10 Best Micro Futures Brokers For Small Accounts (List)

Langa Ntuli
Written by: Langa Ntuli
Johannes Striegel
Fact checked by: Johannes Gresham
How we make money

Find the best brokers for micro futures, a type of futures contract designed to make markets more accessible by lowering margin requirements and reducing tick values. These contracts are typically one-tenth the size of standard futures. 

At WR Trading, we’ve seen how micro futures can lower the barrier for retail traders, allowing them to gain exposure to global markets with a smaller upfront commitment.

To help you find the best brokers, we researched, tested, and compared multiple brokers that offer micro futures contracts, examining key factors such as regulation, costs, platform support, and customer service.

Here is a summary of these ten brokers (each with its main standout feature) before exploring them individually in more detail:

Broker:

Futures Fees:

Advantages:

Account:

Broker:

1. AvaFutures

AvaFutures Logo
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5

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Futures Fees:

$0.75 per micro contract

(No Platform Fees + Market Data Fees)

Advantages:
  • Open an Account in under 5 minutes
  • Multiple Exchanges (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, & more)
  • MT5, TradingView
  • Multiple Regulations
  • Minimum Deposit: $100
  • Personal Support
  • Day Trading Margin 2%
  • Best Overall for Beginners & Professionals
Account:
› Visit The Broker (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)
Broker:

2. Plus500 US

plus500-logo
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4.7

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Futures Fees:

$0.49 per micro contract

(Only available for US Traders)

Advantages:
  • Multiple regulations
  • $100 Minimum deposit
  • Plus500 WebTrader, Plus500 App
  • Global Payment Methods
  • No Market Data Fees
  • Best For US Traders
Account:
› Visit The Broker (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)
Broker:

3. NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader
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4.8

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Futures Fees:

$0.39 per micro contract

(Can Be Lowered By Special Plans)

Advantages:
  • Futures Broker
  • No Minimum Deposit
  • 2% Day Trading Margin
  • NinjaTrader Desktop, Web, and mobile
  • Exchanges: CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX, & more
Account:
› Visit The Broker (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)
Broker:

4. EdgeClear

EdgeClear logo
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Futures Fees:

from $0.22 per side

Advantages:
  • Multiple platform integrations, e.g. TradingView
  • Commission starting from $0.22 per side
  • Demo Account available
  • CFTC regulated
  • EdgeProX, EdgeEQ
Account:
› Visit The Broker (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)
Broker:

5. AMP Futures

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4.7

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Futures Fees:

$0.60 per micro contract

Advantages:
  • $100 Minimum Deposit
  • Super Low Day Trading Margin (1.6%)
  • CFTC regulated
  • MetaTrader 5, Quantower, TradingView, & more
  • Fast Chat Support
  • Best For Multiple Platforms
Account:
› Visit The Broker (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)
Broker:

6. Optimus Futures

Optimus Futures
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4.9

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Futures Fees:

$0.09 per micro contract

Advantages:
  • Futures, Mini Futures, Micro Futures
  • MT5, TradingView, Sierra Chart, Quantower, MultiCharts, Jigsaw
  • Regulation: CFTC, NFA
  • Multiple Exchanges (CME, CBOT, NYMEX, & more)
  • Best For Low Costs
Account:
› Visit The Broker (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)
Broker:

7. Tradovate

Tradovate Logo
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4.8

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Futures Fees:

from $0.39 per side

Advantages:
  • Futures broker
  • CFTC regulated
  • Low Commissions from $0.39 per side
  • Minimum Deposit: $5
  • Exchanges: CBOT, CME Group, ICE, Eurex, & many more
Account:
› Visit The Broker (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)
Broker:

8. Interactive Brokers

IB_logo_stacked
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4.7

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Futures Fees:

$0.25 per micro contract

(Can Be Lowered By High Volume Trading)

Advantages:
  • No Minimum Deposit
  • No Platform Fees
  • Demo Account available
  • IBKR GlobalTrader, IBKR Desktop, Trader Workstation (TWS), & more
  • Best For Professionals
Account:
› Visit The Broker (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)
Broker:

9. IronBeam

Ironbeam Logo
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4.2

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Futures Fees:

$0.39 per micro contract

(Volume Tiered)

Advantages:
  • Demo Account available
  • Ironbeam App & Trading Platform, TradingView, Sierra Chart, CQG, Jigsaw, & more
Account:
› Visit The Broker (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)
Broker:

10. TradeStation

TradeStation_Logo
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4.6

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Futures Fees:

$0.50 per micro contract

Advantages:
  • No Minimum Deposit
  • 10% Intraday Margin
  • Multiple regulations
  • Demo Account available
  • TradeStation Platform
  • 600+ Futures
Account:
› Visit The Broker (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

1. AvaFutures

AvaFutures Micro Futures Broker
AvaFutures Micro Futures Broker

AvaFutures is the best micro futures broker overall, particularly for beginners and even for advanced traders. Although relatively new (launched in 2024), it benefits from the backing of the well-known AvaTrade. This brings a high level of regulation, where the broker is overseen in eight jurisdictions across multiple continents. Good support, easy account opening.

Opening an account is a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes. We also found AvaFutures’ support to be responsive and knowledgeable, whether we used the chatbot or spoke with a live agent.

Unlike many other futures brokers, AvaFutures has several globally recognised payment methods like VISA/Mastercard, PayPal and Skrill, which allow for low costs (no deposit/withdrawal fees).

The broker also provides 25-100 (depending on the deposit size) commission-free trades within 90 days for new traders. Alternatively, AvaFutures’ round turn micro contract fees are competitive (minimum $0.75 per side), where you can trade micro futures on seven asset classes.

As a bonus, traders can get free CME Group level 2 data once their account is verified and funded. 

InformationAvaFutures
RegulatorsCBI (Ireland), BVIFSC (British Virgin Islands), ASIC (Australia), FSCA (South Africa), FSA (Japan), ADGM (UAE), CySEC (Cyprus), ISA (Israel)
Minimum deposit$100
Supported Trading Platforms/SoftwareMT5, TradingView, CQG
Available Accounts/PlansMT5 Futures Account, TradingView Futures Account
Available FuturesIndices, energy, forex, interest rates, cryptocurrencies, metals, and agriculture
Minimum trading commission (on MES)$0.75 per side
Base Currencies SupportedUSD, EUR
Payment OptionsVISA/Mastercard, wire transfer, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, Klarna, Webmoney, POLi, Boleto, Perfect Money
Deposit/Withdrawal FeesN/A
Available Customer Support ChannelsLive chat, phone, email
Countries Accepted150+ (some sanction-targeted nations like Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Sudan, Yemen and Belarus would be restricted)

Pros

  • One of the best regulated futures brokers
  • Offers popular, diverse funding options
  • Reasonable minimum deposit
  • Simple account range
  • No deposit/withdrawal fees

Cons

  • Limited trading platform support
  • Only two account base currencies are supported
› Sign up for free with AvaFutures! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

2. Plus500 US

Plus500 US Micro Futures Broker
Plus500 US Micro Futures Broker

Plus500 US is another futures platform founded by an established name, Plus500. Launched in 2021, this US-based broker also provides an accessible platform for trading futures. 

It focuses on low costs, with rates as low as $0.49 per side for micro contracts, and no platform, market data, routing, or inactivity fees. The minimum deposit is $100, another perfect feature for small accounts.

While traders are limited to the broker’s proprietary trading platform, this eliminates much of the extra fees common with third-party software.

Their selection of futures is broad, encompassing eight market categories, ranging from cryptocurrency to even interest rates. This is across many major US exchanges like the CME Group, ICE and CBOE.

InformationPlus500 US
RegulatorsCFTC (United States)
Minimum deposit$100
Supported Trading Platforms/SoftwarePlus 500 (proprietary)
Available Accounts/PlansStandard
Available FuturesCrypto, equities, indices, energies, metals, forex, agriculture, interest rates
Minimum trading commissions (on MES)$0.49 per side
Base Currencies SupportedUSD
Payment OptionsVISA/Mastercard (incl. Apple Pay and Google Pay), wire transfer, ACH
Deposit/Withdrawal FeesN/A
Available Customer Support ChannelsLive chat, email
Countries AcceptedN/A

Pros

  • Reasonable trading commissions
  • Affordable minimum deposit
  • Wide range of futures markets
  • Popular choice of payment options
  • 24/7 email help provided

Cons

  • Only USD is the available base currency
  • Supports only its proprietary trading software
  • No phone support
› Sign up for free with Plus500 US! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

3. NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader Micro Futures Broker
NinjaTrader Micro Futures Broker

NinjaTrader is a synonymous name in futures and general online trading. This US-regulated company was formed in 2003, doubling up as a brokerage and a state-of-the-art charting platform. 

