The Maximum Position Hold Time

The maximum position hold time is the longest you are allowed to keep a single position open before it must be closed. Like the other numbers that govern your account, the exact limit varies by plan and is shown live in your account.

What this rule means

Every paid challenge and funded account carries a set of rules that keep it alive, and the maximum hold time is one of them. It applies to open positions, whether you are trading stocks, futures, or a multi leg options strategy. The idea is simple: a position is meant to be worked and then closed, not left open indefinitely. Once a position has been open for its allowed time, it needs to be flat.

This sits alongside your other account rules, including the daily loss limit, the maximum drawdown, position and contract size limits, and the maximum allocation risk per position. You can read how all of these fit together in the Trading Rules.

Where to find your limit

Because the maximum hold time is one of the figures that changes from plan to plan, we never quote a single number for it. To see the exact limit that applies to you:

• Check the plan card and the live rules for each plan on the Pricing page.
• Open your Accounts page and view the details for the specific account you are trading.

Those two places always show the current, authoritative figures for your account.

How to stay within it

The cleanest way to respect the rule is to close a position yourself before its time runs out. On the Trade terminal you can close from the order ticket or the close dialog, and you can attach Take Profit and Stop Loss brackets to a position so it auto exits at a percent, dollar, or price level you choose. Brackets help you exit on your terms rather than bumping up against a hard limit.

If you trade options, you manage and close those strategies on the Options screen.

If you exceed it

The maximum hold time is a hard account rule, so breaching it can fail or liquidate the account in the same way as breaking other hard limits. Plan your exits with the clock in mind, especially around the market close and overnight.

If you are unsure how the rule applies to a specific position or account, email [email protected] and we will help.