How did we pick the best brokers for futures?
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Best Futures Brokers in 2022 – Our Top 5 Ranked
To identify the leading futures brokers in 2022, we carried out a comprehensive review on your behalf. A total of 102 reputable online brokers were analyzed, with a specific focus on their futures trading fees and the breadth of futures contracts available. We also evaluated the strength of their trading platforms, research capabilities, and overall service quality before finalizing our shortlist.
Here are our five top-rated online futures brokers:
NinjaTrader claims the top position as the overall winner.
Optimus Futures secures second place.
Interactive Brokers completes the top three.
TradeStation comes in fourth.
AMP Futures earns the fifth spot on the list.
| Saxo Bank | Fusion Markets | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EURUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| GBPUSD spread | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| AUDUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| EURCHF spread | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
| EURGBP spread | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
A strong futures broker stands out first and foremost for offering competitive futures trading fees. To evaluate this properly, trading costs on popular stock index futures contracts were carefully compared. Pricing transparency and affordability play a critical role, especially for active traders.
Equally important is broad exchange access. A quality futures broker should provide connectivity to major derivatives exchanges such as the CME, CBOT, and NYMEX, ensuring traders can access a wide range of contracts across asset classes.
Another key factor is the availability of a robust desktop trading platform. Futures trading often relies heavily on technical analysis, so advanced charting tools, fast order execution, and customizable layouts are essential features.
Beyond pricing and technology, overall service quality also matters. The most attractive brokers typically keep withdrawal fees minimal or nonexistent, provide responsive and knowledgeable customer support, and maintain high safety ratings through strong regulatory oversight.
While these criteria may seem straightforward on paper, assessing them thoroughly requires detailed hands-on testing. Brokers are evaluated across nearly 500 data points, using live accounts funded with real capital to ensure accurate, practical comparisons.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the best futures brokers in 2022, beginning with the top-ranked choice, NinjaTrader.
#1 Best futures brokers
NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader Review – Platform, Regulation and Broker Connections Explained
NinjaTrader is a U.S.-based technology provider established in 2003, known for delivering a powerful trading platform equipped with sophisticated charting and analytical tools.
In addition to developing its software, NinjaTrader is registered with the National Futures Association (NFA) and operates as an introducing broker. This structure means client funds and assets are custodied with partner brokerage firms, such as Phillip Capital and Dorman Trading, while NinjaTrader supplies the trading platform, pricing structure, and customer support. In other words, the brokerage partner holds the capital, but the trading experience itself is powered by NinjaTrader.
For evaluation purposes, the platform and brokerage services were tested through an account opened with Phillip Capital. Phillip Capital is an internationally active brokerage firm overseen by respected regulators, including the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the United States and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the United Kingdom.
Traders also have the flexibility to integrate accounts from other major brokers directly into the NinjaTrader platform. Supported connections include Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade, Oanda, Forex.com, FXCM, and City Index. Linking these accounts allows traders to access additional asset classes — such as equities — while still benefiting from NinjaTrader’s advanced trading interface.
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#1 NinjaTrader
Fees
NinjaTrader charges low fees for trading futures.
We excluded exchange & NFA, order routing and clearing fees, as they are specific to given products and not to brokers. US stock index futures fees are for the Micro E-Mini contract, if available; otherwise, we used the E-mini contract in our trading scenario.
| Saxo Bank | Fusion Markets | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EURUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| GBPUSD spread | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| AUDUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| EURCHF spread | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
| EURGBP spread | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
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#1 NinjaTrade
Markets and products
At NinjaTrader, clients have access to 7 futures exchanges.
| Saxo Bank | Fusion Markets | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EURUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| GBPUSD spread | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| AUDUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| EURCHF spread | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
| EURGBP spread | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
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#1 NinjaTrader
Desktop trading platform
NinjaTrader’s desktop platform is great for active traders: highly customizable with many advanced features. However, it might feel complicated at first, and also lacks a two-step login.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Clear fee report | • No two-step (safer) login |
| • Good customizability (for charts, workspace) | • Available only on Windows |
| • Good variety of order types | |
| • Many great tools for technical analysis |
Best futures brokers in 2022 – NinjaTrader trading platform
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#2 Best futures brokers
Optimus Futures
Optimus Futures Review – Platforms, Regulation and FCM Partnerships
Optimus Futures is a U.S.-based brokerage firm established in 2005. It offers access to more than 40 different trading platforms, many of which come equipped with advanced charting and research capabilities. The company operates under the supervision of the National Futures Association (NFA).
