Futures Trading Courses
Taking the time to participate in futures trading courses can help beginners learn the basics and can assist more experienced traders in honing their investing skills. In our guide to online futures trading courses, we cover what to look for when comparing providers, from learning styles to on-hand support and fees.
Futures Brokers
#1 - NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.
"We recommend NinjaTrader for high-volume futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
- Regulator: NFA, CFTC
- Platforms: eSignal
- Min. Deposit: $50
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:50
Forex Trading
NinjaTrader supports the trading of popular currencies including the EUR/USD. The trading software also offers unique features tailored to forex trading, including specific order and market windows.
Stocks Trading
Stocks can be traded by connecting the NinjaTrader platform to supporting brokers. You can then take positions on large public companies and household names via advanced trading software.
Crypto Trading
Trade micro Bitcoin futures with low fees and leading charting tools. Get exposure to Bitcoin through CME Group's centralized exchange with robust risk management tools.
Pros
- Widely respected and heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
- Industry-leading futures broker with multiple awards
- Easy account opening that takes a few minutes
Cons
- Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
- Withdrawal fee on some funding methods
- Premium platform tools come with an extra charge
#2 - IG Group
IG is an award-winning broker that has an excellent reputation globally. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across a comprehensive suite of markets. IG is also multi-regulated, provides a great trading app and has 50 years experience.
"IG offers a superb all-round package. Beginners will appreciate the user-friendly web platform and secure trading environment while established investors will rate the 17,000+ markets and top-tier market research."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting
- Regulator: FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA
- Platforms: MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
CFD Trading
IG offers an impressive suite of 17,000+ CFD instruments. Negative balance protection ensures accounts cannot drop below zero while custom price alerts and the IG Academy enhance the trading experience.
Forex Trading
IG offers currency trading on its award-winning web platform and mobile app. Comprehensive charts and forex analysis tools are also available through ProRealTime.
Stocks Trading
IG offers 13,000+ shares, with more listed firms than most competitors. Fees are low with no commission on US stocks. Extended hours trading is also available alongside ultra-fast execution speeds of 0.014 seconds.
Crypto Trading
11 popular cryptos are available, plus two crypto crosses. A crypto index is also offered, following the value of the top 10 digital currencies by market cap. All cryptos are available via CFDs.
Pros
- 24/5 customer support is available
- Opening an account takes less than 5 minutes
- IG offers great educational materials including an extensive library of training and support on how to day trade successfully
Cons
- Inactivity charge
- No copy trading platform
#3 - Moomoo
Moomoo is an SEC-regulated app-based investment platform that offers a straightforward and affordable way to invest in Chinese, Hong Kong and US stocks, ETFs and other assets. Margin trading is available and the brand accepts low minimum deposits while also decent several bonuses.
"Moomoo will appeal to stock traders who want to build an investment portfolio through a user-friendly app with low to zero commissions."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Stocks, Options, ETFs, ADRs, OTCs
- Regulator: SEC, FINRA, MAS
- Platforms: Own
- Min. Deposit: $0
- Min. Trade: $0
Stocks Trading
Moomoo offers online US and Hong Kong stocks, and China-A shares trading across options, ETFs, ADRs, OTC, plus IPOs on a proprietary trading platform. The zero commissions, no account minimum and free level 2 data are standout features.
Pros
- Regulated by US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
- No minimum deposit requirement
- Access to full extended pre-market trading hours
Cons
- No phone or live chat support
- High margin rate fees
- No 2 factor authentication (2FA)
#4 - Nadex
Nadex is a renowned exchange and binary options provider, based in the US. The company is fully regulated by the CFTC and offers options, call spreads and Knock Out contracts. Nadex also has just a $1 entry or exit fee and a user-friendly platform and proprietary app.
"Users looking to trade short-term binary options with a US-regulated broker will find a good platform in Nadex."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Binary Options, Knock Outs™, Call Spreads
- Regulator: CFTC
- Platforms: Own
- Min. Deposit: $250
- Min. Trade: $1
Forex Trading
Speculate on 11 popular currency pairs via Knock Out contracts, call spreads and binary options. Nadex offers a wider range of timeframes than most binary options brokers, with contracts spanning from intraday to weekly.
Stocks Trading
Speculate on a handful of global indices via binary options contracts, including the S&P 500 and FTSE 100. There are low commissions and traders can see fixed payouts and risk levels before opening a trade.
