Review of the top Futures Trading Brokers with Comparison to select the best Futures Trading Platform based on their price, withdrawal fees, trading platforms, usability, etc:
You may invest in assets through the best futures trading platforms if you don’t want to use the stock market or other widely accessible channels.
Professional futures traders must weigh cheap commissions, user-friendly interfaces, top-notch customer support, and current research options when selecting a broker. To make decisions, traders also require charting and screening tools.
As one of the most complicated and risky products traded today, futures contracts provide an even greater risk if you choose the incorrect platform, which might leave you open to significant losses. So, how do you pick the best futures trading platform from a market that is already crowded.
To help you get started quickly, we’ve done our research and compiled the top best futures trading platforms.
In our assessment, we include important aspects like price, withdrawal fees, trading platforms, usability, and customer support, among others. To aid you in making a selection, we’ve also supplied our verdict. In addition, our top options are highlighted in a comparison table with significant features.
Table of Contents:
Futures Trading Platforms: Top Rated List
What is Futures Trading
Futures are financial derivative contracts that obligate parties to purchase or dispose of an asset at a certain future date and price. Futures contracts are exchanged on exchanges for futures, such as the CME Group or CBOT. Starting a futures trading business is comparatively simple. Open an account with a broker who supports the markets you wish to trade in.
An investor can make price predictions using a futures contract for a financial product or commodity. These contracts have predetermined end dates and upfront costs. The month of expiration serves as an identifier for futures.
How Does Futures Trading Platform Work
A futures trading platform is the place to go if you want to trade futures contracts. Using futures trading platforms, traders and investors may utilize spread betting and Contract for Differences (CFDs) as tools to speculate on the value of an underlying futures market.
With the ability to employ CFDs and spread bets to go long or short, traders and investors may earn from both rising and falling markets if their predictions are accurate.
The ideal futures trading platform should be easy to use, have a selection of order types to help with risk management, and be reasonably priced. In the world of futures trading, there is no set industry standard for commission and charge structures.
Every broker offers a variety of services. Others only give you a quotation and a chart, while some offer a substantial amount of research and recommendations.
Market Trends: Global trading of futures contracts increased from 12.13 billion in 2013 to 29.28 billion in 2021. The Asia-Pacific region’s exchanges had the greatest increase in trade in 2021. In total, there were 30.55 billion contracts in that region, up 10.40 billion or 51.6% over the previous year.
North America came in second in terms of trading volume with 15.38 billion contracts exchanged in 2020, an increase of 2.53 billion or 19.7% from the year before. The rapid growth of Latin America persisted. The total number of contracts traded in the region climbed by 37.5% to 8.89 billion.
Europe, which is currently placed fourth in terms of trading volume, had a fall of 156.7 million or 2.8% from the prior year, with 5.45 billion contracts traded in 2021. (FIA Report)
At a predicted CAGR of 8.6% from 2021 to 2027, the worldwide derivatives market is expected to grow from US$ 21980 million in 2020 to US$ 39170 million by 2027.
The derivatives provided by most trading venues are commodity futures and stock index futures, according to the World Federation of Exchanges WFE Derivatives Report 2021. (Refer to the screenshot below).
A record amount of 63.24 billion derivatives contracts were exchanged in a single year throughout the responder universe of 50 exchanges, a 33% rise from 2020. (33.88 billion options and 29.35 billion futures).
With an average yearly growth rate of 13.8% during the previous ten years, this equals a rise of 221.1%. (World Federation of Exchanges WFE Derivatives Report 2021 page 8).
While currency and commodity futures decreased 2.7% and 9.1%, respectively, the volumes in the Americas area climbed 27% as a result of equities (41.3%), ETFs (5.8%), and interest rate derivatives (18.9%).
The top three exchanges by volumes traded were B3 – Brasil Bolsa Balco (9.58 billion contracts), CME Group (4.94 billion contracts traded), and Nasdaq – US (4.9 billion contracts traded), while the top three exchanges by volume growth were MIAX Exchange Group (62.2%), B3 – Brasil Bolsa Balco (45.3%), and NYSE (36%). (3.23 billion contracts traded).
