The date that an entity commits itself to transact with a party. According to trade date accounting, a transaction is recorded in the books of an entity as of the date at which an agreement has concluded, though not yet finalized. For example, an entity may enter into an agreement, committing itself to purchase or sell an asset or assume or transfer a liability at some certain date in the future.

The date that a transaction is finalized or performance completes is known as settlement date (and is subject to settlement date accounting).