M1 Margin Loans vs. M1 Personal Loans

Below we will walk you through Margin Loans, Personal Loans, and the differences between the two products. For further information on individual products offered by M1, please check out M1 Help Center.

Margin Loans vs. Personal Loans

M1 Margin Loans

An M1 Margin Loan is a type of secured loan that allows you to borrow against the value of the securities you already own in your eligible M1 Brokerage Accounts. You can use your Margin Loan to withdraw funds to another account or you can invest on margin. Your total buying power reflects both your cash and margin. M1 Margin Loans are interest bearing loans that use your underlying securities (e.g. Stocks, ETFs, etc.) as collateral to act as a flexible line of credit when you need it. Using a Margin Loan can add to your investment risks, including the risk of losing the money you invested. If you fail to meet a Maintenance Margin Call* on your account, M1 may be forced to sell some or all of your investments to cover the call.

M1 Personal Loans

An M1 Personal Loan is cash that is borrowed for personal use such as debt consolidation, home improvements, medical expenses, etc. M1 Personal Loans are fixed rate loans, which can protect borrowers from significant fluctuations in monthly payments should interest rates rise. M1 Personal Loans are unsecured and instead of relying on collateral to secure the loan, loans are approved based on the borrower’s creditworthiness.

Margin Loans
Objectives
Immediately increase an investor’s buying power
Costs & Expenses
Monthly interest charges, no set repayment schedule for your principle. Maintenance Margin calls can take place on the account
Safety
SIPC SIPC protect the securities in your account, not the margin balance
Guarantees/ Insurance
Secured loan using your underlying securities in your eligible M1 Brokerage Account as collateral
Fluctuation of Principal or Return
Adds to investment risks, including the risk of losing your principal
Tax Features
Potential tax advantages. You should consult your own tax advisors before borrowing on margin
Personal Loans
Objectives
Provide cash to the customer for various expenses
Costs & Expenses
Fixed monthly payments until the loan and interest is paid off (2 to 7 year terms)
Safety
Equal Housing Lender
Guarantees/ Insurance
Unsecured loan
Fluctuation of Principal or Return
Fixed-rate loan based upon consumer’s creditworthiness
Tax Features
Proceeds of loan are generally not taxed

If you have any questions regarding the information above please contact M1’s Client Support team at support@m1.com or 312-600-2883. You can also visit M1’s Help Center for further information.

*A ”Maintenance Margin Call” is issued when the equity in your applicable account associated with your Margin Loan falls below the maintenance margin requirements.

M1 is not a bank. M1 Personal Loans are furnished by B2 Bank NA, Member FDIC and Equal Opportunity Lender, and serviced by M1 Spend LLC, a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of M1 Holdings, Inc.

All investing involves risk, including the risk of losing the money you invest. Borrowing on margin can add to these risks, and you should review the margin account risk disclosures before borrowing. M1 Margin Loans are available on margin accounts with at least $2,000 invested per account. Not all securities are available for M1 Margin Loans and the amount that may be borrowed against a security is subject to change without notice. Available margin amount(s) of M1 Margin Loans may require greater than $2,000 per Brokerage Account. Not available for Retirement or Custodial accounts. Margin rates may vary. Brokerage products and services are offered by M1 Finance LLC, Member FINRA / SIPC, and a wholly owned subsidiary of M1 Holdings, Inc.