In total, the volume of equity derivatives rose by 49.2% in comparison to 2020, with positive trends in each of the four categories: single stock options (40.9%), single stock futures (41.9%), stock index options (80.7%), and stock index futures (18.7%). (See image below).
The number of single-stock futures contracts traded in 2021 was 4.82 billion, up 41.9% from 2020. With 7.6% of the overall volume of derivatives, they continued to be the least actively traded class of equity derivatives. (See image below).
You can find more info in the WFE Derivatives Report 2021 about stock index futures, ETF futures, and LTIR futures, among others.
Expert Advice:
Understand the risks and the principles of futures: Two of the major risks associated with futures are the requirements for leverage and price sensitivity. Some investors prefer futures trading because it might offer a few benefits that stocks lack aside from speculation. For instance, futures contracts trade outside of stock market hours.
Make a trading strategy: Before taking a position, thoroughly prepare your transactions. This entails putting an exit strategy in place if the deal does not turn out as you expected.
Choose an investing plan: Common futures trading strategies include taking long or short positions and calendar spreads, which can be bullish or bearish. Trading opportunities exist in both rising and declining markets. Human nature compels us to constantly look for chances to buy, or “go long,” or to sell, or “go short,” a market.
Place and manage your futures trade: Contracts should be closely watched since trading futures carries higher risks. Avoid monitoring and trading in too many markets, as well as trading in only one market. Spread out your futures trading to take advantage of the numerous known benefits.
List of the Best Futures Trading Platforms
Best platform for futures trading list:
- WunderTrading
- Optimus Futures
- Tastyworks
- TD Ameritrade
- NinjaTrader
- Tradovate
- Discount Trading
- Interactive Brokers
- Charles Schwab
- TradeStation
- Generic Trade
Comparison Table of Top Platforms for Futures Trading
Broker | Best For | Trading Platforms | Futures Markets | Withdrawal Fees | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
WunderTrading | Futures Spread Trading | Browser-based | — | — | Platform is free to use. Priced plans start at $4.95/month |
Optimus Futures | Self-directed traders looking for stable data feeds and fast execution | Optimus Flow Optimus Trader TradeStation (Desktop, Web & Mobile) etc. | 13 | ACH – free, Check (Domestic Only) – $0-$15, Wire Transfers $20-$60 | Commissions per side – from $0.25/side |
Tastyworks | Active, professional and experienced futures and options traders | Tastyworks desktop, web browser, and mobile (iOS and Android) | 8 | ACH – free, wire – $25-$45, check – $5–$10 | Futures – from $0.25/contract |
TD Ameritrade | Traders who desire a single investing account for futures trading | Web Platforms Thinkorswim desktop Thinkorswim web Mobile trading | 3 | free ACH withdrawal, $25 for wire transfers | $2.25 fee per contract + exchange & regulatory fees |
NinjaTrader | Low fees for trading futures | NinjaTrader (Windows desktop) | 7 | $30-$40 wire, US check is free. | From $0.09/micro contract. |
Tradovate | Intermediate and seasoned futures traders | Tradovate (Windows & Mac), Web browser, and mobile & tablet (iPhone, Android, & iPad) | 4 | wire transfers $30-$50. The overnight check fee is $50 | Commissions per side ($0.79 standard, $0.25 micros, $0.2 smalls) |
Discount Trading | High volume futures day traders and investors looking for the lowest futures margins | Firetip (Windows, Mac OS X, Apple iOS, Android, and Web) TradingView, etc. | 20+ | wire transfer/check– $40-$60 | Commission range $0.49 – $0.19 based on monthly volume (low to high vol). |
Detailed reviews:
#1) WunderTrading
Best for futures Spread Trading.
WunderTrading is a bit different from other platforms on this list as it facilitates futures spread trading. WunderTrading helps you simultaneously buy and sell futures contracts. As a software that facilitates futures spread trading, the platform mitigates the risk associated with trading low-liquidity assets.
To execute futures trading strategies, you’ll need to sign and open a WunderTrading account. Once opened, navigate to the Terminal tab and select the Spread Trading Terminal. Follow this up by choosing the base and quote pairs. Decide whether to go long or short. Finally, pick the portfolio share, set Stop Loss and Take Profit levels, and create a trading strategy.
The platform supports all exchanges and trading pairs. As such, you’ll have no issue investing or trading in cryptocurrencies using this platform.
