

The best way to move up to higher approval levels is to gain experience at lower approval levels. Also, keep in mind that you may need $25,000 or more in a margin account to use naked put or call options and different advanced strategies. If you’re applying for levels three through five without experience at the broker, the broker will look at the history and experience section on your application along with your salary and other disclosures. At that point, the primary challenge is building up a margin account with sufficient capital. With experience utilizing these strategies, it is much easier to request higher levels of approval since the broker can see that you have options trading experience. Although they may be looked at as “beginner” option strategies, these remain the most commonly used strategies by option traders of all skill levels. Many investors start with a level one or two approval and use covered calls, put options, and call options to get started. If you are denied these levels, you can usually reach out to your broker for approval. And, if you have a salary, some trading history, and a reasonably funded account, you should qualify for level two strategies, enabling you to buy put and call options.

Initially, most investors should be approved for level one strategies, enabling them to create covered calls. They are also required to provide special disclosures including the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.
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Many brokers take a day or two in order to upgrade your account.

Many investors overlook this step when first opening their account because they don’t plan on trading options right away. This could be done when opening the account or after it is already open. The first step might be enabling option trading on your account. There are countless examples of novice traders blowing up their accounts with options in a very short time. If you lie about your experience, you will have access to advanced options strategies where you can lose more than just your initial investment. It’s essential to remember that these limitations are in place to protect you and the broker from losses. They may use this information to determine an approval level based on the strategies that you’d like to use in your account.
