The best commodity trading platforms in the US provide access to gold, oil, natural gas, and agricultural markets through futures and commodity ETFs.
Our guide compares brokers on commissions, exchange access, margin requirements, regulation, and trading tools to help traders choose based on strategy and risk tolerance.
The best commodity trading platforms for the US combine strong regulation, transparent pricing, and accessible market exposure. Plus500 is ideal for beginners thanks to CFTC and NFA-regulated futures, a low $100 entry point, and no platform or inactivity fees, while eToro suits casual investors with commission-free commodity ETFs. More advanced traders prefer Interactive Brokers for global commodity futures and professional tools, with commissions ranging from $0.85 to $2.25 per contract.
Best commodity trading platforms in the US for 2026
Below are the best brokers for commodity trading in the United States, each suited to a different type of trader depending on experience level, cost sensitivity, and preferred way to gain commodity exposure:
- Plus500 – Best for beginners who want a simple, regulated way to trade US commodity futures with a clean interface.
- eToro – Best for casual US investors who prefer commodity exposure via ETFs and a beginner-friendly, social-style platform.
- Interactive Brokers – Best for experienced traders who want the widest commodity market access with professional-grade pricing and tools.
- Charles Schwab – Best for long-term investors who want safe, regulated commodity exposure alongside stocks, ETFs, and top-tier research.
- NinjaTrader – Best for active US futures traders seeking ultra-low commissions and advanced order-flow trading tools.
Compare the best commodity trading apps
The best commodity trading apps in the US differ mainly in trading costs, market access, platform tools, and regulatory protection. The table below compares the leading platforms across the factors that most directly affect commodity trading performance, costs, and risk.
What makes a commodities trading platform “best” in the US?
The best commodities trading platforms in the US share a small set of essential qualities that directly affect safety, cost, and usability:
- Strong regulation and customer protection: Platforms are regulated by US authorities such as the CFTC and NFA, with clear rules around client fund segregation and transparency.
- Transparent, competitive trading costs: Low and clearly disclosed futures commissions, exchange fees, and margin requirements help traders manage total costs.
- Access to core US commodity markets: Coverage of major exchanges like CME, NYMEX, and COMEX, spanning energy, metals, and agricultural commodities.
- Reliable and usable platforms: Stable web, desktop, and mobile platforms with dependable execution and practical trading tools.
The platforms featured below perform consistently well across these criteria.
Plus 500 - Best for beginners seeking low-cost commodity trading
Plus500’s US futures business runs through an entity registered as a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and is a member of the National Futures Association (NFA) under NFA ID 0001398.
That matters because futures brokers must follow rules on customer fund segregation, where customer money is kept separate from the broker’s operating funds.
The key limitation is that futures accounts do not get SIPC protection, and neither regulation nor segregation protects you from losses if a commodity market moves against you. CFTC materials also note that segregated funds have a defined bankruptcy treatment, but it is not the same as an investor compensation scheme.
Plus500 US futures pricing is largely commission-based and easy to model. The published commission schedule shows:
- $0.89 per side for standard and E mini futures contracts ($1.78 round trip to open and close)
- $0.49 per side for micro futures contracts (so $0.98 round trip)
- $10 liquidation fee per contract if positions are auto-liquidated for failing to meet margin requirements
On top of Plus500’s commission, commodity futures trades can include exchange and regulatory fees. Plus500 also references routing, data, platform, inactivity, and deposit and withdrawal fees as $0 on its futures fee schedule, which reduces non-trading cost surprises.
For “rollover” costs, commodity futures do not have CFD-style overnight financing, but rolling from one contract month to the next can create implicit cost through calendar spreads and price differences between expiries. Your margin requirement can also change as volatility and exchange rules change.
Plus500 US offers commodity access through futures contracts across the main commodity groups, with smaller sizing available via micro, mini, and standard contracts. On its markets list, you can see examples across:
- Energies such as WTI crude, Brent crude, natural gas, heating oil, and RBOB gasoline, including micro and e-mini variants
- Metals, including contracts such as gold and other key metals, depending on the contract list available at the time
- Agriculture, including products such as micro corn and other major soft commodities (availability varies by exchange listings and contract cycles)
Plus500 US groups futures into seven categories overall: forex, cryptocurrencies, indices, metals, energies, agriculture, and interest rates, which can be useful if you want to hedge commodity exposure against the dollar or rates.
