Getting started in futures trading doesn’t have to require a large account. In fact, some of the most accessible futures contracts today can be traded intraday for less than $100. For new and small-account traders, choosing low-cost contracts is one of the smartest ways to manage risk and gain experience in live markets.
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes a futures contract “cheap,” explore the most affordable products available through MetroTrade, and explain what to consider when choosing which contracts to trade.
Key Takeaways
- Cheap futures contracts are defined by low intraday margin requirements, small tick values, and accessible market exposure.
- Micro E-mini contracts are the most popular low-cost futures and offer exposure to stock indices with minimal capital.
- Low-cost futures make it easier to control risk, test strategies, and gain experience, especially for traders with smaller accounts.
- Not all low-margin futures contracts are beginner-friendly. Some are highly volatile or thinly traded, which can increase risk.
- As of August 2025, the lowest intraday margin on MetroTrade is $81.05 for the Micro E-mini Russell 2000 (M2K).
What Makes a Futures Contract “Cheap”?
In futures trading, “cheap” doesn’t refer to the value of the asset itself, but rather to the cost of participating in the market. This is typically determined by a few key factors:
Intraday Margin Requirements
Intraday margin is the amount of capital required to open and maintain a position during regular trading hours. It’s one of the most important considerations for active traders. Lower intraday margins allow traders to access more markets or manage multiple positions without tying up large amounts of capital.
View MetroTrade’s Intraday Margins
Tick Size and Tick Value
Each futures contract moves in minimum increments called ticks. Tick size refers to the smallest allowable price movement, and tick value determines the profit or loss resulting from that movement. Smaller tick values give traders finer control over risk per trade.
Learn more about Futures Contract Specs
Commission and Fees
Some brokers charge higher commission rates, data fees, or platform costs. Even if a contract has a low margin requirement, high fees can quickly eat into profitability. Traders should always consider the total round-trip cost of trading. MetroTrade has some of the lowest commissions in futures trading, as low as $0.29/side for micro contracts with no subscriptions.
Liquidity and Spread
High liquidity means more participants are trading the contract, which generally leads to tighter bid/ask spreads and easier order execution. A contract may have a low margin but still be difficult to trade efficiently if liquidity is low.
Why Beginners Should Trade Low-Cost Futures
Low-cost contracts are especially valuable for new traders or those working with smaller accounts. Here’s why:
- Lower financial risk per trade: With smaller tick values and lower margin requirements, traders can participate without overexposing their accounts.
- More room to practice and learn: Cheap contracts make it easier to gain hands-on experience without risking significant capital.
- Simpler position sizing: Micro contracts reduce the pressure of managing large trades or high-dollar swings.
- Scalable strategy development: Traders can start with small positions, then scale up over time as they gain confidence and capital.
Cheapest Futures Contracts on MetroTrade (August 2025)
Using MetroTrade’s current intraday margin data, here are the top low-cost futures contracts available today. All margin rates are as of August 2025 and are subject to change.
Micro E-mini Russell 2000 (M2K)
- Symbol: /M2KU25:XCME
- Intraday Margin: $81.05
- Tick Size / Value: 0.10 / $0.50
The Micro E-mini Russell 2000 is one of the lowest-margin contracts currently offered on MetroTrade. It provides access to the U.S. small-cap equity market and is ideal for traders looking to test strategies with minimal capital.
Why it’s cheap:
Extremely low margin requirement and small tick value.
Who it’s for:
Traders who want exposure to small-cap stocks and steady intraday volatility.
What to watch for:
Liquidity is lower than MES or MNQ, so entry and exit spreads may be slightly wider.
Micro Ether Futures (MET)
- Symbol: /METU25:XCME
- Intraday Margin: $151.80
- Tick Size / Value: 0.05 / $0.50
Micro Ether contracts allow traders to speculate on Ethereum with a lower-risk profile compared to full-sized crypto futures. These are fully regulated and settle in cash.
Why it’s cheap:
Reduced size makes it more accessible than standard crypto contracts.
Who it’s for:
Traders looking to gain exposure to ETH in a regulated environment.
