All Share (J203) = 88 342
Rand / Dollar = 18.58
Rand / Pound = 23.35
Rand / Euro = 19.33
Gold (usd/oz) = 2 928.65
Platinum (usd/oz) = 969.20
Brent (usd/barrel) = 76.29
Trade +10,000 CFDs with Tight Raw Spreads. – Trade Now!

10 Best Futures Forex Brokers in South Africa

 

low margin futures brokers

 

This is a complete listing of The 10 Best Future Forex Brokers in South Africa for 2025.  In this in-depth write-up you will learn:

 

  • ✅ The Best Broker for Futures Trading
  • ✅ Best Futures Trading Platform for Beginners
  • ✅ A Detailed Futures Brokers List
  • Interactive Brokers Futures – How to Start.
  • ✅ The Cheapest Discount Futures Broker – Revealed.
  • ✅ Commission-Free Futures trading – Explained
  • ✅ Which broker offers futures?
  • ✅ Best MT4 / MT5 Brokers for Futures Trading in SA.
  • ✅ Can you trade futures in South Africa?
  • ✅ Where can I trade Forex Futures?
  • ✅ Can I trade futures with $100 USD / R1900 ZAR?
  • ✅ What are Futures in Forex?
  • ✅ Is Future Forex trading legit?
  • ✅ Which is better – Options vs Futures?
  • ✅ Which is better – Forwards vs Futures?
  • Why trade Forex Futures?
  • ✅ Forex Futures – An Example.
  • ✅ Forex Futures Prices for small accounts – A Breakdown.
  • Best Trading platform for e-mini futures.

 

 

And much, Much more!

 

 

Forex Futures – A Definition

 

Forex futures are standardized futures contracts to buy or sell currency at a set date, time, and contract size.  Unlike forwards, futures contracts are publicly traded, non-customizable, and guaranteed against credit losses by an intermediary.

 

 

 

10 Best Futures Forex Brokers in South Africa

 

🔎 Provider📉 Futures Trading🚀 Open an Account💶 Min. Deposit (USD)💳 Min. Deposit (ZAR)
🟥 Interactive Brokers✅ Yes👉 Click Here$0 USDR0.00 ZAR
🟧 TD Ameritrade✅ Yes👉 Click Here$0 USDR0.00 ZAR
🟨 Tickmill✅ Yes👉 Click Here$100 USDR1863.52 ZAR
🟩 Swissquote✅ Yes👉 Click Here$1000 USDR18833,80 ZAR
🟦 Forex.com✅ Yes👉 Click Here$100 USDR1863.52 ZAR
🟪 FXCM✅ Yes👉 Click Here$50 USDR941,69 ZAR
🟥 ActivTrades✅ Yes👉 Click Here$500 USD9416,90 ZAR
🟧 Tradestation✅ Yes👉 Click Here$0 USDR0.00 ZAR
🟨 Charles Schwab✅ Yes👉 Click Here$0 USDR0.00 ZAR
🟩 eTrade✅ Yes👉 Click Here$0 USDR0.00 ZAR

 

 

10 Best Forex Brokers in South Africa for 2025

Rank

Broker

Review

Regulators

Min Deposit

Official Site

#1

ASIC, FSA, CBI, BVI, FSCA, FRSA, CySEC, ISA, JFSA

$100

#2

FSCA, CySEC, FCA, DFSA, FSA, CMA

$0

#3

CySEC, MWALI, FSCA

$25

#4

CySEC, FCA, FSA, FSCA

$100

#5

CBCS, CySEC, FCA, FSA, FSC, FSCA, CMA

$10

#6

CySEC, ASIC, FSA, BVI, FSCA

$25

#7

ASIC, CySEC, FSA, SCB

$200

#8

ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, FSA, FSC, CMA

$100

#9

FCA, CySEC, FSCA, SCB

$100

#10

FSCA, FSC, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA

$5

#1

4.8/5

User Score

#2

4.7/5

User Score

#3

4.7/5

User Score

#4

4.4/5

User Score

#5

4.7/5

User Score

#6

4.0/5

User Score

#7

4.7/5

User Score

#8

4.8/5

User Score

#9

4.5/5

User Score

#10

4.9/5

User Score

 

 

10 Best Futures Forex Brokers in South Africa

 