The same material includes example intraday margin levels, such as $50 for micro gold and $400 for e-mini crude oil, showing that smaller contracts can reduce the capital needed to open positions, though margin changes over time.
Plus500 US is well-suited to commodity traders who want a simpler, futures-first platform with predictable per-trade commissions and fewer account fees. It can also work for beginners because micro contracts reduce position size, and the platform provides an unlimited demo trading account and educational materials.
The trade-off is platform flexibility. Plus500 US uses a proprietary WebTrader and mobile apps rather than third-party tools like MetaTrader or TradingView. If your strategy depends on advanced automation, third-party analytics, or a full desktop terminal, you may find it limiting.
Finally, futures are margin products, and the broker’s published liquidation fee highlights a real risk. If you do not manage margin carefully, positions can be liquidated in fast-moving commodity markets.
eToro - Best for casual investors
eToro’s US setup is strongest on oversight for securities accounts, because stocks, ETFs, and options are offered via eToro USA Securities Inc., which is regulated by the SEC and is a FINRA member.
Client asset protection for that broker-dealer side can include SIPC coverage up to $500,000 (including a $250,000 cash limit).
Two important limits for commodity traders in the US:
- If you mean commodity CFDs, eToro does not offer them to US residents.
- Crypto is not covered by SIPC, so protections differ when you hold crypto assets rather than securities.
For US users, the main “commodity” costs on eToro show up in three places: ETF and stock trading costs, crypto pricing, and non-trading fees. If you trade commodity-linked ETFs or equities, you avoid commission, but you still face market spread and potential fund fees inside the ETF itself.
Crypto pricing is 1% on buy and 1% on sell, which can add up quickly on frequent trading. Because CFDs are not available in the US, you will not pay CFD-style overnight rollover financing on eToro in the US for commodities.
In the US, eToro is best understood as a way to access commodity exposure indirectly, not as a classic commodities venue. That means:
- Commodity-linked stocks (energy producers, miners, refiners, agri businesses)
- Commodity and commodity-sector ETFs (for example, broad commodities, oil and gas, metals, gold miners)
- Crypto assets, which some traders use as an alternative “macro” exposure, although they are not a commodity
If your goal is direct commodities trading through futures or commodity CFDs, eToro is not the right fit for US users, because CFDs are restricted for US residents, and the trading platform is not positioned as a futures-first broker in the US.
eToro’s strongest fit is for beginners and casual traders who value a clean trading app, simple order tickets, and social features.
CopyTrader-style social trading can help newer investors learn how other portfolios are built, but it can also encourage “following” behavior without understanding risk, especially during volatile commodity cycles.
For advanced commodity traders who rely on futures tools, deep order types, and hedging, the US product set is likely to feel limited.
eToro is most suitable in the US if you want simple commodity-themed portfolios using stocks and ETFs, and you are comfortable paying non-trading fees like a $5 USD withdrawal fee and an inactivity fee if you stop logging in.
Interactive Brokers - Best for professional commodity traders
Interactive Brokers is one of the most heavily regulated brokers globally, which is a major reason it is trusted by professional and institutional traders. In the US, IBKR operates through Interactive Brokers LLC, which is:
- Regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- A member of FINRA
- Registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
- A member of the National Futures Association (NFA)
For commodity traders, this matters because futures trading falls under CFTC and NFA oversight, with strict rules on customer fund segregation. Client funds in the commodities segment must be held separately from the broker’s own operating capital.
It is important to note that SIPC protection does not cover commodity futures or commodity options. SIPC applies to securities such as stocks, ETFs, and bonds (up to $500,000 per client, including a $250,000 cash limit), but not to futures contracts. This is standard across US futures brokers and not specific to IBKR.
Interactive Brokers is consistently ranked among the lowest-cost commodity futures brokers in the US.
