Online Trading

Best Futures Brokers March 2023 

Written By
| Updated March, 2023

Investing in the futures market can be a lucrative opportunity for traders and investors looking to diversify their portfolios. However, navigating this complex market can be challenging, especially for beginners. This is where futures brokers come into play. 


 


In this article, we will provide an in-depth look at what futures brokers are and how they work. We will also provide a comparison of the top futures trading brokers in the U.S., including their pros and cons, and what to look for when choosing the right futures broker for you. From the best discount brokers to those offering low intraday margins and those specializing in commodity futures, we have you covered. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, this article will help you get started with futures trading.

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What Are Futures Brokers and How Do They Work?

Futures brokers are intermediaries that provide services to individuals or firms looking to participate in the futures market. Their primary role is to connect buyers and sellers of futures contracts, offering various services such as market data access and trade execution. They help clients navigate the complex futures market by providing market insights, executing trades, and managing risk. 

Futures brokers charge a commission for their services, and in exchange, they offer a higher level of market access and professional expertise than individuals could access on their own. They play a crucial role in facilitating price discovery and providing liquidity to the futures market, making it easier for clients to buy and sell futures contracts.

Comparison of the Top Futures Trading Brokers

We have compiled a list of some of the most comprehensive futures trading brokers in the United States. 

  • Interactive Brokers: Interactive Brokers (IB) is a global electronic brokerage firm that offers a wide range of investment products, including futures trading. It is one of the largest online brokers and is well-known for its low fees and fast trade execution. IB serves professional traders, including institutional clients and high-volume traders. The firm offers a comprehensive trading platform that provides real-time market data and advanced trading tools, making it suitable for both novice and experienced traders. The platform supports multiple order types and trading strategies, including algorithmic trading. IB also provides access to a large range of markets, including futures markets for commodities, currencies, and financial instruments.
  • TD Ameritrade: TD Ameritrade is a well-known brokerage firm that offers a comprehensive futures trading platform. TD Ameritrade offers a variety of educational resources to help clients learn more about futures trading. The firm also has a strong customer service team that is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns clients may have.

  • E-Trade: E-Trade is another popular futures broker that offers a wide range of futures products and trading tools. It is known for its user-friendly platform and low fees, making it ideal for beginner traders. The broker’s futures trading platform supports multiple order types and trading strategies and offers a range of trading tools, including charting and market analysis tools. E-Trade also provides access to a wide range of futures markets, including those for commodities, currencies, and financial instruments.

How to Choose the Right Futures Broker for You

When it comes to futures trading, choosing the right broker is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on your success. With so many brokers available, it can be challenging to determine which one is right for you. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a futures broker.

  • Market Access: Consider the type of markets you are interested in trading and whether the broker provides access to these markets. A broker that provides access to a wide range of futures markets, including commodities, currencies, and financial instruments, can offer you more opportunities to trade and potentially diversify your portfolio.
  • Trading Platform: A user-friendly trading platform is essential for success in futures trading. Look for a broker that offers a platform that is easy to use and provides real-time market data and advanced trading tools. It is also important to consider the types of order types and trading strategies the platform supports.
  • Commission and Fees: Futures brokers typically charge a commission for their services, so it is important to compare fees between brokers and consider the cost-effectiveness of each option. Some brokers may offer lower fees but have higher minimum deposit requirements, so it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
  • Customer Service: Good customer service is critical, especially when trading futures. Look for a broker that provides 24/7 support and has a reputation for responsive and helpful customer service.
  • Education and Resources: Consider the educational resources and training materials the broker offers. A broker that provides educational resources, such as online courses, tutorials, and webinars, can be an excellent resource for learning about futures trading and improving your skills.
  • Reputation: Look for a broker that has a good reputation in the industry and has been around for a while. A broker with a long track record of success and a positive reputation can provide more stability and security for your investments.
  • Regulation: Make sure the broker you choose is regulated by a reputable financial authority, like Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This can provide peace of mind and help ensure the safety of your funds.

Overall, choosing the right futures broker is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on your success in futures trading. Consider these factors when making your decision to help ensure that you choose the right broker for your needs.

The Pros and Cons of Using a Futures Broker

Using a futures broker has its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to understand both before making a decision. Here are some of the pros and cons of using a futures broker.