Crypto Trading
Nadex offers a limited list of cryptos with just Bitcoin and Ethereum. Traders can go long or short though with straightforward binary options contracts that mean you don't need to own the underlying token.
Pros
- Free demo account for new users
- US regulated exchange with excellent trust score
- Extensive educational resources for those new to binary options trading
Cons
- Products and tools are more advanced than some alternatives
- Narrow selection of cryptocurrencies to trade
- No MT4 or MT5 platform integration
#5 - Videforex
Videforex offers access to stock, index, crypto, forex and commodities markets via binary options and CFDs. The proprietary platform, mobile app and integrated copy trading are user-friendly and will suit new and casual traders, and the market analysis tools and trading contests provide good ways to improve your trading skills.
"Newer traders will find a lot to enjoy about trading binary options on Videforex's easy-to-use proprietary platform, as well as the broker's copy trading solution. Payouts are also higher than most alternatives climbing to 98%."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Binary Options, CFDs, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
- Platforms: TradingView
- Min. Deposit: $250
- Min. Trade: $0.01
- Leverage: 1:500
CFD Trading
Videforex CFDs are available on forex, indices, cryptocurrencies and commodities with up to 1:500 leverage and tight spreads from near zero. CFDs incur a commission fee of 1%–2.5% and up to 5% for leveraged trades.
Forex Trading
Trade 35 major, minor and exotic forex pairs through CFDs with floating spreads from 0.1 pips. Alternatively, binary options allow you to speculate on rising and falling prices with a fixed stake and payout.
Stocks Trading
Trade binary options and CFDs on global stocks from US, European, Russian and Asian exchanges, as well as 37 indices covering a wide range of global markets. The access to stocks trumps many binary options brokers.
Crypto Trading
Traders can speculate on crypto prices in pairs with USD and CNY through binary options and CFDs. The range of digital currencies is fairly narrow vs alternatives but major tokens like Bitcoin are available.
Pros
- The support time are fast and reliable. Very few brokers offer 24/7 multi-lingual video support
- Earn up to 98% payouts on 100+ assets with the broker’s binary options
- The firm facilitates day trading and binary options for global customers
Cons
- US clients aren’t accepted due to legal restrictions
- No MetaTrader 4 integration
- The broker isn’t overseen by a trusted regulatory agency
#6 - Axofa
Axofa is a forex and CFD broker registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The broker offers three account types with access to forex, commodities and indices. With ECN processing, low minimum deposits and no commissions, Axofa could be an attractive option, although the broker does not hold a reputable license.
"Axofa could be a good option for clients looking for social trading features alongside the MT5 platform, and are willing to trade with an offshore brand."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities
- Regulator: SVGFSA
- Platforms: MT5
- Min. Deposit: $1
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:1000
CFD Trading
CFDs are available on popular asset classes with a competitive $1 minimum deposit. The broker offers very high, unrestricted leverage of 1:1000, which will amplify both profits and losses.
Forex Trading
Axofa offers 50+ forex pairs with raw spreads and low commissions. On the downside, the broker is not particularly transparent when it comes to their account conditions and fees.
Stocks Trading
A decent selection of 100+ popular international stocks are available. Traders can also test out their strategies in the free MT5 demo account, though the conditions are more limited vs other brokers.
Pros
- Access to high leverage up to 1:1000
- International broker accepting clients from the USA, India, Indonesia, and Ireland
- MT5 integration
Cons
- Unregulated broker
- Inconsistencies between international subsidiaries and website information
- Lack of transparency around pricing
#7 - Scope Markets
Scope Markets offers day trading and investing in multiple spot and CFD instruments. The group of brokers is regulated in several locations, including Belize, Kenya and South Africa. Users get competitive trading conditions, a range of payment methods, strong support and can get started in a few straightforward steps.
"Scope Markets will appeal to traders seeking highly leveraged CFDs and spot investment products on the powerful MetaTrader 5 platform. The Scope Markets Group stands out for its range of trading tools and educational materials."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Forex, Stocks, Commodities etc.
- Regulator: CMA, FSC, FSCA
- Platforms: MT4, MT5
- Min. Deposit: $50
- Min. Trade: 0.01 lots
- Leverage: 1:2000 (location dependent)
CFD Trading
Scope Markets clients can trade CFDs on a good selection of asset classes including forex, precious metals, energies, indices and global shares. The award-winning broker also offers a decent suite of educational materials and a YouTube channel to support aspiring traders.
Forex Trading
Scope Markets offers MT5 trading for a range of major, minor and exotic currency pairs with high leverage and a low starting deposit. Multilingual 24/5 support is also available to support forex traders.
