Our review of AMP Futures 2025 - 3.5/5

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AMP Futures in brief

Our opinion of AMP Futures

We particularly liked the extensive range of trading platforms offered by AMP Futures, with over 60 options, including MetaTrader 5, Sierra Chart, and MultiCharts. This variety caters to traders with diverse preferences and needs, especially those focusing on futures and options.

The competitive commission structure is another advantage, making it appealing for cost-conscious active traders. Additionally, the broker's regulation by the CFTC and NFA adds credibility and ensures compliance with stringent industry standards.

We would have liked to see a broader asset offering, as AMP Futures exclusively focuses on futures and options on futures, leaving out popular asset classes such as stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies.

The high fees for withdrawals and the lack of features like mobile accessibility for key platforms and copy trading capabilities are areas where the broker falls short compared to competitors. Customer support, while available, could benefit from more consistent responsiveness to ensure reliable service during critical trading moments.

Who is AMP Futures designed for?

AMP Futures is best suited to experienced futures traders who require advanced platform options and prioritize low trading fees over access to a wider range of assets or additional features. 

Before you zero in on AMP Futures, explore other options in the market:

Let's find out more about our test results on AMP Futures.

Security and reliability 3.5/5

AMP Futures, established in 2010, is a U.S.-based brokerage specializing in futures and options trading. Over the years, it has earned a reputation as a cost-effective broker with a focus on providing low commissions and access to multiple trading platforms. While the exact number of active users is not publicly disclosed, AMP Futures caters to a global clientele of retail and institutional traders.

Despite its long-standing presence in the futures market, AMP Futures has not received major industry awards, which may suggest a more understated position in the competitive brokerage space. However, its focus on competitive pricing and platform variety has made it a popular choice among futures traders.

Reliability for Canadian Traders

AMP Futures is regulated by top-tier U.S. authorities, including the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the National Futures Association (NFA). These regulatory bodies ensure strict compliance with financial standards, offering protection to U.S.-based clients.

However, AMP Futures is not registered with Canadian regulators such as the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC), or Alberta Securities Commission (ASC). As a result, Canadian traders may face limited recourse in the event of disputes, which could impact their confidence in using the broker.

Features to Control Risk

AMP Futures offers several features to help traders manage risk effectively:

• Margin Controls: Clear margin requirements for futures contracts to prevent overexposure.
• Negative Balance Protection: Ensures traders cannot lose more than their account balance.
• Stop-Loss Orders: Allows traders to set predefined levels to minimize potential losses.
• Risk Management on Platforms: Advanced trading platforms like Sierra Chart and MultiCharts provide tools for position sizing, risk calculations, and real-time monitoring.

Market and asset diversity 2.5/5

AMP Futures positions itself as a specialist in futures and options trading, targeting traders who focus exclusively on these instruments. While the broker offers access to a variety of futures contracts, including commodities, indices, and bonds, its narrow focus on futures trading limits its appeal to those looking for broader market diversity.

Competitors often provide access to forex, equities, and cryptocurrencies, which are missing from AMP Futures’ offerings. This lack of diversification may leave some traders seeking alternative brokers with a wider selection of tradable assets.

Our opinion on the offerings from AMP Futures

While AMP Futures provides access to a variety of futures contracts, its lack of diversification into other asset classes, such as forex, equities, and cryptocurrencies, significantly limits its market appeal. This focus on a niche market may suit experienced futures traders but leaves the broker behind competitors who cater to a broader audience with more diverse offerings. AMP Futures would benefit from expanding its product portfolio to attract a wider range of traders.

Platforms and tools 3.5/5

AMP Futures is well-regarded for its extensive range of trading platforms, offering over 60 options to cater to the diverse preferences of futures traders. This variety provides access to robust analytical tools and customizable features, ensuring traders have the resources they need for advanced trading strategies. However, the lack of mobile-friendly or web-based alternatives for some key platforms may limit flexibility.

Available Platforms

• MetaTrader 5 (MT5): A popular platform offering advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and automated trading via Expert Advisors.
• Sierra Chart: Known for its professional-grade charting and market analysis tools, Sierra Chart is favored by advanced futures traders.
• MultiCharts .NET: A robust platform for futures trading with excellent technical analysis features, though it is only available as a desktop application.
• TradingView: Integrated with AMP Futures, it allows users to trade directly from TradingView’s charts, providing a user-friendly interface with powerful analytical tools.
• CQG: A reliable platform offering direct market access and comprehensive order routing capabilities.

Analysis Tools and Decision Aids

• Technical Indicators: All platforms provide access to a wide variety of technical indicators, including moving averages, Bollinger Bands, MACD, and RSI.
• Customizable Charts: Platforms like Sierra Chart and TradingView offer highly customizable charting features with multi-timeframe views.
• Automated Trading: Supported on MT5 and MultiCharts, allowing traders to implement algorithmic strategies.
• Market Depth (DOM): Many platforms include a Depth of Market (DOM) feature for advanced order execution and real-time liquidity analysis.
• Historical Data Access: Some platforms provide access to historical market data for backtesting trading strategies.

Order Types Supported

• Market orders
• Limit orders
• Stop-loss orders
• Trailing stops
• OCO (One-Cancels-the-Other) orders
• Bracket orders

Fees, spreads and commissions 3.5/5

AMP Futures positions itself as a low-cost broker in the futures market, with competitive commission rates that appeal to active traders. However, its fee structure for withdrawals and data subscriptions can add up, reducing its attractiveness for cost-sensitive traders. Unlike brokers offering forex and CFDs, AMP Futures does not provide spreads but instead charges exchange-specific fees for futures contracts.

