Best Futures Trading Platforms for Day Trading in 2026 (reviewed)

Plus500 Futures is the US-based futures trading arm of the Plus500 group, explicitly designed to give US traders direct access to regulated US futures exchanges such as the CME Group.

Plus500 Futures allows users to trade real futures contracts, making it a more transparent and exchange-driven trading solution. The platform is fully regulated by US authorities, including the CFTC and NFA, which ensures a high level of investor protection and operational transparency.

Plus500 Futures stands out for its intuitive, straightforward platform design, which reduces much of the complexity typically associated with futures trading. Order placement, margin requirements, and contract specifications are clearly presented, making the platform especially suitable for beginners who want to learn futures day trading without being overwhelmed by advanced tools.

Pricing is transparent. The only fees directly charged by Plus500 are the following: $0.89 per side on Standard & E-Mini contract commission, $0.49 per side on Micro contract commission and, finally, a liquidation fee per contract of $10. There are no platform or market data fees.

In addition, Plus500 Futures offers a commission credit trading bonus for new users who make their first deposit. Bonus amounts scale with the initial deposit, ranging from $20 for a $500 deposit to $200 for a $10,000 deposit, subject to the platform’s bonus terms and conditions.

On the downside, the platform offers limited advanced trading tools, such as in-depth custom indicators or extensive algorithmic trading capabilities. This may make it less attractive to professional or high-frequency traders who rely on complex strategies. Additionally, access is restricted to US-based traders, meaning international users cannot open accounts.

Overall, Plus500 Futures is best suited for US traders who are starting in futures day trading, value a clean, beginner-friendly interface, and want the reassurance of strong US regulation, combined with direct access to major futures exchanges.

For a deeper analysis, please read our Plus500 Futures review.

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is one of the most established and globally recognised brokers for futures trading, offering access to real futures contracts across more than 30 exchanges worldwide, including CME, CBOT, NYMEX, ICE and Eurex.

Interactive Brokers operates under multiple top-tier regulators globally, including the SEC and CFTC in the US, which reinforces its reputation for safety, transparency and financial stability. This strong regulatory framework makes IBKR a trusted choice for both retail and professional futures traders.

Futures trading is conducted primarily through Trader Workstation (TWS), Interactive Brokers’ flagship platform. TWS provides advanced tools, including professional charting, depth of market (DOM), advanced order types, spread trading, and direct exchange routing. These features make it particularly attractive for experienced traders, active day traders, and those running complex futures strategies.

Interactive Brokers’ fees for futures trading start at $0.25 per contract, but most users will likely be charged $0.85 per contract, as this is the fee applied to trading volumes below 1,000 contracts per month. Margin requirements are also transparent and generally competitive, especially for intraday futures trading.

However, the platform’s depth and flexibility come at the cost of a steep learning curve. Beginner traders may find the interface complex and overwhelming compared to simpler futures platforms. Furthermore, traders must request futures permissions and demonstrate sufficient trading knowledge and experience; otherwise, IBKR won’t enable futures trading for you.

Overall, Interactive Brokers is best suited for intermediate to advanced futures traders who require broad global market access, advanced trading tools, and consistently low commissions, and who are comfortable navigating a professional trading environment.

For more information on Interactive Brokers, please read our full review of the trading platform.

NinjaTrader is a US-based brokerage and trading platform specialised exclusively in futures trading, with direct access to CME Group exchanges, including CME, CBOT, NYMEX and COMEX. It is widely used by active futures day traders due to its strong focus on execution speed, advanced charting and granular cost control.

NinjaTrader is regulated by the CFTC and NFA, providing a solid US regulatory framework and full access to real futures contracts rather than derivatives or CFDs.

One of NinjaTrader’s strongest advantages is its clearly defined and highly competitive commission structure, which varies depending on the pricing plan selected:

• Free plan: Commission of $1.29 per side on standard contracts and $0.39 per side on micro contracts, plus exchange and regulatory fees.
• Monthly plan ($99/month): Commission reduced to $0.99 per side on standard contracts and $0.29 per side on micro contracts, plus exchange and regulatory fees.
• Lifetime plan ($1,499 one-time payment): Commission reduced to $0.59 per side on standard contracts and $0.09 per side on micro contracts, plus exchange and regulatory fees.

