To help you to find the best futures brokers in 2022, we went ahead and did the research for you. We examined 102 quality online brokers and narrowed down the list by checking their futures fees and futures product selection. We also compared their trading platforms, research tools and the overall quality of their services. And now, without further ado…
Our top 5 picks for best online futures brokers:
- NinjaTrader is the winner.
- Optimus Futures takes second place.
- Interactive Brokers rounds out the top three.
- TradeStation is numero quattro.
- AMP Futures just made the list at number five.
| Â | 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
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.
| Â | 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 |
Markets and products
At NinjaTrader, clients have access to 7 futures exchanges.
| Â | 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 |
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
Optimus Futures
Optimus Futures is a US-based company that provides numerous trading platforms (40+) with advanced research tools. The company was founded in 2005. It is regulated by the US National Futures Association (NFA).
Optimus Futures is an introducing broker of six futures commission merchants (FCMs), which are basically brokers providing futures trading services. The introducing broker status means that your assets and cash are held with the FCMs, but the platform, fees, and customer support are provided by Optimus Futures.
The six FCMs you can select when using Optimus Futures are the following: AMP, Ironbeam, ADM Investor, GAIN Capital (brand name of City Index and Forex.com), TradeStation and Wedbush.
We tested Optimus Futures’s Optimus Flow trading platform and brokerage services through an account opened with AMP as an FCM provider. AMP is a global broker, regulated by the US Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the NFA.
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.
| Â | 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 |
Markets and products
At Optimus Futures, clients have access to 10 futures exchanges.
| Â | 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 |
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
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:Â read our review of IBKR GlobalTrader.
In addition, Interactive Brokers also has an app you can use for ESG investing:Â read our review of IMPACT by 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.
| Â | 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 |
Markets and products
At Interactive Brokers, clients have access to 32 futures exchanges.
| Â | 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 |
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
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.
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.
| Â | 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 |
Markets and products
At TradeStation, clients have access to 11 futures exchanges.
| Â | 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 |
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
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.
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.
| Â | 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 |
Markets and products
At AMP Futures, clients have access to 10 futures exchanges.
| Â | 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 |
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
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.
The 5 most important criteria for best futures brokers
| 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 brokers reliable?
Absolutely. You can be sure that none of them is a scam. They are all regulated by at least one top-tier financial authority.
Even though talks have been ongoing for a while, currently there is no agency like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) that provides investor protection for futures trading in the US. The FDIC protection does not cover investors who make speculative investments. Furthermore, futures are very highly-leveraged trading instruments. Offering FDIC insurance for all deposits involved in futures trading would ultimately increase transaction costs for the customer. This is because the participating FCMs (Futures Commission Merchants) would be required to pay the insurance.
All FCMs are required to report their daily segregation and secured requirements to their various regulators. Monthly FCM financial data is published by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Bottom line
Now that we covered the details, let’s zoom out. Here are the best futures brokers in 2022:
| Â | 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.
Still unsure? For a tailored recommendiation, check out our broker finder tool. Enter the name of your country and it will generate a list of the most relevant brokers. Want more details? Compare brokers with the help of this in-depth comparison table.
