Margin trading, or “buying on margin,” means borrowing money from your brokerage company, and using that money to buy stocks. Put simply, you're taking out a loan, buying stocks with the lent money, and repaying that loan — typically with interest — at a later date.

What does it mean to have money on margin?

Buying on margin is borrowing money from a broker in order to purchase stock. You can think of it as a loan from your brokerage. Margin trading allows you to buy more stock than you'd be able to normally. To trade on margin, you need a margin account.

What happens if you make money on margin?

A margin account increases purchasing power and allows investors to use someone else's money to increase financial leverage. Margin trading offers greater profit potential than traditional trading, but also greater risks. Purchasing stocks on margin amplifies the effects of losses.