Minimum Deposit: NA
Withdrawal Fee: NA
Futures Market: —
Education and Research: Blogs, FAQs, and video tutorials offered.
Trading Platforms: Browser-based platform
Features:
- Create and automate trading bots
- Copy Trading
- DCA and Grid Bot
- Crypto portfolio tracking
- Arbitrage trading
Pros:
- Affordable subscription plans
- Free for traders and investors
- Easy to use
Cons:
- No mobile app
Verdict: WunderTrading offers you all the instruments and features you need for successful futures spread trading. It is easy to use, offers affordable subscription plans, and makes trading simple with an automated bot.
Price: WunderTrading offers the following subscription plans
- Starter: $4.95/month
- Basic: $ 19.95/month
- Pro: $ 39.95/month
- Premium: $ 89.95/month
A forever free plan is also available, allowing you to start free copy trading.
#2) Optimus Futures
Best for self-directed traders looking for stable data feeds and fast execution.
Optimus Futures is a Boca Raton, Florida-based Independent Introducing Broker. To help clients achieve their long-term trading goals, it serves the aim of offering Full Service at Discount Brokerage pricing.
The broker provides many ownership-based account types (Individual, Joint, and Corporate), cutting-edge research tools, and a range of trading platforms (40+). Futures trading charges at Optimus Futures are among the lowest of its competitors since there are no inactivity or deposit fees.
The Optimus Flow desktop trading platform might be too complex for beginners, but it is very customizable, and you can add a ton of apps and add-ons to make your workspace distinctive. Also, the charting tools at Optimus Futures are excellent, you can leverage 85 technical indicators to maximize returns.
Minimum Deposit: Ironbeam – No Minimum Account*, Stone X ($5,000) (GAIN Capital), $5,000 Phillip Capital, $5,000 for TradeStation, $5,000 for Wedbush, ADMIS – $10,000
Withdrawal Fee: ACH – free, Check (Domestic Only) – $0-$15, Wire Transfers (Domestic) – $20-$40, Wire Transfers (International) – $25-$60
Futures Markets: 13
Education & Research: Written and video material for all level traders. Futures trading community + podcasts.
Trading Platforms:
- Optimus Flow
- Optimus Trader
- Firetip
- TT Platform
- MT5 Platform
- TradingVIEW
- TradeStation (Desktop, Web & Mobile)
- StoneX
- Order Flow, etc.
Other Features:
- Unlimited Simulated Trading
- DOM Surface
- Power Trades
- Volume analysis
- 40+ technical indicators
- Chart drawing tools
- Live market data and quotes
Pros:
- Wide selection of futures trading platforms (desktop, web, and mobile)
- Expert Guidance
- Low margins for day trading
- No-limit virtual trading
- Fast Order Execution
- Account protection and funds safety
- Global exchange connectivity
- Personal support
- Great customer service
- Education, trading tools, and commodities research.
Cons:
- High wire transfer withdrawal fees
- Credit and Debit cards are not available
- Only a desktop version of the Optimus Flow platform is available (has quite a complicated interface)
Further Reading => Read our Topstep Funded Trading Review
Verdict: Optimus Flow trading platform from Optimus Futures is excellent for trading futures and options. Experienced futures and options traders will benefit greatly from its sophisticated trading platform. The customer support at Optimus Futures is excellent, and the company also offers some specialized instructional resources and an active user community.
Pricing: Commissions per side – $0.25 per side on micros and $0.75 per side on std contracts.
#3) Tastyworks
Best for active, professional, and experienced futures and options traders.
Tastyworks is a top-notch futures broker with reasonable costs. Although it may not be among the top brokers for new traders, Tastyworks provides some of the most cutting-edge technologies for seasoned investors. In addition to SEP IRAs, corporate accounts, regular accounts, and trusts, it provides individual and joint brokerage accounts.
One of the more distinctive aspects of Tastyworks is its cost. Only commissions for options are charged by the brokerage when a position is opened. Furthermore, there is no required minimum deposit while creating a brokerage account.
Deposits at Tastyworks are free, however, withdrawals cost $45 for international wire transfers and $25 for domestic wire transfers.
