Robinhood does not currently offer futures trading to individual retail investors

As of now, Robinhood's platform does not have a futures trading feature. The app lets you trade stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options, and cryptocurrencies, but futures contracts are not available. If you want to trade futures, you will need to open an account with a different broker that offers futures access.

Futures trading requires different regulatory oversight than stock trading, and Robinhood has not built that infrastructure into its platform. This is a straightforward limitation of what the app can do, not a temporary restriction based on your account type or experience level.

Key Takeaways

  • Robinhood does not offer futures trading; you cannot access futures contracts through the app under any circumstances.
  • Brokers that do offer futures include Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade, E*TRADE, and Futures.com, though each has different account minimums and fee structures.
  • Futures trading requires a margin account and typically involves higher fees and more complex rules than stock or options trading on Robinhood.
  • If you want to trade index or commodity movements without using futures, Robinhood does allow options trading and ETF purchases as alternatives.

What futures are and why Robinhood does not offer them

A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific asset—such as oil, wheat, gold, or a stock index—at a set price on a future date. Futures are standardized contracts traded on dedicated exchanges like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). They are used by both professional traders and institutions to hedge risk or speculate on price movements.

Robinhood's business model focuses on commission-free, simple trading for beginners and casual investors. Futures require a separate regulatory framework, higher capital requirements, and more complex risk management. Building and maintaining a futures trading system would add significant cost and complexity to the platform. Robinhood has chosen not to pursue this market segment.

Brokers that do offer futures trading

If you want to trade futures, several established brokers provide access. Interactive Brokers is known for low commissions and a wide range of futures contracts. TD Ameritrade (now part of Charles Schwab) offers futures through its thinkorswim platform. E*TRADE provides futures access with educational resources for newer traders. Futures.com specializes in futures and options only.

Each broker has different account minimums, fee structures, and trading platforms. Interactive Brokers, for example, has a lower minimum deposit than some competitors but charges per contract. TD Ameritrade charges a flat commission per contract. Before opening an account, compare the fees and platform features across brokers to find what fits your trading style and budget.

Account requirements and capital needed for futures trading

Futures trading requires a margin account, not a standard cash account. A margin account lets you borrow money from your broker to control a larger position than your cash balance would allow. This leverage is built into how futures work—you do not pay the full contract value upfront.

Most futures brokers require a minimum deposit to open an account, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000, though some have higher minimums. Beyond that, you must maintain a maintenance margin—a minimum balance that stays in your account at all times. If your account balance falls below this level, your broker will issue a margin call and may close positions automatically. The maintenance margin requirement varies by contract type and broker.

How futures trading differs from options trading on Robinhood

If you already trade options on Robinhood, futures may seem similar but they work very differently. With options, you pay a premium upfront to buy the right to buy or sell a stock at a set price. With futures, you control the full contract value with a small deposit (margin), and you are obligated to buy or sell at the contract's expiration date unless you close the position early.

Futures are also marked to market daily, meaning your account balance updates every day based on price movements. If the market moves against you, you may face a margin call the next trading day. Options on Robinhood have defined risk—you can only lose what you paid for the contract. Futures have theoretically unlimited loss potential if the market moves sharply against your position. This is why futures are considered higher-risk and require more active management.

Alternatives to futures on Robinhood

If you want to trade movements in indexes, commodities, or other assets without leaving Robinhood, you have two main alternatives. Options trading lets you bet on price direction with defined risk and leverage. You can buy call options if you expect a price to rise or put options if you expect it to fall. Robinhood offers options on stocks and some ETFs.

Leveraged ETFs are another option. These are funds that track an index or commodity but use leverage to amplify returns. For example, a 3x leveraged oil ETF moves three times as much as the underlying oil price. Leveraged ETFs carry their own risks—they decay over time if the underlying asset moves sideways, and they are meant for short-term trading, not long-term holding. But they let you gain leveraged exposure without opening a futures account elsewhere.

Why you might want futures despite the extra complexity

Futures offer some advantages over options and ETFs if you are willing to manage the added complexity. Futures contracts are standardized and highly liquid, meaning you can enter and exit positions quickly without wide bid-ask spreads. Commissions per trade are often lower than options commissions, especially if you trade frequently. Futures also allow you to trade during extended hours—some contracts trade nearly 24 hours a day.

Futures also give you precise control over your position size and leverage. With options, you are limited to the strikes and expiration dates available. With futures, you can open a position of almost any size and hold it for any length of time. If you are serious about trading commodities, indexes, or currencies, futures may eventually be worth the effort to learn and the cost of switching brokers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Robinhood add futures trading in the future?

Robinhood has not announced plans to add futures. The company has focused on building out options and cryptocurrency trading instead. If futures become available, Robinhood would likely announce it publicly. For now, assume it is not coming and plan accordingly if futures trading is important to your strategy.

Can I use Robinhood and another broker at the same time?

Yes. You can keep your Robinhood account and open a futures account at another broker simultaneously. Many traders do this—they use Robinhood for stocks and options, and a specialized broker for futures. Just track your positions and margin requirements across both accounts so you do not overextend yourself.

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

Most futures brokers require $500 to $2,000 to open an account, but you also need to maintain a maintenance margin balance. For a single micro contract (the smallest size), this might be $50 to $200 per contract. For standard contracts, maintenance margin is often $1,000 to $5,000 or more. Check your broker's specific requirements before depositing money.

Are futures safer than options?

No. Futures have unlimited loss potential, while options have defined maximum loss (the premium you paid). Futures are generally considered higher-risk because of leverage and daily mark-to-market settlement. If you are new to leveraged trading, options on Robinhood may be a better starting point than futures on another platform.