For commodity futures, pricing is transparent and commission-based:
- $0.25–$0.85 per contract, depending on the exchange and product
- Micro and mini contracts are priced lower than standard contracts
- Exchange, clearing, and regulatory fees apply on top, but are passed through at cost
Unlike CFDs, futures do not have overnight financing charges. However, traders should account for:
- Margin requirements, which vary by contract and market volatility
- Rollover costs, which arise when closing an expiring contract and opening the next delivery month (driven by price differences between contracts, not broker fees)
IBKR also stands out for its low margin rates, which are among the best in the industry. For USD margin balances, rates are roughly 5.4% on IBKR Pro, significantly below many retail competitors.
This can materially reduce costs for traders using leverage. There are no inactivity fees, no platform fees, and one free withdrawal per month, which helps keep long-term holding and active trading costs predictable.
Interactive Brokers offers direct access to commodity futures on more than 30 global futures exchanges, making it one of the deepest commodity offerings available to US traders. Commodity access includes:
- Energy futures: WTI crude oil, Brent crude, natural gas, heating oil, gasoline
- Metals futures: Gold, silver, copper, platinum, and related micro contracts
- Agricultural futures: Corn, wheat, soybeans, soybean oil, soybean meal, cattle, hogs
- Commodity-linked options on major futures contracts
- Commodity ETFs and ETNs for investors who prefer securities-based exposure
Contracts are available in standard, mini, and micro sizes, which lowers the capital barrier and allows for precise position sizing. Interactive Brokers also supports trading on major venues such as the CME Group, which is central to US commodity price discovery.
Interactive Brokers is best described as a scalable platform. It can work for beginners, but it truly shines for experienced and professional commodity traders.
For newer traders:
- IBKR GlobalTrader offers a simplified mobile experience for stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto
- Paper trading accounts allow you to practice futures strategies with simulated capital
- Trader’s Academy provides structured education on futures, margin, and risk
For advanced traders:
- Trader Workstation (TWS) and IBKR Desktop offer institutional-grade tools
- Advanced order types, algorithmic execution, and professional charting
- Deep risk analytics, portfolio margining, and multi-asset hedging in one account
The main drawback is complexity. Account opening can feel long and documentation-heavy, and platforms like TWS have a steep learning curve. However, for traders who value low costs, global commodity access, and professional-level control, Interactive Brokers is difficult to beat.
Interactive Brokers is one of the best commodity trading platforms in the US for traders who want direct access to regulated commodity futures, extremely low fees, and powerful tools. It is especially well-suited to serious, multi-asset traders who are willing to invest time in learning a sophisticated platform.
Ninja Trader - Best for active futures traders focused on advanced tools
NinjaTrader is regulated in the United States as a futures broker by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and is a member of the National Futures Association (NFA). This places it under the same regulatory framework as other US futures commission merchants, with strict rules around customer fund segregation.
However, it is critical to understand the limits of protection:
- Commodity futures are not covered by SIPC
- There is no negative balance protection
- If your account goes negative due to extreme market moves, you are liable for those losses
This is standard across US futures brokers and not unique to NinjaTrader. The platform is therefore best suited to traders who understand margin risk and position sizing.
NinjaTrader was founded in 2003, giving it over two decades of operating history, and its acquisition by Kraken adds balance-sheet strength, though it remains a standalone futures platform.
NinjaTrader is known for aggressive, transparent pricing, especially for high-frequency and micro-contract traders.
Commissions per side (futures):
- Free plan:
- $1.29 (standard / E-mini)
- $0.39 (micro)
- $0.20 (nano crypto futures)
- Monthly plan ($99/month):
- $0.99 (standard)
- $0.29 (micro)
- Lifetime license ($1,499 one-time):
- $0.59 (standard)
- $0.09 (micro)
Additional costs to factor in:
- Exchange + NFA fees – $0.37 per contract
- Clearing fees – $0.15 per contract
- Order routing (CQG or Rithmic) – $0.25 per contract
- Market data (sold separately):
- CME Level I – $12/month
- ICE US – $140/month
- Eurex – $23/month
There are no overnight financing fees like CFDs. Instead, traders face contract rollover costs, which are market-driven (price differences between expiring and next contracts), not broker markups.
NinjaTrader also offers very low intraday margins, sometimes as low as $25 for nano contracts, though margins can increase sharply around major economic releases, occasionally up to 4× normal levels.
NinjaTrader provides access to 100+ futures contracts, with a strong emphasis on US-listed commodity markets.
