What is Pay Later (MTF) & Steps to Avail Pay Later?

There are many occasions in the stock market when we want to invest in a good stock, but lack of funds comes in the way. At such times “Pay Later” feature or the Margin Trading Facility (MTF) emerges as a smart option. This facility gives you the power to buy shares of higher value with less capital.

In this blog, we will understand what margin trading facility or Pay Later feature is and what are the steps to avail it, so that you can use this facility easily and safely.

What is a Margin Trading Facility (MTF)?

Margin Trading Facility (MTF) or “Pay Later” is a facility that gives you the freedom to buy shares of higher value with less capital. In this, you invest a part of your capital and the rest of the amount is financed by your broker – that is, you trade now using borrowed funds and pay the rest later with applicable interest.

For example, if you have ₹20,000, you can buy shares worth up to ₹1,00,000 through MTF (with 5 times margin). Your broker gives you a loan of up to ₹80,000, on which interest is applicable.

In cash trading, you have to pay the full amount immediately, while in MTF trading, you can take delivery by paying a partial amount and pay the rest later. This facility is regulated by SEBI and applies only to stocks that are included in the MTF-approved list. This facility is offered by many popular brokers like Pocketful, Zerodha, Upstox, Angel One, etc.

Pocketful makes this facility even easier as you get MTF at the cheapest interest rate in the industry, starting at just 5.99% per annum, along with up to 5 times margin. This gives both new and professional traders a chance to make big investments without worrying about lack of funds. MTF is a great tool if you understand the risk and are adept at the nuances of trading. But using it without planning can also be detrimental, so take every step wisely.

Check Out – Stocks Available for MTF

How does Margin Trading Facility (MTF) work?

MTF works in the following ways:

• Deposit initial margin amount : In MTF, you don’t have to invest the entire investment amount. You only pay a part, say 20% or 25% upfront, which is called the initial margin.
• Broker provides the rest of the funds : The remaining amount is funded by the broker. Some platforms give you a margin of up to 5 times, allowing you to take large positions with limited capital.
• Shares purchased are pledged :  The stocks purchased using MTF funds are pledged to the broker. The shares remain pledged until you make the full payment.
• Interest rate applies : You have to pay a fixed interest on the amount financed by the broker . This interest varies on different platforms. Some brokers like Pocketful offer this facility at very low rates as low as 5.99% per annum.
• MTF is available only on Selected Stocks : Not every stock can be bought using the MTF feature. This facility is available only on those stocks which are approved by SEBI and the exchange.
• Timely payment is important : If you do not pay interest or margin on time, your holdings can be forcibly sold; this is called a margin call or auto square-off.

How to Avail Pay Later Facility?

You can avail the Pay Later facility by following the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Open a trading account with a broker that offers MTF or Pay Later Facility

First, you need to choose a broker platform that offers an MTF facility. Today, many brokers like Zerodha, Angel One, Upstox, ICICI Direct, Groww, and Pocketful offer this service.

Step 2: Activate MTF facility

After opening the account, you have to fill a consent form to activate MTF. This process can be easily completed from the mobile app or web portal of most brokers.

Step 3: Fund your margin account

To use MTF, you have to deposit an initial margin amount. This amount can vary from one broker to another and the stock selected (usually equal to 20%–25% of the trade value).

Step 4: Select from MTF-approved stocks

Not every stock is eligible for MTF. You must trade only in stocks that are approved for MTF by SEBI and the broker. This list is available on your broker platform.

Step 5: Place an order by choosing “Margin” or “Pay Later” option

When you go to buy a stock, select “Margin” or “Pay Later” in the order type. This will activate funding by the broker for your trade and your amount will be automatically adjusted in the margin.

Step 6: Keep regular track of positions and interest

In MTF, you have to pay interest every day, so keep checking your portfolio, outstanding amount and margin status from time to time. If you do not make the payment on time, the broker can force the sale of stocks.

Key Benefits of Using MTF

Some of the benefits of using MTF are given below:

• More buying power with less capital : The biggest advantage of MTF is your buying power increases. You can buy shares using up to 5x leverage, allowing you to cash in on big opportunities without delay.
• Beneficial for short-term traders : If you do swing trading or short-term positional trading, then MTF is a useful tool for you. When there is a possibility of a sharp movement in a stock in the market and you have less funds, then this facility can be very useful.
• Flexible repayment facility : You do not have to pay MTF charges every day. Many brokers give a time period of 30 to 90 days, so that you can comfortably hold the stocks and exit at the right time.
• Facility to do new trade without selling other holdings : Suppose your funds are invested in some other stock but you want to do a new trade. In such a situation, MTF helps you, because you can do a new deal without selling your old holding.

Risks & Charges Involved

Some of the risks and charges associated with using MTF or Pay Later facility are given below:

• Interest has to be paid daily : In MTF, the broker lends you funds and the interest is charged daily. This rate may vary for different brokers.
• Margin maintenance is a must : You are required to maintain a minimum margin in your account to keep your trade position active. If your margin falls below this level, you must replenish it immediately, or your broker may liquidate your position partially or fully to cover the shortfall, potentially locking in losses.
• Risk of forced liquidation on margin shortfall : If you do not replenish the required margin, the broker can sell your holdings without your permission. This is called forced liquidation and can cause you huge losses.
• Additional charges and penalties may also be levied : In MTF, apart from interest, there are other charges – such as pledge/unpledge fees, penalty if payment is not made on time, and sometimes account maintenance charges as well.
• Every broker has a different charge structure : Interest and other charges vary by broker; some may have higher or hidden fees. Therefore, before availing MTF facility of any broker, read MTF policies.

Read Also: Lowest MTF Interest Rate Brokers in India

Factors to Consider Before Using MTF

Key factors to consider before using MTF or Pay Later feature is given below:

• Understand the interest rate and potential returns : In MTF, you have to pay interest on the borrowed funds. If the profit from your trade is less than this interest, then there may be a loss. Therefore, before investing, estimate whether your expected return is able to exceed this interest or not.
• Check approved stocks and leverage ratio : Every broker has a list of stocks on which MTF facility is available. Along with this, the amount of leverage you will get like 3x, 5x can also vary. So, check these terms before trading.
• Assess your risk-taking ability : MTF is a high-risk facility, which is greatly affected by market fluctuations. If you are new or do not understand market movements properly, then it can be harmful for you. First ask yourself – are you ready to take such risks?
• Actively monitor trades : Margin calls are a possibility in MTFs. If the market moves against you and you don’t pay attention, your holdings can be sold automatically. So it is very important to keep a constant eye on the trades.

Conclusion

Margin Trading Facility (MTF) is a powerful tool that allows investors to take larger positions with relatively less capital. However, it proves beneficial only when one has a clear understanding of its terms, risks, and associated costs. With competitive interest rates and improved platforms such as Pocketful, MTF has become more accessible and affordable. For investors who practice strong risk management and actively monitor their trades, MTF can serve as an effective means to enhance portfolio growth. It is advised to consult a financial advisor before investing or trading using MTF or Pay Later facility.

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