---
title: "Trade futures contracts at $1 USD | Wealthsimple"
description: "Trade some of the world's most liquid markets nearly 24/7 at  $1 USD per contract, with totally free access to real-time market data."
url: "https://www.wealthsimple.com/en-ca/trade/futures"
---

# Trade futures for only $1 USD per contract

[Start trading](https://app.wealthsimple.com/74rd/futures)

![](/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=3072,fit=scale-down/https://images.ctfassets.net/v44fuld738we/5mZRVgUNADiL4dYlRBBYPr/14759bd791c8a87c523aa317a81dbf2f/futures___hero___desktop___video___en-CA.webp)

## Trade alongside stocks, ETFs and options, with $0 real-time market data — no subscription required. It's a first for futures trading in Canada.

### Go long or short on the world’s major markets

![A sample list of the kind of futures markets you can trade, in the interface of the Wealthsimple app. These markets include Enbridge, Air Canada and Nokia.](/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=3072,fit=scale-down/https://images.ctfassets.net/v44fuld738we/4QbZyqc7KJaUQC2W3X2TQh/a5dc67308fabb5102a37ddc41bed84f8/futures___markets_d_____UI_desktop___video___en-CA.webp)

Trade everything from global indices to commodities in micro, mini, and standard contract sizes.

## How do futures compare to options?

Comparison of futures and options covering costs, leverage, risk, time decay, trading hours, and suitability.
|  | Futures | Options |
| --- | --- | --- |
| What it is | A binding contract to buy or sell at set prices on a set date | A contract that gives the buyer the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell shares at a set price |
| Cost of entry | Margin — returned when position closes | Premium paid upfront when buying an option, buying power reduction when selling |
| Leverage | Highest — often 10:1 to 20:1 | Inherent — control 100 shares for a fraction of the stock's cost |
| Max loss | Can exceed initial margin deposit | Capped at premium paid for buyers and may be significant for sellers |
| Time decay | No time decay — P&L is purely price-driven | Yes – when you buy an option your position loses value as time passes, when you sell an option you get to keep more of your premium as the value decays |
| Trading hours | Nearly 24-hour trading: Sunday 6pm - Friday 5pm ET, with a 1-hour daily maintenance window | Regular market hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30am to 4pm ET, with limited extended access |
| Best suited for | Experienced traders who want leverage, nearly 24-hour access, and direct asset exposure | Traders who want defined downside risk, hedging, or income strategies like covered calls |

## Before you trade, make sure you’re fluent in futures

[Learn more](/en-ca/futures-trading-resource-guide)

![](/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=90,width=3072,fit=scale-down/https://images.ctfassets.net/v44fuld738we/4lCNP5IFWEmnf2nZHa3evn/e1639b7d95572c950c3d6a9fe664313d/ee73946b-d89d-4152-8585-173f64d765e0.png)

## Step into the future of futures trading

[Start trading](https://app.wealthsimple.com/74rd/futures)

## FAQs

### What futures contracts can I trade on Wealthsimple?

Initially, you'll have access to popular futures markets, including major stock indices like the S&P 500 and key commodities such as gold and oil. We plan to expand our offerings over time. [Visit our help center](https://help.wealthsimple.com/hc/en-ca/articles/50572586255643) for a list of all available futures contracts.

### What are the fees for futures trading?

Wealthsimple offers transparent pricing for futures trading: It's $1 USD per contract, with $0 platform fees and $0 market data fees, plus applicable exchange and regulatory fees. These additional exchange and regulatory fees (for example, $0.35 and $0.02, respectively, for the micro S&P 500) are standard costs passed through to you.

Note: “It’s a first for futures trading in Canada” is in reference to the $0 market data fee specifically, and is in comparison with all Canadian investment dealers regulated by CIRO that offer futures trading as of June 12, 2026.

### When can I trade futures?

Futures markets are open nearly 24 hours a day, from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon ET, with a brief daily maintenance break. This allows you to react to global events and trade outside of regular stock market hours. Specific trading hours vary by contract, so please check the contract's detail page for exact times.

### Can I go both long and short on futures?

Yes. You can go long if you think prices will rise, or short if you think they'll fall — it works the same either way. Unlike shorting stocks, which comes with extra costs and complexity, futures let you take a bearish position just as easily as a bullish one.

### What order types are available for futures trading?

Wealthsimple supports market, limit, and stop-loss orders for futures contracts. A market order executes your trade immediately at the best available current price, while a limit order allows you to specify the exact price at which you're willing to buy or sell. A stop-loss order exits your position automatically if the price moves to a level you've chosen.

### What are the risks involved in futures trading?

Futures use leverage, which means a small market move can result in losses that exceed your initial deposit. If your account balance falls below the required maintenance margin, you may face a margin call — you'll need to add funds immediately or your assets could be automatically liquidated. Futures prices can also shift rapidly due to global events or economic changes. With that in mind, futures trading may not be suitable for all investors.

![](/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,quality=75,width=3072,fit=scale-down/build-assets/_next/static/media/Coin.f9f2e07f.webp)