  1. Interactive BrokersBest Futures Broker in 2025
  2. TD Ameritrade – Best Futures Broker for Day Traders
  3. Tickmill – Best Suited to Professional Futures Traders
  4. Swissquote – Top Choice for Dedicated Futures Traders
  5. Forex.com – Trusted Futures Forex Broker
  6. FXCM – Competitive pricing
  7. ActivTradesDesktop Futures Trading
  8. TradeStationMobile Futures Traders
  9. Charles Schwab – Highly Regulated Futures Broker
  10. E*Trade – Leading Broker for Futures Education

 

Interactive Brokers Review

 

Interactive Brokers

 

Interactive Brokers is a leading broker that offers access to low commissions for futures traders with the ability to trade commodity futures and futures options globally on 30+ market centers. Interactive Brokers additionally offers industry-low margin rates, powerful futures trading tools, and educational material for beginner futures traders.

 

Interactive Brokers Overview

 

🔎 Broker🥇 Interactive Brokers
💰 Minimum Deposit$0 USD / R0 ZAR
📒 Demo Account✔️ Yes
👨🏼‍💼 Managed Accounts✔️ Yes
💳 Deposit OptionsBank Wire Transfer and PayPal
💳 Withdrawal OptionsBank Wire Transfer
🚀 Open an Account👉 Click Here

 

Interactive Brokers Overview

 

Interactive Brokers’ Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros❎ Cons
Wide range of productsLimited Funding and Withdrawal Options
Highly regulatedBest suited to experienced traders
Trades on 80+ exchangesCommission structure benefits high volume trades

 

Min Deposit

USD 0

Regulators

CFTC, NFA, IIROC, FCA, CBI, ASIC, SFC, MNB, CSSF

Trading Platform

Proprietary Platforms

Crypto

Yes

Total Pairs

91

Islamic Account

No

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

 

TD Ameritrade Review South Africa

 

TD Ameritrade

 

TD Ameritrade boasts a wide range of trading tools, available to investors interested in Futures Trading.  TD Ameritrade’s day trade margin falls at 25% with a $15,000 USD /  R 282’507,00 ZAR minimum deposit required for virtual trading capabilities in over 60 futures products.

 

TD Ameritrade Overview

 

🔎 Broker🥇 TD Ameritrade
💵 Minimum Deposit$0 USD, R0 ZAR
💳 Commissions$0 USD, R0 ZAR on online stock and ETF trades
💰 Options (per contract)$0.65 USD, R10 ZAR
💵 Inactivity Fee Charge❌ No
💵 Withdrawal Fee❌ No
📌 Products offered Stock, ETF, Forex, Fund, Bond, Options, Futures, Crypto
📝 Demo Account✔️ Yes
Open an Account👉 Click Here

 

TD Ameritrade Overview

 

TD Ameritrade Pros and Cons

 

✔️ Pros❌ Cons
Low trading fees (free stock and ETF trading)You can trade only in the US markets
Superb desktop trading platformSlow and not fully digital account opening
Great customer supportNo credit/debit cards and electronic wallets for money transfer

 

Min Deposit

USD 0

Regulators

SEC, FINRA, CFTC, MAS

Trading Platform

Web Trading Platform, ThinkorSwim

Crypto

Yes

Total Pairs

0

Islamic Account

No

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

 

Tickmill Review South Africa

 

Tickmill

 

 

Tickmill offers traders the opportunity to invest in several futures exchanges with leverage up to 1:500 all whilst using exclusive analysis items and trading tools.  Tickmill offers access to some of the most popular futures, including an S&P 500 micro e-mini, NASDAQ 100 micro e-mini, and micro Bitcoin futures.

 

Tickmill Overview

 

🔎 Broker🥇 Tickmill
📉 Regulation and LicensesSeychelles FSA, FCA, CySEC, Labuan FSA, FSCA
🎁 BonusesTrader of the Month, Tickmill’s NFP Machine, $30 Welcome Bonus, IB Contest, Trade More, Get More
⏰ Support Hours24/5
🖱️ Trading PlatformsMetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, Tickmill App
📌 Account TypesVIP Account, Classic Account, Pro Account
💴 Base CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, PLN
📊 SpreadsFrom 0.0 pips on the Pro and VIP Accounts
💹 Leverage1:500
💵 Currency Pairs62, major, minor, and exotic pairs
💶 Minimum Deposit$100
💷 Inactivity FeeNone
💳 Fees and CommissionsSpreads from 0.0 pips, commissions from $1 per side, per lot
🤝 Affiliate ProgramYes
🅰️ Scalping✅Yes
🅱️ Hedging✅Yes
📐 Trading InstrumentsForex, stock indices, energy indices, precious metals, bonds, cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs
🚀Open an Account👉 Click Here

