Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some of the most common questions we hear.
Opening an Account
How do I open a MetroTrade account?
You apply online through the account portal. The application asks for personal details, trading experience, and financial information required for futures accounts.
How long does account approval take?
Many applications are approved within 24 hours of submitting. Some applications need extra review or documents, which can add time.
What documents do I need?
Most applicants need a government-issued photo ID or their Social Security number.
Is there a minimum deposit to open an account?
MetroTrade does not have a minimum deposit amount, but keep these things in mind:
- You must deposit at least $100 to receive free level 1 market data.
- You will need to meet the margin requirement of the contracts you want to trade. View margins
Account Funding & Withdrawals
How can I fund my account?
You can fund your account from the Transfer Funds tab in the account portal using ACH transfer, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Wire transfer.
How long do deposits take?
ACH, debit card and digital wallet deposits are typically fastest (1 business day or less). Wire timing depends on your bank’s cutoff times.
Are there fees to deposit or withdrawal?
There are no fees for depositing funds into your trading account with all methods.
For withdrawals, wire transfers incur a fee of $30 for domestic and 30 units of the originating currency for international.
How do I withdraw funds?
You request withdrawals from the Transfer Funds tab in the account portal.
The MetroTrade Platform
What platform does MetroTrade use?
MetroTrade offers its own purpose-built trading platform on web and mobile. Learn more about the MetroTrade platform
Can I connect a third-party platform to my account?
No. MetroTrade accounts trade through the MetroTrade platform on web and mobile. Third-party platform connections are not supported.
Does MetroTrade connect to TradingView?
Not at this time. We recommend trading on the MetroTrade Platform.
Does the platform include real-time market data?
Yes. Once you have funded your live trading account, you will receive free level 1 market data.
Is there a MetroTrade mobile app?
Yes. Search for “MetroTrade: Trade Futures” on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Learn more
Does MetroTrade offer a demo account?
Yes, you’ll receive a 30-day free trial of the MetroTrade platform when you create your account.. A demo account lets you practice on the platform with simulated funds, so no real money is at risk.
Can I switch from demo to a live account?
Yes. You can apply for a live account at any time through the account portal.
Pricing, Commissions, and Fees
How much does MetroTrade cost?
MetroTrade commissions are $0.29 per side for micro contracts and $1.09 per side for E-mini contracts. Exchange and NFA fees also apply. See our all-in fee schedule to see the total cost of a trade.
Are there platform or software fees?
No. The MetroTrade platform is included with your account at no cost.
Do I have to pay for market data?
Free level 1 market data is provided to live accounts that fund with a minimum of $100.
Are there account maintenance or inactivity fees?
No. MetroTrade does not charge maintenance or inactivity fees.
Is there an auto-liquidation fee?
Yes. If your account falls below its margin requirement and a position is closed by our risk team, a fee applies: $15 per contract for micros and $25 per contract for E-minis.
Margins & Risk Management
What is intraday margin?
Intraday margin is the amount of capital required to hold a futures position during the trading session. It is usually lower than the overnight (initial) margin set by the exchange.
What are MetroTrade's intraday margins?
Intraday margins vary by contract and can change with market volatility. See the margins page for current requirements on every contract.
What happens if I hold a position past the intraday window?
Your account must meet the full overnight margin requirement. If you do not meet the margin requirement at the market close, your position may be liquidated.
What happens if my account drops below the margin requirement?
Your position may be liquidated to protect your account from further losses. An auto-liquidation fee applies. Monitoring margin in the Account Summary helps you act before that point.
About MetroTrade
What is MetroTrade?
MetroTrade is a U.S. futures brokerage based in Chicago. It offers individual traders access to futures markets through its own purpose-built trading platform on web and mobile.
How is MetroTrade regulated?
MetroTrade LLC is registered with the CFTC as an introducing broker and is a member of the NFA (NFA ID: 0558016). You can verify this on the NFA BASIC database.
Where are my funds held?
Customer funds are held by MetroTrade’s clearing FCM in segregated accounts, as required by CFTC rules. Segregation keeps customer funds separate from the firm’s own money.
How do I contact support?
You can contact MetroTrade Support by email at info@metrotrade.com or by using the live chat in the bottom right of each webpage.
Where can I find platform how-to guides?
Visit the Knowledgebase for step-by-step articles on getting started, charting, order entry, position management, market data, mobile, and funding.
Have More Questions?
Contact MetroTrade Support by email or use the live chat in the bottom right corner of the page.