What Is the Key Difference between Variation Margin and Maintenance Margin?

Maintenance margin is the minimum equity level that must be sustained in a margin account after a position is established. Variation margin, on the other hand, refers to the daily cash flow that occurs as a result of the daily marking-to-market process.

It is the amount added to or subtracted from the account to reflect the daily gains or losses. If the account drops below the maintenance margin, a margin call is issued.

How Does the Settlement Frequency (E.g. Daily Vs. Continuous) Impact a Trader’s Cash Flow?
What Is the ‘Maintenance Margin’ Level in Derivatives Trading?
How Does Variation Margin Settlement Affect a Trader’s Cash Balance Daily?
How Does Daily Settlement Affect the Cash Flow for Futures Traders?
Why Is Variation Margin Also Called “Maintenance Margin” in Some Contexts?
Define “Variation Margin” and Its Role in Derivatives Trading
Is Maintenance Margin Typically Higher or Lower than Initial Margin?
What Is the Difference between ‘Maintenance Margin’ and ‘Variation Margin’?

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