader's equity in the account drops below $25,000, they will be prohibited at this point from making any further day trades until the balance is brought back up.

FINRA requires all PDTs to maintain at least $25,000 in cash and certain securities to reduce risk. If the cash equity in the account drops below this $25,000 threshold, then the PDT can no longer complete any day trades until the account is back up above that point. This is known as the Pattern Day Trader Rule, or the PDT Rule. These rules are set forth as an industry standard, but individual brokerage firms may have stricter interpretations of them. They may also allow their investors to self-identify as day traders.

## Example: How Pattern Day Trading Works

Imagine a pattern day trader with $100,000 in her margin account. She needs equity of at least 25%, or $25,000. If the trader’s equity comes to $30,000 instead, that leaves her with $5,000 in excess of her maintenance margin.

As a PDT, she can buy up to four times her excess margin, or $20,000 in stock. This is double the amount that an average margin account holder with the same balance and equity could trade, which is typically two times maintenance margin excess, or $10,000.

This capacity to make larger trades brings with it the potential for higher returns, which can make the strategy of pattern day trading seem appealing for [high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs)](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/hnwi.asp). However, like most practices that have [the potential for higher returns, the potential for significant losses can be even greater](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/riskreturntradeoff.asp).

## Why has my broker flagged me as a pattern day trader?

Brokers automatically flag pattern day traders. These are customers who execute four or more day trades within five business days, provided that the number of day trades represents more than 6% of the customer’s total trades in a margin account for that same five-business-day period. This rule is a minimum requirement, and some [broker-dealers](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/broker-dealer.asp) may use a slightly broader definition in determining whether a customer qualifies as a pattern day trader. 

## What is classified as a day trade?

Day trading refers to buying, then selling or selling short, then buying, the [same security on the same day](https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/06/patterndaytraderrule.asp). Just purchasing a security, without selling it later that same day, would not be considered a day trade.

## Should I be concerned that I’ve been flagged as a pattern day trader?

Not necessarily, but you will face certain account restrictions or requirements. Under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) rules, customers designated “pattern day traders” by their broker must have at least $25,000 in their accounts and can only trade in margin accounts. If the account falls below that requirement, then the pattern day trader will not be permitted to day trade until the account is restored to the $25,000 minimum equity level. The margin rule applies to day trading in any security, including options.

## I am not trading as frequently anymore, so why is my broker still flagging me?

In general, once your account has been flagged by your broker as a pattern day trader, they will continue to regard you as a pattern day trader even if you do not day trade for a while. This is because the firm will have a “reasonable belief” that you are a pattern day trader based on your prior trading activities. However, if you have decided to reduce or cease your day-trading activities, you should contact your brokerage to discuss the appropriate coding of your account.

## The Bottom Line

A pattern day trader (PDT) is someone who completes four or more day trades in five business days using a margin account. If your brokerage firm classifies you as a PDT based on your trading activity, you become subject to additional requirements, such as maintaining equity of at least $25,000 in your margin account. If the equity in a PDT's account falls below this amount, their broker may prohibit them from trading until the minimum balance is restored.

Brokers automatically identify and track accounts to identify PDTs, so it's important to monitor your trading activity and account to ensure you're following trading frequency rules.  

> **Article Sources**
>
> 1.  Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. “[Day Trading](https://www.finra.org/investors/investing/investment-products/stocks/day-trading).”
>     
> 2.  Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. “[Margin Regulation](https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/key-topics/margin-accounts).”