As with many micro futures brokers, no minimum deposit applies. NinjaTrader’s minimum commission on the Micro E-mini futures of the S&P 500 is $0.95/contract per side. However, with a $99 monthly plan or a $1,499 one-time payment Lifetime plan, the minimum commissions for micro futures per side are $0.29 and $0.09, respectively.

The paid packages offer all of the premium features of NinjaTrader’s software, beneficial for active traders. These include real-time market data, ‘Market Replay,’ ‘Order Flow+’ and ‘Pulse Indicator’ real-time market sentiment. NinjaTrader is a widely lauded charting software and should be considered by serious traders.

InformationNinjaTrader
RegulatorsCFTC (United States)
Minimum depositN/A
Supported Trading Platforms/SoftwareNinjaTrader (proprietary)
Available Accounts/PlansFree, Monthly, Lifetime (across Individual, Joint, IRA and Business)
Available FuturesIndices, energies, metals, crypto, US treasuries, agriculture
Minimum trading commissions (on MES)$0.39 per side
Base Currencies SupportedUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, CAD
Payment OptionsACH, debit card, wire transfer, check
Deposit/Withdrawal FeesYes, $30 for wire transfer withdrawals (or currency equivalent)
Available Customer Support ChannelsLive chat, phone, email
Countries Accepted100+ (US-sanctioned nations, EU nations, several African countries, India, and Canada are some restricted regions)

Pros

  • Long-standing futures broker
  • Competitive trading commissions
  • Advanced charting platform
  • No minimum 

Cons

  • Catered mainly for US citizens 
  • No third-party trading platform integration
  • Plans may be too expensive for some
› Sign up for free with NinjaTrader! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

4. EdgeClear

EdgeClear Micro Futures Broker
EdgeClear Micro Futures Broker

EdgeClear is a stripped-down US-regulated futures broker founded in 2019. For starters, we found the broker’s software integration impressive. EdgeClear is supported on 16 trading platforms, which consist of sophisticated names such as TradingView, Bookmap and Sierra Chart.

Traders can speculate on several popular futures markets connected to exchanges like the CME, Eurex, CBOT and CMEX.

This broker offers among the most reasonably priced trading commissions. Furthermore, traders can benefit from per-side transactions of $0.10/contract with a $20 monthly access fee to the Rithmic/CQG Web API (although the standard $0.22 is still pretty good).

InformationEdgeClear
RegulatorsCFTC (United States)
Minimum deposit$500
Supported Trading Platforms/SoftwareEdgePro, TradingView, RTrader Pro, Sierra Chart, Bookmap, CQG, MotiveWave, etc.
Available Accounts/PlansIndividual, Foreign Citizen, U.S Trust, Foreign Trust, Foreign Corporation, ​​U.S. Partnership & LLC, Managed Futures
Available FuturesIndices, bonds, metals, energies, agriculture, forex, meats, softs
Minimum trading commissions (on MES)$0.22 per side
Base Currencies SupportedVaries, but USD is primary
Payment OptionsACH, wire transfer, check
Deposit/Withdrawal FeesYes, $10-30 for withdrawals
Available Customer Support ChannelsLive chat, phone, email
Countries Accepted

Pros

  • Low trading commissions
  • Expansive trading software integration
  • Wide selection of futures
  • Broad choice of account types

Cons

  • Withdrawal fees apply
  • High minimum deposit
  • No native mobile app
› Sign up for free with EdgeClear! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

5. AMP Futures

AMP Futures Micro Futures Broker
AMP Futures Micro Futures Broker

AMP Futures is a trusted futures broker for US clients, with roots dating back to 2004. Their experience makes them one of the best brokerages for variety. AMP claims it can beat any written trading commission (it also provides 20 commission-free positions for new clients).

Users can trade futures on 10 large, well-known exchanges with at least $100. The broker is integrated with more than 50 trading platforms. This ranges from the beginner-friendly MT5 to brands like TradingView, Bookmap, and SierraChart, which are suitable for advanced traders.

Another fantastic feature is that AMP Futures is one of the few brokers we tested that offers remote desktop support. This offers a more involved and quicker way to solve many technical issues.

