> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sidepit.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sidepit.com/beta/trading/margin.md).

# Margin

Margin requirements on Sidepit ensure positions are collateralized effectively while avoiding unnecessary capital lockup.

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## Initial and Maintenance Margins:

* **Initial Margin:** A good faith deposit required to open a position (e.g., 0.002 BTC per $500 contract).
* **Maintenance Margin:** The minimum collateral to keep the position open (e.g., 0.001 BTC).

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## Day Trading vs. Carrying Positions:

1. **Day Trading:** Requires only the maintenance margin.
2. **Overnight Positions:** Reduce available margin by the initial margin requirement at the day’s end.

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## Restricted Accounts:

1. If your balance drops below maintenance margin, your account becomes **restricted**:
   * Restricted accounts can only close positions.
   * Restrictions lift only after end-of-day settlements restore margin levels.
2. If losses exceed available margin, the account becomes **exit-only**, and only risk-reducing orders are accepted.

**Visual:** Margin lifecycle diagram and screenshots from the [Sidepit Trading View](https://app.sidepit.com/trading-view) interface.


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