Stocks Trading
Scope Markets offers stock trading on popular markets, alongside cash and futures indices. Clients can speculate on major stocks from US, EU, Australia, and more with competitive fees and reliable trading software.
Crypto Trading
Go long or short on popular cryptos like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple with leveraged CFDs and competitive spreads. Depending on the jurisdiction, different regulations apply. CFDs on cryptocurrencies are not offered in all jurisdictions.
Pros
- Modern Scope Trader web platform with 50+ analysis tools and intuitive design
- MT4 and MT5 platform integration
- Multi-regulated group
Cons
- Regulatory scrutiny varies between countries
- Limited trading instruments
#8 - Kraken
Kraken is a leading cryptocurrency exchange with a proprietary trading terminal and a list of 220+ tradeable crypto tokens. Up to 1:5 leverage is available with stable rollover fees on spot crypto trading and up to 1:50 on futures. The exchange also supports crypto staking and has an interactive NFT marketplace.
"Kraken will suit traders looking for a diverse list of cryptos including Bitcoin and a good security track record."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Cryptos
- Regulator: FCA, FinCEN, FINTRAC, AUSTRAC, FSA
- Platforms: AlgoTrader
- Min. Deposit: $10
- Min. Trade: Variable
Crypto Trading
Kraken is a specialized crypto exchange and supports more than 220 cryptocurrencies. These include all of the established tokens like Bitcoin as well as some altcoins. Traders can make trades on spot crypto markets with up to 1:5 leverage or on futures with up to 1:50. Fees are low and the platform is super easy to pick up.
Pros
- 50x leverage on futures trading
- Excellent range of 220+ more established cryptocurrencies
- Very good security track record with no hacks in a decade since launch
Cons
- Slow verification times
- Low leverage on spot trading
- Does not accept fiat deposits
#9 - RaceOption
RaceOption is a binary options broker operating from the Marshall Islands. With over 1,500 clients, the broker aims to offer fast funding, low fees and a secure trading environment. Traders can access over 100 binary options and CFDs, plus copy trading and weekly prizes.
"RaceOption will appeal to traders new to binary options looking for copy trading, contests and 24/7 customer support. Experienced traders will also appreciate the account-based perks and bonuses."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Binary Options, CFDs
- Platforms: TradingView
- Min. Deposit: $250
- Min. Trade: $0.01
- Leverage: 1:500
CFD Trading
Access a modest range of CFD instruments across key markets, including indices and commodities. Clients can trade directly from charts with high leverage up to 1:500 and customisable time intervals.
Forex Trading
Trade 25+ major and minor currency pairs with access to over 30 technical indicators in the broker's proprietary terminal. You can also follow and replicate other forex trades using the integrated copy trader.
Stocks Trading
Go long or short on over 50 major global shares and map out your strategies using the intuitive charting tools. Those with $1,000+ starting capital can also enjoy their first 3 trades risk-free.
Crypto Trading
Trade popular crypto CFDs with leverage up to 1:30 and utilize convenient crypto funding in Bitcoin, Ethereum or other altcoins. You can also enjoy fully flexible, 24/7 crypto trading at home or on the go. Cryptos are paired with USD and CNY.
Pros
- Sign-up bonuses from 20%, plus weekly trading contests and prize giveaways
- Free and instant deposits via bank cards and cryptos, plus guaranteed withdrawals processing within 1 hour
- High payouts on popular underlying assets up to 95%
Cons
- Limited educational resources
- Unregulated broker with lower safety score
- No free demo account
#10 - Just2Trade
Just2Trade is a reliable multi-regulated broker registered with FINRA, NFA and CySEC. The company has 155,000 clients from 130 countries and stands out for its huge suite of instruments and additional features, including a social network, robo advisors and a funded trader programme.
"Traders seeking a multi-asset broker with an exceptional range of 35,000+ assets, market-leading software and low trading fees should consider Just2Trade. The Try2BFunded program will also appeal to users seeking funded trading accounts."
- DayTrading Review Team
- Instruments: Stocks, ADRs, ETFs, Futures, Options, Commodities, Bonds
- Regulator: CySEC, NFA, FINRA, Bank of Russia
- Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
- Min. Deposit: $100
- Min. Trade: 0.01 Lots
- Leverage: 1:20
CFD Trading
With CFDs on 20+ Polish and 30+ US stocks, as well as energies and seven global stock indices covering US, UK, European, Australian and Japanese markets, Just2Trade offers a superb selection of global assets.
