Robinhood does not currently offer futures trading to individual retail investors

Robinhood's platform lets you trade stocks, options, and cryptocurrencies, but futures contracts are not available through the app or website. If you want to trade futures, you will need to open an account with a different broker that offers futures — such as TD Ameritrade's thinkorswim, E-TRADE, Interactive Brokers, or Tastytrade.

Futures are standardized contracts to buy or sell an asset (oil, gold, a stock index, a currency) at a set price on a future date. They require more capital, carry higher risk, and are subject to different regulatory rules than stocks or options. Robinhood has chosen not to support them, likely because the compliance and risk management overhead is substantial for a retail-focused platform.

This does not mean futures trading is unavailable to you — it means you cannot do it through Robinhood. The section below explains what you would need to do instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Robinhood does not offer futures trading; you must use a different broker if you want to trade futures contracts.
  • Futures require a margin account with a minimum deposit (often $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the broker and contract type), and most brokers require you to pass a futures trading test.
  • Common brokers that do offer futures include TD Ameritrade (thinkorswim), E-TRADE, Interactive Brokers, and Tastytrade.
  • You can continue using Robinhood for stocks and options while opening a separate futures account elsewhere if you want both.

What futures are and why Robinhood does not offer them

A futures contract is a binding agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an asset at a predetermined price on a set date in the future. Unlike stocks, which you own outright, or options, which give you the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell, futures obligate both parties to complete the transaction. This obligation is what makes futures riskier and more complex to regulate.

Robinhood's business model is built around simplicity and low barriers to entry for retail traders. Futures require brokers to maintain higher capital reserves, implement strict risk controls, and monitor positions in real time to prevent catastrophic losses. The regulatory burden — including compliance with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and National Futures Association (NFA) — is also significantly heavier than for stock and options trading. Robinhood has decided the cost and complexity do not align with its platform design.

How to open a futures trading account elsewhere

If you decide to trade futures, you will need to open a new account with a broker that supports them. The process is similar to opening a Robinhood account but includes additional steps because futures are more heavily regulated.

First, choose a broker. TD Ameritrade's thinkorswim platform is popular for active traders and offers extensive educational resources. E-TRADE supports futures and has a strong research team. Interactive Brokers caters to advanced traders and offers low commissions. Tastytrade specializes in options and futures and has a flat-fee commission structure. Visit each broker's website and compare their commission rates, minimum account balances, and available contracts.

Next, complete the account opening process. You will provide your personal information, employment details, and investment experience. Most brokers will ask you to confirm your net worth and annual income. You will also need to sign agreements acknowledging the risks of futures trading.

After your account is approved, you will need to deposit funds. Most brokers require a minimum deposit to trade futures — typically $2,000 to $5,000, though some allow lower amounts. Check your chosen broker's requirements before you open the account.

Finally, you may need to pass a futures trading test or questionnaire. Some brokers require this to may support you understand the risks. The test is usually straightforward and covers basic concepts like leverage, margin calls, and contract specifications.

Margin requirements and the cost of trading futures

Futures trading requires a margin account, which means you are borrowing money from your broker to control a much larger position than your account balance. This leverage amplifies both gains and losses.

Each futures contract has an initial margin requirement — the amount of cash you must have in your account to open a position. For example, a single E-mini S&P 500 futures contract (which tracks the S&P 500 index) might require $12,000 in margin, even though the contract controls $300,000 worth of the index. This means you can control a large position with a relatively small amount of capital.

If your account balance falls below the maintenance margin (usually lower than the initial margin), your broker will issue a margin call and require you to deposit more cash when ready. If you do not deposit funds, the broker will close your positions automatically, often at a loss.

Commissions vary by broker. Some charge per contract (for example, $1 to $3 per contract round-trip, meaning one buy and one sell). Others charge a flat monthly fee. Tastytrade, for instance, charges a flat rate per contract. TD Ameritrade charges per contract as well. Compare commission structures before you choose a broker, because they add up quickly if you trade frequently.