Available commodity categories include:
- Energy: Crude oil, natural gas, heating oil
- Metals: Gold, silver, copper
- Agriculture: Corn, wheat, soybeans, grains, softs
- Equity index futures (used as macro hedges)
- Crypto futures: Micro and nano Bitcoin and Ethereum
Contract sizing is a major strength:
- Standard
- E-mini
- Micro (1/10th size)
- Nano (1/100th size)
Exchange access is limited but focused:
- CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX (CME Group)
- ICE US
- Eurex
There is no access to stocks, ETFs, spot crypto, CFDs, or options on futures unless you connect NinjaTrader’s platform to a third-party broker like Interactive Brokers via the Multi-Broker add-on.
NinjaTrader is best for active futures traders, but not beginner-friendly by default.
For beginners:
- Free platform with unlimited simulated trading
- 14-day demo with live market data
- Strong educational content, daily livestreams, and community support
- Web and mobile platforms offer a gentler learning curve than desktop
For advanced traders:
- NinjaTrader 8 Desktop is one of the most powerful futures platforms available
- SuperDOM for one-click execution and order-flow trading
- NinjaScript (C#-based) for custom indicators and automation
- Strategy Builder, Strategy Analyzer, and Market Replay
- TradingView and CQG integration
- Thousands of third-party add-ons via the NinjaTrader Ecosystem
Key drawbacks:
- Desktop platform is Windows-only
- Steep learning curve
- Research is technical-heavy with limited macro or fundamental depth
- Data fees and inactivity fees can surprise casual traders
NinjaTrader is one of the best commodity trading platforms in the US for futures traders, particularly those who value low commissions, micro-sized contracts, and professional execution tools.
It is not an all-in-one investment platform, but for traders focused on US commodity futures, it delivers outstanding value and depth, provided you understand the risks of leveraged futures trading.
Charles Schwab - Best for long-term investors
Charles Schwab is one of the most heavily regulated and safest brokers in the US. It operates under oversight from:
- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for futures accounts
Client assets held in securities accounts are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) up to $500,000 per client, including $250,000 for cash. Schwab also carries excess insurance via Lloyd’s of London, providing additional coverage once SIPC limits are exhausted.
However, as with all US brokers:
- Commodity futures and commodity options are not covered by SIPC
- Schwab does not offer negative balance protection
This means Schwab is best suited to traders who understand the risks of leveraged products such as futures.
Charles Schwab’s pricing is excellent for commodity ETFs and long-term exposure, but less competitive for active futures traders.
Key costs include:
- Commodity ETFs and ETNs: $0 commission (standard stock/ETF pricing)
- Futures trading: $2.25 per contract (higher than futures-first brokers)
- Options on futures, exchange, and contract fees apply
- Spot forex (commodity currencies): Spread-only pricing (e.g., EUR/USD 1.4 pips)
There are no CFD-style overnight financing charges. For futures, rollover costs depend on the price difference between expiring and next-month contracts rather than broker markups. Schwab’s margin rates are relatively high, with USD margin loans at 12.1% for balances under $25,000, making it less attractive for leveraged commodity strategies.
Schwab provides multiple routes to commodity exposure, making it flexible but not a futures specialist.
Available commodity instruments include:
- Commodity futures on:
- CME
- CBOT
- NYMEX
- COMEX
- ICE
- Eurex
- Commodity ETFs and ETNs (energy, metals, agriculture, broad commodities)
- Precious metals exposure via ETFs and futures
- Bitcoin and Ethereum exposure via futures and ETNs (no spot crypto)
Schwab’s futures offering is solid but average in breadth, with 8 futures markets, fewer than platforms like Interactive Brokers. That said, its ETF and fund lineup is extensive, which suits investors who prefer lower-risk, unleveraged commodity exposure.
Charles Schwab excels as a full-service platform, making it particularly attractive for beginners and long-term investors, while still offering serious tools for active traders.
For beginners and investors:
- Intuitive web and mobile platforms
- Industry-leading research and education
- No minimum deposit and no inactivity fees
- Seamless access to commodity ETFs
For active and advanced traders:
- thinkorswim delivers professional-grade charting, futures analysis, and macroeconomic tools
- Paper trading available for futures and options
- Advanced order types and economic data overlays
Limitations:
- Futures fees are high compared to futures-only brokers
- No spot crypto trading
- Commodity focus is broader and less specialized than platforms like NinjaTrader
Charles Schwab is one of the best commodities trading platforms for investors, rather than pure traders. It is ideal if you want safe, regulated access to commodities via ETFs, funds, and selected futures, backed by top-tier research, education, and customer support.
