Futures brokers and platforms
Broker Review
Interactive Brokers Futures
The Interactive Brokers Futures platform dates to 1977 and is connected to Thomas Peterffy. Today it places global futures alongside securities, options, currencies and bonds in one consolidated account, giving it a materially different operating model from a conventional all-purpose broker. Any valuation belongs to the listed company or parent rather than automatically to the product brand. The service is not separately listed and therefore has no standalone market capitalization.
Strengths
- Places global futures alongside securities, options, currencies and bonds in one consolidated account
Drawbacks
- At Interactive Brokers Futures, leverage can produce losses well beyond the expected risk budget, while data, routing, liquidation and platform charges complicate the advertised commission
Profile
What you can trade
Interactive Brokers Futures provides listed futures and options on futures on supported U.S. exchanges. Its precise mix of micro contracts, commodities, rates, currencies and equity indexes follows the carrying FCM and chosen front end.
Account types
Individual, joint, IRA and entity futures accounts where supported; margin is contract-based and accounts are carried by the named or partner FCM. The registration structure reflects the fact that the service places global futures alongside securities, options, currencies and bonds in one consolidated account.
Platform
Trader Workstation, IBKR Desktop, Client Portal, IBKR Mobile, GlobalTrader, IMPACT and APIs. The resulting workflow is tailored to a business that places global futures alongside securities, options, currencies and bonds in one consolidated account.
Who it suits
Best suited to Interactive Brokers Futures customers whose principal requirement is the capability described in this profile, rather than investors choosing a broker only because of a zero-commission headline.
Where it is offered
Interactive Brokers Futures serves U.S. residents and customers in more than 200 countries and territories through separately regulated affiliates; the instruments and protections depend on the entity carrying the account.
Regulation and sources
Official website: https://interactivebrokers.com/ Regulatory status should be verified through FINRA BrokerCheck, SEC/IAPD, NFA BASIC, state regulators or applicable alternative-asset disclosures. Last verified: 2026-08-11.