For day trading, most brokers will provide you with up to 4 times margin buying power for free. When day trading, it is very common for traders to utilize margin - the essence of day trading is to take large positions and look for small moves fast, multiplying your profits over time. For more information on margin requirements, please contact your broker to get specific details.

With swing trading, you can trade with 2 x margin buying power, but with an interest rate charge that varies depending on which broker you use. Please contact your broker for more details.

Our Pros often use leverage for day trading and swing trading stocks. It is completely up to you if you wish to use leverage when trading and how much. You can always have a margin account, and not "tap into" it if you have enough cash. However, to short stocks you will most likely need a margin account. Again, please contact your broker for specific details related to what they provide based upon your account.