We’ve compared the best trading accounts in America including margin trading, stock brokers, futures, options and forex brokers.
Compare Trading Accounts in the USA
| Futures Broker | Futures Commission | Customer Reviews | Our Rating | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $0.25-$0.85 per lot | Visit Broker | ||
 | $0.49 to $0.89 per lot | Visit Broker | ||
 | $1 per contract (up to $10 max) | Read Reviews | ||
 | $0.65 per contract (discounts for volume) | Read Reviews | ||
 | $0.65 per contract | Read Reviews | ||
 | No commission but higher spreads | Read Reviews | ||
 | $0.65 per contract | Read Reviews | ||
 | No commissions, wider bid-ask | Read Reviews |
The United States has a well-developed and highly regulated trading industry, providing access to various leveraged financial instruments, including futures, options, margin stock trading, and other derivatives. These accounts are overseen by multiple regulatory bodies to ensure market integrity and investor protection. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates securities trading, while the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) supervises brokerage firms. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and National Futures Association (NFA) oversee derivatives markets, including futures and commodities trading. These regulatory agencies enforce compliance, capital requirements, and consumer protections to safeguard traders.
1. Margin Trading Accounts
Margin trading accounts allow traders to borrow money from a broker to trade stocks and other securities, amplifying both potential gains and losses.
Regulated by the SEC and FINRA, these accounts require traders to maintain a minimum balance, typically set at $2,000, and adhere to Regulation T, which limits margin borrowing to 50% of the purchase price of securities.
Additionally, maintenance margin requirements enforced by brokers typically range from 25% to 35% of the total account value. Margin trading is ideal for experienced investors looking to leverage their capital for short-term gains.
2. Options Trading Accounts
Options trading accounts allow traders to buy and sell options contracts on stocks, indices, and commodities. These accounts are regulated by the SEC and FINRA, ensuring transparency and standardized contract terms.
Traders must be approved for options trading based on their experience and risk tolerance, categorized into four levels ranging from covered calls (low risk) to naked options trading (high risk).
Popular markets include stock options on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) and index options such as the S&P 500 (SPX) and Nasdaq-100 (NDX). These accounts are best suited for investors looking to hedge positions, generate income, or speculate on price movements.
3. Futures Trading Accounts
Futures trading accounts provide access to contracts that obligate traders to buy or sell assets at a predetermined price on a future date. These accounts fall under the jurisdiction of the CFTC and NFA, ensuring proper margin requirements and market integrity.
Futures contracts are commonly traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), covering commodities, financial instruments, and cryptocurrencies. Margin requirements vary, with initial margins typically ranging from 5% to 10% of the contract value.
Futures trading is ideal for institutional investors, hedge funds, and sophisticated traders seeking leveraged exposure to commodities, indices, and bonds.
4. Forex Trading Accounts
Forex trading accounts enable traders to speculate on currency pairs in the decentralized foreign exchange market. The NFA and CFTC regulate retail forex brokers, ensuring compliance with capital requirements and leverage restrictions. Leverage for major forex pairs is capped at 50:1, while exotic pairs are limited to 20:1. Popular currency pairs include EUR/USD, USD/JPY, and GBP/USD. Forex trading is suitable for those looking to capitalize on short-term currency fluctuations with leveraged positions.
5. Proprietary Trading Accounts
Proprietary trading firms provide capital to traders who trade on the firm’s behalf in exchange for a profit split. These accounts are not typically available to retail traders and operate under proprietary firm regulations. Prop trading accounts are attractive to skilled traders who prefer trading firm capital over their own risk exposure.
Conclusion
The United States provides a diverse range of trading accounts tailored to different financial instruments and strategies, each regulated by SEC, FINRA, CFTC, and NFA to ensure market stability and investor protection. Margin trading, options, futures, and forex accounts offer leveraged opportunities, but they come with varying risk levels and regulatory oversight. Understanding these accounts and their requirements is crucial for traders seeking to maximize profits while managing risks effectively in the U.S. financial markets.