InformationAMP Futures
RegulatorsCFTC (United States)
Minimum deposit$100
Supported Trading Platforms/Software50+, incl. MT5, TradingView, Sierra Chart, MotiveWave, Bookmap
Available Accounts/PlansIndividual, Joint, IRA, Corporate, LLC, Partnership, and Trust
Available Futures/ExchangesCME, COMEX, IPE, NYMEX, Eurex, JPY, CBOE, HKEX, Singapore Exchange, ASX
Minimum trading commissions (on MES)$0.50 per side
Base Currencies SupportedUSD, EUR, GBP, CHF, PLN, AED, CAD, AUD, HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD
Payment OptionsWire transfer, ACH, checks
Deposit/Withdrawal FeesYes, $30 for wire transfers
Available Customer Support ChannelsLive chat, phone, email, and remote desktop
Countries Accepted75+ (US-sanctioned nations and certain African, Asian, European, North/South American countries are excluded)

Pros

  • Highly experienced futures broker
  • Massive trading platform compatibility
  • Several account base currencies available
  • Remote desktop support
  • Reasonable minimum deposit

Cons

  • Withdrawal fees apply
  • Only regulated in the US
  • No native mobile app
› Sign up for free with AMP Futures! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

6. Optimus Futures

Optimus Futures Micro Futures Broker
Optimus Futures Micro Futures Broker

Optimus Futures has been serving traders since 2004. This trusted, US-regulated futures broker supports a wide range of ubiquitous trading platforms, along with its own proprietary software. The latter is especially noteworthy, as it freely offers DOM Surface 3D visualisation for order flow analysis.

Other perks are access to a free trading journal, real-time news updates, complimentary routing, and CME level 1 market data. The broker is well-suited for day trading and scalping enthusiasts with tight margin requirements and a commission structure that rewards higher volumes.

In addition to these features, Optimus Futures provides connectivity to 12 global exchanges, surpassing any other broker in our review. This ensures clients can access one of the broadest ranges of markets available.

InformationOptimus Futures
RegulatorsCFTC (United States)
Minimum deposit$500
Supported Trading Platforms/Software18, incl. MT5, TradingView, Sierra Chart, Bookmap, MotiveWave
Available AccountsIndividual, Joint, IRA, Superannuation, Corporate, LLC, Partnership, Trust
Available Futures/ExchangesCME, CBOE, Eurex, Kansas City Board of Trade, ICE Futures US, ICE Futures Europe, NYSE Liffe US, NYSE Liffe, SGX, ASX, LME
Minimum trading commissions (on all micros)$0.25 per side
Base Currencies SupportedUSD
Payment OptionsWire transfer, ACH deposit, or physical check
Deposit/Withdrawal FeesYes, for some methods
Available Customer Support ChannelsLive chat, phone, email, remote desktop
Countries Accepted150+ (US-sanctioned nations like Cuba, Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Libya, Sudan,Yemen and Belarus would be restricted)

Pros

  • Vast account range
  • Among the cheapest in trading commissions
  • Wide number of connected exchanges
  • Remote desktop help provided

Cons

  • High minimum deposit
  • Withdrawal charges apply
  • Only one base currency supported
› Sign up for free with OptimusFutures! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

7. Tradovate

Tradovate Micro Futures Broker
Tradovate Micro Futures Broker

Tradovate is a futures broker founded in 2014 and a subsidiary of NinjaTrader. Like its parent company, Tradovate offers a free, monthly ($99) and a Lifetime plan (one-time payment of $1499). The latter offers trading commissions as cheap as $0.09 per side and access to all of the broker’s advanced charting tools.

Regardless of the plan, all live account users can enjoy free level 1 CME Group market data, access to TradingView, along with the broker’s flagship Market Replay, and the Order Flow+ tools.

We were impressed by the broker’s broad selection of futures. There are 13 individual markets, along with the same number of connected exchanges.

Tradovate was among the few futures brokers in our research that had their native mobile apps available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Furthermore,  the app is rated nearly 4/5 stars on the Play Store with over 500,000 downloads.

