Day Trading, Reimagined
The old Pattern Day Trading (PDT) rule is gone. Start trading with more flexibility today.
What Was The PDT Rule?
For years, the PDT rule limited how often you could trade in a margin account. More than 3 day trades in 5 days could restrict your account unless you had $25,000.
That rule has now been eliminated.
What Has Changed
The SEC approved updates to FINRA rules that remove the PDT framework and replace it with a modern approach.
No More Pattern Day Trader (PDT) Restrictions
Your account will no longer be flagged based on how often you day trade. Trade without worrying about hitting a limit on the number of trades you can make.
No $25,000 Minimum to Day Trade
You no longer need $25,000 in your account to trade actively. As long as you meet standard margin requirements, you’re free to take advantage of market opportunities.
No Limits on Day Trades
The old “4 trades in 5 days” rule is gone. You can trade as often as your buying power allows—no more counting trades.
Real-Time Buying Power Updates
Your buying power updates throughout the day as you open and close positions. That means more flexibility to stay active and respond to market moves in real time.
Margin Rules Still Apply
While PDT restrictions are gone, margin requirements still matter. Trading beyond your available buying power may result in an intraday margin call—so manage your risk accordingly.
Cash Accounts Stay the Same
Cash accounts are not impacted by these changes. They will continue to follow existing cash trading rules.
No $25,000 Minimum to Day Trade
No Limits on Day Trades
No More Pattern Day Trader (PDT) Restrictions
You no longer need $25,000 in your account to trade actively. As long as you meet standard margin requirements, you’re free to take advantage of market opportunities.
The old “4 trades in 5 days” rule is gone. You can trade as often as your buying power allows—no more counting trades.
Your account will no longer be flagged based on how often you day trade. Trade without worrying about hitting a limit on the number of trades you can make.
Real-Time Buying Power Updates
Margin Rules Still Apply
Cash Accounts Stay the Same
While PDT restrictions are gone, margin requirements still matter. Trading beyond your available buying power may result in an intraday margin call—so manage your risk accordingly.
Your buying power updates throughout the day as you open and close positions. That means more flexibility to stay active and respond to market moves in real time.
Cash accounts are not impacted by these changes. They will continue to follow existing cash trading rules.
How It Works
If you’re new to active trading, keep it simple:
2
3
1
Fund Your Account
Open An Account
Start Trading Today
Create your Firstrade account in minutes.
Trade as soon as you’re funded — no extra steps needed.
Add funds now so you’re ready to act, not wait.
Why Investors Choose Firstrade
$0 Commission trades on Stocks, ETFs, Options & Mutual Funds. $0 Options contract fees with no deposit minimum or hidden fees.
Complete Investment Array
Stocks/ETFs, Options, Fixed Income & 11,000+
Mutual Funds. Earn extra income from
our DRIP and Securities Lending Program
Highly Rated Mobile Apps
Robust and user-friendly mobile app made for seamless investment management from anywhere, anytime.
Strategic Market Insights
Discover trade opportunities with premium research provided by Morningstar, OptionsPlay, Trading Central, Briefing.com, Zacks & more.
Superb Online Account Security
Industrial strength firewalls, encryption technology, with physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards like 2FA means your account is secure.
Dedicated Client Assistance
Having problems? Our professional customer support is available 24/7, committed to addressing your needs and ready to assist via email or phone.
Flexible Trading Hours
Enjoy extended + overnight trading hours from 7am to 4am (next day) to react to market moves across pre-market and after-market sessions.
Strategic Market Insights
Complete Investment Array
Highly Rated Mobile Apps
Discover trade opportunities with premium research provided by Morningstar, OptionsPlay, Trading Central, Briefing.com, Zacks & more.
Stocks/ETFs, Options, Fixed Income & 11,000+
Mutual Funds. Earn extra income from
our DRIP and Securities Lending Program.
Robust and user-friendly mobile app made for seamless investment management from
anywhere, anytime.
Dedicated Client Assistance
Flexible Trading Hours
Superb Online Account Security
Having problems? Our professional customer support is available 24/7, committed to addressing your needs and ready to assist via email or phone.
Enjoy extended + overnight trading hours from 7am to 4am (next day) to react to market moves across pre-market and after-market sessions.
Industrial strength firewalls, encryption technology, with physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards like 2FA means your account is secure.
Award-Winning Broker
Firstrade was established in New York in 1985 and is a pioneer in the online brokerage industry.
Disclosure: Firstrade is an online brokerage platform for self-directed investors. It does not provide investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. All investments involve risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Day trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors.
Brokerage Products and Services offered by Firstrade Securities, Inc.
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Online trades are $0 for stocks, ETFs, options and mutual funds. See our Pricing page for detailed pricing of all security types offered at Firstrade. All prices listed are subject to change without notice.
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System response and access times may vary due to market conditions, system performance, and other factors.
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