Best Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Regulated Brokers 2026
We’ve personally tested and ranked the top brokers regulated by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), ensuring high standards of trust and reliability.
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1Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a top brokerage firm offering access to 150 markets in 33 countries and a range of investment services. With 40 years in the field, this company listed on Nasdaq strictly follows the rules set by authorities such as the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC. It's recognized as one of the most reliable brokers for global trading.
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Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.5 NinjaTrader is a US-based brokerage regulated for trading futures. It offers three different pricing plans for varied needs and budgets, along with extremely low margins on popular contracts. The company's renowned charting software and trading platform provides extensive customization options and excellent technical analysis features. -
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Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.0 Plus500US, a reputable broker since 2021, is authorized by the CFTC and NFA. It offers futures trading on forex, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and interest rates. With a quick 10-minute signup, a $100 minimum deposit, and an easy-to-use web platform, Plus500 is enhancing its services for traders in the US. -
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Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.5 OANDA is a well-known broker that excels in quick trade executions, a low deposit requirement, and impressive charting and trading platform functions. The highly-regarded brand has over 25 years of expertise and is overseen by reliable authorities like the NFA/CFTC. It provides 24/7 support for traders and offers flexible contract sizes with automated trade executions. -
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Trust Platform Assets Fees Accounts Research Education Mobile Support 4.5 Established in 1999, FOREX.com is part of StoneX, a global financial services company that serves over a million customers. It's regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia, and other countries. The broker offers a wide range of markets beyond forex and provides competitive pricing on advanced platforms.
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Safety Comparison
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Mobile Trading Comparison
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Comparison for Beginners
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Comparison for Advanced Traders
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Accounts Comparison
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Detailed Rating Comparison
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Fee and Cost Comparison
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Broker Popularity
See how popular the Best Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Regulated Brokers [year] are in terms of number of clients.
| Broker | Popularity |
|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers |
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| NinjaTrader |
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| FOREX.com |
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Why Trade With Interactive Brokers?
Interactive Brokers is ideal for seasoned traders due to its robust charting platforms, updated data, and adaptability, especially with the IBKR Desktop application. Its exceptional pricing and advanced order features appeal to traders, and its variety of stocks remains unmatched in the market.
Pros
- There's a large selection of free or paid research subscriptions available to all traders. If you subscribe to Toggle AI, you will also receive commission refunds from IBKR.
- IBKR, primarily designed for skilled traders, has expanded its appeal recently by eliminating its initial $10,000 deposit requirement.
- IBKR is a highly regarded brokerage, regulated by prime authorities. This ensures the safety and reliability of your trading account.
Cons
- IBKR offers many research tools. However, the tools are not uniformly distributed across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page, causing confusion for the users.
- Only one active session per account is allowed, which means you can't run the desktop version and mobile app at the same time. This can sometimes lead to a frustrating trading experience.
- TWS's platform may be difficult for beginners to grasp because of its complexity - we were overwhelmed during our initial tests by the sheer volume of tools, features and widgets.
Why Trade With NinjaTrader?
NinjaTrader consistently satisfies active futures traders with its low-cost service and high-quality analysis tools. It offers superior charting features, including hundreds of indicators and over 10 chart types.
Pros
- You can access thousands of applications and add-ons from developers worldwide for trading.
- NinjaTrader provides detailed charting software for active traders, complete with custom technical indicators and widgets.
- Low costs, with $50 trading margins and commissions starting at $.09 per micro contract.
Cons
- The advanced trading tools require an additional fee.
- You need to register with partner brokers to trade in securities other than forex and futures.
- Some payment methods require a withdrawal fee.
Why Trade With Plus500US?
Plus500US is an excellent choice for beginners, offering a user-friendly platform, low trading margins, and access to the Futures Academy to improve trading skills. Its powerful tools and reliable service earned it second place in DayTrading.com's annual 'Best US Broker' award.
Pros
- The trading app offers an excellent user interface with an updated design, straightforward layout, and charts optimized for mobile use.
- Plus500 is a reputable publicly traded company with over 24 million traders and sponsors the Chicago Bulls.
- Plus500US stands out for its low fees, competitive trading margins, and no charges for inactivity, live data, routing, or platform use.
Cons
- Testing showed fast response times for support, but phone aid is not available.
- Plus500US lacks social trading features, unlike competitors such as eToro US, which might enhance its appeal to aspiring traders.
- Plus500US is expanding its investment options, but it currently only offers around 50+ futures and no stocks.
Why Trade With OANDA US?
OANDA is a reputable broker for US traders. It offers user-friendly tools for analysis and a simple sign-up process. It is very trustworthy due to heavy regulation.
Pros
- There's a robust selection of 68 currency pairs for committed forex traders focusing on short-term trades.
- Traders can experience quick and dependable order execution.
- You can start trading as a beginner with no minimum initial deposit required.
Cons
- Few payment options are available and e-wallets are not supported.
- The trading markets are limited to only forex and cryptocurrencies.
- Customer support is not accessible during weekends.
Why Trade With FOREX.com?
