| Updated: Futures are complex financial instruments that less experienced investors may initially struggle to understand. However, they are simpler than they seem, and trading them does not require years of experience in the stock and financial markets. To trade futures contracts profitably, investors need a good, professional futures broker.
Futures brokers do not charge standardised fees and commissions, so investors may need to explore their options before choosing a brokerage firm. Some brokers offer advice, research, and access to statistics and additional data, while others simply provide a trading platform with basic charts and quotes. To choose the most suitable broker, investors should first understand the basics of futures contracts: how they work, how they are traded, and the benefits and risks involved.
Top 9 Futures Trading Brokers
Optimus Futures is a premier, all-in-one futures trading brokerage that caters to both retail and professional traders by combining low-cost execution with high-performance technology. Licensed and regulated by the National Futures Association (NFA) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the broker ensures a secure trading environment where client funds are strictly held in segregated accounts according to CFTC rules. Privacy is a core priority for the firm, as they maintain a strict policy never to share private data without explicit permission.
Traders can access the markets with as little as $50 for Micro contracts and $500 for E-mini contracts, providing significant buying power and leverage for active intraday strategies. This accessibility is paired with a transparent, volume-based tiered commission structure. For those trading between 0 and 20 contracts, the cost is $0.25 per side on micros and $0.75 on standard contracts. As volume increases to the 21-100 range, rates drop to $0.20 and $0.50, respectively. High-volume participants trading over 1,000 contracts enjoy the lowest rates at $0.05 for micros and $0.20 for standard contracts.
Technologically, the broker offers a free flagship platform equipped with advanced order flow tools, unlimited simulated trading, and an integrated trading journal. The ecosystem is designed for multi-device flexibility, allowing users to trade via the Optimus Futures Mobile app or through a seamless TradingView integration. This ensures traders can manage real-time data and place orders effortlessly at home or on the go. To support continuous learning, Optimus Futures also provides an extensive futures trading video library, common questions about futures trading, and a deeply informative blog, making it a robust choice for traders seeking a data-driven and cost-efficient partner.
Established in 2005, FP Markets is a veteran multi-asset brokerage authorized and regulated by several well-known authorities, including the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), and the Financial Services Authority of Seychelles (FSAS). Where FP Markets references futures, it does so in the context of trading futures via CFDs on platforms like MT4/MT5, rather than direct exchange-traded futures. The broker provides traders with an efficient way to gain exposure to global indices and commodities without the complexities of physical delivery or exchange-based clearing.
The broker’s futures offering is centered on Index CFDs, allowing participants to trade major benchmarks like the Dow Jones, NASDAQ 100, FTSE 100, and ASX 200. These cash-settled derivatives mirror the underlying security’s price movements from the opening of a position until its close. A significant advantage for traders at FP Markets is the ability to utilize leverage, which allows for increased market exposure by only depositing a fraction of the total position value, often as low as 3.33% for retail clients under specific jurisdictions.
Technically, FP Markets excels by providing access to over 10,000 tradable instruments with lightning-fast execution and ultra-competitive spreads. The platform supports various pricing models, including the Cost of Carry and Expectancy models, helping traders determine fair value across liquid markets. The broker provides extensive information on the two most recognizable ways to conduct market analysis, namely fundamental and technical analysis.
NinjaTrader is a top-rated futures trading provider recognized for its powerful proprietary platform and institutional-grade clearing services. Brokerage services are provided through NinjaTrader Clearing LLC, Tradovate, and Kraken Derivatives US, a registered Futures Commission Merchant with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and a member of the National Futures Association (NFA ID number 0309379). Serving a global community of over 1.9 million users, the firm is designed to accommodate both novice and professional traders by offering a highly customizable, cloud-based trading environment accessible via desktop, web, and mobile devices.
The brokerage stands out in the industry for its exceptional capital efficiency and accessibility, featuring no minimum deposit threshold and industry-leading intraday margins. Traders can access Micro E-mini indexes for as little as $50 in margin, while standard E-mini contracts for the S&P, Dow, and Russell 2000 require only $500. For commodities like Crude Oil, Natural gas, and Gold, margins are set at a competitive $1,000.
NinjaTrader utilizes a tiered pricing model that allows traders to align their costs with their trading volume. Under the Free plan, there are no monthly fees, with commissions starting at $0.39 for Micros and $1.29 for Standard contracts. The Monthly plan reduces these rates to $0.29 for Micros and $0.99 for Standard contracts for a $99 monthly fee, while the Lifetime plan offers the lowest possible rates – $0.09 per Micro and $0.59 per Standard contract against a one-time payment of $1,499. The platform’s open architecture further empowers users to personalize their technical analysis through thousands of third-party apps, automated strategies, and “point and click” construction tools, ensuring a tailored experience for any futures trading requirement.