Forex Trading
Traders can access a decent range of 60+ major, minor and exotic forex pairs through standard and ECN accounts with tight spreads from 0.5 and 0.0, respectively. Execution speeds are also faster than most competitors at 50ms, which will appeal to active forex day traders.
Stocks Trading
As well as Just2Trade's 50+ stock CFDs, traders can access a huge variety of thousands of stocks traded on US and international exchanges. The chance to build an investment portfolio and benefit from dividends sets Just2Trade apart from most CFD brokers.
Crypto Trading
Traders can speculate on a modest selection of the largest cryptos by market cap including Bitcoin. On the downside, crypto trading is only available to clients from Asia which is more restrictive than many alternatives.
Pros
- The list of 35,000+ instruments is more than almost any other broker
- Competitive fee schedule and high-quality trade executions
- Regulated and trustworthy with authorization from FINRA, NFA & CySEC
Cons
- Few standard educational resources compared to other brokers
- Research tools such as stock screeners require third-party applications
- Cryptocurrency is only available in Asia
Futures Trading Explained
Futures are derivative financial contracts that allow buyers and sellers to exchange an asset at a predetermined price. Contracts have expiration dates that are known upfront. The buyer must purchase or the seller must sell the underlying asset at the set price, regardless of the market value at expiry.
Popular types of futures contracts include:
- Precious metal futures (Gold & Silver)
- Currency futures (GBP, USD & EUR)
- Stock index futures (S&P 500)
- Commodity futures (oil & gas)
- US Treasury futures (bonds)
- Crypto futures (BTC, ETH etc)
Futures trading is typically undertaken using leverage, meaning that an investor doesn’t need to put up 100% of the contract’s value when entering into a trade. Instead, brokers request an initial margin amount which is a fraction of the contract’s total value. As a result, futures traders can open larger positions – amplifying both potential gains and losses.
See our full guide to futures trading here.
Why Sign-Up To Futures Trading Courses?
It takes dedication and careful study to become an excellent trader. Fortunately, taking online futures trading courses can teach you new strategies to maximise profits and give you a better understanding of particular markets that you want to trade. Training materials and education services can also help you understand the implications of margin trading and develop effective risk management techniques.
How To Compare Futures Trading Courses
Price
It is possible to find online futures trading courses for free. These are available from providers like CME Group, though videos are also uploaded to YouTube by various users. While free futures trading courses can provide basic information, they are generally limited in terms of specific strategies or tips. In addition, anyone and everyone can offer a free course. Paying for a futures trading course may guarantee better quality information from a more reputable teacher.
Some courses are relatively low cost at around $12 per class. Most providers at the cheaper end of the scale offer several educational futures trading courses depending on your skill level. Lower cost options also mean you may be able to try out several courses to find a provider that meets your needs.
It goes without saying that more advanced courses with greater exposure to live futures trading generally come at a greater cost, usually between $40 to $100 per month. In return, more hands-on advice during live market events is generally offered.
As always, there are extremes. The Day Trading Academy (DTA) offers futures trading courses for all levels of investors. Those interested in the program can attend a live futures trading class for free but the full course is approximately $3,000. The price includes all online access, 3 months of one-to-one mentoring, weekly webinars and live trading classes, plus video recaps.
Tradenet is another provider at the more expensive end of the scale with many popular trading courses and the most advanced costing $9,000. This comes with a variety of tools and also grants access to a 3-month mentorship program. Once you’ve joined, you can also apply for a $240,000 funded trading account where you receive 85% of the net profits that you make.
Customer Reviews
Reading customer reviews is always a good way to assess which futures trading course is for you. With that said, bear in mind that one bad review from someone who lost money when trading does not necessarily mean the course itself is low quality. Take time to read online reviews but do take them with a pinch of salt.
Beginner-Friendly
It seems an obvious factor to consider, but if you are just starting out, make sure that the futures trading course you choose is aimed at newbies. Before learning how to start futures trading, beginners need to understand market basics and trading terminology. A short online crash course in futures trading might be a good place to start.
Experienced Traders
As you gain more experience, you may want to refine your trading strategy or develop a new approach. Fortunately, there are futures trading courses aimed at intermediate and advanced investors. Advanced futures trading courses can help students to grow accounts and generate consistent profits.
TradePro Academy is a good place for intermediate traders to create a plan based on their goals. Their futures trading course also covers trader psychology.