Minimum Deposit: no minimum, however, you need at least $2000 for margin privileges
Withdrawal Fee: ACH – free, Domestic wire – $25, Foreign wire – $45, Domestic check – $5, Foreign check – $10
Futures Markets: 8
Education & Research: Tastyworks educational platform, Tastytrade is an online financial content network with videos, learning material, and research content for both a beginner and an experienced trader.
Trading Platforms:
- Tastyworks desktop, web browser, and mobile (iOS and Android)
Other Features:
- Curve analysis
- Quick roll
- Quick order adjustments
- Percent of profit limit orders
- ETF-equivalent futures delta
- In-app trading inspiration
Pros:
- A wide variety of markets
- Versatile IRAS
- Minimal commissions
- Robust educational materials
- No minimum balance
- Next-generation trading tech
- No inactivity fees
Cons:
- Not beginner-friendly
- No demo account
- No debit/credit card
- High wire withdrawal fee
- Web trading platform has limited customizability
Verdict: The Tastyworks platform is intended for seasoned futures and options traders, making it intimidating for newcomers. Its instruments for learning are excellent for study and teaching, nevertheless. For investors seeking a premium trading environment and low commissions under one roof, it is the best futures trading platform.
Pricing: Futures – $1.25 per contract, Micro futures – $0.85/contract, Small future – $0.25/contract, Small futures options – $0.50/contract (all futures trades incur a clearing fee of $0.30 per contract + exchange fees + NFA fee.)
#4) TD Ameritrade
Best for traders who desire a single investing account for futures trading.
TD Ameritrade is one of the top all-around internet brokers. It’s a fantastic option for investors looking for a top-notch, cutting-edge trading platform with support for futures.
It has an intuitive website, industry-leading education, and research, and a unique mobile app created especially for regular traders. From futures trading to retirement planning, TD Ameritrade offers all the services one might anticipate from a full-service brokerage.
Two separate smartphone applications are available from TD Ameritrade: thinkorswim Mobile and TD Ameritrade Mobile, both of which cater to aggressive traders and feature-hungry casual investors, respectively. The most extensive collection of technical studies in the market – 400+ is accessible on thinkorswim’s charting platform.
Additionally, TD Ameritrade gives users the ability to design and execute in-the-moment stock scans, share charts and workspace layouts, and do sophisticated options research. Although thinkorswim online seems straightforward at first glance, it has several sophisticated features.
Thinkorswim Web offers traders a simple approach to swiftly manage their accounts while accessing crucial trading capabilities, as opposed to thinkorswim desktop.
Minimum Deposit: No minimum, $2000 deposit for margin and some options privileges
Withdrawal Fee: Free ACH withdrawal, $25 for wire transfers
Futures Markets:
Education & Research: Videos, in-person events, articles, and webcasts
Trading Platforms:
- Web Platforms
- Thinkorswim desktop (designed specifically for futures traders)
- Thinkorswim web
- Mobile trading
Other Features:
- Custom alerts
- Customizable workspace
- Screeners
- Conditional orders
- Level II quotes
- paperMoney virtual trading
- Market Monitor
- Robust indicators
- Popular watchlists, etc.
Pros:
- Low trading and platform fees
- Commission-free
- Superb Customer Support
- Extensive product access
- Comprehensive education
- Cutting-edge online trading platforms
- Straightforward pricing
Cons:
- High margin rates
- Limited money transfer options (no credit/debit card)
- For U.S. customers only
Verdict: There is no minimum account balance requirement, first-rate customer service, and almost every kind of brokerage account you can imagine. Aside from having one of the top thinkorswim trading platforms in the industry, it also has a remarkably feature-rich mobile app.
Pricing: $2.25 fee per contract + exchange & regulatory fees
#5) NinjaTrader
Best for low fees for trading futures.
NinjaTrader is an introducing broker of brokers and a firm that has been registered with the NFA (National Futures Association).
This US-based software provider offers a fantastic trading platform with cutting-edge research capabilities. NinjaTrader charges reasonable trading fees; among its rivals, its futures fees are among the lowest. For seasoned traders, the desktop interface and research tools are excellent.
