What is a margin account used for?

A margin account is utilized primarily for borrowing money from a broker to purchase securities. This financial tool allows investors to leverage their investments by using funds that they do not physically possess. When using a margin account, an investor can buy more securities than they could with just their own cash, effectively increasing their potential gains. However, this also magnifies potential losses if the investment does not perform well.

The core function of a margin account is to enhance an investor's buying power, allowing them to access additional funds for trading. This is distinct from simply saving money securely or maintaining liquid cash since a margin account's primary purpose revolves around trading and investing in various securities, not merely holding cash or focusing on specific types of bonds.