Disclosure: Silver Price Gold may earn a commission if you open an account through links on this page. This doesn’t change our assessment. See our disclaimer.
Risk warning: Futures and options carry a high risk of loss and aren’t suitable for every investor. Losses on futures can exceed your deposit. This review is general information, not personalized financial advice.
How we reviewed: This review is based on E*TRADE’s published pricing, disclosures and platform documentation, checked in September 2026. Fees change, so confirm current pricing on E*TRADE’s site before opening an account.
Verdict
E*TRADE, owned by Morgan Stanley, offers a well-rounded package for commodity traders: a flat $1.50 per-contract futures commission, a capable Power E*TRADE platform and a strong mobile app. It sits in the middle on cost, cheaper than Schwab for futures but more expensive than tastytrade or Interactive Brokers. Crypto futures carry a higher commission than other futures.
Best for
Traders who want a polished web and mobile experience, simple flat futures pricing, and access to Morgan Stanley research.
At a glance
| Futures commission | $1.50 per contract, per side, plus exchange and NFA fees |
|---|---|
| Crypto futures commission | $2.50 per contract, per side, plus exchange fees |
| Equity options | $0.65 per contract; $0.50 per contract for clients making 30+ options trades per quarter |
| Stocks and ETFs | $0 online commission for US-listed trades |
| Account requirement for futures | Margin-enabled brokerage account or eligible IRA |
| Physical delivery | Generally not permitted |
| Platforms | Power E*TRADE (web and app), E*TRADE website and mobile app |
| IRA futures trading | Available in Roth, Traditional and Rollover IRAs |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Flat, easy-to-understand futures pricing
- Power E*TRADE offers ladders, 100+ technical studies and drawing tools
- Futures research center powered by CME Group data
- Morgan Stanley research access for brokerage clients
- Futures in eligible IRAs
Cons
- Futures commission higher than tastytrade and Interactive Brokers
- Crypto futures cost more per contract
- Selling futures options requires calling to request permission
Fees and costs
E*TRADE charges $1.50 per contract, per side, for futures, plus exchange and NFA fees that vary by product. Crypto futures, such as CME bitcoin contracts, cost $2.50 per contract, per side. A round trip on one standard gold contract costs $3.00 in E*TRADE commissions before exchange fees.
Equity and ETF options cost $0.65 per contract, dropping to $0.50 for clients who make at least 30 options trades a quarter. Stock and ETF trades are commission-free online. E*TRADE doesn’t charge an inactivity fee.
Platform and tools
Power E*TRADE is the main platform for active traders. It runs in a web browser and as a mobile app, with futures ladders for fast order entry, a large set of technical studies and customizable charts. The mobile app is one of E*TRADE’s strengths, since you can view real-time futures prices and trade directly from ladders on your phone. The futures research center uses CME Group data and educational material.
Commodity market access
E*TRADE offers futures across major asset classes, including metals, energy, agriculture, equity indexes and crypto. That includes the gold, silver, copper and bitcoin contracts covered in our gold, silver, copper and bitcoin guides. Micro contracts are available for several markets. Check E*TRADE’s product list for any specific contract you want.
Opening a futures account
You need a margin-enabled E*TRADE brokerage account or an eligible IRA. Futures accounts aren’t automatically set up to sell futures options, so if you want that, you’ll need to call E*TRADE’s futures support line. For linked margin accounts, E*TRADE can move funds automatically to cover overnight margin requirements on futures positions.
Safety and regulation
Futures are offered through E*TRADE Futures LLC, a registered futures commission merchant and NFA member. E*TRADE is part of Morgan Stanley. As with any broker, futures funds aren’t covered by SIPC. They’re protected by customer segregation rules instead.
Who should look elsewhere
High-volume futures traders will likely pay less at tastytrade or Interactive Brokers. Traders who want the thinkorswim platform should look at Charles Schwab.
Sources: E*TRADE pricing and rates page; E*TRADE futures disclosure library; E*TRADE futures product page. Fees checked September 2026.