You may only trade futures and options on futures at NinjaTrader brokerage. Your funds will be kept by Dorman Trading or Phillip Capital if you use NinjaTrader brokerage. They are both US-based brokers. Additionally, you can link a single or many trading accounts from Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade, Oanda, Forex.com, FXCM, and City Index.
Minimum Deposit: No minimums
Withdrawal Fee: $30 for US wire, $40 for international wire. US check is free.
Futures Markets: 7
Education & Research: Daily product training webinars, active user forums, user videos, and written help guides.
Trading Platforms:
- NinjaTrader (Windows desktop)
Other Features:
- Advanced charting
- Strategy backtesting
- Trade simulation
- Market playback
- Powerful real-time analysis
- Advanced alerting capabilities
- Free historical data
- 1000s of 3rd party add ons
Pros:
- Increased flexibility
- Supports custom trading strategies, indicators, and signals
- Supports apps & tools built by the user community
- Discount commissions and easy pricing
- Low-day trading margins
- 24/5 reliable trade desk support
- Endless platform customization
- Free trading demo
Cons:
- The website is hard to navigate
- High withdrawal fee
- No mobile apps support Windows only
Verdict: The trading industry continues to honor NinjaTrader for its exceptional blend of high-performance trading platforms, low prices, and real-time assistance. With more than 500,000 members worldwide, it’s one of the best brokers for futures trading. Expert traders will benefit greatly from its sophisticated platform.
Pricing: $0.35/micro contract (includes free platform), $0.09/micro contract (requires platform lifetime license), $0.25/micro contract (requires platform lease). Standard exchange, NFA & routing fees apply.
#6) Tradovate
Best for intermediate and seasoned futures traders
Tradovate, which was established in 2015 and is based in Ohio in the United States, can meet the demands of active futures traders. The cutting-edge futures broker Tradovate offers a tiered pricing structure and a sophisticated customized trading platform that you may use for extra money.
The broker gives you access to the cutting-edge Tradovate cloud-based trading platform, unlike some brokers that demand that traders pay for their trading platforms. The platform was developed from scratch utilizing technology intended for professional futures traders, and it includes multi-device trading.
Minimum Deposit: No specific minimum funding level, however, you’d need at least the day margin to place a trade.
Withdrawal Fee: $30 fee for domestic wire transfers and $50 fee for international wire transfers. The overnight check fee is $50
Futures Markets: 4 (over 100 products)
Education & Research: videos, community, CME resource center, FAQ, custom indicators docs
Trading Platforms:
- Tradovate (Windows & Mac), Web browser, and mobile & tablet (iPhone, Android, & iPad)
Other Features:
- Advanced charting tools
- Modern Design Quotes
- Depth of market (designed for ease of use and speed)
- Advanced order management (cloud-based)
- Risk-free simulated trading
- Streaming market replay tool
- Option chain
- Spread matrix
- Group trade
- Third-party tools (such as TradingView)
- Performance center
- Powerful trading and analysis modules
- TPO charts
Pros:
- Lower commissions and free to trade
- Tier-based pricing system
- Transparent prices
- Clean trading interface
- Lower margins for intraday futures
- Over 40 advanced trading tools
- A free 2-week demo
Cons:
- The platform is overkill for beginners
- Fewer possibilities for financing accounts
Verdict: You get access to more than 40 state-of-the-art trading tools designed specifically for futures traders. Tradovate is a good choice for experienced futures traders seeking an all-encompassing platform and a variety of pricing alternatives. The broker is reliable and competent, and it offers more than enough features to execute any plans.
This broker has the best platform for futures trading for intermediate and experienced investors to trade futures.
Pricing:
- Membership free access – no monthly fees.
- Commissions per side ($0.79 standard, $0.25 micros, $0.2 smalls)
- Active trader plan – $99/month + commissions per side ($0.19 standard/micros, $0.15 smalls)
- Commission-free – $199/month billed annually, or $349/month billed monthly. No commissions
#7) Discount Trading
Best for high-volume futures day traders and investors looking for lowest futures margins
Discount Trading offers a completely free platform with live-streaming quotes for active online futures traders. Additionally, commission rates start at just $0.19 per side if you don’t need broker assistance.
A wide range of financial markets are serviced by Discount Trading’s futures brokerage. Additionally, its client interface gives traders total control over their system without requiring them to deal with the inconveniences of dealing with a broker or completing lengthy, intricate paperwork.
