Getting started in futures trading does not require a large account. Some of the most accessible contracts today can be traded intraday for well under $100 in margin. For new and small-account traders, choosing low-cost contracts is one of the smartest ways to manage risk and gain real market experience.
In this guide, we break down what makes a futures contract “cheap,” walk through nine of the most popular low-cost contracts available through MetroTrade, and cover what to weigh beyond the margin number when picking a contract.
Key Takeaways
- Cheap contracts combine low margin, small tick value, and low commissions. These three factors together determine how much it costs to place a trade, not margin alone.
- The most popular contracts are not always the cheapest. Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES) is the most heavily traded contract on this list, but Micro Corn (MZC) currently carries the lowest intraday margin.
- Total cost of entry includes both margin and commission. A full round-trip trade means paying commission on the opening and closing leg, which adds up over many trades even when each fee is small.
- Low margin does not mean low risk. Some low-cost contracts, including crypto and metals products, can move sharply in a single session.
- MetroTrade’s per-side commissions remain competitive at $0.29 per side for micro contracts, though margin requirements shift regularly and should always be checked before trading.
What Makes a Futures Contract “Cheap”?
In futures trading, “cheap” does not describe the value of the underlying asset. It describes the cost of participating in the market. A few factors determine that cost.
Intraday Margin Requirements
Intraday margin is the amount of capital a broker requires to open and hold a futures position during the trading session. It is one of the most important numbers for active traders to watch. Lower intraday margins let traders access more markets, or manage multiple positions, without tying up large amounts of capital.
View MetroTrade’s Intraday Margins
Tick Size and Tick Value
Every futures contract moves in minimum increments called ticks. Tick size is the smallest allowed price movement. Tick value is the dollar amount that movement is worth on one contract. Smaller tick values give traders finer control over risk per trade.
Learn more about Futures Contract Specs
Commission and Fees
Some brokers charge higher commissions, data fees, or platform costs. Even a contract with a low margin requirement can get expensive if fees are high, especially for traders who place many trades. MetroTrade charges $0.29 per side for micro contracts and $1.09 per side for e-mini contracts, with no platform subscription required.
Liquidity and Spread
High liquidity means more participants are actively trading a contract, which usually means tighter bid/ask spreads and easier order execution. A contract can have a low margin requirement and still be difficult to trade efficiently if liquidity is thin.
Total Cost of Entry: Margin Plus Commission
Margin alone does not tell you the full cost of a trade. A complete picture includes the commission on both legs of the trade, the entry and the exit.
Example Setup: A trader opens one Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES) contract. The intraday margin is approximately $50. Opening the trade costs $0.29 in commission, and closing it costs another $0.29, for a round-trip commission of $0.58. The total cost to place and close this one trade is about $50.58 in capital and fees combined.
Pro Tip: Commission looks small on a single trade, but it multiplies fast. Twenty round-trip trades in MES at $0.58 each add up to $11.60 in commissions alone, separate from the margin capital tied up in the positions. Factor commission into your comparison, not just margin.
Why Beginners Should Trade Low-Cost Futures
Low-cost contracts are especially useful for new traders and those working with smaller accounts.
- Lower financial risk per trade: Smaller tick values and lower margin requirements mean traders can participate without overexposing their accounts.
- More room to practice: Cheap contracts make it easier to gain hands-on experience without risking large amounts of capital.
- Simpler position sizing: Micro contracts reduce the pressure of managing large trades or high-dollar swings.
- Scalable strategy development: Traders can start small, then scale up as they gain confidence and capital.
Cheapest Futures Contracts on MetroTrade
The contracts below are ranked by how actively they are traded, not strictly by margin. The most popular contracts tend to have the deepest liquidity and tightest spreads, which matters as much as the margin number itself. Each entry lists the current rounded intraday margin. All margin figures are approximate and change regularly, so always confirm current numbers before trading.
1. Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES)
- Intraday Margin: approximately $50
- Tick Size / Value: 0.25 / $1.25
MES is one of the most actively traded micro contracts on MetroTrade. It tracks the S&P 500 Index and is widely considered one of the most beginner-friendly futures products available.
Why traders use it: High liquidity, tight spreads, and balanced volatility compared to other index contracts.
Who it’s for: New futures traders who want to trade a broad index with relatively stable movement.
