Sub-minute trades: what to look for in broker terms
Posted: Sat Oct 31, 2026 3:39 pm
Some brokers restrict very short trades. Reading the terms before scalping on a new account takes twenty minutes and can prevent a dispute.
What to search for in client agreements and order execution policies:
If something is unclear, ask support in writing. "Are trades held under 60 seconds allowed on this account type?" usually gets a direct answer, and you have it on record.
A practical tip: save a PDF of the terms on the day you open the account. Terms change, and the version you agreed to matters if there's a dispute.
What did you find when you read your broker's terms?
What to search for in client agreements and order execution policies:
- "Minimum holding time" or "minimum duration".
- "Latency arbitrage", "abusive trading" or "toxic flow".
- "Scalping", which some agreements mention directly.
- Rules on trading around news.
- The broker's right to cancel or adjust trades, and under what conditions.
If something is unclear, ask support in writing. "Are trades held under 60 seconds allowed on this account type?" usually gets a direct answer, and you have it on record.
A practical tip: save a PDF of the terms on the day you open the account. Terms change, and the version you agreed to matters if there's a dispute.
What did you find when you read your broker's terms?