TD Ameritrade pattern day trading/active trader rules, margin account requirements, buying power limits, calls, fees and $25,000 minimum equity balance SEC/FINRA restrictions. TD Ameritrade Pattern Day Trade Anyone who day trades has probably run into the SEC’s rules and restrictions on pattern day trading. Futures can be one of the most accessible markets for day traders if they have the experience and trading account value necessary to trade. You can typically start trading futures with less capital than you'd need for day trading stocks —however, you will need more than you will to trade forex. *Offer valid for one new Individual, Joint or IRA TD Ameritrade account opened by 9/30/2019 and funded within 60 calendar days of account opening with $3,000 or more. To receive $100 bonus, account must be funded with $25,000-$99,999. To receive $300 bonus, account must be funded with $100,000-$249,999.