Can you be a daytrader with only $2000?
The minimum needed to open an account for trading the Emini Futures ( S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 ) is $2000. This amount is imposed by the brokerage.
However, this amount would only allow you to trade 1 lot. In my experience, trading one lot makes sense when you are a novice trader, experimenting with new methods. However, it is simply not cost effective to trade just one lot. Usually you would want to load the boat when you are winning ( buy or sell more lots when the market is moving in your favor). I would recommend a minimum of $5000 trading capital to start with.