What to watch for: Moves can be slower than the Nasdaq, which may not suit fast scalping strategies.
2. Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 (MNQ)
- Intraday Margin: approximately $100
- Tick Size / Value: 0.25 / $0.50
MNQ tracks the Nasdaq-100 and is the second most actively traded contract on this list. It moves faster than MES and tends to appeal to traders who want more intraday range.
Why traders use it: Deep liquidity and strong participation from both retail and institutional traders.
Who it’s for: Traders comfortable with faster price swings and looking for momentum opportunities.
What to watch for: Price swings can be sharp. Proper risk controls matter more here than in slower-moving contracts.
3. Micro E-mini Russell 2000 (M2K)
- Intraday Margin: approximately $50
- Tick Size / Value: 0.10 / $0.50
M2K provides exposure to U.S. small-cap stocks. It trades less volume than MES or MNQ but still offers solid liquidity for a small-cap index product.
Why traders use it: Access to small-cap equity exposure at a low margin requirement.
Who it’s for: Traders who want diversification beyond large-cap index contracts.
What to watch for: Liquidity is lower than MES or MNQ, so spreads can widen slightly during quiet periods.
4. Micro E-mini Dow (MYM)
- Intraday Margin: approximately $50
- Tick Size / Value: 1.00 / $0.50
MYM tracks the Dow Jones Industrial Average. It typically moves at a steadier pace than MNQ or M2K.
Why traders use it: Exposure to blue-chip stocks with a manageable tick value.
Who it’s for: Traders who prefer a slightly calmer market than the Nasdaq or Russell.
What to watch for: Lower volume than MES or MNQ can limit tight stop placement in some conditions.
5. Micro Ether (MET)
- Intraday Margin: approximately $50
- Tick Size / Value: 0.50 / $0.05
MET is the most actively traded crypto micro contract available on MetroTrade. It lets traders speculate on Ethereum through a regulated, cash-settled product.
Why traders use it: Regulated crypto exposure without holding or custodying the underlying asset.
Who it’s for: Traders who want exposure to ETH price movement in a CFTC-regulated market.
What to watch for: Crypto markets can move sharply and without warning, especially around news events.
6. Micro EUR/USD (M6E)
- Intraday Margin: approximately $40
- Tick Size / Value: 0.0001 / $1.25
M6E gives traders exposure to the euro against the U.S. dollar. It sees steady, if lighter, retail volume compared to the equity index micros.
Why traders use it: A regulated way to trade currency moves without a forex broker.
Who it’s for: Traders interested in macro or currency-driven strategies.
What to watch for: Currency moves are often driven by central bank decisions and economic data releases, which can create sudden volatility.
7. 1-Ounce Gold (1OZ)
- Intraday Margin: approximately $90
- Tick Size / Value: 0.25 / $0.25
1OZ is CME’s smallest gold contract, representing just one troy ounce. It gives traders a tightly scaled way to speculate on gold prices or hedge against inflation.
Why traders use it: The smallest possible entry point into gold futures, with precise position sizing.
Who it’s for: Traders interested in precious metals exposure with tighter risk control than larger gold contracts.
What to watch for: Gold prices react to macroeconomic shifts, including interest rate changes and geopolitical events. Margin on this contract has moved noticeably in recent months, so check current figures before trading.
8. 100 oz Silver (SIC)
- Intraday Margin: approximately $40
- Tick Size / Value: see current contract specs
SIC is one of CME’s newest products, launched in February 2026 to meet growing retail demand for a silver contract sized between Micro Silver and the full 5,000 oz contract.
Why traders use it: A middle-ground silver contract, smaller than the standard 5,000 oz product but larger than Micro Silver.
Who it’s for: Traders who want more silver exposure per contract than Micro Silver offers, without the size of the standard contract.
What to watch for: As a recently launched contract, liquidity is still building. Confirm current volume, spreads, and tick specs on MetroTrade’s contract specs page before trading.
9. Micro Corn (MZC)
- Intraday Margin: approximately $20
- Tick Size / Value: 0.50 cents/bushel / $2.50
MZC currently carries the lowest intraday margin of any contract on this list, though it is the least actively traded of the nine. It represents 500 bushels of corn, one-tenth the size of the standard corn contract (ZC).
Why traders use it: The lowest capital requirement on this list, with exposure to agricultural price trends.
