Most traders focus on charts, setups, and strategies. But there’s a quieter threat to your profits that often gets ignored: fees. Futures trading isn’t free, and the real cost of each trade goes far beyond the commission you see on your ticket.
Whether you’re scalping micros or holding e-minis overnight, fees can eat into your gains fast. This guide breaks down the different types of futures trading fees and compares major brokers side-by-side in 2026. We’ll also show why MetroTrade is one of the lowest-cost futures brokers available today.
Key Takeaways
- Futures trading fees go beyond commissions and include exchange, clearing, and platform costs.
- Some brokers hide costs behind platform fees or inflated commissions, especially for micro contracts.
- Traders using big-name platforms and brokers may be overpaying by 2–3x per trade.
- MetroTrade offers some of the lowest fees in the industry for both micro and e-mini contracts.
What Are Futures Trading Fees?
When you place a futures trade, several costs come into play. Some are visible, others are tucked away in the fine print. Here’s a breakdown of what you may be paying.
Common Types of Futures Trading Fees
- Commission per side: This is the most obvious fee. Brokers charge you for each side of the trade (entry and exit).
- Exchange fees: These are charged by the exchange (like CME) and vary by contract type. Most brokers pass these on directly to the trader.
- Clearing fees: These cover the cost of clearing the trade through a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM).
- Platform/software fees: Some brokers and vendors charge monthly fees just to access their trading platform.
- Market data fees: If you want real-time quotes or depth-of-market data, you might need to pay an extra monthly fee. This ranges from around $4-$10/month.
- Inactivity/account maintenance fees: Some platforms charge fees every month that your account is inactive.
- Autoliquidation fees: Brokers may charge you if your account balance cannot meet margin requirements.
Why These Fees Matter
Even small fees add up. For example, if you trade 5 micro contracts a day, 20 days a month, the difference between $0.29 and $1.50 commission per side could mean hundreds in monthly costs. That’s money directly taken from your trading profits.
A trader focused on tight profit margins or frequent trades should pay close attention to these costs. It’s one of the easiest ways to boost profitability without changing your strategy.
Futures Broker Fee Comparison Table (2026)
To make things simple, here’s a direct comparison of trading fees from major futures brokers in 2026.
|
Broker |
Micro Commission (per side) |
E-mini Commission (per side) |
Platform Fee |
Data Fee |
Notes |
|
MetroTrade |
$0.29 |
$1.09 |
$0 |
$0 |
No monthly platform or data fees |
|
NinjaTrader (Free Plan) |
$0.39 |
$1.29 |
$0 |
~$4–$10 |
Lower commissions require a paid license |
|
Schwab |
$2.25 |
$2.25 |
$0 |
$0 |
Among the highest commission rates |
|
E*Trade |
$1.50 |
$1.50 |
$0 |
$0 |
No volume discounts |
|
Robinhood |
$0.75 |
$0.75 |
$0 |
$0 |
High margins, limited contracts |
Note: All brokers pass on exchange and NFA fees per contract. These are the same across platforms and are not marked up.
Platform and Data Fees: The Hidden Costs
Some traders only look at commission rates and forget about monthly platform or data charges. These “non-trade” fees can sneak up on you.
Common Hidden Fees
- Platform subscriptions: Some brokers charge $30 to $100 per month for access to third-party desktop platforms or advanced tools.
- Data packages: Market data from CME, CBOT, NYMEX, and COMEX can cost $5–$40 per exchange, per month. Some charge extra for depth-of-book or order flow data.
MetroTrade’s Subscription-Free Platform
MetroTrade offers a simple alternative. Both the MetroTrader Web and mobile futures trading platforms are included for all users. There are no platform access fees, no minimums, and no data charges for individual traders.
That means you can trade futures with full market access without worrying about tacked-on monthly bills. This is a huge plus for beginners and budget-conscious traders.
Trader Cost Comparison: MetroTrade vs Schwab
Let’s look at a realistic example. Suppose two traders each place 100 round-turn trades per month using 1 micro contract per trade.
Trader A uses MetroTrade:
- Micro commission: $0.29 × 2 = $0.58 per trade
- Total monthly commission: $58
- Platform & data: $0
- Total: $58 + pass-through exchange fees
Trader B uses Schwab:
- Micro commission: $2.25 × 2 = $4.50 per trade
- Total monthly commission: $450
- Platform & data: $0
- Total: $450 + pass-through exchange fees
Result: Trader A saves $392 in commissions alone. Over a year, that’s nearly $4,700 in savings. That’s a huge gap, and they’re trading the same contracts on the same exchange.
“Commission-Free” Doesn’t Mean Free
Some platforms like Robinhood claim to offer “commission-free” trading or low-cost access. But traders should be cautious.
The Reality Behind “Free”
- Exchange fees still apply: These are unavoidable and are charged by the exchange and NFA.
- Limited contract access: Robinhood’s futures product doesn’t yet support a full range of contracts.
Commission-free marketing can be misleading if it distracts from other fees or hidden limitations.
Tiered Pricing Models: Buyer Beware
Some brokers offer better rates, but only if you pay for a license or meet volume requirements. That’s fine for professionals, but casual traders often get stuck paying more.
Example: NinjaTrader’s Commission Tiers
- Free Plan: $0.39 (micro), $1.29 (e-mini)
- Paid Plans: ~$0.09–$0.19 savings per side
- Platform licenses cost hundreds upfront or monthly subscriptions
Unless you’re a high-volume trader, these tiered plans can be hard to justify. MetroTrade avoids this entirely by offering one low rate for everyone.
Why MetroTrade Is One of the Best Futures Brokers for Low-Cost Trading
Let’s break down what makes MetroTrade stand out for cost-conscious traders.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
- $0.29 per side for micro contracts
- $1.09 per side for e-minis
- No platform fee. No data fee. No surprise charges.
You don’t need to unlock lower rates by paying extra or hitting volume goals. Everyone gets the same fair price from day one.
Fully Featured Trading Platform
- Trade from desktop or mobile with MetroTrader Web
- Built-in order ladder, charts, and position tracking
- Simple order entry, customizable layouts
All features are included. No need to pay extra for tools that should be standard.
Designed for Real Traders
MetroTrade was built specifically for individual futures traders. Whether you’re trading full-time or just getting started, you’ll keep more of your profits and avoid the overhead of traditional broker platforms.
Conclusion: Cut Costs, Keep More
Futures trading already comes with plenty of risk. You shouldn’t have to fight against inflated fees, too.
With many brokers still charging over $1.50 per contract and tacking on monthly software fees, your profits are at risk before your first trade.
MetroTrade flips the script. With low, transparent commissions, no platform or data fees, and an easy-to-use platform, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to trade futures in 2026.
Ready to cut your trading costs?
Open an account with MetroTrade today.
FAQs
What fees are involved in futures trading?
Futures traders pay commissions per side, exchange fees (CME, NFA), and sometimes platform and data fees depending on the broker.
Which futures broker has the lowest fees in 2026?
MetroTrade stands out with $0.29 commissions on micro contracts, $1.09 for e-minis, and no monthly platform or data fees.
Are “commission-free” futures platforms actually free?
No. Platforms like Robinhood still pass on exchange and regulatory fees. You may also face limited contract access or execution delays.
How much can platform and data fees cost?
Some platforms charge $30–$100 per month for access, plus $10–$25 per exchange for real-time market data.
What’s the average commission rate for futures brokers?
Most major brokers charge between $1 and $2.25 per side, with lower tiers sometimes hidden behind paid plans or high volume minimums.
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.