Margin Accounts1

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Account Highlights

Boost your buying power in your portfolio with a margin account.

  • A wide variety of investments
     

    Invest in Canadian and U.S markets with an array of advanced strategies using stocks, options, ETFs, and more.

  • Leverage your portfolio
     

    Borrow against the value of securities you already own to purchase additional investments.

  • Trade competitively
     

    Take advantage of opportunities with competitive margin rates.

  • Access advanced level trading strategies and platforms
     

    Employ more advanced investing strategies, including multi-leg option trades and short selling.

What types of trades can be placed using a Margin account?

  1. Stocks
    Trade on Canadian and US markets, including TSX, NASDAQ, and NYSE

  2. Mutual Funds
    Invest in Canadian and US mutual funds, including D-Series and TD e-Series Funds®

  3. ETFs
    Equity, bond or commodity exchange-traded funds.

  1. Options
    Execute the most complex available strategies exclusively in margin accounts. Trading available in Canadian and US markets.

  2. Fixed Income
    Selected investments include bonds and other fixed-income products.

  3. GICs
    Secure investments that promise a defined amount at the end of their term.

How does a Margin account differ from a Cash account?

Margin Accounts

Cash Accounts

What are the available investment types?

Stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, fixed income and Options

Stocks, mutual funds, ETFs and fixed income

Can I buy securities using leverage?

Yes

No

Can I trade options?

Yes

No

Is short selling permitted?

Yes

No

Can I trade with thinkorswim?

Yes

No

Trading with Margin Accounts

A margin account may provide investors with access to leverage, short selling, and options trading features. Discover the potential benefits and risks of borrowing funds to invest as we discuss the key differences between a margin and cash account.

How to calculate Margin

Learn where to view your margin account balances on WebBroker, discover how these balances are calculated, and understand key terms like margin rate, loan value, buying power, margin call, and concentration.

How Short Selling Works

Learn about short selling and why some investors leverage the strategy. We help you understand the mechanics behind short selling with a margin account and show you how to place a trade on WebBroker.

How Does Margin Change When Short Selling

As an investor, understand how short selling impacts margin balances and become familiar with key terms like mark-to-market, dividend risk, and shorting the box.

Is a margin account right for me?

Leveraged trades are not for everyone. Along with the potential for greater returns, using borrowed money to finance the purchase of securities involves greater risk than using cash resources only. If you borrow money to purchase securities, your responsibility to repay the loan and any interest remains the same, even if the value of the securities purchased declines. An investment strategy that uses borrowed money can result in greater losses than one that uses cash.

A TD Direct Investing Cash Account may be the right choice for you. Be guided by your risk tolerance and only trade with funds you can afford to lose.

Margin Requirements

When trading on margin, you borrow money against the securities you already own to buy additional securities. Review our margin rates in Margin Requirements & Concentration Guidelines. or visit our margin centre

Securities with Increased Margin
The loan values of some securities may change. Please see our list of Securities with Increased Margin

Open an account online – it's fast and easy

Whether you're new to self-directed investing or an experienced trader, we welcome you.

  • Looking to learn more?

    Visit the TD Direct Investing Learning Centre today for more Margin-related content.

    Learning Centre

  • Apply online

    It's easy to open a cash, margin, RSP, or TFSA account.

    Open account

  • Call us

    We're here for you. Monday to Friday, 7 am to 9 pm ET

    1-800-465-5463 1-800-465-5463

  • Book an appointment

    Let's chat, face-to-face at a TD location convenient to you.

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