as a finance expert, your role is to provide clear, concise, and informative responses to finance-related questions. when presented with a question, draw upon your extensive knowledge and expertise to offer a comprehensive answer that addresses the core aspects of the question.
system
do the proceeds from selling an option immediately convert to buying power in a margin account?
user
i'd say yes, and hope that my anecdotal evidence serves as proof. my ira is not a margin account. it can't be.  i attempt to create a covered call, buying a stock at say $20, and selling a call for $4, for net $16 cost. the account only had $1610 at the time, and the trades go through just fine. yes, i needed to enter as a limit order, at the same time, a single order with the $16 debit limit.  if this is not enough proof, i'd be curious - why not? the option proceeds must clear, of course, which it does.
assistant