What to watch for:
Crypto markets can experience sudden, sharp price swings, especially during key events or news cycles.
Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES)
- Symbol: /MESU25:XCME
- Intraday Margin: $187.62
- Tick Size / Value: 0.25 / $1.25
MES is the most widely traded micro contract. It tracks the S&P 500 Index and is considered one of the most beginner-friendly products available.
Why it’s cheap:
Low margin, high liquidity, and balanced volatility.
Who it’s for:
New futures traders who want to trade a broad index with stable movement.
What to watch for:
Moves can be slower than the Nasdaq, which may not suit scalping strategies.
Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 (MNQ)
- Symbol: /MNQU25:XCME
- Intraday Margin: $268.84
- Tick Size / Value: 0.25 / $0.50
MNQ tracks the Nasdaq-100 and is more volatile than MES. It appeals to traders who like fast-moving markets and opportunities for larger intraday swings.
Why it’s cheap:
Small tick value and micro size reduce financial exposure.
Who it’s for:
Traders seeking volatility and short-term momentum plays.
What to watch for:
Price swings can be fast and dramatic. Proper risk controls are essential.
Micro E-mini Dow (MYM)
- Symbol: /MYMU25:XCME
- Intraday Margin: $269.50
- Tick Size / Value: 1.00 / $0.50
MYM provides exposure to the Dow Jones Industrial Average. It tends to move at a more deliberate pace compared to MNQ, making it suitable for traders who prefer a slightly steadier market.
Why it’s cheap:
Still under $300 margin and a manageable tick value.
Who it’s for:
Traders interested in blue-chip stock exposure.
What to watch for:
Lower volume than MES or MNQ may limit tight stop placement in some conditions.
Micro WTI Crude Oil (MCL)
- Symbol: /MCLV25:NYM
- Intraday Margin: $344.30
- Tick Size / Value: 0.01 / $1.00
Crude oil is one of the most actively traded commodities in the world, and the micro version offers access with significantly less risk than the standard CL contract.
Why it’s cheap:
Micro size reduces dollar volatility per tick compared to full-size contracts.
Who it’s for:
Energy traders and those looking to diversify into commodities.
What to watch for:
Crude oil markets can be extremely sensitive to geopolitical events and supply reports.
1 oz Gold Futures (1OZ)
- Symbol: /1OZ
- Intraday Margin: $176.00
- Contract Size: 1 troy ounce of gold
- Tick Size / Value: $0.25 per tick = $0.25 per contract
The 1 oz Gold futures contract offers a lower-cost way to trade gold compared to the larger GC or micro gold contracts. With a tick value of just $0.25 and a smaller notional size, it gives traders a tightly scaled way to speculate on gold prices or hedge against inflation. It’s also cash-settled, meaning no physical delivery is involved.
Why it’s cheap:
Smaller contract size, low tick value, and a $160 intraday margin on MetroTrade.
Who it’s for:
Traders interested in precious metals exposure with tighter risk control than traditional gold contracts.
What to watch for:
Gold prices can be highly sensitive to macroeconomic shifts, including interest rate changes, inflation data, and geopolitical risk. Though this contract limits exposure, it still tracks a volatile market.
Trade Futures with a Small Account
Start your live trading application and begin with margins as low as $80 per contract.
Comparison Table
| Contract | Symbol | Intraday Margin | Tick Size / Value | Volatility |
| Micro Russell 2000 | /M2K | $81.05 | 0.10 / $0.50 | Medium |
| Micro Ether | /MET | $151.80 | 0.05 / $0.50 | High |
| Micro S&P 500 | /MES | $187.62 | 0.25 / $1.25 | Medium |
| Micro Nasdaq-100 | /MNQ | $268.84 | 0.25 / $0.50 | High |
| Micro Dow | /MYM | $269.50 | 1.00 / $0.50 | Medium |
| Micro Crude Oil | /MCL | $344.30 | 0.01 / $1.00 | High |
| 1-Ounce Gold | /1OZ | $176 | 0.25 / $0.25 | Medium |
Other Low-Margin Contracts to Explore
While the list above features the most accessible contracts, several others offer relatively low entry points, including:
- /1OZ (1oz Gold Futures): Margin: $176 – Precious metals exposure at a lower margin
- /SR3 (3-Month SOFR Futures): Margin: $269.50 – Lower volatility, great for interest rate traders
- /ZC (Corn Futures): Margin: $536.25 – Agricultural exposure, seasonal patterns
- /ZL (Soybean Oil Futures): Margin: $1,155 – Higher volatility than corn, but still manageable
- /RTY (E-mini Russell 2000): Margin: $810.66 – A step up in size from M2K, with more movement per tick
Important Considerations Beyond Margin
Margin is just one piece of the puzzle. Before choosing a contract, consider:
Liquidity
A low-margin contract with low volume may not be ideal. Always check the average daily volume and open interest before trading.