Optimus Futures functions as an introducing broker, partnering with six futures commission merchants (FCMs). In practical terms, this means client funds and assets are held with the selected FCM, while Optimus Futures delivers the trading platform, pricing structure, and customer service.
Clients can choose from the following FCM partners:
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AMP Futures
-
Ironbeam
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ADM Investor Services
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GAIN Capital (operating under the brands City Index and Forex.com)
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TradeStation
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Wedbush Securities
For testing purposes, the Optimus Flow platform and brokerage services were evaluated through an account opened with AMP Futures as the FCM. AMP operates globally and is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as well as the NFA.
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#2 Optimus Futures
Fees
Optimus Futures charges low fees for trading futures.
We excluded exchange & NFA, order routing and clearing fees, as they are specific to given products and not to brokers. US stock index futures fees are for the Micro E-Mini contract, if available; otherwise, we used the E-mini contract in our trading scenario.
| Saxo Bank | Fusion Markets | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EURUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| GBPUSD spread | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| AUDUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| EURCHF spread | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
| EURGBP spread | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
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#2 Optimus Futures
Markets and products
At Optimus Futures, clients have access to 10 futures exchanges.
| Saxo Bank | Fusion Markets | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EURUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| GBPUSD spread | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| AUDUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| EURCHF spread | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
| EURGBP spread | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
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#2 Optimus Futures
Desktop trading platform
Optimus Futures’s desktop platform is highly customizable and has many advanced features to assit futures trading, but it might feel complicated at first and also lacks two-step login.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Clear fee report | • No two-step (safer) login |
| • Good customizability (for charts, workspace) | • Slightly complicated interface |
| • Good variety of order types |
Best futures brokers in 2022 – Optimus Futures trading platform
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#3 Best futures brokers
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers, one of the biggest US-based discount brokers, was founded in 1977. The broker is regulated by several financial authorities globally, including top-tier ones like the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Given that the broker has licenses from multiple top-tier regulators, Interactive Brokers is considered safe. The fact that it has a long track record and publicly disclosed financials while being listed on a stock exchange all point to IB being a safe service provider.
Interactive Brokers recently launched a new app for global stock trading: read our review of IBKR GlobalTrader.
In addition, Interactive Brokers also has an app you can use for ESG investing: read our review of IMPACT by Interactive Brokers.
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#3 Interactive Brokers
Fees
Interactive Brokers charges low fees for trading futures.
We excluded exchange & NFA, order routing and clearing fees, as they are specific to given products and not to brokers. US stock index futures fees are for the Micro E-Mini contract, if available; otherwise, we used the E-mini contract in our trading scenario.
Interactive Brokers futures fees
| Saxo Bank | Fusion Markets | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EURUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| GBPUSD spread | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| AUDUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| EURCHF spread | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
| EURGBP spread | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
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#3 Interactive Brokers
Markets and products
At Interactive Brokers, clients have access to 32 futures exchanges.
| Saxo Bank | Fusion Markets | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EURUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| GBPUSD spread | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| AUDUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| EURCHF spread | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
| EURGBP spread | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
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#3 Interactive Brokers
Desktop trading platform
IB’s desktop platform, TWS comes with great customizability and advanced order execution, but it’s not user-friendly and caters more to advanced traders.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Clear fee report | • Not user-friendly |
| • Good customizability (for charts, workspace) | • Complexity might be overwhelming |
| • Good variety of order types |
Best futures brokers in 2022 – Interactive Brokers trading platform
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#4 Best futures brokers
TradeStation
TradeStation is a US stockbroker founded in 1982. It is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Clients are eligible for up to $500,000 investor protection per account (including cash up to $250,000).
TradeStation is considered safe because it has a long track record; transparently discloses its financials; and its parent company, the Monex Group, is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
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#4 TradeStation
Fees
TradeStation charges low fees for trading futures.
We excluded exchange & NFA, order routing and clearing fees, as they are specific to given products and not to brokers. US stock index futures fees are for the Micro E-Mini contract, if available; otherwise, we used the E-mini contract in our trading scenario.
| Saxo Bank | Fusion Markets | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EURUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| GBPUSD spread | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| AUDUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| EURCHF spread | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
| EURGBP spread | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
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#4 TradeStation
Markets and products
At TradeStation, clients have access to 11 futures exchanges.
| Saxo Bank | Fusion Markets | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EURUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| GBPUSD spread | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| AUDUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| EURCHF spread | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
| EURGBP spread | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
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#4 TradeStation
Desktop trading platform
TradeStation offers a desktop trading platform with many advanced features and customization options. For that reason, though, it is not very suitable for beginners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Good customizability (for charts, workspace) | • Not user-friendly |
| • Good variety of order types | • Poor search function |
| • Two-step (safer) login | • Poor design |
Best futures brokers in 2022 – TradeStation trading platform
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#5 Best futures brokers
AMP Futures
AMP Futures is a US-based broker that provides more than 60 trading platforms for advanced users, particularly futures traders. The company was founded in 2009 and is regulated by the National Futures Association (NFA) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
AMP has also a legal entity based in the EU called AMP Global (Europe), which provides CFD, forex and futures trading. In this review, we focus on the US-based entity and its services.
