Finding the best futures broker in the USA depends on more than just commission rates. Traders also need to look at platform usability, market access, margin requirements, and whether the broker clearly supports listed futures for US residents.
Best Futures Brokers in USA for 2026: Detailed Comparison
| Broker | Platforms | Commissions | Fees | Regulation | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plus500 web, Plus500 app | From $0.49 per micro contract and $0.89 per standard and E-mini contract | No deposit fees *Other fees may apply | CFTC, NFA | ||
eToro Futures
 | eToro platform, eToro app | Instead of a traditional commission, eToro uses a, fixed fee structure per contract | $0.75 service fee retained | FINRA, SEC |
More Info
|
Interactive Brokers Futures
 | Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile | IBKR offers both fixed and tiered pricing structures. | $0.85 per contract | CFTC, FINRA, SEC |
More Info
|
In this comparison, we look at three well-known brands that US traders may consider when searching for the best futures broker. The focus is only on the USA, so the information reflects the US-facing offerings of each broker. Since listed futures are exchange-traded products, the exchange order book typically sets the spread instead of the broker directly. That means the real cost of trading futures often comes down to commission, exchange fees, and how the broker handles margin and liquidation.
Breakdown:
Plus500 Futures
Verified by FM Intelligence
Regulation CFTC, NFA
Platforms Plus500 web, Plus500 app
Tradable Assets Futures on indices, forex, energy, metals, rates, and commodities
Account Types Futures account, demo account
Minimum Deposit $100
Customer Service Text
Overview:
Plus500 is one of the more accessible options for US traders looking for a simple futures trading experience. Its US futures offering is built around a clean platform, straightforward onboarding, and access to major futures markets through a retail-friendly interface. For traders who want exposure to futures without using a complex professional workstation, Plus500 can appeal as a more beginner-friendly choice. It also supports demo trading, which may be useful for users who want to understand futures before trading live.
Fees Breakdown:
Plus500 uses a simple commission model for its US futures offering. It publishes pricing from $0.49 per micro-contract and $0.89 per standard and E-mini contract, alongside a $0 platform fee, a $0 data fee, and a $10 liquidation fee per contract. That makes the cost structure easier to read than many more layered brokerage models.
Pros
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Clear and easy-to-read futures commission structure
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Demo account availability
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Lower entry point for US traders
Cons
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Exchange and regulatory fees still apply
eToro Futures
Verified by FM Intelligence
Regulation FINRA, SEC
Platforms eToro platform, eToro app
Tradable Assets Stocks, ETFs, options, crypto
Account Types US investing account, demo account
Minimum Deposit $50
Customer Service Text
Overview:
eToro is a well-known multi-asset investing platform. Its US offering is mainly positioned around stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto rather than listed futures trading through a dedicated US futures brokerage structure. That means eToro may still be relevant for users comparing broad investing platforms, but it is harder to place it as a leading futures broker for US traders specifically.
Fees Breakdown:
eToro’s US pricing is clearer for stocks, ETFs, and options than it is for listed futures. They highlight 0% commission on stock trades, and its options page promotes zero commission or contract fees for options.
Pros
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Simple multi-asset platform for users who want stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto in one place.
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Strong retail-friendly branding and interface
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Clearer pricing for stocks and options
Cons
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Product availability can vary by jurisdiction and state
Interactive Brokers Futures
Regulation CFTC, FINRA, SEC
Platforms Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, IBKR Mobile
Tradable Assets Futures, futures options, stocks, ETFs, options, forex, bonds, and more
Account Types Standard brokerage account with futures permissions
Minimum Deposit $0
Customer Service Text
Overview:
Interactive Brokers is one of the strongest choices for US traders who want broad futures market access and advanced trading tools. It is better suited to traders who want a more professional platform, deeper market coverage, and the ability to trade multiple asset classes from one account. Compared with simpler retail platforms, Interactive Brokers has a steeper learning curve, but it is often considered a stronger all-round option for active traders who want more control over execution and access to a wider range of futures products.
Fees Breakdown:
Interactive Brokers offers fixed and tiered futures commissions, depending on product and trading volume. It also states there are no added spreads, ticket charges, platform fees, or account minimums, although exchange, clearing, and regulatory costs still form part of the total all-in futures trading cost.
Pros
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Broad futures market access and strong professional trading infrastructure.
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Advanced order functionality
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Competitive pricing structure for active traders
Cons
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More complex platform and pricing structure than a beginner-focused broker
How can I start trading?
Getting started with trading involves a few simple steps:
- 1Track every trade and review weekly (setup, risk, outcome, mistakes, and whether fees/holding costs are impacting performance (for prop firms, review rule breaches and consistency metrics first).
- 2Open and verify your account, confirm the entity/jurisdiction, and pick an account type that matches your style (spread-only or raw+commission) (for prop firms, you’re choosing a program/model, not a broker account type).
- 3Understand total costs before trading (spread, commission if any, and overnight swaps/funding if you hold past cut-off (for prop firms, focus on rule compliance and any simulated-fee/commission model they publish).
- 4Practice on demo, then go live with the smallest size and execute the same plan consistently (for prop firms, start with the evaluation stage and trade smaller relative to the drawdown limits).
- 5Track every trade and review weekly (setup, risk, outcome, mistakes, and whether fees/holding costs are impacting performance (for prop firms, review rule breaches and consistency metrics first).
Start Trading Now
FAQs
What is a futures broker?
Which futures broker is best for US traders in 2026?
How much money do I need to start trading futures?
What are micro futures and why do they matter?
What are the main costs of futures trading?
Do futures brokers control the spread?
What is futures margin, and how does it work?
Can my futures position be liquidated automatically?
Are futures risky for beginners?
Is futures trading regulated in the USA?
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