Pros:

  • Professional Expertise: Futures brokers have professional expertise and can offer valuable insights into the market, providing you with a competitive edge. They can also help you manage risk by providing advice on trade execution and offering risk management tools.
  • Convenience: Futures brokers handle the complex details of trading futures, making it easier and more convenient for you to trade. They also handle trade execution and record keeping, freeing up your time and energy for other activities.
  • Leverage: Futures brokers can offer leverage, which allows you to trade with more capital than you have on hand. This can potentially lead to higher profits, but it also increases the risk of losses. Futures brokers can provide you with a level of leverage that you may not be able to achieve on your own, providing you with more opportunities to trade. However, it’s important to understand that leverage can magnify losses as well as profits, and it’s important to use it responsibly.

Cons:

  • Limited Control: By using a futures broker, you are relying on them to make decisions on your behalf, which can limit your control over your investments. This can be particularly problematic if the broker makes decisions that are not aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.
  • Lack of Personal Touch: Futures brokers may be less personal than working with a traditional financial advisor. It can be challenging to build a relationship with a broker and receive individualized attention.
  • Risk of Fraud: While regulation helps to minimize the risk of fraud, it’s important to be aware that there have been instances of fraudulent behavior among futures brokers in the past. It’s important to do your due diligence and carefully research the broker you are considering.

How to Get Started with a Futures Broker

Getting started with a futures broker is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to take some steps to ensure that you find the right broker and set yourself up for success. Here are the steps to get started with a futures broker:

  • Determine your Trading Goals and Style: Before you start looking for a broker, it’s important to understand what you hope to achieve through futures trading and what your preferred trading style is. This will help you find a broker that is a good fit for you.
  • Research and Compare Brokers: There are many futures brokers to choose from, so it’s important to take the time to research and compare different options. Look for a broker that is reputable, offers the services and features you need, and has favorable trading conditions.
  • Open an Account: Once you have found a broker that you are happy with, you can open an account by following the broker’s application process. You may need to provide personal information and proof of identity, as well as funding your account with the required minimum deposit.
  • Get Familiar With the Trading Platform: Most futures brokers offer a trading platform that you can use to execute trades and monitor your positions. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the platform, as well as any other tools or resources that the broker provides.
  • Start Trading: Once you have completed the above steps, you are ready to start trading. It’s important to start with a small amount of capital and be mindful of risk management, as futures trading can be volatile. It’s also a good idea to continue your education and keep up with market developments.

Overall, getting started with a futures broker can be an exciting and profitable opportunity, but it’s important to approach it with caution and be prepared to learn and adapt as you go. With the right broker and a solid understanding of the futures market, you can achieve your trading goals and build a successful futures trading strategy.

Best Discount Futures Brokers in the U.S.

Here we have put together a list of the best discount futures brokers in the U.S.: 

  • MB Trading: MB Trading is a discount futures broker that offers low commissions and a range of trading tools and resources. It provides traders with access to multiple exchanges and a customizable trading platform, as well as market data and research to support their trading decisions. MB Trading is regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), which provides protection for clients’ securities and cash in case of broker-dealer failure. Additionally, MB Trading offers a range of account types, including individual and joint accounts, as well as a range of funding options, such as bank transfers, wire transfers, and credit card deposits, to make it easy for clients to get started with their trading.
  • Lightspeed Trading: Lightspeed Trading is considered one of the best discount futures brokers due to its low-cost trading options for futures and other financial products, direct market access, and a range of trading tools and resources. The broker offers low commissions, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious traders. 
  • TradeStation: TradeStation is another well-regarded discount futures broker known for its low-cost trading options, advanced trading technology, and comprehensive research and education resources. The broker offers direct market access to a range of futures markets, as well as a variety of trading tools and resources, such as customizable trading platforms, real-time market data, and analysis tools to help clients make informed trading decisions.

Crypto Futures Brokers: A Comparison

When considering a crypto futures trading platform, it’s important to compare your options and find the one that best suits your needs. There are a number of different crypto futures brokers available, each with its own unique set of features and offerings. In this comparison, we’ll take a look at three of the top crypto futures brokers: Binance Futures, ByBit, and Kraken Futures. 