InformationTradovate
RegulatorsCFTC (United States)
Minimum deposit$5
Supported Trading Platforms/SoftwareTradovate (proprietary), Bookmap, Collective2, Daytradr
Available Accounts/PlansFree, Monthly, Lifetime (across Individual, Joint, IRA, Corporate, LLC, Partnership, and Trust)
Available Futures/ExchangesCBOT, CME Group, CME EC, Coinbase Derivatives, ICE, ICE Futures US, ICE Europe, Eurex, MGE, MIAX, NYMEX, CBOT, SMALL, 
Minimum trading commissions (on MES)$0.39 per side
Base Currencies SupportedUSD, EUR, AUD, GBP, CAD
Payment OptionsDebit card, ACH, wire transfer, mailed check
Deposit/Withdrawal FeesYes, $30 for wire transfer withdrawals (or currency equivalent)
Available Customer Support ChannelsLive chat, phone, email
Countries Accepted75+ (US-sanctioned nations and certain African, Asian, European, North/South American countries are excluded)

Pros

  • Low-end trading commissions
  • Accessible minimum deposit
  • Decent range of base currencies
  • Broad picks in futures/exchanges
  • Well-rated mobile apps

Cons

  • Plans may be too expensive for some
  • Withdrawal charges apply
  • Little third-party software integration
› Sign up for free with Tradovate! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

8. Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers Micro Futures Broker
Interactive Brokers Micro Futures Broker

Interactive Brokers is a comprehensive, pioneering online trading platform founded in 1978. It is regulated by nine regulators across multiple continents (the highest among the names we reviewed).

Interactive Brokers is also among the few we examined that provide futures and futures options, a more complex alternative to traditional futures. Traders can fund their accounts in a massive range of base currencies (27), which is again the widest range compared to its competitors.

Interactive Brokers’ payment methods include the usual wire transfer, check and ACH. However, there are many other options specific to different regions, such as SEPA and transfers from Wise balance. This provides greater flexibility that is lacking with many futures brokers.

InformationInteractive Brokers
RegulatorsCFTC (United States), CBI (Ireland), CIRO (Canada), MAS (Singapore), SFC (Hong Kong), ASIC (Australia), BSE (India), FSA (Japan), CBH (Hungary), FCA (United Kingdom)
Minimum depositN/A
Supported Trading Platforms/SoftwareTrader Workstation (proprietary), TradingView, NinjaTrader, Zorro IB Bridge
Available Accounts/PlansIBKR Lite, IBKR Pro (across Individual, Joint, Trust, Ira UGMA/UTMA)
Available Futures (incl. futures options)Indices, bonds, energies, metals, agriculture, crypto, forex
Minimum trading commissions (on all micros)$0.25 per side
Base Currencies SupportedAED, AUD, BGN, CAD, CHF, CNH, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HKD, HUF, IDR, ILS, JPY, MXN, MYR, NOK, NZD, PLN, RON, SAR, SEK, SGD, USD, TRY, ZAR
Payment OptionsWire transfer, check, ACH (more available based on country)
Deposit/Withdrawal FeesYes, depending on the method
Available Customer Support ChannelsLive chat, phone, email
Countries Accepted150+ (US-sanctioned nations like Cuba, Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Yemen and Belarus would be restricted)

Pros

  • Regulated in multiple regions with decades of experience
  • Offers futures and futures options
  • Flexible payment methods
  • Tremendous choice of base currencies
  • Offers some of the lowest trading commissions

Cons

  • Withdrawal costs are present
  • Limited trading software integration
› Sign up for free with Interactive Brokers! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

9. Ironbeam

Ironbeam Micro Futures Broker
Ironbeam Micro Futures Broker

Ironbeam is a US-based futures brokerage started circa 2010-2011, promoting itself as ‘a platform, broker, and clearing firm all-in-one.’ Their offerings are well-suited for small accounts or for beginners while providing professional-grade perks. 

Firstly, there is no minimum. There are 32 micro futures across five asset classes with low day margins starting from $50.

All live traders can empower themselves with free level 1 and 2 CME Group market data. For $39 monthly, traders gain access to this data across more futures and ‘Market by Order’ data on Ironbeam’s proprietary trading platform. On the other hand, Ironbeam can be integrated with eight other complex charting applications.

Another standout feature is that they provide 24-hour trade desk & technical support for live account holders. This is brilliant as traders can receive help more quickly than with other brokers.