Volatility
Low-cost contracts are not always low risk. Some, like MCL or MET, can have wide intraday swings. Use stop losses and position sizing to protect your capital.
Fees
Broker commissions, exchange fees, and platform charges vary. Make sure to factor these into your strategy and break-even analysis.
Personal Trading Style
Scalpers might prefer MNQ. Swing traders may gravitate toward MES or MCL. Match your strategy to the contract’s behavior.
Getting Started with Low-Cost Futures
Low-cost contracts like MES, M2K, and MNQ make it possible to start trading futures with just a few hundred dollars. If you’re ready to enter the market, here’s how to get started on MetroTrade:
- Open a Live MetroTrade Account
Create your account and complete the quick 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 $500–$1,000. - Choose Your First Contract
Pick one or two contracts to focus on. Many beginners start with MES, M2K, or MYM due to their stability and liquidity. - Use Risk Management Tools
Set stop-loss orders, define your max 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 you enter the market. Start small, observe market behavior, and refine your approach as you go.
MetroTrade provides access to real-time market data, fast execution, and transparent pricing, all on a platform built specifically for individual traders. If you’re ready to move beyond theory, now is the time to open your account and start trading live.
Trading on a small account? You’re not alone.
MetroTrade helps small-account traders get started with low-cost contracts, fast execution, and no hidden platform fees.
Conclusion
Futures trading is more accessible than ever, especially with low-cost contracts like micro indices, crude oil, and event contracts. With intraday margins starting under $100, these products allow traders to participate in major markets while keeping risk and capital requirements manageable.
Micro futures are especially useful for new and small-account traders. They offer flexibility, smaller tick values, and the ability to develop and test strategies with less financial pressure. Whether you’re focused on the S&P 500, Nasdaq, crude oil, or even crypto, there’s a contract that fits your budget and trading style.
If you’re ready to take the next step, MetroTrade can help you get started. Our platform gives you access to low-margin contracts, real-time market data, and a full-featured demo account to practice risk-free.
Open a MetroTrade account today and start trading futures with confidence.
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FAQs
What is the cheapest futures contract to trade?
The Micro E-mini Russell 2000 (M2K) is the cheapest futures contract to trade as of August 2025, with an intraday margin of $81.05 on MetroTrade.
Can you trade futures with less than $100?
Yes. Some micro futures contracts like M2K can be traded intraday with less than $100 in margin. However, most traders use a larger account balance to manage risk and cover potential losses.
Are micro futures good for beginners?
Micro futures are ideal for beginners. They offer smaller tick values, lower margin requirements, and access to popular markets like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100.
What makes a futures contract low-cost?
A low-cost futures contract has a low intraday margin requirement, small tick value, and low per-side commission. These features reduce the capital needed to place and manage trades.
Do low-margin futures contracts have less risk?
Not always. Low-margin contracts can still be volatile. Risk depends on market movement, not just the margin amount. Traders should use stop-loss orders and proper position sizing.
Which futures contracts are best for small accounts?
Micro contracts like MES (S&P 500), MNQ (Nasdaq-100), M2K (Russell 2000), and MCL (Crude Oil) are best for small accounts. They have low margin requirements and offer exposure to major markets.
How can I practice trading low-cost futures?
You can practice by opening a free demo account on MetroTrader. It provides access to live market data and lets you trade micro futures without financial risk.
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.