  • Binance Futures: Binance is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, offering a range of futures trading products for various digital assets. One of the key benefits of trading on Binance Futures is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy for even beginners to navigate and place trades. The platform also offers a range of tools and features to help traders manage risk and make informed decisions, including advanced charting, order types, and risk management tools.
  • Kraken Futures: Kraken Futures is a subsidiary of the popular cryptocurrency exchange, Kraken. It offers a secure and user-friendly platform for trading cryptocurrency futures, providing access to popular assets such as bitcoin, ethereum, and XRP. One of the key advantages of Kraken Futures is its strong reputation for security, with a comprehensive security protocol in place to protect users’ assets. In addition to offering competitive fees, Kraken Futures also provides a range of trading tools and features, including advanced charting, real-time market data, and 24/7 customer support. For American traders, Kraken Futures is a trusted and reliable option for trading cryptocurrency futures, offering similar features and benefits to other top crypto futures brokers. Additionally, its parent company, Kraken, has a strong reputation for transparency and compliance, making it a great choice for traders who value security and regulatory compliance.

Best Futures Brokers for Beginners

Futures trading can be a complex and intimidating experience for beginners, but with the right guidance and tools, it can be an accessible and profitable way to invest. When starting out in futures trading, it’s essential to choose a broker that offers a user-friendly platform, educational resources, and low fees to ensure that you can make informed decisions with minimal risk.

Here are three futures brokers that are suitable for beginners:

  • Robinhood: Robinhood is designed for new investors, offering a simple and intuitive interface for buying and selling futures contracts. Robinhood provides in-depth educational resources, including articles and videos, to help beginners get started with futures trading. Robinhood does not charge any commission on futures trades, making it a cost-effective option for beginners. Additionally, Robinhood’s mobile app makes it easy for traders to access their accounts and place trades from anywhere. This accessibility and simplicity make Robinhood an attractive option for beginner futures traders who are just starting to get comfortable with the futures market.
  • Ally Invest: Ally Invest offers a user-friendly platform that makes it easy for new traders to get started, with features like a streamlined trading process, intuitive charting tools, and educational resources. It has a low minimum deposit requirement, allowing beginners to start trading with a smaller investment. Additionally, it offers commission-free trading on futures, which can help reduce costs for new traders who are still learning the ropes. With these features and more, Ally Invest is a great choice for beginner traders looking to start their journey in the futures market.
  • Fidelity Investments: Fidelity Investments is a highly reputable brokerage firm that offers a wide range of investment products, including futures trading. It is a great choice for beginners because of its low fees, user-friendly platform, strong reputation and wealth of educational resources. The trading platform is easy to use and provides access to a wide range of market data and research. As a large and well-established financial services company, Fidelity has a solid reputation for security and customer support. In addition, it offers a wealth of educational resources, including articles, webinars and educational videos, which can help beginners develop their trading skills and knowledge. Overall, Fidelity Investments is a strong option for beginners looking to trade futures.

Futures Brokers with Low Intraday Margin

When learning to trade futures, it is crucial for new traders to understand futures margin requirements and how these requirements can change depending on different factors. Intraday margin is the per-contract minimum amount of money required in your account to hold a position during regular trading hours. As a beginner trader, when looking for a futures broker, it is advisable to commit to one with a low intraday margin to lower your risk and overall fees. 

We have compiled a list of the top three futures brokers in the United States with low intraday margins. 

  • Capital.com: Offers low intraday margin requirements with a user-friendly platform. Provides access to multiple markets including commodities, indices, and forex.
  • eToro: A social trading platform with low intraday margins and the ability to copy successful traders. Offers access to multiple markets including stocks, cryptocurrencies, and commodities.
  • AvaTrade: Offers competitive intraday margins and a user-friendly platform with customizable features. Provides access to multiple markets including forex, stocks, and commodities. Offers educational resources for new traders to learn and grow their skills.

It is important to compare and carefully evaluate your options to find the best fit for your trading goals and needs. Additionally, it’s advisable to research and understand the regulations, fees, and customer support offered by the broker before making a final decision.

Futures Options Brokers: A Comparison

A futures options broker is a financial services company that facilitates trading in futures options. Futures options are derivatives that give traders the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a futures contract at a specified price before the option’s expiration date.

Futures options trading provides an additional level of flexibility and strategy for traders in the futures market. Choosing the right futures options broker is crucial to ensure smooth and successful trading experiences. In this section, we will compare some of the top futures options brokers in the United States to help traders find the best fit for their trading needs. We have compiled a list of some of the best futures options brokers available in the United States. 