InformationIronbeam
RegulatorsCFTC (United States)
Minimum depositN/A
Supported Trading Platforms/SoftwareIronbeam (proprietary), TradingView, Sierra Chart, CQG, Rithmic, MultiCharts, Bookmap, Jigsaw, MotiveWave
Available Accounts/PlansIndividual, Joint, IRA, Corporate/LLC, Trust, Partnership
Available Futures (incl. futures options) Indices, oil, metals, forex, crypto
Minimum trading commission (on all micros)$0.39 per side
Base Currencies SupportedUSD
Payment OptionsWire transfer, ACH, check
Deposit/Withdrawal FeesYes, $40-60 for wire transfer and check
Available Customer Support ChannelsLive chat, phone, email
Countries Accepted190+ (no official list; traders should enquire directly with the broker)

Pros

  • No minimum deposit
  • Competitive trading commissions
  • 24-hour professional support
  • Offers futures options

Cons

  • Limited market availability
  • High withdrawal charges
  • Only regulated for US clients
› Sign up for free with IronBeam! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

10. TradeStation

TradeStation Micro Futures Broker
TradeStation Micro Futures Broker

TradeStation is another long-standing US-based futures broker, established in 1982. Interestingly, they are loosely associated with Interactive Brokers. Users who sign up to TradeStation open an account connected to the latter. We saw some similarities between the two.

Firstly, the selection of account base currencies is extensive, with 23 options available. Traders can begin with no minimum deposit (and enjoy no platform fees and free real-time market data). 

The selection of futures is excellent, covering both popular classes like forex and crypto and more niche ones like meats and softs. TradeStation also offers futures options, but unlike Interactive, we found their package more straightforward. 

This package includes the possibility for zero commissions, free real-time data from several exchanges, access to multiple APIs and the dedicated ‘FuturesPlus’ software.

InformationTradeStation
RegulatorsCFTC (United States)
Minimum depositN/A
Supported Trading Platforms/SoftwareTradeStation (proprietary), TradersPost, QuantConnect, TradingView, Option Alpha, Multicharts, ORATS
Available Accounts/PlansIndividual, Joint, IRA, Entity
Available Futures (incl. futures options)Indices, energies, metals, crypto, forex, softs, meats, agriculture, 
Minimum trading commission (on all micros)$0.50 per side
Base Currencies SupportedAUD, GBP, CAD, CNH, CZK, DKK,EUR, HKD,HUF, ISL, JPY, KRW, MXN, NZD, NOK, PLN, RUB, SGD, ZAR, SEK, CHF, TRY, USD
Payment OptionsWire transfer, check, ACH
Deposit/Withdrawal FeesYes, for withdrawals
Available Customer Support ChannelsLive chat, phone, email
Countries Accepted150+ (US-sanctioned nations like Cuba, Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Libya, Sudan,Yemen and Belarus would be restricted)

Pros

  • Has existed for over 40 years
  • No minimum deposit
  • Offers futures and futures options
  • Generous third-party software integration

Cons

  • Only two supported payment options
  • High minimum deposit ($5000) for futures options
  • Withdrawal charges are present
› Sign up for free with TradeStation! (Risk Warning: Your capital can be at risk)

How We Tested The Best Micro Futures Brokers:

When reviewing these brokers, a structured approach was applied, testing each broker against five core criteria: regulation, trading fees, supported platforms, customer support, and additional fees.

Regulation

The first step was to confirm that each broker operates under a recognized regulatory authority. From our work at WR Trading, this is non-negotiable, considering that futures trading involves real capital and leverage.

Regulation ensures brokers are held accountable for protecting client funds, handling deposits and withdrawals fairly, and maintaining ethical business practices.

Reliable regulators

Bodies like the CFTC (U.S.), ASIC (Australia), FCA (United Kingdom), or other top-tier regulators were those which we favoured the most.

Trading Fees

Micro futures are designed for cost efficiency, but commissions and exchange fees can quickly eat into profits if not competitive. We examined the per-side costs on markets like the Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES), as well as whether brokers offered discounts for high-volume traders or commission-free trades for new clients. Brokers with reasonable trading commissions ranked higher in our analysis.

Still, there are other trading costs for futures traders which are not always reflected in the total commission. These include exchange, NFA and clearing and routing fees that apply with virtually all brokers.

Supported Platforms

Trading platforms are the backbone of the futures experience. We tested whether each broker supported industry standards like MetaTrader 5, TradingView, Bookmap, or Sierra Chart, alongside their own proprietary platforms. Platform support was evaluated not only on compatibility, but also on features such as DOM (Depth of Market), level 2 data, charting tools, and order flow analysis.

Customer Support

Futures markets operate almost 24 hours a day on most days of the week, and issues can arise at any time. That’s why we rated brokers on the availability and quality of their support. 

We tested channels such as live chat, phone, and email, and paid attention to extras like remote desktop support, which can be invaluable for resolving technical problems quickly. Brokers offering 24/7 assistance naturally scored better.

