Intraday Futures Margin Requirements

View MetroTrade’s current intraday margin rates for the most popular futures contracts. Trade efficiently with low capital requirements and real-time risk controls.

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Contract	Symbol	Group	Intraday Margin
E-mini S&P 500 Futures	ES	Equity Indices	$2,000.42
Micro E-mini S&P 500 Futures	MES	Equity Indices	$200.02
E-mini Nasdaq-100 Futures	NQ	Equity Indices	$2,955.48
Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 Futures	MNQ	Equity Indices	$295.59
E-mini Dow Futures	YM	Equity Indices	$1,254.79
Micro E-mini Dow Futures	MYM	Equity Indices	$125.49
E-mini Russell 2000 Futures	RTY	Equity Indices	$837.32
Micro E-mini Russell 2000 Futures	M2K	Equity Indices	$83.78
Nikkei Stock Average	NKD	Equity Indices	$9,805.95
Crude Oil Futures	CL	Energies	$2,373.25
E-mini Crude Oil Futures	QM	Energies	$1,191.85
Micro Crude Oil Futures	MCL	Energies	$238.15
Micro Natural Gas Futures	MNG	Energies	$287.10
E-Mini Natural Gas Futures	QGF	Energies	$718.30
Gold Futures	GC	Metals	$2,488.99
Micro Gold Futures	MGC	Metals	$248.95
1-Ounce Gold Futures	1OZ	Metals	$28.07
Copper Futures	HG	Metals	$6,600.00
Silver Futures	SI	Metals	$34,216.00
Micro Bitcoin Futures	MBT	Crypto	$2,220.90
Micro Ether Futures	MET	Crypto	$96.80
Solana Futures	SOL	Crypto	$27,016.00
Micro Solana Futures	MSL	Crypto	$1,350.80
Micro XRP Futures	MXP	Crypto	$2,115.30
XRP Futures	XRP	Crypto	$42,301.60
Australian Dollar/U.S. Dollar Futures	6A	Currencies	$1,045.00
Micro AUD/USD Futures	M6A	Currencies	$104.50
Euro/U.S. Dollar Futures	6E	Currencies	$1,485.00
British Pound Sterling/U.S. Dollar Futures	6B	Currencies	$1,100.00
Canadian Dollar/U.S. Dollar Futures	6C	Currencies	$550.00
Japanese Yen/U.S. Dollar Futures	6J	Currencies	$1,540.00
Swiss Franc/U.S. Dollar Futures	6S	Currencies	$2,475.00
Micro EUR/USD Futures	M6E	Currencies	$148.50
Three-Month SOFR Futures	SR	Treasuries	$269.50
10-Year T-Note Futures	ZN	Treasuries	$1,031.25
5-Year T-Note Futures	ZF	Treasuries	$687.50
2-Year T-Note Futures	ZT	Treasuries	$660.00
U.S. Treasury Bond Future	ZB	Treasuries	$2,035.00
Micro Corn Futures	MZC	Agriculture	$53.35
Corn Futures	ZC	Agriculturals	$536.25
Micro Soybean Futures	MZS	Agriculture	$110.00
Soybean Futures	ZS	Agriculturals	$1,100.00
Soybean Oil Futures	ZL	Agriculturals	$1,155.00
Soybean Meal Futures	ZM	Agriculturals	$852.50
Chicago Wheat Futures	ZW	Agriculturals	$907.50
Lean Hog Futures	HE	Agriculturals	$935.00
Live Cattle Futures	LE	Live Stock	$1,815.00

Disclaimer: Margins may vary from the published rates. This list represents a selection of actively traded products on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). It is intended for informational purposes only, does not constitute a comprehensive list of all products or margin requirements available on the exchange, and is subject to change at any time. Click here to access the complete list. Additionally, all margins are subject to change without notice due to factors such as events, market volatility, or increased risk. MetroTrade is not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is margin in futures trading?

Margin in futures trading is the minimum amount of capital a trader must deposit to open and maintain a position. It’s not a down payment or a loan, but a performance bond that ensures both parties can meet their financial obligations as prices move.

What is intraday vs initial vs maintenance margin?

Intraday margin is the reduced amount required to trade during the same session. Initial margin is the exchange-set amount needed to open a position overnight. Maintenance margin is the minimum balance a trader must keep to hold that position without triggering a margin call.

What happens if I hold a position overnight?

If you hold a position past the intraday cutoff, it converts to the full exchange margin requirement. If your account doesn’t meet that higher amount, the broker may liquidate positions or issue a margin call to bring the account back into compliance.

Why are intraday margins lower than exchange margins?

MetroTrade’s intraday margins apply during regular trading hours as defined by each exchange. Positions must be closed before the daily cutoff time to avoid transitioning to exchange margin requirements overnight.

When do MetroTrade’s intraday margins apply?

What is a margin call?

A margin call occurs when your account balance falls below the maintenance margin requirement. You must either deposit additional funds or close positions to restore your account’s margin level and maintain compliance.