Best Futures Trading Brokers In The US for 2025

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Go to broker’s website Plus500 Overview

If you're too busy to read the entire article and want a quick answer, the best futures trading broker in the US for 2025 is Plus500. Why? Here are its key advantages:

Is legit in your country (Identified as United States )
Has a good user satisfaction score 6.83 out of 10
Low commissions
Fast execution speed

Go to broker’s website Plus500 Overview

Below, we'll explain in more detail why we believe this and how brokers were evaluated.

Best futures trading brokers in the US for 2025

FOREX.com - Diverse range of tradable assets (80+ currency pairs)
Interactive Brokers - Best broker for international investors (assets from 33 countries, 150+ markets)
IG Markets - Favorable Forex trading conditions (0 fees, avg. EUR/USD spread - 0.8)
Thinkorswim - Best for trading based on technical analysis (most advanced charting platform)
Venom by Cobra Trading - Best for low cost tiered trading pricing from $1.25/contract per side

Futures trading can be a powerful tool for both hedging and speculative purposes, offering high leverage and exposure to various markets. However, selecting the right broker is crucial to ensure you have access to the best tools, competitive fees, and reliable platforms. In this article, we’ll dive into the top futures trading brokers in the US for 2025, evaluate key factors to consider, and provide insights for both beginners and advanced traders.

Best futures trading brokers in the US for 2025

Futures trading involves contracts to buy or sell an asset at a future date at a predetermined price. Futures contracts are standardized and traded on exchanges, making them accessible and liquid instruments for various market participants.

Selecting a futures trading broker can significantly impact your trading success. The right broker offers low fees, robust trading platforms, and comprehensive educational resources, making it easier to navigate the complexities of futures trading.

Best Futures Trading Brokers in the US of 2025
Broker	Available in the US	CFTC regulation	Futures	Demo	Minimum deposit, $	ECN comission	Investor protection
FOREX.com	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	5	£85,000	Study review
Interactive Brokers	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	$1000	2	$500,000 £85,000	Open an account Your capital is at risk.
IG Markets	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	2,3	£85,000 €100,000 SGD 75,000	Study review
Thinkorswim	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	$1	2,5	$500,000	Study review
Venom by Cobra Trading	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	From $0 (from $2,000 to activate margin trading opportunities)	1,5	$500,000	Study review

Selecting the right futures trading broker is essential to your trading success. Let's delve into the key factors you need to consider when making your choice.

Fees and commissions

When trading futures, you will encounter various fees that can significantly impact your overall profitability. Common fees include:

Commission fees. Charged per trade, these fees can vary greatly between brokers.
Spreads. The difference between the bid and ask price, which affects your trading costs.
Account maintenance fees. Some brokers charge monthly or annual fees for maintaining your account.
Data feed fees. Costs associated with accessing real-time market data.
Inactivity fees. Charged if there is no trading activity over a certain period.

Spreads and margin rates

Spreads represent the cost difference between buying and selling a futures contract. Lower spreads reduce trading costs, making it cheaper to enter and exit positions. High spreads can erode profits, especially for high-frequency traders.

Margin is the amount of money required to open and maintain a futures position. Higher margin requirements mean less leverage but lower risk of margin calls. Lower margins increase leverage but also the risk. Understanding a broker's margin policies is crucial for managing your risk.

Regulation and safety

In the US, futures trading is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the National Futures Association (NFA). These organizations ensure that brokers adhere to strict standards, protecting traders from fraud and ensuring market integrity.

Trading with a regulated broker is vital for safety and security. Regulated brokers are required to follow stringent rules and are subject to regular audits. This ensures that your funds are protected and that the broker operates transparently.

Platform features and usability

An intuitive and user-friendly interface is essential for efficient trading. Platforms that are easy to navigate reduce the learning curve and help you focus on trading strategies rather than technical issues.

A good trading platform should provide essential tools such as:

Charting software. Advanced charting tools help in analyzing market trends.
News feeds. Real-time news feeds keep you updated with market-moving events.
Research reports. Access to comprehensive research helps in making informed trading decisions.

Both mobile and desktop platforms should offer robust features to ensure you can trade effectively from anywhere. Key features include real-time data, customizable interfaces, and secure access.

How futures markets are regulated in the USA

In the United States, futures markets are primarily regulated by two key organizations: the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the National Futures Association (NFA).

CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission). The CFTC is an independent federal agency that regulates the futures and options markets. Its primary role is to ensure the integrity of the futures markets by protecting market participants from fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices. The CFTC enforces compliance with the Commodity Exchange Act and oversees the self-regulatory activities of the NFA.
NFA (National Futures Association). The NFA is a self-regulatory organization for the U.S. derivatives industry. All futures commission merchants (FCMs), introducing brokers (IBs), commodity pool operators (CPOs), and commodity trading advisors (CTAs) must register with the NFA. The NFA enforces standards and regulations that ensure market integrity, protect investors, and enforce ethical behavior among market participants.

