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Margin Calls

If the margin equity in your account falls below a certain amount based on the amount you have borrowed, then the account is issued a margin call.

Margin call information is provided to help you understand when your account is in a call and see what amounts are due and when. The method and time for meeting a margin call varies, depending on the type of call.


Call Type Trigger Call Meeting Methods
House Account margin equity falls below Fidelity's requirement
  • Sell margin-eligible securities held in the account, or
  • Deposit cash or margin-eligible securities

Time allowed: Five business days*

Exchange Account margin equity falls below exchange requirements
  • Sell margin-eligible securities held in the account, or
  • Deposit cash or margin-eligible securities

Time allowed: Two business days*

Federal Insufficient equity to satisfy the 50% initial requirement on an opening transaction
  • Sell margin-eligible securities held in the account, or
  • Deposit cash or margin-eligible securities

Note: Repeatedly liquidating securities to cover a federal call while below exchange requirements may result in restrictions on margin trading in the account.

Time allowed: Five business days*

Day trade A day trade exceeds your account's day trade buying power
  • Deposit of cash or marginable securities only. A sell of an existing position may satisfy a day trade call but is considered a day trade liquidation. Thee day trade liquidations within a 12-month period will cause the account to be restricted.

Note: There is a two-day holding period on funds deposited to meet a day trade call.

Time allowed: Five business days*

Day trade minimum equity Margin equity falls below the $25,000 pattern day trader equity requirement
  • Deposit of cash or marginable securities

Note: There is a two-day holding period on funds deposited to meet a day trade minimum equity call.

Time allowed: Five business days*

*Fidelity reserves the right to meet margin calls at any time prior to the due date.

Margin trading entails greater risk and is not suitable for all investors. Please assess your financial circumstances and risk tolerance prior to trading on margin.

Margin credit is extended by National Financial Services, Member NYSE, SIPC.


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