Futures Trading
Margin Requirements

Day trading margin is the minimum amount required to enter a position per contract during regular trading hours without carrying that position past the session's close. They are typically provided as a percentage of the initial margin (E.g., 5%) or a nominal amount (E.g., $500). At Optimus, our day trading margins start as low as $50 for Micros and $500 for E-minis.

Overnight Margin, also known as Initial Margin, is set by the exchanges and is universal for all brokers and clearing firms. This is the amount required to carry a contract past the daily close. Every trader needs to have an amount equal to the initial margin requirement in their account balance to hold a futures position past the closing time of that market. For overnight margin rates, please visit the exchanges' websites listed on our Exchange Access Page.

Once a trader meets the initial margin requirement, they are required to maintain the maintenance margin level until the position is closed. The maintenance margin is the minimum amount a trader is required to have in their account and is usually slightly below the initial margin. If the balance in the account falls below the maintenance margin level, they will receive a margin call to replenish the account balance to meet the initial margin requirement.

If your account is on margin call, it means that the margin requirement on your current positions is greater than your account balance. To get off a margin call, you will need to liquidate enough of your positions so that the margin requirement is below your account balance. If you do not have enough funds in your account before the day session closes, you may be liquidated. Margin call and liquidation fees may apply. For any further questions, contact us at [email protected].

Our day trading margins are among the lowest available: $50 for Micro E-mini S&P vs. $200-400 with many other competitors. This allows you to trade with significantly less capital while maintaining the same market exposure.

We work with multiple well-capitalized clearing firms and pass competitive margin rates directly to clients rather than marking them up for additional profit. Our business model focuses on volume and long-term client relationships.

No. Unlike some brokers who offer low margins but charge higher commissions or platform fees to compensate, our low margins come with the same competitive commission rates and free platform access.