Trade Futures · Lower Cost · More Control
Your CFDs cost
more than you think
See the full cost breakdown — spread, commission, overnight funding — and find out why active traders are moving from CFDs to exchange-listed micro futures.
Figures are illustrative. See full breakdown below.
No minimum deposit · CySEC regulated · Figures are illustrative.
Commodities Readers'
Choice Award, 2024
Futures vs. CFDs: The Actual Numbers
Every cost component on a $10,000 notional position, round-trip plus one overnight hold. Nothing hidden.
Full breakdown
| Cost component | Typical EU CFDMarket-leading EU provider | NinjaTrader Micro FuturesCME exchange-listed |
|---|---|---|
| Bid-ask spread costRound trip, per $10k notional | $1.03 | $0.13 |
| CommissionRound trip, per $10k notional | $0.00 | $0.28 |
| Overnight funding charge1 night, per $10k notional | $1.34 | $0.00 |
| Total cost — spread + 1 nightPer $10k notional | $2.37 | $0.41 |
| Capital efficiency | ||
| Margin requiredTo control ~$10,000 notional exposure | Higher | Lower |
Figures are illustrative only. Based on NDX ≈ 19,500 | $10,000 notional position | Spread and funding costs sourced from a market-leading EU CFD provider | Micro MNQ futures via NinjaTrader on the NinjaTrader Free Plan | ESTB ≈ 2.40% | CFD overnight funding rate ≈ 4.90% p.a. Actual costs will vary depending on provider, market conditions, position size, and timing. Past costs are not indicative of future costs. This is not investment advice.
Three Structural Advantages
Not marginal differences. The underlying market structure is fundamentally different.
CFDs charge you daily financing to hold a position overnight — typically linked to benchmark rates plus a markup. Futures prices already reflect the cost of carry in the contract price. There is no separate overnight charge. The longer you hold, the more this matters.
Trading exchange-traded futures can require lower margin than an equivalent CFD position, giving you more flexibility with your capital. That means the same capital can potentially control greater notional exposure, leaving more room for risk management across your portfolio.
With a CFD, your counterparty is the broker. With futures, your counterparty is CME Clearing — the world's largest futures exchange, with $1 quadrillion cleared annually. Your price is the market price. There's no broker interest in the other side of your trade.
This video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
Getting Started
Open Your Account in Three Steps
No minimum deposit. Advanced charting, backtesting, and simulation are always free.
Create your free account
Sign up with your email. No deposit required to open. Access the full platform immediately in simulation mode.
Verify and fund
Complete a short suitability check and identity verification. Deposit via bank transfer or card when you're ready to trade live.
Start trading
Trade micro and mini futures on CME-listed instruments from $50.
The Platform
Built for Futures. Not Adapted for Them.
NinjaTrader has been designed specifically for futures trading since 2003 — not retrofitted from a stock or CFD platform. Every tool exists to help you manage risk and execute with precision.
100+ indicators. Multi-chart layouts. Advanced yet intuitive.
Validate market direction through volume-at-price tools.
Lock in your stop and target the moment you enter.
Execute directly from TradingView charts with your own indicators.
Popular Futures Contracts
The same benchmarks you know from CFDs — now traded direct on the exchange.
Start with smaller futures contracts. Trade the same market.
Micro futures let you step into futures trading with smaller exposure while trading the same markets you already know.
- Trade Small with Micro Contracts.
From $50, micro futures offer significant capital efficiency compared to equivalent CFD positions. - Built-in Risk Tools. Manage Risk Proactively.
Set stop losses and profit targets with every trade using Advanced Trade Management. Monitor margin, exposure, and daily loss limits in real time. - Trade Anywhere. Stay in Control.
Analyze on desktop or web. Monitor and execute on mobile. Stay in control wherever you trade.
Explore Futures in Simulation
Practice trading exchange-listed futures using real market data, without committing capital. When you're ready, transition to live trading seamlessly.
A Futures Platform Traders Trust
NinjaTrader has supported futures traders for over 20 years with reliable infrastructure, transparent pricing, and futures-first expertise.
Download NinjaTrader’s award-winning software for free and see why it’s consistently recognized by the trading community. Advanced charting, backtesting, and trade simulation are always free.
Recognition
-
2024 Winner Best Trading Software
Stocks & Commodities Readers' Choice Award
-
2024 Excellence in Futures Education
Benzinga Global Fintech Awards
Trading derivatives and other financial instruments, including leveraged financial instruments, involves significant risks and is not appropriate for all investors. You could lose more than your initial investment. Read our risk disclosure statement to learn about the risks.
Trading derivatives and other financial instruments may be subject to national restrictions and limitations.
Cost comparison figures are illustrative. Actual costs may vary. Past costs are not indicative of future costs.