Optimus Futures

Overview

Optimus Futures, LLC offers self-directed futures accounts with some of the lowest base commissions we track: $0.25 per side on micros and $0.75 per side on standard contracts such as the E-mini S&P 500. Its pricing page states that the published commissions apply to traders cleared by Ironbeam. Optimus also offers its own free platform suite (Optimus Flow, Optimus Web and Optimus Mobile) and low day-trade margins.

The main gaps are on fee disclosure. The pricing page says exchange, NFA and FCM clearing fees apply but does not list the amounts, and discounted volume tiers are not applied automatically.

Commissions and fees

Optimus prices by daily volume. Commissions are per contract, per side.

Optimus says you must contact the firm to confirm a discounted tier, and commissions may be raised if you don't meet the volume. Other published fees:

• Commissions, FCM clearing, exchange and NFA fees apply to all order types.
• Non-US customers may pay an extra clearing fee of $0.25 per side on standard contracts and $0.16 per side on micros.
• Liquidation on a margin call: $25 per contract for micro stock index contracts, $50 for all others.
• Holding positions past the session close may bring higher commission rates.
• No platform fee for Optimus Flow, Web and Mobile.

All-in cost example

Optimus does not list exchange, NFA or clearing amounts and says exchange fees can be confirmed on the exchange websites. We used CME's non-member Globex exchange fee ($0.35 per side for MES, $1.38 for ES, from CME's fee schedule as republished on TradeStation's exchange-fee page) and the NFA's $0.01 per-side assessment. Ironbeam's clearing fee is not published on the Optimus pricing page, so it is not included and will raise the total.

One round turn of MES (0 to 20 contracts a day):

• Commission: $0.25
• CME exchange fee: $0.35
• NFA fee: $0.01
• Per side before clearing: $0.25 + $0.35 + $0.01 = $0.61
• Round turn: $0.61 × 2 = $1.22 plus Ironbeam clearing

One round turn of ES (0 to 20 contracts a day):

• Commission: $0.75
• CME exchange fee: $1.38
• NFA fee: $0.01
• Per side before clearing: $0.75 + $1.38 + $0.01 = $2.14
• Round turn: $2.14 × 2 = $4.28 plus Ironbeam clearing

Ask Optimus for the clearing fee before you compare it with brokers that publish theirs. Our profit and loss calculator lets you add costs to a trade.

Margins

Optimus lists these day-trade margins:

Day-trade margins don't apply to positions held past the session close, which need full exchange margin. Margin calls can trigger the liquidation fees above. Use our margin calculator to compare margin with contract value.

Platforms

Optimus Flow is the flagship desktop platform, with Optimus Web and Optimus Mobile alongside it. Optimus says there is no monthly platform fee on these. It cites more than 20 platforms in total, and its site names Rithmic, TradingView, TrendSpider, Sierra Chart, Bookmap and ATAS as integrations; their own licenses and fees are not listed on the pricing page.

CME Level 1 data costs $3 a month. Optimus refunds it by rebate if you place 10 or more trades in the month; you claim it through a monthly rebate form. Level 2 pricing is available on request.

Account opening and minimums

Optimus states a $500 minimum to trade micros and $2,000 to trade E-minis or other standard contracts. Accounts are opened online and, per the pricing page, the listed commissions apply to accounts cleared by Ironbeam.

Regulation

Optimus states that it is "licensed and regulated by the NFA and CFTC" and that client funds are held in segregation under CFTC rule 1.20. Its pricing page names Ironbeam as the clearing firm. We did not find Optimus's registration type (such as introducing broker) or NFA ID stated on the pages we checked. Optimus links to an NFA lookup; search for Optimus Futures and Ironbeam in NFA BASIC to confirm their registrations before opening an account.

Pros and cons

Pros

• $0.25 micro and $0.75 standard base commissions.
• Free Optimus Flow, Web and Mobile platforms.
• Level 1 CME data refunded with 10 or more trades a month.
• $50 MES and $500 ES day-trade margins.

Cons

• Exchange, NFA and clearing amounts not listed.
• Volume discounts must be requested and can be withdrawn.
• $2,000 minimum to trade E-minis.
• Registration type and NFA ID not shown on the pages we checked.

Who it suits

Optimus suits cost-conscious self-directed traders, especially micro traders who will use the free Optimus Flow platform and place enough trades to get the data rebate. Traders who want every fee listed up front should ask Optimus for the full clearing and exchange schedule first.

Frequently asked questions

Who clears Optimus Futures accounts?

The Optimus pricing page says its listed commissions apply to traders cleared by Ironbeam.

What is the minimum deposit at Optimus Futures?

$500 to trade micros and $2,000 for E-minis or standard contracts.

Is Optimus Flow free?

Yes. Optimus says there are no platform fees for Optimus Flow, Web and Mobile.

Does Optimus charge for market data?

CME Level 1 is $3 a month, refunded by rebate if you make 10 or more trades in the month.

Are Optimus commissions per side?

Yes. $0.25 per side on micros and $0.75 per side on standard contracts at the base tier.

• Optimus Futures pricing
• Optimus Futures home page and FAQ
• CME non-member exchange fees (TradeStation fee page)
• CME Group exchange fees
• NFA assessment fees FAQ