How much margin do I need to trade futures on TradeZero America?

Margin requirements depend on the specific futures contract you are trading and whether you are holding the position intraday or “overnight”. In futures trading, “overnight” typically refers to the 1-hour period between 17:00 and 18:00 ET when the futures exchanges pause trading.

Intraday margin applies from 18:00 ET until 16:45 ET the next day. This is the lowest requirement — Micro contracts start at $50 per contract and E-minis at $500.

Initial margin is required from 16:45 ET to carry a position into the next session. It is set by the exchange and is generally significantly higher than intraday margin. Intraday margin becomes available again when the market reopens at 18:00 ET.

Intraday margin is the minimum needed to open a position, not a recommended account size. Futures are leveraged, and a position held with no excess margin can be liquidated on a small adverse move. Accounts that do not meet margin requirements are subject to liquidation and applicable fees.

Requirements vary by contract and change with market volatility.