Active futures traders may find cheaper alternatives elsewhere, but for a balanced, all-in-one commodity investing experience, Schwab remains a standout choice.
Are commodity trading platforms in the US safe?
Commodity trading platforms in the United States are safe when they operate under the US regulatory framework, but safety depends heavily on how the platform is regulated, what products are traded, and how client funds are handled.
Strong regulatory oversight in the US
US commodity trading platforms that offer futures must be regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and registered with the National Futures Association (NFA). These bodies enforce strict rules on:
- Capital adequacy for futures commission merchants (FCMs)
- Segregation of customer funds, meaning client money must be held separately from the broker’s own capital
- Ongoing reporting and audits
Platforms that also provide access to securities, such as commodity ETFs or ETNs, are additionally regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and overseen by FINRA.
This multi-layered regulatory structure is one of the strongest in the world and significantly reduces the risk of broker misconduct or misuse of client funds.
Investor protection - What is and isn’t covered
Safety in the US depends on the product being traded:
- Securities accounts (stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds) are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) up to $500,000 per client, including $250,000 for cash, in the event a broker fails.
- Commodity futures and options on futures are not covered by SIPC.
This distinction is critical. While futures traders benefit from fund segregation and regulatory supervision, there is no insurance-style protection if a broker becomes insolvent. The safest platforms make this clear and provide transparency around how funds are held.
Additional safeguards at leading platforms
Many large US brokers go beyond the minimum regulatory requirements:
- Publicly listed firms disclose audited financial statements and capital ratios
- Some brokers carry excess insurance through private underwriters (via London-based insurers) that supplements SIPC coverage for securities accounts
- Risk controls such as real-time margin monitoring, automatic liquidation thresholds, and trading halts help limit runaway losses
However, it’s important to note that negative balance protection is not standard in the US. Traders can lose more than their initial deposit when trading leveraged futures.
Platform risk versus market risk
Even on a fully regulated platform, commodity trading carries inherent risks:
- Commodities are highly volatile, particularly energy and agricultural markets
- Leverage amplifies both gains and losses
- Margin requirements can increase sharply during periods of market stress or around major economic announcements
Regulation reduces counterparty and operational risk, but it does not protect traders from market losses.
How to assess safety as a US trader
A US commodity trading platform is considered safe when it:
- Is registered with the CFTC and NFA
- Clearly explains how client funds are segregated
- Discloses all fees, margin requirements, and risk warnings
- Has a long operating history or backing from a well-capitalized parent company
- Provides transparent product disclosures for futures, ETFs, or other commodity-linked instruments
Methodology - How we score platforms for trading commodities
Each commodity trading platform featured in this guide was evaluated using a standardized, data-driven scoring framework designed to ensure fair, consistent, and transparent comparisons.
Platforms were assessed through hands-on testing of live and demo accounts, alongside a detailed review of pricing schedules, product disclosures, and regulatory filings.
The evaluation process combines practical platform testing, quantitative fee analysis, feature and market coverage reviews, and independent safety checks to reflect how each provider performs in real-world use.
The scoring framework covers eight core categories:
| Scoring category | What we assess |
|---|---|
| Investing options | The ways users can invest, including long term investing, active trading, recurring investments, and access to advanced strategies |
| Products, markets, and assets | The range of tradable assets such as stocks, ETFs, options, futures, crypto, and whether fractional or international investing is supported |
| Platforms and usability | Ease of use, design quality, speed, and stability across web, desktop, and mobile platforms |
| Safety and reliability | Regulatory oversight, investor protection, company background, and overall trustworthiness |
| Deposits and withdrawals | Funding methods, processing times, fees, limits, and ease of moving money in and out |
| Fees and costs | Trading commissions, spreads, margin rates, and non trading fees |
| Research and analysis tools | Charting, screeners, news, market data, and analytical features |
| Education and learning resources | Educational content quality, tutorials, webinars, and in platform guidance |
Each category is scored on a 0–5 scale. Scores are then weighted according to their importance to commodity traders, with factors such as regulation, costs, and market access carrying greater influence.
