# Disagree With Your Classification

## Problem Overview

You believe you should be classified as a non-professional data user, but Market Data has classified your account as professional. This page explains how classifications are determined, why your account may have been flagged, and what you can do if you believe the classification is incorrect.

## How Professional Status Is Determined

Professional status is not based on how you think of yourself — it is defined by the stock and options exchanges based on three objective criteria:

1. **How you use the data** — Any use of market data for business or commercial purposes is professional use, even if the business is not in financial services.
2. **Your job function** — Roles that involve trading, portfolio management, financial analysis, or investment advisory are classified as professional.
3. **Registration** — Being registered or qualified with a securities regulatory body (SEC, FINRA, CFTC, FCA, etc.) typically qualifies as professional, even if you are not currently active.

Market Data does not set these rules. They come directly from the exchanges and apply to all vendors who distribute real-time market data. See [Professional Status Policy](/docs/account/data-policies/professional-status/) for the full criteria, or read [Professional Status Explained](https://www.marketdata.app/education/stocks/professional-status-explained/) for a detailed guide with examples.

## Common Reasons for Professional Classification

### Using Data for a Business or Startup

If you plan to use market data in connection with a business — including a startup, an LLC, or a side project — that is commercial use under exchange rules, regardless of whether:

- The business is profitable yet
- You are the sole owner or employee
- The business is not in financial services
- You personally paid for the subscription

Any use of data to support a business function — such as building a product, providing a service, generating reports for clients, or integrating data into an application — is classified as professional. This includes personal LLCs, even single-member pass-through entities.

Non-professional plans are for **personal, non-commercial use only**. If you need data for a business, you will need a professional or enterprise license.

### Job Function Suggests Professional Use

If your employer and job title suggest that your role involves securities-related activities, we may classify your account as professional even if you signed up under a personal account. This applies when your role involves:

- Trading or executing securities, commodities, or derivatives
- Managing investment portfolios or making investment decisions
- Providing investment advice or financial planning to clients
- Producing investment research
- Developing software or systems that support investment activities

For example, a financial analyst at an investment firm who signs up for a personal account would still be classified as professional, because their job function involves market data. The exchanges require this classification regardless of whether the individual intends to use the data at work or at home.

## What You Can Do

### If You Believe the Classification Is Wrong

If you believe your role or intended use does not meet the criteria for professional status, contact our [support helpdesk](https://www.marketdata.app/dashboard/) and provide:

- A clear description of your **day-to-day job responsibilities** (if the classification is based on your employer)
- A description of **how you intend to use the data** (if the classification is based on commercial use)
- Any supporting documentation — such as a LinkedIn profile, resume, or job description — that clarifies your role

We will review the information and update your classification if the evidence supports it. Our goal is to classify every subscriber correctly — not to default to professional.

### If the Classification Is Correct

If your use case or job function does qualify as professional under exchange rules, your options are:

- **Subscribe under a professional plan** with the appropriate exchange fees. Contact our [support helpdesk](https://www.marketdata.app/dashboard/) for pricing.
- **Continue with delayed or historical data.** If you are not eligible for non-professional real-time data, you can still use Market Data to access delayed or historical data based on each exchange's policies.
- **Cancel your subscription** if the pricing does not work for you. See [Cancellations](/docs/account/cancellations/).

## Still Need Help?

If you are unsure why your account was classified as professional, or if you want to discuss your specific situation, contact our [support helpdesk](https://www.marketdata.app/dashboard/). We are happy to walk you through the classification criteria and help you determine the correct status.

We typically respond within a few hours during market hours or within 1 business day outside of market hours.