See... The Imp thinks he knows math, but what the fog of his linear thought in an attempt to prove he's right and the rest of the world is wrong obscures, is that in this universe there exist certain indisputable mathematical dictum's which must never be questioned.... Euler's Number, Pi, Plank's Constant... and of course anything the fathomless VZ generously shares out of charity with him about trading derivatives profitably.
These are the minimums. You'll notice long-dated options are actually marginable. Firms can create higher requirements and have differing requirements for size and character of the activity.
Long Put or Long Call ● more than 9 months until expiration OPTION TYPE CASH ACCOUNT INITIAL REQUIREMENT MARGIN ACCOUNT INITIAL REQUIREMENT MARGIN ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT ●Equity ●ETF ●Narrow Based Index ●Broad Based Index ●Volatility Index Note: The ETF or index underlying an option must be equity based in order to be eligible for purchase on margin. For all other option types, long put or long call must be paid for in full. Pay for each put or call in full. Listed 75% of the total cost of the option. OTC 75% of the intrinsic value (in-the-money amount) of the option plus 100% of the amount by which the option’s purchase price exceeds its intrinsic value. OTC option must be American style exercise and be guaranteed by the carrying broker-dealer. Listed 75% of option market value. OTC 75% of the intrinsic value of the option. Note that in either case, the option has no value for margin purposes when time remaining to expiration reaches 9 months.