Learning Style
What learning style is best suited to your lifestyle? Interactive courses will be live, so you need to be at each lesson at the time it is held to benefit from interacting with the teacher and other learners.
Interacting with professional futures traders may cost more too as you will be paying for their expertise and time. However, you get what you pay for and will have the benefit of being able to ask questions and receive feedback.
Pre-recorded futures trading courses are a good option if you’re busy and can’t commit to a set timetable. They also tend to be cheaper or even free as you can access the videos any time. On the downside, this style does mean that you can’t ask questions or get additional explanations if you don’t understand something. In addition, the teacher is less likely to provide feedback on your trading skills.
Live Demos
Some futures trading course providers grant students access to a live trading room. For example, Stefanie Kammerman, known as The Stock Whisperer, allows people to watch her trade futures live. The first month is $9.95 and after that, it is $69.95 a month. She also sends out weekly videos with a recap of her best trades.
Community
Having fellow students that can support and guide you is always a plus for any day trading futures course. Reddit users, for example, often exchange trading tips and rate resources like YouTube videos and books. Other online forums can also be a good place to meet like-minded futures traders.
Teaching Support & Mentoring
It can be hard to self-evaluate your own day trading performance, especially if you are new to the game. Mentors or course leaders should be able to give professional advice and detect any major errors you might be making.
Some futures trading courses offer continued support, providing mentors to help guide you on your trading journey even after the initial series of sessions have finished. This can prove useful as it’s all too easy to fall into bad habits.
Some day trading schools also let you revisit key lessons to continue learning about new developments in the futures trading space.
Types Of Content
How courses are delivered can make a huge difference. Day trading schools may offer courses online or sessions that can be accessed as personal consultations and group sessions. Other futures trading courses are delivered audio-only, which may suit some investors.
Video futures trading courses are often more popular. However, it’s important to consider how these can be watched – is it desktop only or are you able to watch them on your phone? The accessibility of the content will suit different traders’ needs.
While watching live trading demonstrations can be insightful, simulators are also a great tool to practice. Fortunately, courses from the likes of CME Group offer a proprietary trading simulator.
Gaining an understanding of futures markets can also be achieved from textbooks, often at a small cost compared to the price of in-depth online courses.
Red Flags
Anyone can offer a course nowadays, so when reviewing providers be aware of a few signs that could suggest someone is a fraudster:
- Secret market tricks
- The promise of huge returns
- Urgent sign-up requirements
- Free “offers” on “expensive” courses
Pros Of Futures Trading Courses
There are several key benefits of registering for a futures trading course:
- Good for beginners
- Practice using simulators
- Risk management techniques
- Learn from experienced traders live
- Experienced traders can learn new strategies
Cons Of Futures Trading Courses
There are also some drawbacks to signing up for futures trading courses:
- Providers can be expensive
- Some online scams circulating
- Good courses are time-consuming
Final Word On Futures Trading Courses
Quality futures trading courses can provide new investors with a solid understanding of key markets and strategies. For more experienced investors, futures trading courses can help develop advanced skills with live demos and simulations. Be sure to read customer reviews before signing up and be aware that free courses may offer sketchy advice.
FAQs
Are There Free Futures Trading Courses?
Yes, there are several free courses out there, particularly on YouTube. Bullish Bears free online futures trading courses on e-mini futures and micro futures strategies can give you the building blocks on how to become a successful investor.
What Are The Best Futures Trading Courses For Beginners?
Simpler Trading’s Intraday Futures, Currencies, and Commodities Trading Expert and Statistician offers a one-hour crash course in futures day trading. It is designed for traders of all levels. Udemy futures trading courses are good for beginners too – they last between 5 and 20 hours and are reasonably cheap. Finally, CME Group’s Learn To Trade Futures starts at the very beginning, is free and can be revisited.
What Are The Best Futures Trading Courses For Advanced Traders?
Jake Bernstein, TRADEPRO Academy and The Stock Whisperer are great online courses for traders who are more experienced and are looking to refine their skills. Prices can vary significantly so head to the respective website for more details.
Can I Take A Crypto Futures Trading Course?
Yes, there are crypto futures trading courses available online. Udemy has one for £44.99 where you can learn how to trade cryptocurrencies futures with simple and easy-to-understand strategies. You’ll learn how to close futures positions, how to read crypto price charts and how to trade futures in a practice environment before investing real money.
Where Can I Take A Futures Trading Course?
The beauty of online courses is that you can take them anywhere in the world. You can also take in-person courses in many places, including Dubai, Malaysia and Singapore.