Overview
Choosing the right futures broker is crucial for your trading success. The best broker depends on your trading style, account size, and whether you plan to automate your strategies. This guide compares the major futures brokers available to US traders.
Quick Comparison
| Broker | Futures Commission | Micro Commission | Min Deposit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | $0.25-$0.85/contract | $0.25-$0.85/contract | $2,000 | Global access, low costs |
| TradeStation | $1.50/side | $0.50/side | $5,000 | EasyLanguage automation |
| NinjaTrader | $0.09-$1.29/side | $0.09-$0.35/side | None | Advanced charting, C# automation |
| Charles Schwab | $2.25/contract | $2.25/contract | $2,000 | thinkorswim platform |
| AMP Futures | $0.25+/side | Varies | $100 | Platform flexibility, low margins |
| Tradovate | $0.09-$1.29/side | $0.09-$0.39/side | $0 | Cloud-based, modern UI |
Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
Interactive Brokers is the go-to choice for serious traders who want global market access and competitive pricing.
Commission Structure
| Volume (Monthly) | Per Contract |
|---|---|
| Up to 1,000 | $0.85 |
| 1,001 - 10,000 | $0.65 |
| 10,001 - 20,000 | $0.45 |
| Over 20,000 | $0.25 |
Key Features
- Global Access: Trade futures on 30+ exchanges worldwide
- TWS API: Full automation support via Python, Java, C++, C#
- Competitive Commissions: Tiered pricing rewards higher volume
- Portfolio Margin: Available for accounts over $110,000
Considerations
- $2,000 minimum required for futures trading (margin account requirement)
- Higher intraday margins than competitors (~$12,000 for ES vs $500 at NinjaTrader)
- TWS platform has a learning curve
- Market data subscriptions add to costs ($10-30/month for US futures)
Best For
Experienced traders, algorithmic traders needing API access, and those trading multiple asset classes globally.
TradeStation
TradeStation is the industry standard for strategy development and automation, particularly for traders who prefer a visual programming approach.
Commission Structure
| Contract Type | Per Side |
|---|---|
| Standard Futures (ES, NQ, etc.) | $1.50 |
| Micro Futures (MES, MNQ, etc.) | $0.50 |
| Options on Futures | $1.50 |
Key Features
- EasyLanguage: Proprietary programming language for strategy development
- Built-in Backtesting: Comprehensive strategy testing with walk-forward optimization
- RadarScreen: Real-time scanning and analysis
- Matrix: Advanced order entry and position management
- Server-Side Execution: Strategies can run even if your PC restarts
Considerations
- $5,000 minimum for futures accounts
- $10/month inactivity fee (waived with 10 trades in 90 days or $5,000 balance)
- Higher commissions than discount brokers
- Desktop platform can feel dated compared to web alternatives
Best For
Strategy developers, systematic traders, and those who want powerful backtesting without learning traditional programming languages.
FUTALGO Recommendation
All FUTALGO systems are developed in EasyLanguage and designed for TradeStation automation. The platform's built-in strategy automation makes it ideal for running our systems.
NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader offers professional-grade charting and analysis tools with flexible pricing options.
Commission Structure
| Plan | Standard Futures | Micro Futures | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $1.29/side | $0.35/side | $0 |
| Monthly | $0.99/side | $0.25/side | $99 |
| Lifetime | $0.59/side | $0.09/side | $1,499 one-time |
Key Features
- Advanced Charting: Hundreds of indicators and drawing tools
- C# Automation: Full strategy development in NinjaScript (C#)
- Low Day Trading Margins: $500 for ES, $1,000 for NQ, $50 for micros
- No Minimum Deposit: Start with any amount (need enough for margin)
- Market Replay: Practice trading with historical data
- SuperDOM: Professional order flow analysis
Considerations
- Lifetime license required for lowest commissions
- C# learning curve for strategy development
- Platform can be resource-intensive
- $35 inactivity fee on Free plan if no trades in a month
Best For
Technical traders, those who want professional charting, programmers comfortable with C#, and small accounts seeking low margins.
Charles Schwab (thinkorswim)
Following the TD Ameritrade acquisition, Schwab offers futures trading through the powerful thinkorswim platform.