 

Tickmill Overview

 

Tickmill Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros❌ Cons
Tickmill offers robust trading platforms and innovative mobile tradingCurrency conversion fees will apply for some deposits
Tickmill has a very high trust score and is known for its competitive trading conditionsThere are no fixed spread accounts offered
There are several convenient funding options available including Skrill, Neteller, and othersThe spreads are not the tightest

 

Min Deposit

USD 100

Regulators

CySEC, FCA, FSA, FSCA

Trading Platform

MT4, MT5, Tickmill Trader

Crypto

Yes

Total Pairs

62

Islamic Account

Yes

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

 

Swissquote Review

 

Swissquote

 

Swissquote is a Futures Trading Broker best suited to affluent investors who value fund safety aside from the higher trading fees.

 

Swissquote Overview

 

🔎 Broker🥇 Swissquote
📌 RegulationFINMA, CSSF, FCA, DFSA, SFC, MAS and MFSA
☪️ Islamic account (swap-free)☑️ Yes
👍 Demo Account✅ Yes
📊 Institutional Accounts☑️ Yes
📊 Managed Accounts✅ Yes
📈 Maximum Leverage1: 100
💰 Minimum Deposit$ 1 000 USD
🚀 Open an Account👉 Click Here

 

Swissquote Overview

 

Swissquote Pros and Cons

 

✔️ Pros❌ Cons
Access to many markets and productsHigh trading fees
No inactivity feeConfusing trading platform selection
Rock-solid backgroundSome research tools are not free

 

Min Deposit

USD 1000

Regulators

FINMA, CSSF, FCA, DFSA, SFC, MAS, MFSA

Trading Platform

MT4, MT5, Advanced Trader

Crypto

No

Total Pairs

10

Islamic Account

Yes

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

 

Forex.com review

 

Forex.com

 

Forex.com offers access to Futures Trading via Ninja Trader. NinjaTrader offers access to a trading platform both suited to beginner and advanced traders. Ninja Trader comes packed with a wide range of technical analysis tools.

 

Forex.com Overview

 

🔎 Broker🥇 Forex.com
💰 Min. Deposit$100 USD
🔁 Spreads from0.1
🔽 Commissions ✅ Yes
▶️ Forex$5 USD per round lot
🛑 Inactivity Fee$15 monthly after 12 months
💳 Deposit FeeThird-Party
💳 Withdrawal FeeThird-Party
💻 Trading PlatformsMT4 / MT5 / Proprietary
🆓 Demo Account✅ Yes
☪️ Islamic Account❎ No
🚀 Open an Account👉 Click Here

 

Forex.com Overview

 

Forex.com Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros ❌ Cons
Low Forex FeesLimited to Forex and CFDs
Variety of Currency PairsHigh Stock CFD fees
Diverse technical toolsNot user friendly

 

Min Deposit

USD 100

Regulators

CIMA

Trading Platform

MT4, MT5, Proprietary Platform

Crypto

No

Total Pairs

91

Islamic Account

No

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

 

FXCM Review South Africa

 

FXCM

 

FXCM offers access to Futures Trading via Ninja Trader. NinjaTrader offers access to a trading platform both suited to beginner and advanced traders. Ninja Trader comes packed with a wide range of technical analysis tools and traders will have access to charts, simulated trading, and market analysis, the essentials for futures trading.

 

FXCM Overview

 

🔎 Broker🥇 FXCM
📝 RegulationFCA, ASIC, FSCA, CySEC
💰 Min. Deposit$50 USD / R750.00 ZAR
📈Trading Desk TypeMarket Maker
🖱️ Custom IndicatorsYes
💵 Forex Pairs42
💳 CryptocurrencyNone
💻 Trading PlatformTrading Station Desktop, Metatrader 4, Capitalise AI, Tradingview Pro
🔎 Account TypesStandard, Active Trader, Islamic Account, Demo Account
📈 Leverage1:30
📧 Email/SMS AlertsYes
📌 1K Micro LotsYes
☑️ Forex Pairs42
💳 CommissionYes
🎉 Claim BonusYes
📱 Web and MobileYes
📊Copy TradingYes
👥FXCM’s Rebate ProgramYes
🔘 Tradeable Instruments276
☑️ Account CurrencyUSD, GBP, EUR
🔥Live support5 days a week
🚀 Open an Account👉 Open Account