The weighted results are combined to produce the overall platform rating, allowing for objective, side-by-side comparisons across providers.
How to pick the right commodity trading app for you
Choosing the right commodity trading app comes down to matching the platform’s strengths with your experience level, risk tolerance, and preferred way to gain commodity exposure. The steps below help narrow the field quickly and avoid unnecessary complexity.
Start with how you want to trade commodities
In the United States, retail traders access commodities primarily through exchange-listed futures and commodity ETFs or ETNs. Platforms that focus on futures are best for active trading and hedging, while full-service brokers suit investors who prefer unleveraged exposure.
CFDs are not permitted for US retail traders, so any platform advertising CFD commodities is not suitable for US use.
Check regulation and safety first
Only consider platforms regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and registered with the National Futures Association (NFA) for futures trading. If the platform also offers securities, it should be regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and overseen by FINRA.
Securities accounts are protected by SIPC up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash), while commodity futures are not insured. Understanding this distinction is essential before committing capital.
Compare real trading costs, not just headline fees
Commodity trading costs in the US are charged per contract, not via spreads. When comparing platforms, look at:
- Futures commissions (ranging from $0.25 to $2.25 per contract depending on the broker)
- Exchange, clearing, and NFA fees
- Market-data subscriptions (for example, CME Level I data commonly costs $10–$15 per month)
- Margin requirements and how they change during volatile periods
Low commissions matter most for frequent traders, while long-term investors may prioritize platforms with $0 ETF commissions instead.
Match the platform to your experience level
Beginner-friendly platforms tend to offer:
- Clean web and mobile interfaces
- Demo or paper-trading accounts
- Lower minimum deposits ($0–$100)
Advanced traders benefit from:
- Depth-of-market views and advanced order types
- Contract rollover tools
- Automation or API access
- Support for micro or nano futures to fine-tune risk
A platform that is too complex can slow down beginners, while overly simplified platforms can limit active traders.
Look at market coverage and contract sizing
A strong US commodity platform should provide access to major exchanges such as CME, CBOT, NYMEX, and COMEX, covering energy, metals, agriculture, and soft commodities.
The availability of micro contracts (one-tenth the size of standard contracts) is increasingly important, allowing traders to participate with smaller account balances and tighter risk control.
Consider research, education, and support
High-quality platforms integrate:
- Economic calendars and market news
- Educational content explaining futures mechanics and risk
- Customer support familiar with futures trading and margin rules
For newer traders, structured education and responsive support can be as important as pricing.
Use the shortcuts below to match your goal to the platform that fits, without overthinking it.
If the priority is the widest commodity access and “do everything in one place”
- Interactive Brokers (IBKR) – Built for serious multi-market traders, with access to commodity futures alongside equities, options, FX, bonds, and more on professional platforms like Trader Workstation (TWS) and IBKR Desktop. Fees are among the lowest for active traders (e.g., low futures pricing such as $0.25 per contract on some US index futures), and there’s no account minimum (margin accounts may require funding). Investor protection for securities accounts is via SIPC up to $500,000 (cash sublimit $250,000).
If you want a futures-first platform with the sharpest active-trader tooling
- NinjaTrader – A futures specialist regulated in the US (CFTC/NFA), designed around fast execution and order-flow tools like SuperDOM. Pricing is aggressive at $1.29 per side (standard) and $0.39 per side (micro) on the Free plan, dropping as low as $0.59 (standard) and $0.09 (micro) with a $1,499 Lifetime License, plus exchange/clearing/data fees. Best fit if commodity trading means futures (metals, energy, agriculture) and you care about technical workflows and scaling into micro/nano sizing.
If you’re newer to commodities and want a clean, regulated futures gateway
- Plus500 US (Futures) – Entered the US in 2021 and operates a simplified proprietary platform for futures with a relatively low entry point ($100 minimum deposit). Offers 70+ tradable futures across key categories, including commodities, indices, rates, and crypto futures. Futures commissions are straightforward (e.g., $0.89 per side for standard/e-mini and $0.49 per side for micro, plus exchange and NFA fees). Strong choice if the goal is learning futures without a heavy platform setup.