  • Charles Schwab: Charles Schwab is a leading financial services company offering a range of investment and banking products, including futures options trading. Schwab offers a user-friendly platform with a wide range of tools and resources for futures options traders. The broker also provides a dedicated futures options trading desk for clients and offers competitive pricing, with low trading fees and margin rates. 
  • Firstrade: Firstrade is an online broker offering a range of investment products including futures options trading. Firstrade is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Firstrade is known for its excellent customer support, providing 24/7 support through various channels such as phone, email, and live chat.
  • Saxo Bank: Saxo Bank is an investment bank that provides online trading services for a variety of financial instruments, including futures options. Saxo Bank is known for its advanced trading technology and user-friendly platform, offering advanced charting and market data for futures options traders. The broker also provides extensive educational resources and a range of investment products, including stocks, options, ETFs, and more.

Commodity Futures Brokers: A Comparison

Commodity futures trading involves buying or selling contracts for a specific commodity, such as gold, oil, or grain, with the goal of profiting from price changes. To participate in commodity futures trading, traders typically need to work with a broker who can execute trades on their behalf.

Choosing the right commodity futures broker can be a challenging task, as each broker offers a unique set of features and services. To help traders make an informed decision, this section provides a comparison of some of the top commodity futures brokers available in the market.

  • Swissquote: Swissquote is considered one of the best commodity futures brokers in the United States due to several key factors. One of the key factors that makes Swissquote a top choice for commodity futures trading for U.S. audiences is its strong reputation for compliance and security. Swissquote is a regulated financial institution, and it takes great care to ensure that its clients’ funds are protected and that transactions are conducted in a transparent and fair manner. With the added peace of mind that comes from knowing that their investments are safe and secure, clients can focus on their trading strategies without worrying about the safety of their funds.
  • CME Group Direct: CME Group Direct is a top choice for commodity futures trading for U.S. audiences due to its direct access to the markets offered by the CME Group. The CME Group is the world’s largest and most diverse derivatives marketplace, and by accessing it directly through CME Group Direct, clients can benefit from faster, more efficient and cost-effective trading. The direct access also enables clients to take advantage of real-time pricing and order execution, helping to ensure that they can make informed trading decisions quickly and easily. This direct access to the CME Group’s markets is a major factor that sets CME Group Direct apart from other brokers and makes it an attractive option for U.S.-based commodity traders.
  • IG: IG is a top choice for commodity futures trading for U.S. audiences due to its advanced trading technology. IG provides its clients with access to a powerful suite of trading tools, including advanced charting capabilities, real-time market data, and risk management tools. These tools help traders make informed decisions and execute trades quickly and efficiently. Additionally, IG’s platform is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for clients to navigate and access the information they need to make informed trades. The combination of advanced trading technology and a user-friendly platform is a major factor that sets IG apart from other brokers and makes it an attractive option for US-based commodity traders.

FAQ About Futures Brokers

Futures brokers play an important role in facilitating futures trading, and understanding how they operate and what they offer can help you make informed decisions about choosing a broker. Here are some common questions and answers about futures brokers:

  • What is a futures broker?

A futures broker is a professional who facilitates the trading of futures contracts between buyers and sellers. Futures brokers typically provide their clients with access to the futures markets, as well as a suite of trading tools and resources to help them make informed trades.

  • What services do futures brokers offer?

Futures brokers typically offer a range of services including access to the futures markets, market research and analysis, trade execution, and customer support. Some brokers may also offer educational resources, such as trading courses and webinars, to help clients improve their trading skills.

  • How do I choose a futures broker?

When choosing a futures broker, it is important to consider factors such as regulation, the types of futures contracts offered, the platform and tools offered, and the level of customer support provided. It is also important to consider the broker’s fees and commissions, as these can have a significant impact on your bottom line.

  • Are futures brokers regulated?

Yes, futures brokers are typically regulated by financial authorities such as the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) or the National Futures Association (NFA). These regulators ensure that brokers operate in a transparent and fair manner, and protect clients from fraud and other unethical practices.

  • What types of futures contracts can I trade through a futures broker?

The types of futures contracts offered by a broker can vary, but common contracts include futures on commodities such as crude oil, gold, and agricultural products, as well as futures on financial instruments such as stock indices and currencies.

In conclusion, choosing the right futures broker is an important decision that can impact your trading success. Consider factors such as regulation, the types of futures contracts offered, the platform and tools offered, and the level of customer support provided when choosing a broker.