How futures gains are taxed in the USA

Futures trading gains in the United States are subject to specific tax rules that differ from those applied to other types of investments. The IRS treats futures gains under the "60/40 rule," where 60% of the gains are taxed as long-term capital gains and 40% as short-term capital gains, regardless of how long the positions were held. This rule can result in a favorable tax treatment compared to other forms of trading.

Risk and warnings

Market volatility. High volatility can lead to large price swings, presenting both opportunities and risks. Traders must be prepared for sudden market movements.
Leverage risks. A small adverse price movement can result in significant losses, even exceeding the initial investment, leading to margin calls and liquidation of positions.
Liquidity risks. Low liquidity can lead to wider spreads, increased slippage, and difficulties in exciting positions, potentially increasing losses.
Regulatory and legal risks. Compliance with regulations is crucial to avoid legal consequences, fines, or suspension of trading activities.

High fees can eat your profits

First, consider the fees and commissions. High fees can eat into your profits, especially if you are an active trader. Look for brokers that offer competitive pricing structures, but be wary of those that might have hidden fees. Transparent pricing is crucial.

Next, pay attention to the trading platform. You need a platform that is reliable, user-friendly, and packed with the tools you need. Advanced charting tools, real-time data, and customization options can make a huge difference in your trading strategy. For instance, platforms like Thinkorswim by TD Ameritrade or NinjaTrader offer robust features that cater to both beginners and advanced traders.

Regulation and safety are paramount. Ensure the broker is regulated by reputable bodies like the CFTC or NFA. This not only adds a layer of security to your funds but also ensures that the broker adheres to industry standards and practices.

Customer support is another critical factor. Reliable customer service can save you from potential losses when you encounter issues or need urgent assistance. A broker with excellent support can provide peace of mind and help you focus on trading.

In summary, choosing the right futures trading broker involves evaluating fees, platform capabilities, regulatory status, customer support, and your personal trading needs. Take your time to research and test different platforms.

Our Methodology

Traders Union applies a rigorous methodology to evaluate brokers using over 100 both quantitative and qualitative criteria. Multiple parameters are given individual scores that feed into an overall rating.

Key aspects of the assessment include:

Regulation and safety. Brokers are evaluated based on the level/reputation of licenses and regulations they operate under.
User reviews. Client reviews and feedback are analyzed to determine customer satisfaction levels. Reviews are fact-checked and verified.
Trading instruments. Brokers are evaluated on the breadth and depth of assets/markets available to trade.
Fees and commissions. A comprehensive analysis is done of all trading costs to analyze overall cost to clients.
Trading platforms. Brokers are assessed based on the variety, quality and features of platforms offered to clients.
Other factors like brand popularity, customer support, education resources are also evaluated

Conclusion

Choosing the right futures trading broker is crucial for success in the fast-paced world of futures trading. We’ve reviewed and compared the top five brokers in the US for 2025, considering essential factors like fees, platform features, regulation, and user experience.

Each broker has unique strengths and caters to different types of traders. Beginners should look for brokers that offer strong educational resources and customer support, while advanced traders might prioritize sophisticated tools and low trading costs.

Additionally, we’ve highlighted the importance of considering regulatory safety, margin requirements, and the overall usability of trading platforms. By understanding these key factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your trading goals and risk tolerance.

FAQs

Can I trade futures on margin with these brokers?

Yes, all the brokers listed in the article allow futures trading on margin, but the margin requirements vary by broker. It's essential to check each broker's specific margin policies.

Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of when trading futures?

Yes, apart from the standard commissions, some brokers may charge for data feeds, platform usage, or inactivity fees. Always read the fine print and understand the fee structure of your chosen broker.

Can international clients open accounts with these US-based futures brokers?

It depends, while some brokers like Interactive Brokers accept international clients, others may have restrictions based on the country of residence. It's best to check the broker's website or contact their support to confirm.

What types of futures contracts can I trade with these brokers?

You can trade a wide range of futures contracts, including commodities, indices, interest rates, and currencies, depending on the broker.

Team that worked on the article

Parshwa is a content expert and finance professional possessing deep knowledge of stock and options trading, technical and fundamental analysis, and equity research. As a Chartered Accountant Finalist, Parshwa also has expertise in Forex, crypto trading, and personal taxation. His experience is showcased by a prolific body of over 100 articles on Forex, crypto, equity, and personal finance, alongside personalized advisory roles in tax consultation.

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Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).

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