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a global leader in futures trading, providing direct market access to more than 30 exchanges across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The company has been operating for more than 50 years, with Thomas Peterffy as founder and chairman. As a highly regulated entity overseen by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), IBKR is designed for sophisticated retail traders and institutional investors who require a robust, secure, and transparent environment for trading a vast range of futures and futures options, including agricultural, energy, interest rate, and equity index products.
The broker is renowned for its ultra-low, transparent commission structure and deep liquidity. Trading costs are typically tiered based on monthly volume, allowing high-frequency traders to benefit from significant discounts. For example, standard US futures commissions can range from as low as $0.25 per contract to $0.85 per contract, plus exchange and regulatory fees. IBKR also offers access to Micro-sized contracts for those seeking lower capital requirements without sacrificing the professional-grade execution for which the firm is known.
Technologically, IBKR delivers an industry-leading suite of platforms, headlined by the flagship Trader Workstation (TWS). TWS provides advanced order types, sophisticated risk management tools, and real-time market data to facilitate complex trading strategies. ComboTrader is another option for seamless trading. For traders on the go, the IBKR Mobile app and Client Portal offer full account management and execution capabilities. Additionally, the broker provides extensive educational resources through its Traders’ Academy and real-time market insights via the Traders’ Insight blog. With its combination of global reach, competitive pricing, and institutional technology, Interactive Brokers remains a primary choice for serious futures participants.
TradeStation is a premier brokerage recognized for its high-performance trading technology and institutional-grade market access. As a broker-dealer registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the National Futures Association (NFA), TradeStation operates under a strict regulatory framework, providing a secure environment for trading an extensive range of futures products across major global exchanges.
The broker offers a highly competitive and transparent pricing model tailored to different trading styles. Active futures traders benefit from prices of $0.50 per contract per side. Meanwhile, micro futures are traded as low as $0.25 per contract per side. For high-volume traders (including US clients and clients outside the US), TradeStation provides tiered commission schedules that reward increased activity with significant cost reductions. Prices range from $1.75 and $0.50 for regular contracts and $0.50 and $0.25 for Micro contracts, depending on the monthly volume of contracts traded. Furthermore, the broker supports low intraday margin requirements, enabling traders to maximize their capital efficiency when navigating liquid markets, like the E-mini S&P 500 or Crude Oil. Other futures markets available for trading include agriculture, crypto, currencies, interest rates, and soft commodities.
The broker is particularly well-regarded for its sophisticated proprietary desktop platform, which offers advanced charting, back-testing capabilities, and automated trading features designed for serious futures participants. Web and mobile trading are supported, too, ensuring that traders can monitor the markets and execute complex orders from anywhere. Beyond execution, the broker provides a wealth of educational resources and real-time market insights, empowering users to refine their technical analysis and master the nuances of the futures markets.
Launched in 2024, AvaFutures is a specialized branch of the well-established AvaTrade Group, designed to provide retail traders with direct access to global futures exchanges like the CME, Euronext, and Eurex. The broker operates under a robust regulatory framework, holding licenses in approximately ten jurisdictions, including oversight from the Central Bank of Ireland, ASIC, ISA, and CySEC.
Traders can access over 80 markets across a diverse range of assets, including futures contracts on equity indices, energies, metals, fiat currencies, agriculture, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and Ripple. The broker offers micro, mini, and standard contracts to accommodate customers with different risk tolerance. Futures traders face a versatile range of supported platforms, including the industry-standard MetaTrader 5, TradingView, and CQG.
One of the standout features of AvaFutures is its transparent pricing. Commissions are quite competitive here, starting at $/€0.75 per side for micro contracts and $/€1.75 for standard contracts traded on CME and Eurex, with no hidden inactivity or withdrawal fees. New clients can benefit from an introductory offer of 100 commission-free trades but it comes with various terms and conditions they should read in advance.
The broker’s VIP Club offers premium perks to high-volume traders such as dedicated account managers, faster withdrawals, and the ability to earn annual interest of up to 3% on unused balances. Combined with multilingual support, AvaFutures provides a sophisticated yet accessible environment for modern futures trading.
Launched in 2017 by the pioneers behind thinkorswim, tastytrade is tailored specifically for active retail traders. The firm is heavily regulated in the United States and is registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer as well as with the CFTC as an introducing broker. While futures accounts are not covered by SIPC, client protection is prioritized through the strict segregation of customer funds from company assets, overseen by the Apex Clearing Corporation.
The platform provides a choice from over 50 futures markets, including contracts on equity indices, agricultural commodities, energies, metals, interest rates, live stock, and cryptocurrencies. Traders can enter into standard, mini, and micro contracts, but options on futures are available as well. Commissions on futures contracts are $0.75 per micro contract, per side and $1 per side for standard contracts. Options on futures incur commissions of $0.75 to $1.25, with a $0.30 clearing fee to cover exchange and regulatory expenses.
