The $2.50 rule applies when you are short selling stocks that are priced under $2.50. Basically, the rule states that for every share you are short, you still need to put up $2.50 of capital, even if the stock is priced lower. The cheaper the stock, the larger a disadvantage this is because of the smaller $ position size you will ultimately wind up taking. Unfortunately, it's one of the realities of short selling but as your account grows, it will become less of a nuisance.