Does the $25,000 pattern day trader minimum still apply?

It depends on your broker. FINRA eliminated the $25,000 PDT minimum effective June 4, 2026, replacing it with a new intraday margin standard, but gave brokers until October 20, 2027 to fully transition. If your broker hasn't switched yet, the $25,000 line may still apply to your account.

What happens if my equity drops below $25,000 under the old rule?

For accounts still on the legacy rule, a margin account flagged as a pattern day trader that falls below $25,000 in equity is typically restricted from further day trading until equity is brought back to that level. Enforcement details vary by broker, so confirm your specific broker's policy and rollout timeline.

PDT $25,000 Equity Cushion Calculator

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Enter your account equity and click Check My Status to see whether the $25,000 line still applies to your account, and your cushion above or below it if so.

How this is calculated

FINRA Regulatory Notice 26-10 (effective June 4, 2026) eliminated the $25,000 pattern day trader minimum equity requirement entirely, replacing it with a new intraday margin standard that monitors actual exposure rather than applying one flat dollar threshold. Firms have until October 20, 2027 to finish the transition.
If your broker has already switched, the $25,000 line no longer applies to your account. The general minimum to hold any margin account at all is $2,000, a separate, pre-existing rule unrelated to day trading specifically.
If your broker hasn't switched yet, the legacy math still applies for now: cushion equals your current account equity minus the $25,000 line, and equity below that restricts further day trading until it's brought back up.
If you enter a worst-case loss (legacy mode only), the tool projects your equity and cushion after that loss lands, so you can see whether a single bad trade would drop you below the $25,000 line.
This tool does not know your broker's specific rollout timeline or house enforcement policy, which can differ from FINRA's published rules. Confirm your exact status directly with your broker.

Risk & liability disclaimer: This calculator reflects FINRA's published rule change in Regulatory Notice 26-10, but it does not know your broker's specific implementation timeline, account type, or any additional house requirements, which can differ. It is not financial or regulatory advice. Trading Habits is not a broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, or affiliated with FINRA or any broker. Confirm your exact requirement directly with your broker before making trading decisions based on this number.

How much cushion do I have above the $25,000 pattern day trader minimum, if it still applies to me?

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