Tradovate vs ThinkorSwim for Futures Trading

[Chuck]

I am looking to trade E-Mini Futures, I am presently trading the Micros on TOS, but it is next to impossible to overcome the fees, and slippage. I was considering the E-Mini vs/ the Micros but TOS requires to much capital in the account for my present situation. I was looking at another platform to trade futures on and was wondering if any of you guys have any experience with Tradovate. I am curious about how much it cost in and out of a contract, total fees?

 

[Alex]

Tradovate is much better than TOS for futures.

 

[Chuck]

Alex, I have only traded Micro Eminies, how much is it for a full in and out contract of let’s say /ES Emini future with comics soon and all fees included?

 

[Alex]

Here is their full commissions list: https://www.tradovate.com/TradovateAllInRates.pdf

 

[Chuck]

Thanks, thats exactly what I needed. I greatly appreciate it.

 

[codydog]

I dont know anything about Tradovate but would ask if they are a FCM or a clearing member, and focus if they commingle your money with other customers.

 

[Alex]

I dont know anything about Tradovate but would ask if they are a FCM or a clearing member, and focus if they commingle your money with other customers.

Tradovate is just a platform. You have the choice of using either Dorman trading or Phillip capital for clearing.

 

[codydog]

They self-identify as a brokerage firm, so, asking exactly what they are make sense

https://www.tradovate.com/press-releases/

 

[Chuck]

Got this from their website:

Your funds are held with the FCM you opened the account with. The official bank depositories are as follows:

• Dorman Trading LLC
  • USD-BMO Harris Bank N.A.
  • EUR-Barclays Bank PLC
  • AUD-Commonwealth Bank of Australia
• Phillip Capital Inc.
  • USD-Citibank N.A.
  • EUR-Citibank London
  • AUD-Commonwealth Bank of Australia
  • GBP-Royal Bank of Scotland

 

[Chuck]

Alex,

Do you use Tradovate or have you ever? Read somewhere that trades are restricted in times of volatility? I cant find that article now.

 

[ZeloDantes]

I have been using Tradovate for a while now and have no complaints

 

[RickK]

Ditto..... No complaints, very fast fills, great fee structure. Charting is an acquired taste tho. I use TOS to chart....even though the candle painting can lag at times.

 

[Chuck]

I am using Tradovate to buy/sell and TOS to chart. The charts are terrible on Tradovate, but $550 to purchase a E-Mini contract has me using them until I graduate and can do so on TOS.

 

[Nomak]

I see the initial as $18,700 for Nasdaq futures on Tradovate. Can anyone confirm trading Nasdaq with a lower initial? (Looking to do 2-3 contracts with 5k funding, considering the day margin is $600 per contract)

 

[Chuck]

I see the initial as $18,700 for Nasdaq futures on Tradovate. Can anyone confirm trading Nasdaq with a lower initial? (Looking to do 2-3 contracts with 5k funding, considering the day margin is $600 per contract)

Nomak, See the margin requirements bellow: https://www.tradovate.com/resources/markets/margin/

Give them a call and let them explain it to you.

 

[Nomak]

Nomak, See the margin requirements bellow: https://www.tradovate.com/resources/markets/margin/

Give them a call and let them explain it to you.

Posting this for useful info:

I called, the term "initial" is for those trading between 4pm ET to 6pm ET or carry a trade over 4pm ET. (you can get a margin call warning if you carry over without enough funds)

$600 is for "Day Margins" hours 8am ET to 4pm ET
$1000 is for "Overnight Margins" hours 6pm ET to 8am ET