How much money do I need to start day trading?
There's no single number, but in the US the pattern day trader (PDT) rule has historically required $25,000 in a margin account to make four or more day trades within five business days. FINRA has proposed changing this rule, so confirm the current requirement with your broker.
The PDT rule applies to margin accounts at US brokers. If you make four or more day trades in five business days (and they are more than 6% of your trades), you are flagged as a pattern day trader and must keep at least $25,000 in equity. Below that, the broker restricts day trading. FINRA has proposed replacing this rule, so the exact requirement may change — always check your broker's current policy.
A cash account is not subject to the PDT rule, but you can only trade with settled funds. US stock trades currently settle one business day after the trade (T+1), so money from a sale can't be reused for another trade until it settles.
More important than the minimum is how much you can afford to lose. Many beginners practice for weeks in a simulator first, then start with an amount where a 1% risk per trade is a small dollar figure.
Nothing here guarantees results; trading involves substantial risk of loss.
Go deeper
Create a free account to practice in Paper Sim.