NinjaTrader also offers reduced intraday margin requirements, with popular contracts such as the E-mini S&P 500 (ES) requiring as little as $50 intraday margin, compared to significantly higher overnight margins set by the exchange. These reduced margins apply only during intraday trading hours and increase to full exchange margin if positions are held overnight.

On the downside, NinjaTrader does not offer stocks or ETFs, and there are no trading bonuses or deposit incentives. The platform’s advanced features and customisation options can also present a learning curve for beginner traders, particularly those new to futures.

Overall, NinjaTrader is best suited for active futures day traders and scalpers who prioritise precise cost control, low per-contract commissions, advanced charting, and reduced intraday margins, and who are comfortable operating within a professional futures-only trading environment.

TradeStation is a well-established US brokerage known for combining professional-grade trading technology with competitive pricing. Its futures offering provides direct access to CME Group exchanges (CME, CBOT, NYMEX and COMEX) and focuses on real, exchange-traded futures contracts.

TradeStation operates under strict US regulation by the CFTC and NFA, reinforcing its reputation for transparency and investor protection. This regulatory oversight, combined with long-standing market presence, makes it a trusted futures broker in the US market.

TradeStation uses a tiered futures commission model where costs decrease as monthly trading volume increases. Once a volume threshold is reached, the new tier applies for the rest of the month and the following month.

U.S. & international clients – broker commissions (per contract, per side):

• Standard Futures: 0–500 contracts: $1.75; 501–1,000: $1.00; 1,001–10,000: $0.80; 10,000+: $0.50
• Micro Futures: 0–500 contracts: $0.50; 501–1,000: $0.40; 1,001–10,000: $0.30; 10,000+: $0.25

Exchange, clearing, and regulatory fees apply in addition to broker commissions. There are no platform fees for futures trading, and TradeStation does not require a minimum account balance to maintain an active futures account.

TradeStation is also competitive when it comes to margin requirements, particularly for day traders. The broker offers reduced intraday margins, significantly lower than exchange-set overnight margins. For example, E-mini S&P 500 (ES) intraday margin can be as low as $50 per contract, depending on market conditions.

On the downside, TradeStation does not offer trading bonuses or deposit incentives, and its platform can feel complex for beginners who are new to futures trading or advanced charting tools.

Overall, TradeStation is best suited for US-based futures traders who want flexible pricing options, powerful analytics, and access to low intraday margin requirements, while still operating within a highly regulated and professional trading environment.

tastytrade is a US-based brokerage built primarily for active derivatives traders, with a strong focus on futures and options trading. The platform emphasizes simplicity, fast execution, and transparent pricing rather than complex professional-grade analytics. Its futures offering provides access to CME Group exchanges, including CME, CBOT, NYMEX and COMEX.

tastytrade operates under strict US regulatory oversight from the SEC, FINRA and NFA, ensuring a high level of investor protection. The broker is widely recognized for its trader-first approach, combining education, content, and straightforward cost structures.

tastytrade uses a flat futures commission model, meaning all traders pay the same rates regardless of monthly volume: $1.00 to open a contract and $1.00 to close it (maximum $1.00 per contract). Exchange, clearing, and regulatory fees apply in addition to broker commissions. There are no platform fees for futures trading, and no minimum balance is required to keep an account active.

tastytrade also offers competitive intraday margin requirements, often lower than exchange overnight margins, making it accessible for active day traders and smaller accounts. Margin levels vary by contract and market conditions.

On the downside, tastytrade does not provide a dedicated demo or simulated futures trading account, and its platform is more execution-focused, offering fewer advanced charting and customization tools compared to some professional trading platforms.

Overall, tastytrade is best suited for US and eligible international futures traders who value simple, predictable pricing, strong educational resources, and an intuitive trading platform, rather than complex analytics or volume-based commission discounts.