Plain English
A margin loan is a loan from your brokerage secured by the securities in your account. Originally designed for buying more securities on margin (leveraged trading), but increasingly used as a general source of liquidity against an investment portfolio.
How it actually works
The brokerage extends credit up to a percentage of your marginable holdings — typically 50% for Reg-T marginable equities. You can withdraw the borrowed cash (subject to terms), use it to purchase more securities, or hold it as buffer. Interest accrues daily, usually at SOFR plus a spread. Brokerages publish their margin rates publicly; major HNW providers offer rates in the 4–8% range.
What it means for you
For HNW members, a margin loan is one of several borrowing options against a securities portfolio. SBLOCs are similar but often offer better terms for non-trading liquidity. The choice depends on what you intend to do with the borrowed capital.
We cover margin loans alongside SBLOC, pledged-asset lines, and crypto-collateralized alternatives — helping members structure the right credit facility for the right purpose.
Educational content only. Not investment, tax, or legal advice.