When trading perpetual contracts, there are two important margin requirements you’ll encounter:

Understanding the difference can help you manage your positions more effectively.

Initial margin is the minimum amount required to open a new position.

The amount depends on your position size and the leverage you choose.

Higher leverage generally requires less initial margin, while lower leverage requires more.

Maintenance margin is the minimum amount of equity required to keep your position open.

As your position gains or loses value, your available equity changes.

If your equity falls below the maintenance margin requirement, your position becomes eligible for liquidation.

Initial margin allows you to open a trade.

Maintenance margin determines whether that trade can remain open.

Meeting the initial margin requirement does not guarantee that your position will stay open if the market moves against you.

Yes.

A position that met the initial margin requirement can still be liquidated if its equity later falls below the maintenance margin requirement.

Yes. The required margin is displayed before you confirm your order.