Who it’s for: Traders interested in commodities and seasonal agricultural patterns, or those testing strategies with minimal capital at risk.
What to watch for: Lower trading volume than the equity index or crypto micros means spreads can be wider, and agricultural prices can gap sharply around USDA crop reports.
Pro Tip: The cheapest contract by margin is not always the easiest to trade. MZC has the lowest margin on this list, but MES has far deeper liquidity. Weigh both before choosing where to start.
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Comparison Table
| Contract | Symbol | Intraday Margin | Tick Size / Value | Commission (per side) |
| Micro E-mini S&P 500 | MES | ~$50 | 0.25 / $1.25 | $0.29 |
| Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 | MNQ | ~$100 | 0.25 / $0.50 | $0.29 |
| Micro E-mini Russell 2000 | M2K | ~$50 | 0.10 / $0.50 | $0.29 |
| Micro E-mini Dow | MYM | ~$50 | 1.00 / $0.50 | $0.29 |
| Micro Ether | MET | ~$50 | 0.50 / $0.05 | $0.29 |
| Micro EUR/USD | M6E | ~$40 | 0.0001 / $1.25 | $0.29 |
| 1-Ounce Gold | 1OZ | ~$90 | 0.25 / $0.25 | $0.29 |
| 100 oz Silver | SIC | ~$40 | see contract specs | $0.29 |
| Micro Corn | MZC | ~$20 | 0.50 cents / $2.50 | $0.29 |
Margin figures are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm current margin and contract specs before trading.
Other Low-Margin Contracts to Explore
The nine contracts above are not the only low-cost options on MetroTrade. A few others are worth knowing about, though some call for extra caution.
- Currency micros beyond M6E: Micro AUD/USD (M6A), Micro GBP/USD (M6B), and Micro CAD/USD (MCD) carry intraday margins in a similar range to M6E and offer exposure to other major currency pairs.
- Treasury yield micros: Contracts like the Micro 10-Year Yield (10Y) and Micro 30-Year Yield (30Y) offer lower-volatility exposure to interest rate markets, with intraday margins that can run lower than the equity index micros.
- Energy contracts: Crude oil products, including Micro Crude Oil (MCL), can carry very low margins during calm periods and very high margins during volatile ones. Energy margins move more than almost any other asset class, so treat any specific number as a snapshot rather than a stable figure. Confirm current margin immediately before placing a trade in this group.
How MetroTrade’s Commissions Compare
Margin is only part of the cost equation. Commission matters too, especially for traders who place multiple trades per session. Here is how MetroTrade’s micro futures commission compares to a few other publicly listed rates, per side.
|
Broker |
Micro Commission (per side) |
|
Interactive Brokers |
$0.25 |
|
Webull |
$0.25 |
|
MetroTrade |
$0.29 |
|
NinjaTrader (Free Plan) |
$0.35 |
|
Plus500 |
$0.49 |
|
TradeStation |
$0.50 |
Rates are based on publicly listed pricing as of this writing and are subject to change. Compare current rates directly with each provider before making a decision.
View MetroTrade’s Pricing | How MetroTrade Compares as a Low Margin Futures Broker
Important Considerations Beyond Margin
Margin is just one piece of the puzzle. Before choosing a contract, weigh a few other factors.
Liquidity
A low-margin contract with low trading volume may not be ideal. Check average daily volume before committing to a contract, especially for newer or smaller products.
Volatility
Low-cost contracts are not always low risk. Some, including crypto and energy products, can have wide intraday swings. Use stop-loss orders and position sizing to manage exposure.
Learn more about Micro vs E-Mini Futures
Fees
Broker commissions, exchange fees, and platform charges vary. Factor these into your total cost of trading, not just the margin required to open a position.
Personal Trading Style
Scalpers might prefer MNQ for its speed. Swing traders may gravitate toward MES or M6E. Match your contract choice to how you actually trade, not just which one has the lowest margin.
Risk Management for Low-Cost Contracts
A low margin requirement does not mean a trade carries low risk. Managing risk on cheap contracts still requires the same discipline as any other futures trade.
- Size your stop-loss to the contract’s tick value. A 10-tick stop on MNQ ($5.00) is a very different risk than a 10-tick stop on MZC ($25.00). Know what one tick costs before setting a stop.