If you want “big broker safety + research” with commodity access as part of a broader portfolio
- Charles Schwab – A full-service US brokerage that combines commission-free stocks/ETFs with futures access and institutional-grade research and education (including thinkorswim after the TD Ameritrade integration). Good for investors who want commodities alongside traditional investing, not just a futures-only setup. Note that futures pricing can be higher than futures specialists (commonly $2.25 per contract, plus exchange fees), so it suits lower-frequency futures traders who value tooling, support, and research.
If you mainly want simple commodity exposure without futures complexity
- eToro (US) – Best fit when “commodities” means ETFs and related assets rather than direct commodity derivatives. In the US, CFDs aren’t available on eToro, which is a major limitation for traditional commodity trading styles. This is more suitable for casual investors who want an easy interface and a social-style experience (copy trading platform features internationally), but it’s not designed for futures-focused commodity strategies.
How to open a commodity trading account
Opening a commodity trading account in the United States is a structured process designed to meet strict regulatory and suitability requirements. While the exact steps vary slightly by provider, most US-regulated platforms follow the same framework.
Step 1: Choose a US-regulated platform
Select a broker that is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and registered with the National Futures Association (NFA) if you plan to trade commodity futures.
If the account also offers commodity ETFs or other securities, the broker should be regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and overseen by FINRA.
Before applying, confirm:
- Which commodity products are supported (futures, ETFs, ETNs)
- Minimum deposit requirements ($0–$100 for cash accounts)
- Ongoing costs such as commissions, exchange fees, and market-data subscriptions
Step 2: Complete the online application
US brokers require a fully digital application, taking 15–30 minutes. You will be asked to provide:
- Full legal name, address, and date of birth
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Employment status and income range
- Estimated net worth and liquid assets
- Trading experience, particularly with futures and leveraged products
These questions are required under CFTC and FINRA suitability rules and help determine whether futures trading approval is granted.
Step 3: Verify your identity
Identity verification is mandatory under US Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Most platforms require:
- A government-issued photo ID (passport or driver’s license)
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement, dated within the last 90 days)
Verification is completed within 1–3 business days, though futures approvals can take longer if additional disclosures are required.
Step 4: Apply for futures and margin permissions
Commodity futures accounts require separate approval from standard brokerage accounts. You'll need to:
- Acknowledge risk disclosures explaining leverage and potential losses
- Meet minimum margin requirements (for example, $2,000 is common for margin-enabled accounts)
- Complete a futures-specific agreement with the broker
Approval depends on financial background and prior trading experience.
Step 5: Fund the account
Most US commodity platforms support:
- ACH bank transfers (free; 1–2 business days)
- Wire transfers (same day; $20–$30 per transfer)
Credit and debit card funding is uncommon for futures accounts. Funds must come from an account in your own name.
Step 6: Set up market data and platforms
Before trading, select and activate market-data feeds. For example:
- CME Level I data costs $10–$15 per month
- Additional exchanges (ICE, Eurex) are priced separately
You will also choose your trading platform, such as a web interface, desktop software, or mobile app, and configure risk settings like margin alerts or position limits.
Step 7: Start with demo or live trading
Many platforms offer paper trading or simulated accounts, allowing new traders to practice with real-time data but no financial risk. This step is strongly recommended, especially for futures trading.
Once ready, live trading can begin immediately after funding and data activation.
FAQs
Commodity brokers are regulated intermediaries that provide access to commodity markets such as oil, gold, natural gas, and agricultural products, via futures contracts, ETFs, or ETNs. In the US, reputable brokers are overseen by regulators like the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and are members of the National Futures Association (NFA).
Charles Schwab stands out for mobile commodity trading thanks to its highly rated thinkorswim mobile app, which offers advanced charting, futures trading, and real-time data. The app supports commodities via futures and ETFs and is backed by strong regulation from the SEC, FINRA, and CFTC.
The best commodities broker depends on regulation, costs, available markets, and platform quality. Priority should be given to US-regulated brokers (CFTC/NFA), transparent pricing (for example, futures commissions from $0.09–$2.25 per contract), strong risk controls, and platforms that match the trader’s experience level and preferred trading style.