Commission Structure
| Contract Type | Per Contract |
|---|---|
| All Futures | $2.25 |
| Options on Futures | $2.25 |
Key Features
- thinkorswim Platform: Industry-leading analysis and charting
- thinkScript: Proprietary scripting for custom studies
- Paper Trading: Full-featured simulation account
- Mobile App: Trade futures on iOS and Android
- 80+ Futures Contracts: Access to CME, ICE, CFE, and MGE exchanges
Considerations
- $2,000 minimum for margin accounts (required for futures)
- Higher commissions than competitors
- Limited automation compared to TradeStation/NinjaTrader
- No EasyLanguage support
Best For
Traders who want a polished platform with excellent mobile support and don't prioritize automation.
AMP Futures
AMP Futures is a futures-focused broker offering access to 50+ trading platforms with competitive pricing.
Commission Structure
Commissions vary by platform and volume. Base rates start at $0.25/side for high-volume traders.
| Platform | Approximate Commission |
|---|---|
| CQG/QTrader | $0.59/side + fees |
| TradingView | $0.59/side + fees |
| MultiCharts | $0.59/side + fees |
| NinjaTrader | $0.59/side + fees |
Key Features
- 50+ Platforms: Connect your preferred trading platform
- Low Minimum Deposit: Start with just $100
- Competitive Margins: Low day trading margins
- Rithmic Technology: Fast execution even during volatility
- No Inactivity Fees: Keep your account without trading
Considerations
- Commission structure can be complex
- Platform fees may apply depending on choice
- Support quality varies by platform
Best For
Traders who want platform flexibility and those using third-party platforms like MultiCharts or TradingView.
FUTALGO Note
AMP Futures works well with MultiCharts, which supports EasyLanguage. Our systems can be imported and automated through this combination.
Tradovate
Tradovate is a modern, cloud-based futures platform designed for accessibility and ease of use.
Commission Structure
| Plan | Standard Futures | Micro Futures | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $1.29/side | $0.39/side | $0 |
| Monthly | $0.99/side | $0.29/side | $99 |
| Lifetime | $0.59/side | $0.09/side | $1,499 |
Key Features
- Cloud-Based: Access from any device, no software installation
- Modern Interface: Clean, intuitive design
- TradingView Integration: Connect your TradingView charts
- Nano Contracts: Even smaller than micros ($10 margin)
- No Platform Fees: Trading platform included
Considerations
- Limited automation capabilities
- Some users report execution lag
- Fewer advanced features than desktop platforms
Best For
New traders, those who prefer web-based platforms, and traders who want simplicity over advanced features.
Platform Automation Comparison
For algorithmic traders, automation capabilities are critical:
| Broker | Language | Automation Level | API Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | Python, Java, C++, C# | Full | Yes (TWS API) |
| TradeStation | EasyLanguage | Full | Yes |
| NinjaTrader | C# (NinjaScript) | Full | Yes |
| Charles Schwab | thinkScript (limited) | Partial | Limited |
| AMP Futures | Depends on platform | Varies | Via platform |
| Tradovate | Limited | Basic | REST API |
Day Trading Margin Comparison
Day trading margins for popular contracts:
| Broker | ES Intraday | NQ Intraday | MES Intraday | MNQ Intraday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | ~$12,000 | ~$12,000 | ~$1,200 | ~$1,200 |
| TradeStation | ~$1,000 | ~$1,000 | ~$100 | ~$100 |
| NinjaTrader | $500 | $1,000 | $50 | $50 |
| AMP Futures | ~$500 | ~$500 | ~$50 | ~$50 |
| Tradovate | ~$500 | ~$500 | ~$50 | ~$50 |
Choosing the Right Broker
For Strategy Automation (FUTALGO Systems)
Recommended: TradeStation or MultiCharts via AMP FuturesOur systems are written in EasyLanguage, making TradeStation the natural choice. Alternatively, MultiCharts (available through AMP Futures) also supports EasyLanguage.
For Small Accounts (<$5,000)
Recommended: NinjaTrader, AMP Futures, or TradovateLow or no minimum deposits and low day trading margins let you start small. NinjaTrader's $50 micro margins and no minimum deposit are ideal for beginners. AMP requires only $100.
For Global/Multi-Asset Trading
Recommended: Interactive BrokersIf you trade futures alongside stocks, options, forex, or international markets, IBKR's global access is unmatched.
For Simplicity
Recommended: Tradovate or Charles SchwabCloud-based Tradovate or Schwab's polished thinkorswim offer the easiest learning curves.
Important Considerations
Information current as of November 2025. Commissions, margins, and features are subject to change. Always verify current rates with each broker before opening an account.