Discount Trading also provides a comprehensive summary of all costs, including those for routing, exchange, and regulation. There are over 1,300 trading systems in the Discount Trading database. The fact that Discount Trading includes pricing with fees and commissions built into each system that sets it apart from other futures brokers.
Minimum Deposit: No minimums
Withdrawal Fee: Domestic wire transfer/check issued overnight – $40, international wire transfer/check issued overnight – $60
Futures Markets: 20+
Education & Research: Free online education (via third-party platforms)
Trading Platforms:
- Firetip (Windows, Mac OS X, Apple iOS, Android, and Web)
- TradingView
- Sierra Chart
- CQG Desktop
- Trade Navigator
- Rithmic – R Trader & Rtrader Pro
- MotiveWave
- Multicharts
- MarketDelta, etc.
Other Features:
- Client Portal
- Multiple trading systems (automated algorithmic – over 1100 pro-developed algos that sync directly to your account)
- Risk Control
- Unlimited charts
Pros:
- Fully customizable platform
- Excessively low commission rates
- Responsive Support Team
- $500 and below day trading margin
- No inactivity fee
- Fast account opening
- Completely free trading platform
Cons:
- It can be confusing to pick the right trading platform from their huge list
- Not suitable for traders new to futures markets
- High wire transfer fees
Verdict: Discount Trading is one of the leading brokers for futures trading with more than 20 years of expertise. The broker offers traders a quick and straightforward account creation process. You may choose from over 20 different futures trading platforms and 5 trade routing options in addition to a free platform with live-streaming quotations.
Further Reading => Best ECN Forex Brokers to Look for
Pricing: Commissions and exchange fees. Additional routing & execution fees (depending on the trading platform). Commission range $0.49 – $0.19 based on monthly volume (low to high vol).
#8) Interactive Brokers
Best for professionals, active traders, and amateur investors.
Given its institutional-grade desktop trading platform and extremely low margin rates, Interactive Brokers is the company that experts recommend. Additionally, it provides lower fee rates on futures and other financial products for big-volume traders. The primary reason why traders use IBKR is that it gives them access to 135 trading hubs throughout the world.
In terms of active trading, Interactive Brokers is a pioneer. The two main pricing ranges are IBKR Pro, which is targeted at professionals, and IBKR Lite (for casuals). Trader Workstation (TWS), Interactive Brokers’ desktop-based trading tool, supports the trading of all commodities, including global assets.
Furthermore, Interactive Brokers IBKR Mobile software may enable mobile trading on all devices.
Minimum Deposit: USD 0.00
Withdrawal Fee: one free withdrawal request per calendar month. After the first withdrawal, the fee is determined by the mode of withdrawal and the amount of cash withdrawn.
Futures Markets: 30+
Education & Research: IBKR campus, traders academy, insights, podcasts, webinars, short videos, student trading lab, etc.
Trading Platforms:
- Client Portal (web application)
- Trader Workstation (desktop platform)
- Mobile (iOS and Android)
- IBKR API
Other Features:
- Free trading tools
- Research and news
- Comprehensive reporting
- Advanced analysis
- 30+ algos
- Third-party integration
Pros:
- Lowest commissions for trading futures
- Reduced margins
- Outstanding trading platform
- Global access to markets
- Online educational materials
- Modern technologies
Cons:
- Complex pricing structures
- High minimum for futures trading
Verdict: Given its strong capitalization, registration, and regulation in nearly a dozen significant nations, Interactive Brokers is a secure place to keep your money. It comes with a dependable trading atmosphere suitable for any professional.
For traders with a monthly trading volume of more than 20,000 futures contracts, the lowest pricing tier, which costs just $0.25 per contract, is an option. It is not the greatest option for novice investors, despite having a user-friendly website with more detailed fundamental research and guidance for casual investors.
Pricing: Commissions (tiered and fixed) plus exchange, regulatory, and overnight position fees. The tiered commission range based on monthly volume is $0.85/contract (low) – $0.25/contract (high). Fixed – $0.85/contract.
#9) Charles Schwab
Best for futures traders seeking comprehensive research
Schwab offers a wide variety of assets that will suit every investor because it is a full-service brokerage. One of the largest discount US brokers, Charles Schwab has been in business since 1971 and has about $8 trillion in customer assets. Charles Schwab is also governed by major authorities.