Built for speed and technical analysis, tastytrade’s proprietary software is available for desktop, browser, and mobile access. The brokerage is also renowned for its vast educational ecosystem, offering free courses and daily live segments through its Tastylive network.
To accommodate different customers, tastytrade supports several account types for futures trading, including individual and joint accounts, as well as various retirement accounts like traditional and Roth IRAs. Trust accounts are available specifically for US-based customers, providing a comprehensive framework for long-term wealth management and estate planning.
Webull officially launched futures trading in 2024, significantly expanding its ecosystem for retail investors. The service is operated through Webull Financial LLC, which is a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant and a member of the National Futures Association (NFA). While securities accounts at Webull are covered by SIPC, it is important to note that futures accounts are not. However, the firm maintains strict regulatory compliance to ensure the safety of client funds through segregation. Support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET, at +1 (888-816-0040) or via email at futures@webull.com.
The platform provides access to a diverse range of global futures markets, including equity indices, foreign exchange, energy, metals, interest rates, and agricultural commodities. In late 2025, Webull further diversified its lineup by adding crypto futures, such as Dogecoin and Solana. Traders can choose between standard, e-mini, and micro contracts to manage their leverage effectively. Pricing is highly competitive, with commissions for micro contracts starting as low as $0.25 per side, though exchange and regulatory fees still apply. Webull requires a minimum equity of $100 to trade futures, though traders are not obliged to maintain the $100 balance.
Webull’s interface is designed for both mobile and desktop users, providing advanced charting, real-time data, and a variety of order types (market orders, limit orders, stop limit orders, and stop market orders). For those concerned with precision, the platform provides clear data on minimum tick sizes. For example, the E-mini S&P 500 has a tick size of 0.25 index points, valued at $12.50. To help users refine their strategies without financial risk, Webull offers a robust paper trading simulator that replicates the live market environment.
The brokerage supports individual and joint accounts, as well as retirement accounts like IRAs, for futures trading. While entity accounts (LLCs and Corporations) are available for general trading, they currently have specific eligibility and deposit requirements. Combined with a comprehensive educational suite, Webull provides a modern, low-cost entry point into the complex world of futures.
Swissquote is a premier Swiss banking group founded in 1996 that offers a highly secure and sophisticated environment for futures trading. The company ensures an exceptional level of client protection as it carries licenses issued by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), the CSSF in Luxembourg, and the FCA in the UK, among other prominent regulators.
The broker provides direct access to major global exchanges, including the CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX, and EUREX. Traders can navigate thousands of derivatives across diverse asset classes like stock indices, energies, precious metals, currencies, and cryptocurrencies, including futures on Bitcoin and Ether. Pricing is tiered to accommodate different trading volumes. Commissions for US futures typically start at $2.50 per contract with a $9.95 minimum per trade, while European markets like EUREX start at €2.00.
Real-time data feeds are available via monthly subscriptions, typically starting at $3 per month for individual exchanges like the CME or $15 for comprehensive market packages. Traders should also note that external exchange fees apply. For example, a $0.02 regulatory fee is charged for US futures. Futures trading is conducted via the robust proprietary platform CFXD, available on desktop and mobile.
Additionally, the platform integrates seamlessly with TradingView, allowing for advanced charting. The broker also provides an extensive educational library with regular webinars and specialized ebooks on derivatives, hedging, and more. Those looking to practice can test their strategies in a risk-free environment by opening a paper trading account.
What Is the Futures Market?
A futures contract, simply known as futures, is a derivative financial instrument that is traded on exchanges and is available to all institutional and retail investors, speculators, and hedgers. The futures contract is a standardized contract for purchasing a specific quantity of an asset or almost any financial instrument at a specific price and date in the future. To put it simply, this is a contract between two parties who want to secure the price and delivery of a commodity, for instance, in the future.
The futures market is comprised of various futures exchanges around the world, some of them created as divisions of the larger stock exchanges. Among the largest and most important futures exchanges are the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), which focuses on trading commodity futures, and the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE). The world’s largest stock futures exchange in terms of trading volume is the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) in Mumbai, followed by JSE Limited in South Africa. JSE Limited is the largest and the oldest existing stock exchange in Africa.
How Do Futures Work?
With the futures contract, traders secure a specific price and protect themselves from possible price fluctuations in the future. For instance, a futures contract for aviation fuel could be signed between an airline and a fuel distributor – the two parties agree on a specific quantity, price, and date of delivery. A million gallons of fuel would be sold, for $4 per gallon, and the fuel would be delivered after 60 days.