- Think in dollar risk per trade, not just margin. Decide how much you are willing to lose on a single trade in dollar terms, based on your account size, and size your position to match.
- Remember that low margin means higher leverage, not lower risk. A smaller margin requirement lets you control the same market exposure with less capital, which can amplify both gains and losses relative to the capital used.
- Check margin before every session. Margin requirements shift with volatility, sometimes significantly, as seen with contracts like Micro Crude Oil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Chasing the lowest margin without checking liquidity. A contract with a rock-bottom margin but thin trading volume can be harder to enter and exit at a fair price.
- Treating “cheap” as “low risk.” Margin and risk are related but not the same thing. A contract can be inexpensive to open and still move sharply against you.
- Overtrading multiple micro positions just because they are affordable. Low margin makes it easy to open several positions at once, but each one still carries commission and risk.
- Ignoring round-trip commission costs. Commission on a single trade looks small, but it adds up quickly for active traders placing many trades per session.
Getting Started with Low-Cost Futures
Low-cost contracts like MES, M2K, and MZC make it possible to start trading futures with a modest amount of capital. Here is how to get started on MetroTrade.
- Open a Live MetroTrade Account. Create your account and complete the onboarding process. Approval typically takes less than 24 hours.
- Fund Your Account. Once approved, make your initial deposit. With low intraday margins on micro contracts, many traders start with a modest, manageable amount of capital.
- Choose Your First Contract. Pick one or two contracts to focus on. Many beginners start with MES, M2K, or MYM due to their liquidity and relatively steady movement.
- Use Risk Management Tools. Set stop-loss orders, define your dollar risk per trade, and avoid overleveraging. Even low-margin contracts can move quickly.
- Start Trading with a Defined Plan. Have a basic trade plan before entering the market. Start small, observe how the contract behaves, and refine your approach as you go.
Conclusion
Futures trading is more accessible today than it has been in years, with low-cost contracts spanning equity indices, crypto, currencies, metals, and agriculture. Margins on this list currently range from around $20 to $100, giving traders real choice in how much capital they commit to a single position.
The most popular contract is not always the cheapest, and the cheapest is not always the easiest to trade. Weighing margin, liquidity, and your own trading style together leads to a better contract choice than looking at any single number alone.
If you are ready to put this into practice, MetroTrade offers low commissions, transparent margin data, and a platform built for traders managing smaller accounts. Open a live account and start trading with a clear plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest futures contract to trade?
As of August 2026, Micro Corn (MZC) carries the lowest intraday margin on MetroTrade at approximately $20. Margin requirements change regularly, so always confirm the current figure before trading.
What is the most popular futures contract for beginners?
Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES) is the most actively traded micro contract on MetroTrade. Its combination of liquidity, moderate volatility, and low margin makes it a common starting point for new traders.
Can you trade futures with less than $100?
Yes. Several micro futures contracts, including MES, M2K, MYM, MET, M6E, SIC, and MZC, can currently be traded intraday with less than $100 in margin. Most traders still keep a larger account balance to manage risk and cover potential losses beyond the minimum margin.
Are micro futures good for beginners?
Micro futures are generally well suited to beginners. They offer smaller tick values, lower margin requirements, and access to major markets like the S&P 500, Nasdaq-100, and gold.
What makes a futures contract low-cost?
A low-cost futures contract combines a low intraday margin requirement, a small tick value, and a low per-side commission. Together, these reduce the capital needed to place and manage trades.
Do low-margin futures contracts carry less risk?
Not necessarily. Low-margin contracts can still be volatile. Risk depends on how much the underlying market moves, not just the size of the margin requirement. Traders should use stop-loss orders and size positions based on dollar risk.
How often do intraday margins change?
Margins can change at any time based on market volatility, and some contracts shift more than others. Energy contracts like Micro Crude Oil are especially prone to large swings. Always check current margin figures before placing a trade rather than relying on a figure from a past article or conversation.
Is the cheapest contract always the best choice for beginners?
Not always. The contract with the lowest margin is not necessarily the easiest to trade well. Liquidity, volatility, and how closely a contract matches your trading style all matter as much as the margin number.
The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered trading, investment, tax, or legal advice. Futures trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should carefully consider whether trading is appropriate for your financial situation. Always consult with a licensed financial professional before making any trading decisions. MetroTrade is not liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of this content.