 

FXCM Overview

 

FXCM Pros and Cons

 

✅ FXCM Pros❌ FXCM Cons
FXCM offers several resources to professional clientsProfessional traders are not protected by compensation or a negative balance

 

Min Deposit

USD 50

Regulators

FCA

Trading Platform

MT4, NinjaTrader, Trading Station

Crypto

Yes

Total Pairs

42

Islamic Account

Yes

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

 

Reviewed ActivTrades

 

ActivTrades

 

ActivTrades is a traditional CFD broker that offers access to Futures, specially developed educational materials, and,  spread betting instruments across forex, indices, shares, commodities, financials, and ETFs.

 

ActivTrades Overview

 

🔍 Broker's Name🥇 ActivTrades
📍 HeadquarteredLondon, UK
📅 Year Founded2001
⚖️ Regulating AuthoritiesFCA, SCB, CSSF
🌐 Countries not accepted for tradeUnited States
☪️ Islamic Account (Swap Free)✅ Yes
👍 Demo Account✅ Yes
📊 Institutional Accounts✅ Yes
📊 Managed AccountsNone
📈 Maximum Leverage1:400
🚀 Open an Account👉 Click Here

 

ActivTrades Overview

 

ActivTrades Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros❎ Cons
Low trading feesLimited Product Profile
Easy Account Set UpBasic Research Tools
Free DepositInactivity Fee

 

Min Deposit

USD 0

Regulators

FCA, SCB, CSSF

Trading Platform

MT4, MT5, ActivTrader

Crypto

Yes

Total Pairs

47

Islamic Account

Yes

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

 

TradeStation Review

 

TradeStation

 

TradeStation is the perfect broker choice for active stock, options, and futures investors who rely on a broker’s high-powered trading platform and sophisticated analytical tools.

 

TradeStation Overview

 

Broker's NameTradeStation
📍 HeadquarteredPlantation, Florida
📅 Year Founded1982
⚖️ Regulating AuthoritiesFINRA, SEC
🌐 Countries not accepted for tradeNone
☪️ Islamic account (swap-free)None
👍 Demo AccountNone
📊 Institutional Accounts✅ Yes
📊 Managed Accounts✅ Yes
🚀 Sign up bonus✅ Yes
📈 Maximum LeverageLeverage is often mentioned but no ratio is indicated
👉 Open a account👉 Click Here

 

TradeStation Overview

 

TradeStation Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros❎ Cons
Great web and mobile trading platformNot user-friendly deposit and withdrawal
Low stock and ETF feesNo forex trading
High-quality educational toolsPoor customer service

 

Min Deposit

USD 500

Regulators

FINRA, SEC

Trading Platform

TradeStation 10, Web-based platform, FuturesPlus

Crypto

Yes

Total Pairs

55

Islamic Account

No

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

 

Charles Schwab - Review

 

Charles Schwab

 

The Charles Schwab trading platform is easy to use and navigate making it a prime choice for beginner Future Traders.  Furthermore, Charles Schwab offers access to both online and desktop trading platforms.

 

Charles Schwab Overview

 

🔎 Broker's Name🥇 Charles Schwab
📍 HeadquarteredUnited States
📅 Year Founded1971
⚖️ Regulating AuthoritiesSEC, FINRA, CFTC, FCA and MAS.
🌐 Countries not accepted for tradeNot indicated
☪️ Islamic account (swap-free)None
👍 Demo Account✅ Yes
📊 Institutional Accounts✅ Yes
📊 Managed Accounts✅ Yes
🚀 Open an Account👉 Click Here

 

Charles Schwab Overview

 

Charles Schwab Pros and Cons

 

✔️ Pros❌ Cons
Free stock and ETF tradingHigh fees for some mutual funds
Outstanding researchProduct selection covers only the US market
Great customer serviceNot well-structured educational platform

 

Min Deposit

USD 0

Regulators

SEC, FINRA, FCA, CFTC, MAS

Trading Platform

Schwab.com, StreetSmart Edge, StreetSmart Central

Crypto

No

Total Pairs

0

Islamic Account

No

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

 

eTrade - Review

 

E*Trade

 

E*Trade is one of the most popular Forex Futures trading platforms with cost-free commission rates and impressive educational resources.