- the quantity of goods to be delivered or covered
- the unit of measurement
- the specific date of delivery (physical or not)
- the price, as well as the currency and the currency units
- how the trade would be settled – physical delivery, cash settlement, etc.
- the quality or the specific type of the traded goods
Usually, futures are traded by two types of market participants – hedgers and speculators. The players from the fuel example are hedgers and they agree upon the physical delivery of the asset. Hedgers are usually producers or consumers of a certain commodity. Many of the traders on the market, however, are speculators – they simply buy and sell futures contracts, profiting from the change in the price of the contracts themselves. Since speculators do not intend to actually deliver or receive the asset, they need to make sure to close their positions before the expiry of the contract.
To access the market of futures contracts, traders need the services of futures brokers. Sometimes, these are brokerage firms, which specialize in the trading of this particular financial instrument. There are also some Forex brokers, which offer futures on commodities, stocks, metals, etc. When searching for a futures broker, investors should check whether the firm covers the specific markets they are interested in.
Another important participant in the futures trading is the clearing house, a financial institution, which monitors the trade of futures contracts. The clearing house guarantees that the contract will be fulfilled even if one of the parties in the deal fails to do what it previously had agreed upon. The clearing house acts as a counter-party in every futures trade – it acts as a buyer in the sale and as a seller in the purchase.
Margin and Leverage
Futures trading is conducted through leveraged positions, which means investors optimize their capital to open positions that they could not afford otherwise. Leverage is the capital borrowed from the broker to open a position – for instance, the leverage offered is 1:10, which means the broker allows investors to open a trade with capital that is up to 10 times their deposit. In stock trading and on the futures market, this is known as trading on a margin.
The leverage functions after a specific amount of money is deposited by the investor and the deposit is referred to as margin. The margin is the collateral investors are required to deposit to cover the risk. Clearing houses and brokers charge their clients margin, which is usually a percentage of the price of the futures contract.
Clearing houses or brokers charge two types of margin and one of them is the initial margin, i.e. the deposit investors are required to make to cover any possible future loss. The other type is called market-to-market margin and it is the difference between the cost of the position held by the investor and the actual market value of the position. Often, brokers charge maintenance margin, as well.
How to Choose a Futures Broker
To access the market for futures contracts, investors should carefully choose a broker who is fully authorized and registered to offer such financial services. Investors should also see whether the broker offers good margin and leverage, as well as a convenient trading platform that allows fast execution and mobile compatibility. Here are several things traders need to consider when choosing a good futures broker:
Regulation
The process of choosing a suitable broker may be difficult and confusing, especially for less experienced traders. The first thing they should check is the legal aspect of the trade and, more specifically, whether the broker is, indeed authorized and a registered member of a futures exchange.
The broker should clearly specify which government agencies regulate its operations in every different country. For example, the futures markets are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the United States of America. The CFTC is an independent federal agency, which regulates the derivatives markets in the country, i.e. all futures, swaps, and some kinds of options. In the United Kingdom, the futures exchanges and brokers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), while in Australia, this role was taken by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Margin Requirements
Typically, the equity market would allow traders to use a margin of up to 50%. However, when trading futures, the margin is much lower – usually between 2% and 13% of the total value of the contract. Many brokers post the margin requirements not in percentages but as fixed prices – they depend on a large number of factors, including the investor’s country of residence, the type of underlying asset being traded using a futures contract, etc.
The margin requirements are determined by the futures exchange itself and are based on risk-based algorithms. Investors should know, however, that leveraged positions always increase the risk. This is why some brokers offer stop losses and other types of investor fund protection.
Commissions and Fees
Futures trading is associated with various fees that are charged for different aspects of the trade and for different periods of time. Usually, the broker commission decreases when large volumes are being traded. However, there may be also exchange fees, regulatory and clearing fees, as well as overnight position fees.
Some brokers offer fixed prices per contract, while others have more complex pricing schemes. When choosing a futures broker, traders should look for firms that offer low fees and commissions but more importantly, they should look for a broker who has clearly defined fees and a transparent pricing system.
Trading Platforms
After stock and futures exchanges switched to electronic trading, the markets have become accessible to anyone. But to trade futures, investors need to do that on a modern, functional trading platform – software platforms facilitate the trade of various assets but they also provide research, analytic tools, education, customer service, etc.
There are various trading platforms allowing trade of futures contracts and the best ones should also support mobile use. The vast majority of trading platforms offered by brokers are available through fast and convenient mobile apps that can be found on the App Store and Google Play.
Customer Support
As we have mentioned already, investors who wish to access the futures market need a futures broker. This is why the customer support service is very important – after all, clients invest real money and are exposed to real market risk. If they encounter a problem, they should be able to contact their broker immediately – even if it is 2.00 am. All respected online brokers offer professional, multilingual customer support that is available 24/7.