IC, for the possible future margin call, I have to get experience in ACH and wire. "Always prepare possible disaster"
whatever, I just opened up a new account at ib. ACH'd the initial deposit. They still held it about a week to ten days. Got the same msg OP got. "We have received your funds, they will be available for trading xx/xx/2014" the days of meeting margin calls are over, but if you were getting close and you ach'd to get comfortable, not sure if they still hold funds or that is only for new accounts
The reason for the hold is simple - banks can bounce checks in the US up to 10 days and ACH's can be recalled. As they say, one bad apple.... If you need to deposit funds immediately, the most sure way would be via wire.