FOREX.com is a top-tier brokerage suitable for forex traders of all skill levels. It offers more than 80 currency pairs, has small spreads starting from 0.0 pips, and features low fees. The platform provides powerful charting tools that include over 100 technical indicators and multiple research aids.
Pros
- Numerous educational materials such as tutorials, webinars, and a comprehensive YouTube channel are available to assist you in learning about the financial markets.
- FOREX.com has over 20 years of experience with strong regulatory oversight, and has received multiple awards, including second place in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards. As such, FOREX.com is globally reputed as a reliable trading brokerage.
- The Web Trader remains one of the top platforms for budding traders, boasting a sleek design and more than 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
Cons
- FOREX.com has expanded their trading offerings, but these remain limited to forex and CFDs. Unfortunately, they don't provide options to invest in actual stocks, ETFs, or cryptocurrencies.
- US clients do not have negative balance protection, so you can potentially owe more than your original account deposit.
- Demo accounts have a limited time duration of 90 days, which may not be sufficient for thoroughly testing trading strategies.
Filters
Choosing a Broker in the US for Trading Futures and Options
If you’re an active trader in the US interested in trading futures and options, it’s important to select a broker regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This can help to protect your money.
The CFTC is highly respected for its rigorous standards and strictly oversees financial activities, earning high trust ratings on platforms like brokerlistings.com.
How to Verify Your Broker’s CFTC Regulation Status
Checking if your broker is regulated by the CFTC is crucial to ensure legitimacy. Here’s an easy guide, using OANDA US as an example:
Step 1 – Visit the NFA Website
Go to the NFA BASIC website, which lists registered entities overseen by the CFTC.
Step 2 – Search for the Broker
Enter the broker’s name or NFA ID number. Use the exact name as it appears on the broker’s website or materials.
Step 3 – Verify Registration Details
Check the broker’s registration status. They might be listed as:
- Futures Commission Merchant (FCM)
- Introducing Broker (IB)
- Swap Dealer (SD)
Ensure their details confirm CFTC approval, like OANDA’s registration with NFA ID 0325821, showing they meet US trading standards.
Step 4 – Confirm Active Registration
Make sure the broker’s registration is active and not suspended or revoked.
Step 5 – Review Disciplinary History
Look for any disciplinary actions or violations linked to the broker.
Step 6 – Check the Broker’s Website Claims
Brokers often display their NFA ID and regulation details on their websites. Always verify these independently on the NFA website.
If you have questions about a broker’s status, contact the CFTC or NFA directly:
- CFTC: www.cftc.gov
- NFA: www.nfa.futures.org
Understanding the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
The CFTC is a US government agency responsible for overseeing derivatives markets, which include futures, options, and swaps. These markets are crucial for various industries by helping manage risks and determine prices.
Key goals of the CFTC include:
- Ensuring Market Integrity: They enforce laws to keep markets fair and trustworthy, free from fraud and manipulation.
- Protecting Participants: Safeguarding traders, especially less experienced ones, from fraud and bad practices.
- Promoting Financial Stability: Monitoring markets to prevent issues from impacting the wider economy.
- Encouraging Innovation: Adjusting regulations to manage new technologies and products, like cryptocurrencies.
- Promoting Transparency: They require detailed reporting for market clarity and informed decisions.
- Enforcing Compliance: Regular audits and cooperation with global regulators ensure standardization.
CFTC’s Accountability
The CFTC is an independent body within the US government but answers to Congress and the President:
- Congress: Oversees the CFTC’s activities, controls its funding, and demands regular updates on its performance.
- The President: Appoints CFTC Commissioners and can influence the agency’s direction via policy alignment.
Rules for CFTC-Regulated Brokers
Brokers under the CFTC’s watch must follow strict rules to maintain market integrity and protect traders:
- Registration: Must be registered with the CFTC and NFA.
- Segregation of Funds: Client money must be separate from business funds to protect your deposits.
- Capital Requirements: Maintain minimum financial reserves for stability.
- Attention to Clients: Trades must be executed promptly and fairly.
- Prohibition of Fraud: Brokers cannot participate in deceitful activities.
- Enforcement Actions: Non-compliance can lead to fines and other penalties.
The CFTC’s Enforcement Power
The CFTC has strong authority to enforce rules and keep US markets trustworthy:
- Heavy Fines: Can impose large fines for rule violations, like deceptive trading practices.
- Investigative Authority: Can investigate and uncover misconduct.
- Civil and Criminal Cases: Collaborates with other agencies like the DOJ to address major violations.
- Whistleblower Program: Offers rewards for reporting misconduct.
The CFTC sometimes struggles with resource limitations as market sectors like cryptocurrency grow, but it remains a key player in market regulation alongside agencies like the SEC.
Conclusion
While the CFTC faces challenges in adapting to fast-evolving markets, its commitment to enforcing rules and protecting traders remains strong. Although regulated brokers can provide safeguards, it’s crucial to understand the intrinsic risks involved in trading derivatives in the US. To begin, explore brokerlistings.com’s list of top CFTC-regulated brokers.