Additional Fees

Finally, we examined the often-overlooked ‘non-trading’ costs. This included deposit and withdrawal fees, data subscriptions, inactivity charges, and platform licensing costs. The best brokers minimized or eliminated these hidden expenses, allowing traders to keep more of their gains

Which Micro Future Broker Is The Best For Beginners?

AvaFutures is the best platform for beginners to trade micro futures. Their package is quite straightforward as the newest futures broker on this list. This consists of reasonable trading commissions, two account types, three integrated trading platforms, two base currencies and no deposit/withdrawal costs.

Finally, AvaFutures is regulated in many regions in the world (more than other brokers), making it more accessible.

Which Broker For Micro Futures Is The Cheapest?

EdgeClear proved to be the most affordable micro futures broker in our research. However, other names that had their margins and commissions low on standard plans are Optimus Futures, Tradovate and Interactive Brokers.

Users should always remember that the true execution costs will vary based on the traded asset. Finally, tiered-volume rates are more cost-effective than those for individual trades.

To facilitate a more accurate comparison, we will show the per-side commission for trading gold (MGC) and the S&P 500 on micro contracts for each broker.

BrokerMicro Gold future commissionMicro S&P 500 commission
AvaFutures$0.75$0.75
Plus500$0.49$0.49
NinjaTrader$0.39$0.39
EdgeClear$0.22$0.22
AMP Futures$0.85$0.50
Optimus Futures$0.25$0.25
Tradovate$0.39$0.39
Interactive Brokers$0.25$0.25
Ironbeam$0.39$0.39
TradeStation$0.50$0.50

How To Create Your Micro Futures Account

How To Create Micro Futures Account
How To Create Micro Futures Account

Opening a micro futures trading account is straightforward, although the process may be slightly trickier with advanced brokerages. Most have everything online, allowing you to often get started in under an hour. Account approval may take up to a few days in rare cases, when necessary to properly verify the trader.

Nonetheless, here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Choose Your Broker

Start by selecting a regulated broker that supports micro futures. The choice will depend on several factors we have reviewed, including fees, platform compatibility, available markets, and customer support.

For beginners, consider brokers with basic account structures (e.g., AvaFutures, Plus500 US, Ironbeam). Meanwhile, the likes of Optimus Futures, AMP Futures, TradeStation and Interactive Brokers are suitable for advanced traders (and even intermediates).

2. Begin the Online Application

Once the broker has been chosen, head to their website and click ‘Open an Account,’ ‘Sign Up,’ or similar call-to-action. One is typically asked for:

  • Full name, email, phone number, and residential address.
  • Country of residence (to determine regulatory requirements).
  • Trading experience and financial background (brokers must check suitability).

Most forms are user-friendly, and you can complete this step in about 10–15 minutes.

3. Complete KYC Verification

Because futures accounts are regulated, traders need to pass Know Your Customer (KYC) checks:

  • Upload a government-issued ID (a passport or driver’s license is usually sufficient).
  • Submit proof of address (a utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months should do).

Some brokers also ask for proof of income or net worth to confirm you understand the risks of leveraged trading. With automated systems, this can be approved within a few hours; however, in some cases, it may take up to 2–3 days.

4. Select Your Account Type & Base Currency

Select from the available account plans (e.g., Standard, Individual, Joint) and determine whether each option is paid or free. Many micro futures brokers offer simplified accounts with USD as the default base currency, though some (like Interactive Brokers, NinjaTrader and AMP) support a much wider range.

5. Download and Connect The Trading Platform

Most brokers will email instructions on how to connect your account to a supported platform. This often involves:

  • Downloading the platform (e.g., MT5, TradingView, or the broker’s proprietary software).
  • Logging in with the username, password, and server details provided by your broker.
  • Adding micro futures symbols (e.g., MES for Micro E-mini S&P 500; MGC for trading gold).

6. Practise With a Demo Account First

Nearly all brokers offer free demo accounts. It’s imperative to test the trading software and strategy for an extended period using virtual funds before trading live. This step has no risk and helps build confidence.

7. Fund Your Account And Start Trading

Once a trader is confident and comfortable, they can consider switching to a live account. When making your first deposit, it’s crucial only to contribute disposable funds (money you can afford to lose), considering the speculative nature of trading.

Funding options typically comprise bank wire, ACH, debit/credit card, or e-wallets like Skrill/Neteller. We recommend using cards as the primary choice (or alternatively e-wallets) as they are the most used, are much cheaper, and faster to process.

