Broker · Review Updated Sept 2026
Interactive Brokers review — futures fees & verdict
Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is the pro's global broker: very low tiered/fixed futures commissions, access to markets worldwide, and a serious platform. Here's an honest look at the futures side and who it suits.
Is Interactive Brokers good for futures?
Yes. IBKR has some of the lowest futures commissions available — roughly $0.25 per micro contract and about $0.85 for the E-mini S&P (ES), plus exchange fees. It's ideal if you also trade global stocks, options or forex from the same account, though the platform is aimed at experienced traders.
About Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is a large, publicly listed global broker. It gives access to futures on exchanges worldwide alongside stocks, options, forex and bonds — all in one account. Pricing is either Fixed or Tiered (volume-based). Its Trader Workstation (TWS) is powerful but has a steeper learning curve than day-trading-focused platforms.
IBKR futures commissions
| Contract | Commission (per contract) |
|---|---|
| Micro futures (e.g. MES) | ~$0.25 fixed (tiered $0.10–$0.25) |
| E-mini S&P 500 (ES) | ~$0.85 |
| Micro Bitcoin future | ~$2.25 |
| CME Bitcoin future | ~$5.00 |
Exchange, clearing and regulatory fees apply on top. Tiered pricing lowers commissions as your monthly volume grows. Unlike NinjaTrader/Tradovate, IBKR has no per-side plan tiers — pricing is per contract, plus exchange fees.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Very low futures commissions
- Global markets in one account
- Stocks, options, forex & futures together
- Strong regulation & reputation
- Powerful TWS platform & API
Cons
- Steep learning curve (TWS)
- Not built for one-click futures scalping
- Market-data subscriptions cost extra
- Overkill if you only trade micros
Verdict
Interactive Brokers is a superb all-round broker with low futures commissions — best if you want global markets and multiple asset classes in one place. If your focus is pure futures day trading with an order-flow platform, our NinjaTrader and AMP Futures reviews may fit better. See the full deals hub.
Interactive Brokers FAQ
How much are IBKR futures fees?
Roughly $0.25 per micro contract and about $0.85 for the E-mini S&P (ES), plus exchange and regulatory fees. Tiered pricing lowers this at higher volume.
Is IBKR good for beginners?
Its commissions are excellent, but the TWS platform is complex. Beginners focused purely on futures day trading may prefer a simpler platform first.
Can I trade more than futures at IBKR?
Yes — stocks, options, forex, bonds and futures across global markets all sit in one IBKR account.