The buffer is a profit cushion you must build before any payout is possible. It is equal to your account's Maximum Loss Limit plus $100.
Account size | Buffer (MLL + $100) | Balance needed |
25K Prime | $1,100 | $26,100 |
50K Prime | $2,100 | $52,100 |
100K Prime | $3,100 | $103,100 |
150K Prime | $4,600 | $154,600 |
Two important points:
The buffer itself can never be withdrawn. It stays in the account.
Everything you earn above the buffer is withdrawable, as long as you respect the payout rules (minimum request amount, payout caps, and the 40% consistency rule).
Example on the 50K Prime: your balance is $53,000. Your buffer is
$52,100, so $900 is withdrawable. Since $900 is above the $500 minimum, you can request it.
Example on the 25K Prime: your balance is $26,800. Your buffer is
$26,100, so $700 is withdrawable. Since $700 is above the $500 minimum and below the $1,000 cap, you can request it.