Do option trades on FOPs count as a day trade?

Overview:

Yes, if a position that is opened is subsequently closed in the same trading session (day), it is defined as a Pattern Day Trade. If a liquidation results in the closing of a position that was opened in that same session/day, it would be counted towards the Pattern Day Trade total. This could also result in the account being flagged as a Pattern Day Trade account…

Yes, IBKR Pro and IBKR Lite margin accounts are subject to the PDT rule even if you currently do not hold a margin loan.

You can find an Overview of Pattern Day Trading ("PDT") Rules on the IBKR website…

The Pattern Day Trading Rule ("PDT") does not apply to future contracts, options on futures contracts or Forex as they are considered commodities.

The PDT applies to both U.S. and non-U.S. securities positions, including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, options and warrants. In addition to product consideration, application of the rule also depends upon the IBKR entity through which an account is maintained. Click…

Accounts maintained with IBUK are subject to the U.S. Pattern Day Trading (PDT) rule as the accounts are introduced to and carried by IBL, a U.S. broker. The PDT rule restricts accounts with equity below USD 25,000 to no more than 3 Day Trades within any 5-business day period…