What is the minimum amount to day trade on Interactive Brokers?

When engaging in day trading, it is crucial to ensure that the trading account meets a specific financial threshold. This threshold is set to protect traders from incurring excessive risks and ensuring that they have sufficient capital to withstand potential losses.

The minimum requirement for day trading is a Net Liquidation Value of at least USD 25,000. This metric takes into account various assets held within the account, allowing traders to leverage their existing holdings to meet the eligibility criteria.

Net Liquidation Value encompasses a range of financial instruments, providing traders with flexibility in managing their portfolios. Cash, stocks, options, and futures P+L are all considered when calculating this value, enabling traders to utilize their entire portfolio's worth.

The inclusion of cash in the Net Liquidation Value is significant as it represents the trader's immediate liquidity. This ensures that traders have access to funds for quick transactions and can cover any potential margin calls or losses.

Stocks also contribute to the Net Liquidation Value, providing traders with an additional layer of financial backing. The value of these holdings is taken into account, reflecting their potential to generate profits or offset losses.