 

E*Trade Overview

 

🔎 Broker🥇 eTrade
🏛️ HeadquartersArlington, United States
📅 Year Founded1982
⚖️ Regulating AuthoritiesFinancial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA)
🌐 Countries not accepted for tradeNot indicated
📌 Accounts Brokerage account
Core Portfolios
Premium Savings Account
Traditional IRA
Roth IRA1
Rollover IRA
☪️ Islamic account (swap-free)None
📒 Demo AccountNone
✴️ Institutional Accounts✅ Yes
👨🏼‍💼 Managed Accounts✅ Yes
⬆️ Maximum LeverageNot indicated
👉 Sign Up Bonus None
💰 Minimum DepositZero
🔎 Open an Account👉 Click Here

 

ETrade Overview

 

E*Trade Pros and Cons

 

✅ Pros❎ Cons
Low trading feesOnly US markets covered
User-friendly mobile trading platformSlow account verification
Great research toolsNo forex
Free stock and ETF tradingHigher fees for non-free mutual funds

 

Min Deposit

USD 0

Regulators

SEC, FINRA

Trading Platform

Power E*TRADE, E*TRADE Web Platform, E*TRADE’s Mobile Trading Platform

Crypto

No

Total Pairs

0

Islamic Account

No

Trading Fees

Low

Account Activation

24 Hours

 

 

Forward Contracts vs. Futures Contracts: What’s Best?

 

The term “forward contract” refers to a private and customizable agreement that will be settled at the end of the agreement and will be traded over the counter or OTC. Whereas a futures contract refers to an agreement with standardized terms and it is traded on an exchange, where prices are settled on a daily basis until the end of the contract.

 

Future Contracts are regulated and they come with less counterparty risk than forward contracts, therefore, in this instance, Future Contracts are best.

 

Forward Contracts vs. Futures Contracts

 

Futures vs Options: What’s best?

 

Futures and options are both commonly used derivatives contracts. Both hedgers and speculators use both Futures and options on a variety of underlying securities. However, Futures have several advantages over options, including:

 

  • Futures are often easier to understand and value.
  • Futures have greater margin use.
  • Futures are often more liquid.

 

 

Therefore, in this instance, Futures are the better choice.

 

Futures vs Options

 

Conclusion

 

👉 Now it is your turn to participate:

 

➡️ Which of the 10 Best Futures Forex Brokers on this list do you intend to test out?

➡️ Why did you decide to engage with a certain broker?

➡️ Was it because of the minimum deposit or pros and cons?

 

👉 Regardless, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How does Forex futures work?

Forex futures are standard futures contracts that are used to buy or sell currency at a set date, time, and contract size.

 

What’s the difference between forex and futures trading?

Forex trading involves the buying and selling of currency, whereas futures trading is a way to trade thousands of financial markets.

 

Which is better to trade futures or forex?

With Forex, traders will get rapid execution and price certainty under normal market conditions. On the other hand, futures and equities markets do not offer price certainty or instant trade execution.

 

How many types of futures are there?

Futures Contracts include equity futures, index futures, commodity futures, currency futures, interest rate futures, VIX futures, and more.

 

Can Beginners Trade Futures?

Yes, Beginner Traders can trade futures and it is relatively easy and straightforward to understand.

 

4.6/5 - (15 votes)

Written by:

Louis Schoeman

Edited by:

Skerdian Meta

Fact checked by:

Arslan Butt

Updated:

July 2, 2023

Written by:

Louis Schoeman

Featured SA Shares Writer and Forex Analyst.

I am an expert in brokerage safety, adept at spotting scam brokers in mere seconds. My guidance, rooted in my firsthand experience with brokers and an in-depth understanding of the regulatory framework, has safeguarded hundreds of users from fraudulent brokerage activities.

Edited by:

Skerdian Meta

Leading Analyst

Skerdian Meta FXL’s Heading Analyst is a professional Forex trader and market analyst and has been actively engaged in market analysis for the past 10 years. Before becoming our leading analyst, Skerdian served as a trader and market analyst at Saxo Bank’s local branch, Aksioner, the forex division and traded small investor’s funds for two years.

Fact checked by:

Arslan Butt

Commodities & Indices Analyst

Arslan Butt, a financial expert with an MBA in Behavioral Finance, leads commodities and indices analysis. His experience as a senior analyst and market knowledge (including day trading) fuel his insightful work on cryptocurrency and forex markets, published in respected outlets like ForexCrunch.

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