Wealthsimple has added futures trading to its platform — and it is built directly into the same app you already use to trade stocks, ETFs, and options. Here is everything you need to know about how it works, what you can trade, and what it costs.
What Is Futures Trading?
A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price on a specific future date. Traders use them to take a position on where markets are heading — long if they think the price will rise, short if they think it will fall — without needing to put up the full value of the underlying asset.
Popular use cases include trading global indices like the S&P 500, and commodities like gold or crude oil. Because futures use leverage, both gains and losses are amplified relative to your initial deposit. You can lose more than you put in, so futures are best suited to experienced traders who understand the risks involved.
What Makes Wealthsimple Futures Different?
1. Flat $1 USD per Contract
Every futures contract costs $1 USD to trade — regardless of the contract type, size, or market. There are no tiered fee structures, no exchange fees added on top, and no per-side commissions. What you see is what you pay.
2. Free Real-Time Market Data
Wealthsimple is the only platform in Canada that does not require a paid subscription for real-time futures market data. On most other platforms, live data for futures costs $10–$30 per month per exchange. On Wealthsimple, it is included at no charge.
3. Built Into the Existing App
Futures trading lives inside the same Wealthsimple Trade account you already use for stocks and ETFs. There is no separate platform to learn, no second login, and no need to transfer funds to a different account. If you already trade on Wealthsimple, the transition to futures is straightforward. If you have not signed up yet, you can sign up with a Wealthsimple referral code and get a $25 bonus.
4. Wide Selection of Contracts
At launch, available futures markets include:
- Major stock indices — S&P 500 and others
- Commodities — crude oil, gold, and more
- Contract sizes — micro, mini, and standard sizes available, so you can size positions to your account
Wealthsimple plans to expand the list of available contracts over time.
5. Risk Management Tools Built In
Stop-loss orders and advanced charting are included in the platform. You can set your exit point before you enter a trade, so your position closes automatically if the market moves against you — a core requirement for responsible futures trading.
Order Types Available
Wealthsimple supports three order types for futures:
| Order Type | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Market order | Executes immediately at the best available price |
| Limit order | Executes only at the price you specify or better |
| Stop-loss order | Exits your position automatically if price hits your chosen level |
All orders are powered by Plus500's execution infrastructure, which is built for the speed futures markets require.
Futures vs Options: What Is the Difference?
Both futures and options give you leveraged exposure to an underlying asset, but they work differently:
| Futures | Options | |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Linear — price moves map directly | Non-linear — affected by time decay (theta) and volatility (vega) |
| Obligation | Both sides must settle | Buyer has the right but not the obligation |
| Time decay | None | Yes — options lose value as expiry approaches |
| Best for | Directional market views, hedging | Strategies that benefit from volatility or time |
If you want straightforward long or short exposure to an index or commodity without worrying about time decay or Greeks, futures are simpler.
The Risk Warning You Need to Read
Futures trading involves leverage. This means:
- Gains are amplified — a small move in your favour produces a larger percentage return on your deposit
- Losses are also amplified — a small move against you can wipe out your entire deposit
- You can lose more than you deposited — if the market moves sharply against you, your loss can exceed your initial capital
Wealthsimple's own guidance is straightforward: do not put in more money than you are comfortable losing entirely. Futures are not suitable for every investor. If you are new to leverage or have not traded derivatives before, consider starting with micro contracts and small position sizes while you learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to trade futures on Wealthsimple? Every contract costs $1 USD, regardless of type or size. Real-time market data is free — no subscription required.
What futures contracts can I trade? At launch: major indices including the S&P 500, and commodities including gold and crude oil, in micro, mini, and standard contract sizes. More markets will be added over time.
Do I need a separate account for futures? No. Futures trading is built into your existing Wealthsimple account alongside stocks, ETFs, options, and crypto.
Can I lose more than I deposit? Yes. Because futures use leverage, losses can exceed your initial deposit if the market moves sharply against your position.
What order types are available? Market, limit, and stop-loss orders are all supported for futures contracts.
Is real-time futures data really free? Yes. Wealthsimple is the only Canadian platform that does not charge a subscription fee for real-time futures market data.
🎁 New to Wealthsimple? Sign up at Wealthsimple with referral code US0EBW and get $25 added to your account after depositing $100.