Start small with micro futures

The aim is to start small; that’s the purpose of micro futures. They offer lower margin requirements and reduced tick values compared to standard futures, providing a space to trade without overexposure.

How Much Money Do You Need For Trading Micro Futures?

We believe a minimum balance of $1000 is ideal. It facilitates better risk management on many markets and reduces the potential for margin calls. Of course, how much you actually need also depends on the specific market and trading frequency.

At WR Trading, we’ve noticed that many retail traders underestimate the extent of margin requirements, which is another critical determining factor.

What Are the Margin Requirements Of Micro Futures Brokers?

Margin Requirements Micro Futures Broker
Margin Requirements Micro Futures Broker

In our testing, $50 was a common day trading margin requirement for micro futures brokers. In other cases, this figure can reach up to $100.

Margin requirements in futures trading refer to the minimum amount of capital that must be deposited to open and maintain a position. Futures contracts are leveraged instruments where traders simply commit a fraction of a contract’s total value for each position, i.e., margin.

These are generally the types of margin to note when trading futures (each of which constantly changes):

  • Initial margin: the minimum amount you must have in your account to open a position (often set by the exchange). 

Micro futures traders will also frequently see ‘intraday margins’ or ‘day trading margins,‘ which are discounted margins set by the brokers.. In such a case, this would be the initial margin.

The main rule is that positions should be closed on the same day before a particular market closes (usually 15–30 minutes beforehand). Failure to do so results in a liquidation fee for every trade.

  • Maintenance margin: Opening a futures trade doesn’t stop at the initial margin. The maintenance margin, set exclusively by the exchange, is necessary to keep it open. This figure is significantly higher (depending on the asset) than the initial margin, reinforcing the need for larger deposits beyond the promoted minimum. 

For example, Optimus Futures’ day trading and maintenance margins for trading a micro DAX future (FDXS) are $325 and $1300, respectively.

  • Overnight margin refers to the margin required to carry a futures trade beyond the daily close to cover overnight risk. Many brokers may simply present initial and overnight margins (instead of mentioning the maintenance part) for simplicity’s sake. For instance, trading the E-Micro EUR/USD (ME6) on AvaFutures requires a minimum initial margin of 68€ and an overnight margin of 340€.

Conclusion: AvaFutures Is The Best Micro Futures Broker

After researching and testing ten leading providers, AvaFutures emerged as the best overall broker for micro futures trading. Despite being relatively new, it benefits from AvaTrade’s established reputation and is one of the best regulated. 

At WR Trading, we tested AvaFutures with real money accounts. The experience confirmed what our research suggested: an uncomplicated account setup, transparent pricing, commission-free trades for new users, and free CME level 2 data. These features make it equally appealing for beginners seeking a simple entry point and for advanced traders looking for competitive conditions.

That said, the competition has its standouts too:

  • Plus500 US is ideal for US citizens seeking an accessible and low-cost gateway into micro futures, with no hidden platform or data fees. 
  • NinjaTrader shines for active traders who value advanced charting tools and premium software packages. 
  • EdgeClear offers some of the lowest commissions in the industry.
  • AMP Futures impresses with its compatibility across more than 50 platforms. 
  • Optimus Futures leads the pack in exchange connectivity,
  • Interactive Brokers remains unmatched for global regulation, flexible funding, and multi-currency support.

In the end, your choice should ultimately come down to what matters most: low costs, market variety, advanced trading tools, and flexibility.

Once again, these are the 10 best Micro Futures Brokers:

 

Langa Ntuli
Forex Trader on WR Trading
Langa is an expert forex trader with a deep understanding of the FX market since 2017 in key areas like technical analysis, risk management and brokers. He specializes in breaking down complex trading strategies into actionable insights. Keen to help traders make informed decisions, he provides in-depth broker reviews, platform comparisons, and expert market analysis. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced trader, Langa's expertise will confidently guide you through the ever-evolving forex landscape.
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Langa Ntuli
Langa Ntuli Forex Trader on WR Trading
Langa is an expert forex trader with a deep understanding of the FX market since 2017 in key areas like technical analysis, risk management and brokers. He specializes in breaking down complex trading strategies into actionable insights. Keen to help traders make informed decisions, he provides in-depth broker reviews, platform comparisons, and expert market analysis. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced trader, Langa's expertise will confidently guide you through the ever-evolving forex landscape.
Johannes Striegel
Johannes Gresham
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