AMP Futures is considered safe because its financial information is publicly available and it is regulated by the CFTC, a top-tier financial authority.
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#5 AMP Futures
Fees
AMP Futures charges low fees for trading futures.
We excluded exchange & NFA, order routing and clearing fees, as they are specific to given products and not to brokers. US stock index futures fees are for the Micro E-Mini contract, if available; otherwise, we used the E-mini contract in our trading scenario.
AMP Futures futures fees
| Saxo Bank | Fusion Markets | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EURUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| GBPUSD spread | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| AUDUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| EURCHF spread | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
| EURGBP spread | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
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#5 AMP Futures
Markets and products
At AMP Futures, clients have access to 10 futures exchanges.
| Saxo Bank | Fusion Markets | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EURUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| GBPUSD spread | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| AUDUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| EURCHF spread | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
| EURGBP spread | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
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#5 AMP Futures
Desktop trading platform
The AMP Futures desktop platform is highly customizable and has many advanced features to assit futures trading, but it might feel complicated at first and also lacks two-step login.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Good customizability (for charts, workspace) | • No two-step (safer) login |
| • Good variety of order types | • Complicated interface |
| • Price alerts |
Best futures brokers in 2022 – AMP Futures trading platform
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Best futures brokers in 2022
How did we pick the best brokers for futures?
We tested brokers based on close to 500 criteria. Below, we will show you the most important criteria we took into account.
| Interactive Brokers | Interactive Brokers is a US discount broker. It is listed on a stock exchange and regulated by several authorities, including top-tier ones like the FCA and the SEC. | Visit broker |
| Alpaca Trading | Alpaca Securities LLC is US-based broker providing commission-free API stock trading. The company is regulated by the top-tier SEC and FINRA: | Visit broker |
| TradeStation Global | TradeStation Global is an introducing broker of Interactive Brokers. This practically means that assets and cash are held with Interactive Brokers, but services like fees and customer support are provided by TradeStation Global. TradeStation Global is regulated by the top-tier UK FCA. | Visit broker |
| Zacks Trade | Zacks Trade is a US discount broker that also allows international clients to open an account. Zacks Trade is a division of LBMZ Securities, which is regulated by SEC and FINRA. Customers are protected by the SIPC scheme, up to $500,000 (including a $250,000 limit for cash). | Visit broker |
| Saxo Bank | Saxo Bank is a Danish investment bank. It is regulated by several financial authorities globally, including the top-tier UK FCA. | Visit broker |
Are These Futures Brokers Trustworthy?
Yes — you can feel confident that the brokers listed are legitimate and properly supervised. Each of them operates under the oversight of at least one top-tier financial regulator, which significantly reduces the risk of fraud.
That said, it’s important to understand how investor protection works in the U.S. futures market. Unlike bank deposits, futures trading accounts are not covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). FDIC protection applies to traditional banking deposits, not to speculative investment products such as futures contracts.
Futures are highly leveraged instruments, meaning traders can control large positions with relatively small amounts of capital. Because of this leverage, extending FDIC-style insurance to futures accounts would substantially increase costs. Futures Commission Merchants (FCMs) would need to fund the insurance scheme, and those expenses would ultimately be passed on to traders through higher fees.
Instead of deposit insurance, the regulatory framework focuses on strict oversight and transparency. All FCMs must report daily figures showing how client funds are segregated and secured. In addition, monthly financial reports from FCMs are published by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), providing an extra layer of accountability within the industry.
Best futures brokers in 2022
Bottom line
Now that we covered the details, let’s zoom out. Here are the best futures brokers in 2022:
| Saxo Bank | Fusion Markets | CMC Markets | Interactive Brokers | Capital.com | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EURUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| GBPUSD spread | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 1.3 |
| AUDUSD spread | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
| EURCHF spread | 1.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.2 |
| EURGBP spread | 1.4 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
NinjaTrader is our winner, the best online broker for futures in 2022.
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