Yes, WeBull offers futures trading, but you need a separate account and approval
WeBull lets you trade futures contracts through a dedicated futures account, separate from your regular stock and options account. You cannot trade futures in your standard WeBull brokerage account — you have to open a futures account specifically, and WeBull will review your process to confirm you meet their requirements.
Futures trading on WeBull is handled through their partnership with Apex Clearing and routed through their futures broker. The platform offers access to major futures contracts including stock index futures (like the E-mini S&P 500), commodity futures (crude oil, natural gas, gold), and currency futures. You trade during the same extended hours WeBull offers for stocks, though futures markets themselves have their own session times.
Key Takeaways
- You must open a separate futures account on WeBull and be approved before you can trade any futures contracts.
- WeBull requires a minimum account balance to trade futures, and you will need to meet margin requirements that vary by contract type.
- Futures contracts are leveraged instruments, meaning you control a large position with a small amount of capital, which amplifies both gains and losses.
- WeBull charges per-contract commissions for futures trades, and you pay exchange fees and regulatory fees on top of the commission.
How to open a WeBull futures account
Start by logging into your existing WeBull account and navigating to the Futures section. WeBull will prompt you to explore for futures trading. You will need to provide information about your investment experience, income, and net worth — this is part of WeBull's account review process.
WeBull will ask you to confirm that you understand the risks of futures trading. This is not a formality; futures are highly leveraged and can result in losses larger than your initial deposit. After you submit your process, WeBull reviews it and either approves or denies your request. Approval typically takes one to three business days.
Once approved, you will see a Futures tab in your WeBull app or web platform. You can then fund your futures account (this can be the same money as your stock account, or separate) and begin placing orders.
Minimum balance and margin requirements
WeBull requires a minimum account balance to trade futures, though the exact amount can vary. You should check your account settings or contact WeBull support for the current minimum, as it may change. Beyond the minimum, each futures contract has its own margin requirement — the amount of money WeBull requires you to hold in your account to control that contract.
Margin requirements are set by the exchange and WeBull, and they differ by contract. For example, an E-mini S&P 500 futures contract might require $500 to $1,000 in margin, while a crude oil contract might require $2,000 or more. WeBull displays the margin requirement for each contract before you place a trade, so you can see exactly how much of your account balance the trade will tie up.
If your account balance falls below the margin requirement for your open positions, WeBull will issue a margin call and may close positions automatically to bring your account back into compliance.
Commissions and fees on WeBull futures
WeBull charges a commission per contract for futures trades. The commission structure varies — some contracts may have a flat per-contract fee, while others may be tiered based on your trading volume. You should review WeBull's current commission schedule on their website, as these rates can change.
Beyond the commission, you will pay exchange fees (charged by the futures exchange itself) and regulatory fees (charged by organizations like the National Futures Association). These are separate from WeBull's commission and are added to your trade cost. The total cost per round-trip trade (buy and sell) can range from a few dollars to $10 or more depending on the contract.
Unlike stock trading on WeBull, which is commission-free, futures trading always carries these costs. Factor them into your trading plan, especially if you trade frequently or in smaller positions.
What futures contracts are available on WeBull
WeBull offers access to major U.S. futures contracts across several categories. Stock index futures include the E-mini S&P 500 (ES), E-mini Nasdaq-100 (NQ), and E-mini Dow Jones (YM). Commodity futures include crude oil (CL), natural gas (NG), gold (GC), and silver (SI). Currency futures include the Euro (EC), British pound (BP), and Japanese yen (JY).
The exact list of available contracts can change, and WeBull may add or remove contracts based on demand and market conditions. You can see the full list of available contracts in the Futures section of the WeBull platform by searching or browsing the contract categories.
How leverage works in futures trading
Futures are leveraged instruments, meaning you control a large contract value with a relatively small amount of margin. For example, one E-mini S&P 500 futures contract represents $50,000 worth of the S&P 500 index, but you only need a few hundred dollars in margin to control it. This leverage amplifies your returns when you are right, but it also amplifies your losses when you are wrong.
If the S&P 500 moves 1% in your favor, your $500 margin might turn into a $500 profit — a 100% return on your margin. But if it moves 1% against you, you lose $500. If it moves 5% against you, you could lose your entire margin and owe WeBull money. This is why futures trading carries significantly more risk than buying stocks outright.
WeBull displays the leverage ratio and potential profit or loss for each contract before you trade, so you can see the math before you commit capital.
Trading hours and market access on WeBull
WeBull offers extended trading hours for futures, but the actual trading hours depend on the contract and the exchange. Most major U.S. futures contracts trade nearly 24 hours a day, five days a week, with brief closures for maintenance. WeBull's platform is open during these times, so you can place orders during pre-market, regular market, and after-hours sessions.
Some contracts have lower liquidity (fewer buyers and sellers) during off-peak hours, which can mean wider bid-ask spreads and slower order execution. WeBull will show you the current bid and ask prices before you place an order, so you can see the spread and decide whether to trade at that moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate account to trade futures on WeBull?
Yes. Your regular WeBull stock and options account cannot trade futures. You must open a dedicated futures account through WeBull and be approved before you can place any futures trades. The approval process typically takes one to three business days.
What is the minimum amount of money I need to trade futures on WeBull?
WeBull has a minimum account balance requirement for futures trading, but the exact amount varies and may change. Check your account or contact WeBull support for the current minimum. Beyond that, each contract has its own margin requirement that you must meet to hold that position.
Can I lose more money than I deposit in a futures account?
Yes. Because futures are leveraged, you can lose more than your initial deposit if a trade moves sharply against you. If your losses exceed your account balance, you will owe WeBull the difference. This is why understanding leverage and position sizing is critical before you trade futures.
What happens if my account balance drops below the margin requirement?
WeBull will issue a margin call and may automatically close positions to bring your account back into compliance with margin requirements. You will receive a notification when this happens. To avoid forced liquidation, monitor your account balance and margin usage regularly.
Are there commissions on futures trades with WeBull?
Yes. Unlike stock trading on WeBull, futures trades carry per-contract commissions, plus exchange fees and regulatory fees. The total cost per round-trip trade varies by contract but typically ranges from a few dollars to $10 or more. Review WeBull's current commission schedule before you trade.