Futures Broker Comparison
Compare futures brokers on per-side commissions, day-trade margins, minimum deposits and platforms. Figures come from each broker's own pricing pages, with registration details as the broker publishes them.
How this list works: brokers are ordered by FP Score from our published methodology. Commissions shown exclude exchange, clearing and NFA fees unless noted. Partner brokers are labeled. Last checked November 3, 2026.
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Broker
Score
Micro / side
E-mini / side
Day margin
Minimum
We couldn't verify current pricing for Webull or Edge Clear from official pages, so they aren't listed yet. Always check the broker's own fee schedule before opening an account.
How to choose a futures broker
- All-in cost per round turn. Commission × 2 plus exchange, clearing and NFA fees. Plan fees only pay off at high volume.
- Day-trade margin. Lower margin lets you trade with less cash, but doesn't reduce risk.
- Platform. Make sure your preferred platform is supported and check its license and data fees.
- Registration. Look up the broker's FCM or IB on NFA BASIC before funding an account.
Compare the two most popular options in NinjaTrader vs Tradovate, or see the best brokers for day trading.
Frequently asked questions
What does a futures broker charge?
You pay the broker's commission plus fees the broker passes on: the exchange fee, the NFA fee and sometimes clearing or routing fees. Each broker review shows a worked all-in cost for one MES and one ES round turn. Compare costs with the commission cost calculator.
What is a day-trade margin?
It's the amount a broker requires to hold one contract during the trading day. It's set by the broker and is far lower than the exchange's overnight margin. A low margin lets you open bigger positions, which also means bigger losses. See our lesson on margin and leverage.
How much money do I need to open a futures account?
Minimums range from $0 to several thousand dollars depending on the broker and account type. What you actually need depends on margin and how much you risk per trade. Read how much money you need to trade futures.
How do I check a broker is regulated?
US futures brokers must be registered with the CFTC and be NFA members. Search the firm's name in the NFA's BASIC database before you fund an account.
Should I use a broker or a prop firm?
With a broker you trade your own money and keep all profits and losses. With a prop firm you pay an evaluation fee and trade the firm's account for a share of profits. Compare prop firms if you'd rather not risk your own capital directly.