When will my account be flagged for pattern day trading?

Your account will be flagged for pattern day trading if you make 4 or more day trades within 5 trading days, and the number of day trades represents more than 6% of your total trades in that same 5 trading day period. This rule only applies to margin accounts and IRA limited margin accounts.

What is pattern day trade (PDT) protection?

Pattern Day Trade (PDT) Protection alerts you as you place your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th day trades in a 5 trading day period in an effort to help you avoid being flagged as a pattern day trader (PDT). On the 2nd and 3rd day trades, you’ll be given a few options to help avoid getting flagged. Switch to a cash account.

What are pattern day trading rules?

Pattern day trading rules are defined by FINRA, one of our regulators. We’ve gone a step further and provided you with tools you can use to make sure you’re investing responsibly. You’ve made a day trade when: Pattern day trading restrictions don’t apply to cash accounts, they only apply to margin accounts and IRA limited margin accounts.