What’s pattern day trading? Pattern day trading is a FINRA-authorized trading scheme. A person who follows this scheme while trading is a pattern day trader. But you must know what is pattern day trading in real?

Now, what is a pattern day trader? A pattern day trader performs at least four-day trades within five official days from the margin account.

The valuation of the day trades should be higher than 6% of the overall trade activity in those five days. 

 There are, however, some critical pattern day trading rules. Follow those rules to ensure your designation as a PDT is not canceled. 

Firstly, a pattern day trader must maintain a $25000 balance in margin accounts. 

Every pattern day trader has their respective day trading buying power. They can trade amounts that do not cross their buying power limit. 

In this article, we will learn more about the pattern of day trade rules and restrictions. We will explore what does pattern day trading means, in detail, also. 

What Constitutes a Day Trade?

A day trade is the fundamental behind pattern day trading. So, it’s essential you know what constitutes a day trade. 

Buying And Selling the Same Stock or ETP Within a Single Trading Day

Did you know you can buy and sell the same stock on the same day? Yes, there are no regulations against it. Experts say opening and closing hours are ideal for buying and selling stock. 

Since we trade ETFs through the same stock market windows, the same rule also applies here. 

Opening And Closing the Same Options Contracts Within a Single Trading Day

 That’s what day traders do. Opening and closing the same options gives them incremental benefits. This method lets you gain from the slightest of price movements. 

But I recommend you know the dos and don’ts of this method. Otherwise, you can’t profit as a day trader. 

First, you must develop a concrete knowledge of options trading. Secondly, you should interact with other traders to learn about the risks and challenges of trading daily. 

Finally, you should be able to make the trade quickly. However, the most important part is managing the risk involved. Experts say that this kind of trading is very volatile and highly unpredictable. 

Pattern Day Trading Restrictions

There are not many pattern-day trader restrictions. But you must always be alert to those restrictions. The ground rule is to have at least $25000 in your margin account. So, your minimum portfolio value should be the same. If your balance becomes lower, your trading will cease. 

You need to gain more knowledge of what pattern day trading is. It would help if you also learned how to use these restrictions to your strength. Secondly, you only trade through your margin accounts as a PDT. 

Applicable To Margin Accounts and IRA Limited Margin Accounts

The margin account used for trading will be flagged if FINRA sees four or more day-trading events within five days. Secondly, the net value of the four or more trades must be more than 6% of the net value traded within the 5-day bracket. 

Exemption For Cash Accounts

If you are trading from a cash account, you’re lucky. If you search for what is pattern day trading, you might have yet to come across this cash loophole. But I will tell you. 

There are no restrictions on at least 4 or whatever trades here. A cash account user does not need to trade specific times to be a pattern day trader. 

Wait, there’s a catch. You can only use the settled funds in your cash account for trading.  

Consequences of Violating Pattern Day Trading Rules

There are dire consequences of violating the rules that I explained above. You better learn about those consequences. 

Flagging As a Pattern Day Trader

There are no immediate repercussions if you are flagged as a PDT. FINRA knows what is pattern day trading and what is general trading from the trading times and counts within those five days. 

However, you cannot open any new position if FINRA recognizes you as a PDT. At the same time, you must deposit more funds into your margin account. You must match the threshold value of $25000. 

Experts say that it becomes difficult to change position if you are flagged. So, invest typically until you gain enormous experience in trading. 

I recommend you start as a pattern trader when you are sure that you understand day trading in and out. Start by searching what is pattern day trading. 

Minimum Equity Call and Deposit Requirements

The pattern day trader rules are straightforward. However, they enjoy less flexibility in the market. For example, I must maintain $25000 as a minimum equity. 

You can deposit cash or any eligible security to ensure that you have the minimum equity value in your margin account.

How to Avoid Breaking Pattern Day Trading Rules?

The basic rules I discussed above apply to PDT only. However, you might get a “day trade margin call” if you bypass any of these quintessential rules. 

So, I recommend the best way to avoid breaking the pattern trader rule is to trade through a cash account. I also advise you to trade from more than one brokerage account. It can also save you from the PDT rule. Here, I have also discussed other rules. 

Monitoring Day Trade Counter

What is a pattern day trader counter monitoring? 

You might raise this question now. It’s a healthy habit to ensure you are not breaking PDT rules. 

PDTs must monitor all training activities every day, if possible.

In the US, there are many brokerage platforms. These platforms offer various tools or analytics to track the day-trading orders. 

Options For Maintaining Portfolio Value Above $25,000

I recommend you deposit cash to make up for the minimum value of $25000. Or else, you can also invest in securities (permissible) to match the value. Above all, you should have a portfolio with a threshold value of $25000. That’s the first criterion you know of while searching for pattern day trading. 

One-time Courtesy Flag Removal or Switching to a Cash Account

 According to the new changes in the FINRA rules, you can request only one flag removal. You must contact your brokerage firm. They will raise a request for flag removal. 

Regulatory Guidance and Brokerage Policies

Your brokerage firm will provide considerable regulatory guidance before you start trading as a PDT. 

FINRA Rules On Pattern Day Trading

The brokerage firm’s responsibility is to help you count the number of day trades. You must conduct at least four day-trades in 5 days. 

The second rule is the 6% valuation rule. You must ensure that the value of day trades must be more than 6% of the total traded value. But this percentage is for your margin account only. 

Brokerage-specific Consequences and Alternatives for Violators

If your brokerage has a relatively forgiving policy, then the consequences of one-time rule violation won’t affect you much. 

Maybe you did four trades without intention in a rolling period of 5 days. But you don’t want to be a regular day trader. Even then you might have to maintain the minimum value of $25000, if the brokerage demands. 

Importance Of Communication with Broker for Resolution

 When there is any chance of a trading ban against you, the best thing is to contact the broker. The person might suggest any alternative transactions to save you from the consequences. 

Educational Resources and Further Learning

How can you become an expert day trader? You certainly know the pattern day trading meaning. Now, you must be more adept. 

Access To Educational Resources on Day Trading

I recommend you do ground research on day trading from finra.org or investor.gov by searching what is pattern day trading. You will get all fundamental knowledge needed to successfully start PDT here. However, many of you are searching how to be a specialist in it. For them, I recommend joining any credible PDT trading in the US. 

With better knowledge and skills, you can ensure a financial gain every time, with PDT. You can also safeguard yourself from violating any regulations. 

Conclusion

You know what is pattern day trading? It has two basic rules only. Firstly, keep a minimum equity of $25000 through your margin account. Secondly, do day-trading four times in 5 days. That’s enough. You can read the whole article to know more about policies and restrictions applicable to day-trading. 

But I will recommend that you avoid getting flagged as a PDT (in sense of a defaulter). Be aware of your finances. If you cannot ensure profit from all four transactions, don’t indulge in pattern day trading.  A basic knowledge of what is pattern day trading is not enough. Be a day trader at first. If day trading is compatible for you, then indulge further.

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