What’s the total maintenance requirement?
The total maintenance requirement is the minimum portfolio value that you need to prevent a margin call.
You always need to keep your portfolio value above the total maintenance requirement to avoid a margin maintenance call. You also need to have a minimum of $2,000 to trade on margin.
To view your margin status and maintenance requirement details:
To view your total maintenance requirement in real time, open this link.
Some scenarios can affect whether you can view your margin status or position-level details for your maintenance requirement (as described in the previous steps).
Your total maintenance requirement is based on the securities you hold as well as the level of concentration in each security.
Maintenance ratios are based on a model that considers certain factors of a stock, such as volatility and market liquidity. For example, stocks that are known to be more volatile typically have higher maintenance requirements to ensure you have enough portfolio value to cover the position if it quickly decreases in value.
If your portfolio value drops below your total maintenance requirement, you may get a margin call. You’ll need to bring your portfolio value back up to your total maintenance requirement, or risk forced liquidation. Crypto holdings are not factored in when issuing margin calls because they aren't securities and are held with our affiliate, Robinhood Crypto, LLC. Review How do I avoid a margin call for more details.
At any time, Robinhood can adjust margin maintenance requirements and/or sell positions to address margin calls, without notifying you first or gaining your authorization.
Your total maintenance requirement is based on the market value and maintenance ratio of each position in your portfolio. Check out the margin maintenance table (as described in the previous section) to view details about each position.
If you only own 1 stock, the calculation is simple. For example, let's say you have:
$10,000 of YOWL stock with a maintenance ratio of 50%
Your maintenance requirement would be calculated by multiplying the market value of your YOWL position ($10,000) and the maintenance ratio (50%), resulting in a requirement of $5,000 of equity. Any additional equity could then be available as buying power in your margin account.
As the market value changes for a position, your requirement will change as well.
With multiple positions, calculating your total maintenance requirement requires additional steps. Let’s say you have:
Your total maintenance requirement is calculated by adding the requirement for each position:
($10,000 * 0.5) + ($10,000 * 1) = $15,000 (total maintenance requirement)
For this example, to meet your maintenance requirement and avoid a margin maintenance call, you’d need $15,000 of equity.
Also, because the ABC position has a maintenance ratio of 100%, it is considered non-marginable and requires 100% in equity to support it. Similarly, long options also have a 100% maintenance requirement.
The ratios change based on factors including, but not limited to, security volatility, market conditions and concentration in positions. The ratios can update daily, or even more frequently, depending on the market and your positions.
Note that some positions may show no value or a dash instead of a dollar value for the maintenance requirement value. This can occur when the position is part of a group of holdings. For this situation, the top level row for that position shows the maintenance requirement for the group.
All examples are hypothetical and don’t reflect actual or anticipated results. This content is provided for informational purposes only, doesn't constitute investment advice and isn't a recommendation for any security, account type or feature, or trading strategy. Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results.
Margin borrowing increases your level of market risk, as a result it has the potential to magnify both your gains and losses. Before using margin, customers must determine whether this type of strategy is right for them given their investment objectives and risk tolerance. Regardless of the underlying value of the securities you purchased, you must repay your margin loan. Robinhood Financial can change its maintenance margin requirements at any time without prior notice. If the equity in your account falls below the minimum maintenance requirements (varies according to the security), you’ll have to deposit additional cash or acceptable collateral. If you fail to meet your minimums, Robinhood Financial may be forced to sell some or all of your securities, with or without your prior approval. For more information, review Robinhood Financial’s Margin Disclosure Statement, Margin Agreement and FINRA Investor Information.
Crypto trading and custodial services are offered through an account with Robinhood Crypto. Robinhood Crypto isn’t a member of SIPC or FINRA. Robinhood Crypto and Robinhood Financial are separate but affiliated entities. Crypto positions aren't securities and aren't FDIC insured or SIPC protected. For more information, review the Robinhood Crypto Risk Disclosure.
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