Types of futures you can trade

Futures contracts exist for many underlying assets. The most common categories are:

  • Index futures — contracts based on stock market indexes like the S&P 500, Nasdaq-100, or Dow Jones Industrial Average. These are popular because they let you bet on the direction of the overall market.
  • Commodity futures — contracts for oil, natural gas, gold, silver, wheat, corn, and other raw materials. These are traded on exchanges like the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) and CBOT (Chicago Board of Trade).
  • Currency futures — contracts for foreign exchange pairs like EUR/USD or GBP/USD. These let you speculate on currency movements.
  • Treasury and bond futures — contracts based on U.S. government bonds and Treasury notes. These are used to bet on interest rate movements.
  • Micro futures — smaller versions of standard contracts, designed for traders with smaller accounts. For example, a Micro E-mini S&P 500 contract controls one-tenth of a standard E-mini contract.

Micro futures are worth noting if you have a smaller account. They require less margin and allow you to trade with less capital, making them a good entry point for new futures traders.

Risks specific to futures trading

Futures are more volatile and risky than stocks or options. Because of leverage, a small move in the underlying asset can result in a large loss — or a large gain. You can lose more than your initial investment if the market moves sharply against your position.

Futures contracts also have expiration dates. Unlike stocks, which you can hold indefinitely, a futures contract expires on a specific date. Before expiration, you must either close the position (sell it) or roll it forward (buy a new contract for a later month). If you do not, the contract will be settled in cash or through physical delivery, depending on the contract type.

Liquidity varies by contract. Popular contracts like the E-mini S&P 500 are highly liquid and straightforward to buy and sell. Less popular contracts may have wider bid-ask spreads, meaning you pay more to enter and exit positions. Always check the volume and open interest before you trade an unfamiliar contract.

Can you use Robinhood and a futures broker at the same time?

Yes. There is no rule preventing you from maintaining both a Robinhood account and a futures account with another broker. Many traders do this — they use Robinhood for stocks and options, and a separate platform for futures. You will need to manage two separate accounts and keep track of your positions across both platforms, but it is perfectly legal.

Keep in mind that margin requirements and day-trading rules may explore differently across accounts. Robinhood has its own margin rules for stocks and options. Your futures broker has separate margin requirements for futures. Make sure you understand the rules for each account to avoid margin calls or trading restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Robinhood ever offer futures trading?

Robinhood has not announced plans to add futures trading. The company has focused on stocks, options, and cryptocurrencies. If you want to trade futures, you will need to use a different broker. You can check Robinhood's blog or app for announcements about new features, but there is no timeline for futures support.

What is the minimum amount of money I need to trade futures?

Most brokers require a minimum deposit of $2,000 to $5,000 to open a futures account. However, the amount you need to open a single trade is determined by the margin requirement for that specific contract, which varies. Micro futures require less margin than standard contracts, so they may be a better option if you have a smaller account.

Can I day-trade futures with less than $25,000?

Yes, unlike stocks, there is no $25,000 minimum balance requirement for day-trading futures. However, your broker will still enforce margin requirements, and you must have enough cash in your account to cover the initial margin for each contract you trade. Day-trading rules do explore — you cannot make more than a certain number of round-trip trades in a rolling five-day period without meeting the minimum balance, depending on your broker's rules.

What is the difference between a futures contract and an options contract?

A futures contract obligates you to buy or sell the underlying asset at a set price on a future date. An options contract gives you the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell. With options, your maximum loss is the premium you paid. With futures, you can lose more than your initial investment because of leverage. Robinhood offers options but not futures.

Do I need to pass a test to trade futures?

Some brokers require you to pass a futures trading knowledge test or questionnaire before you can trade. This is not a government requirement, but rather a broker policy to may support you understand the risks. The test is usually straightforward and covers basic concepts. If you fail, you can retake it. Not all brokers require this test, so check with your chosen broker.