Charles Schwab offers a wide range of goods and services, similar to other full-service brokers. A wonderful assortment of inexpensive mutual funds, futures trading, access to overseas stock exchanges, fractional shares, and a first-rate online trading interface are all provided by Charles Schwab.
Options trading at Schwab cost just $0.65 per contract, while trades in stocks and ETFs cost nothing. On both futures and futures options contracts, Schwab imposes a flat fee of $2.25.
Minimum Deposit: $0.00
Withdrawal Fee: Wire transfers – $25 for each transfer; $15 for internet transfers. Free for ACH withdrawals
Futures Markets: 8
Education & Research: Research insights provided by Schwab financial research analysts. On-demand trading education, curated learning paths, live trading insights, and market commentary.
Trading Platforms:
- StreetSmart Edge Software (Windows & Mac)
- Web Trading
- Mobile app
Other Features:
- Real-time quotes and charting
- Idea hub and screeners
- Options chains
- Fundamental research
- Analytics
- Watchlists
- Multiple layouts
- Streaming charts and quotes
- Trade calculator
Pros:
- Low margin rates
- No deposit fees
- Free ACH transfers
- No inactivity or account fees
- Outstanding research
- Excellent customer service
Cons:
- Limited deposit and withdrawal options
- High futures fees
Verdict: All of Charles Schwab’s clients are covered by the US investor protection program, even though it has several legal entities operating all over the world.
Charles Schwab is aware of the demands independent investors place on themselves as they navigate the market. It’s the best futures broker for investors looking for a versatile investment platform as well as beginner futures traders.
Pricing: $2.25 per contract (both online and broker-assisted trades)
#10) TradeStation
Best for active traders looking for a versatile desktop platform and inexperienced investors who need a straightforward web-based platform
TradeStation customers have full access to direct market routing and may trade equities, ETFs, futures, and options. They also get total access to the vast array of trading resources offered by the firm. It offers some of the lowest commissions on mutual funds and options. There are many different futures products available, and opening a futures account costs just $500.
The typical futures cost on TradeStation is $1.50 per contract and there are other commission schemes available as well. Through a platform package that comprises desktop, online, and mobile versions, the broker provides excellent tools. The carefully crafted TradeStation mobile app offers the features that successful active and professional traders require.
The complexity and breadth of the capabilities offered by the TradeStation desktop platform are impressive. Futures traders will feel right at home using the TradeStation desktop, just as options traders will.
Web trading is simple to use and offers traders a method to easily manage open orders, monitor open positions, create watch lists, analyze stock charts, and execute trades.
Minimum Deposit: $0.00
Withdrawal fee: ACH is free, wire withdrawals – $25 for US and $35 for non-US clients
Futures Markets: 11
Education & Research: Excellent research (sophisticated fundamental data), educational articles and videos, webinars, live events, simulation account
Trading Platforms:
- TradingStation FuturesPlus (designed for futures option traders)
- Desktop 10
- Web Trading
- Mobile apps
Other Features:
- TSCrypto (for trading crypto)
- Simulated trading (unlimited virtual paper dollars)
- APIs
Pros:
- Commission free
- Low trading fees
- Excellent education and research tools
- Robust web and mobile trading platforms
- A myriad of futures products to trade
- Trading platform tutorials
Cons:
- Customer service would be better
- Doesn’t support debit/credit cards
- The desktop trading platform is not user-friendly (not ideal for beginners)
Verdict: TradeStation’s desktop and mobile trading interfaces, which are stocked with trading tools, will feel at home for active traders. The TradeStation Web Trader platform, on the other hand, will be well-liked by inexperienced investors because of its emphasis on usability and simplicity.
Pricing: For futures options and futures contracts traded on the FuturesPlus platform, $1.50 per contract, per side. There may be overnight, regulatory, and exchange costs.
#11) Generic Trade
Best for investors who do not have the financial resources to make use of the best features provided by other high-tech trading organizations.
Since 2010, Generic Trade has provided traders with financial assurance and security, truly groundbreaking trading technology, and commissions and fees that enable them to compete with experienced and institutional traders.
