Investors must settle their security transactions in two business days. This settlement cycle is known as "T+2" — shorthand for "trade date plus two days."
This rule means that when you buy securities, the brokerage firm must receive your payment no later than two business days after the trade is executed.
When you sell a security, you must deliver to your brokerage firm your securities certificate no later than two business days after the sale.
How you hold your securities (either in physical certificates or in electronic accounts) can affect how quickly you are able to deliver them to your broker.
Unsettled trades pose risks to our financial markets, especially when market prices plunge, and trading volumes soar. The longer the period from trade execution to settlement, the greater the risk that securities firms and investors hit by sizable losses would be unable to pay for their transactions.
For many years, our markets operated on a "T+3 and T+5" settlement cycle. But, nearly a decade ago, the SEC reduced the settlement cycle from five business days to three business days to two business days, which in turn lessened the amount of money that needs to be collected at any one time and strengthened our financial markets for times of stress.
What security transactions are covered?
Most security transactions, including stocks, bonds, municipal securities, mutual funds traded through a broker, and limited partnerships that trade on an exchange, must settle in two days. Government securities and stock options settle on the next business day following the trade.
How do I calculate when the two-day settlement cycle begins and ends?
The first day of the two-day settlement cycle starts on the business day following the day you purchased or sold a security. For example, let's say you bought a stock on Friday at any time during the day. Saturday and Sunday are not considered business days, so the two-day clock doesn't start running until Monday. Your payment or check must arrive at your broker's office by the close of business on Wednesday.
Generally, those days when the stock exchanges are open are considered business days. Always check with your broker to make sure that you understand when your payment or securities are due.
Will there be a penalty if my payment does not arrive at the brokerage firm within two days?
Some brokerage firms may charge investors fees or interest if their payments or checks do not arrive by the second day. Since firms are responsible for settling transactions if their investors do not pay, firms may decide to sell a security, charging the investor for any losses caused by a drop in the market value of the security and additional fees.
Ask your broker or brokerage firm what they plan to do if your check or payment does not arrive within two days, and what fees or charges will apply.
When I sell or buy a security, will I receive funds or my security certificate from my brokerage firm within two days?
While brokerage firms are required to send funds or certificates "promptly" to customers following the settlement of a trade, there are no deadlines imposed by federal law or regulations. Brokerage firms will credit your account with sale proceeds as soon as your trade settles. Some brokerage firms may immediately "sweep" your money into an account that earns interest. You should ask your broker about how you can assure that all funds and securities are delivered to you promptly.
If you purchase a security and would like to receive paper certificates, you should review your account agreement, as it may contain additional requirements and fees associated with ordering paper certificates.