Generic Trade’s main selling feature is its flat $0.59 charge on all trades, as opposed to having a complicated cost structure dependent on volume or account size. There are no hidden costs. Additionally, since there are no sales personnel, no one can negotiate for the best prices because they are offered to all customers!
Generic Trader Online is one of the industry’s most feature-rich web-based futures trading platforms. Along with letting you trade, this site also acts as your central center for managing your whole account, letting you transfer money, read breaking news, and trade.
Minimum Deposit: No minimum
Withdrawal fee: Wire transfer (domestic – $40, international – $60). Check issued overnight (domestic) – $40, check issued 3-5 days (international) – $60
Education & Research: Platform videos, education center, industry analysts research (daily market updates, top trading opportunities, early morning report)
Trading Platforms:
- Generic Trader Online
- Generic Trader Professional
- Mobile platform
Other Features:
- Offset position
- Order Status
- Quotes
- Charts
- News, research, and market info
- Trading matrix
- Order book & order fill window
- Advanced Trader
Pros:
- User-friendly trading platform
- Fixed $0.59 commission on all trades
- 24/7 support (customer & tech)
- Low margins
- Trade has no account minimum
- The web-based platform is free to use
- The mobile app is fully integrated with pro and online platforms
- Platforms are 100% customizable
Cons:
- Real-time charts and quotes could be better
- Average trading tools (not robust as other trading platforms)
- Full-suite trading technology requires fees
- No volume discounts
Verdict: Generic Trade is one of the best futures trading platforms for participants seeking low discounts on futures and options who seek to sidestep the usual constraints (such as qualifying account balances and transaction limits), as well as haggling over prices with brokers or salespeople.
Pricing: 59 cents commission per side for all trades. Plus, exchange and NFA transaction fees. Margins are low
Futures Trading Brokers FAQs
Not all best futures brokers are the best. While putting together our review, we looked into factors such as ease of use, selection of order types, and pricing, among other things before picking a broker. Below are our top 3 futures brokers with a balanced blend of all the factors:
Optimus Futures
Tastyworks
TD Ameritrade
While there are many brokers available for you to choose from, not all are suitable for an everyday futures trader. Our top 5 best futures trading platforms are:
Optimus Futures
Tastyworks
TD Ameritrade
NinjaTrader
Tradovate
To trade futures, various brokers have varying commission fees. Others levy a minor cost for market data while others impose monthly platform fees. Commissions often vary from pennies to $10 or more per deal.
In contrast to TD Ameritrade and Charles Schwab, which charge $2.25 per contract, Generic Trader costs 59 cents on each side for all trades.
Futures are attractive, highly leveraged (margined), and sophisticated financial transactions compared to stock investment. It’s not meant for newbies, though. To trade futures, you must first comprehend the dangers involved. To do so, you must identify a broker who provides this service, and frequently have formal permission to do so.
Refer to our expert advice above before you can start trading futures
Absolutely. One of the best futures trading brokerages is NinjaTrader. It touts an excellent combination of a cheap price point, a high-performance trading platform, and real-time support. With more sophisticated features like semi-automated execution accessible as needed, the free platform is adequate for novice traders.
Conclusion
The dangers involved in trading futures are very different from those involved in trading stocks or options. If you don’t know what you’re doing while trading futures, it may be incredibly simple to lose money. However, the best futures trading platforms can shield you against unnecessary losses through the many benefits they have.
Depending on the trader, a certain futures broker trait may be more or less essential to another trader. Consider Optimus Futures if you’re a seasoned futures and options trader looking to take advantage of its advanced trading platform.
We advise you to test Tastyworks if you believe you are the best futures trader because of its upscale trading environment and affordable commissions all under one roof.
For investors and traders looking for futures trading platforms with a remarkable feature set, TD Ameritrade would be the finest option. In addition, it offers nearly every type of brokerage account you can think of, has no minimum account balance restrictions, and promises excellent customer service.
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Research Process:
- Time Taken to Research and Write this Article: We spent 20 hours researching and writing this article so you can get a useful summarized list of Futures Trading Platforms with a comparison of each for your quick review.
- Total Futures Trading Platforms Researched Online: 25
- Top Futures Trading Platforms Shortlisted for Review: 10