Fees and Commission Comparison

Other Fees

• Deposit/Withdrawal Fees: AMP Futures charges no fees for deposits. However, withdrawal fees for bank wires range from $30 to $50 USD, depending on the currency and region, which is higher than most competitors.
• Data and Platform Fees: Many platforms supported by AMP Futures require separate subscriptions, with prices ranging from $10 to $50+ per month, depending on the platform and exchange data access.
• Inactivity Fees: AMP Futures does not charge inactivity fees, which is a positive feature for less active traders.
• Overnight Fees: As AMP Futures specializes in direct futures trading, there are no overnight swap fees like those charged by CFD brokers.

How is AMP Futures's price positioning?

AMP Futures delivers on its promise of low commissions for futures trading, particularly for active traders who focus on high-volume strategies. However, the additional costs for platform subscriptions, data fees, and high withdrawal charges detract from its overall cost-effectiveness. Compared to brokers that bundle platform access and data services at reduced rates, AMP Futures’ fee structure may be less appealing for traders with smaller accounts or those trading infrequently. While it’s ideal for professional futures traders, casual traders may find the overall costs burdensome.

Customer reviews 4.4/5

AMP Futures holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.4 out of 5, based on 708 reviews. While the overall rating reflects customer satisfaction, individual experiences highlight specific areas of strength and concern.

Here are some recent testimonials from Canadian users:

• Lisa P (February 4, 2025): "I’ve been trading with AMP Futures for over a year now, and I appreciate their low commissions for futures contracts. However, the wire withdrawal process has been frustrating—it took almost 10 days to receive my funds, and the fees were higher than expected. The Sierra Chart platform is fantastic for technical analysis, but customer service could be more responsive when addressing technical issues."
• Daniel C (December 20, 2024): "AMP Futures offers a huge variety of platforms, which is great if you’re looking for flexibility. I’ve been using MetaTrader 5, and the execution speeds are excellent. That said, navigating the setup process for data subscriptions was confusing, and it took several emails to customer support to get it resolved. Overall, the trading conditions are solid, but the onboarding process could use some improvement."
• Emily T (January 15, 2025): "As a new trader in the futures market, AMP’s demo account was really helpful for practicing strategies without risking real money. However, when I transitioned to a live account, I found the MultiCharts platform a bit overwhelming to set up. I wish they had more beginner-friendly resources for platform tutorials. Despite this, their low fees make them a good choice for futures trading once you get the hang of the platforms."

How is AMP Futures positioned in relation to its competitors?

Conclusion of our review on AMP Futures

AMP Futures caters to traders specializing in futures and options, offering a large selection of over 60 trading platforms, including MetaTrader 5, Sierra Chart, and MultiCharts. Its low minimum deposit of $100 USD and competitive commissions make it appealing to active futures traders. The availability of a demo account is a positive, allowing traders to practice strategies before committing funds.

However, the broker’s focus on futures trading limits its appeal for those seeking a broader range of assets such as stocks, forex, or cryptocurrencies. Unlike competitors, AMP Futures lacks features like copy trading and does not provide commission-free stock trading, which are increasingly expected in modern brokerage offerings. Additionally, withdrawal fees ranging from $30 to $50 USD are high compared to industry standards, which may deter traders who prioritize cost-efficiency.

AMP Futures is well-suited for experienced futures traders but less so for those looking for diversified asset options or innovative features like copy trading. 

Before opening an account with AMP Futures, compare the best brokers in Canada.

What types of accounts are available with AMP Futures in Canada?

AMP Futures provides a straightforward account structure catering to individual, joint, corporate, and IRA accounts. These accounts are tailored to meet the needs of futures traders, focusing on simplicity and accessibility. Below is a summary table of the key characteristics of each account type:

Individual Account

The Individual Account is designed for single traders who wish to trade futures and options on futures. It requires a minimum deposit of $100 USD, providing access to all supported platforms, including MetaTrader 5, Sierra Chart, and MultiCharts. This account type is suitable for most retail traders due to its simplicity and low entry requirements. All trades are subject to AMP Futures' competitive commission structure.

Joint Account

The Joint Account is structured for two or more individuals who wish to trade together. It offers the same features as the Individual Account, with joint ownership of funds and trades. This account type is often used by spouses, business partners, or family members sharing a trading strategy. A minimum deposit of $100 USD is required, and market access is identical to that of the Individual Account.

Corporate Account

The Corporate Account caters to businesses or entities looking to engage in futures trading. It includes all the features of individual and joint accounts but allows for trading under a corporate name. This account type requires additional documentation to verify the corporate entity, and the minimum deposit is $100 USD. It is ideal for professional firms or companies actively trading in futures markets.

IRA Account

The IRA Account is specifically designed for U.S. traders who wish to use tax-advantaged retirement accounts to trade futures and options. IRA Accounts comply with regulations for retirement savings, and the minimum deposit requirements may vary depending on the custodian. It provides access to the same range of markets and platforms, allowing for a wide variety of trading strategies while adhering to IRA rules.

Demo Account

AMP Futures provides an unlimited demo account for traders who want to practice their strategies risk-free. The demo account comes with simulated funds (typically $50,000 USD) and offers access to all platforms and markets available on live accounts. This feature is invaluable for beginners learning futures trading or for experienced traders testing strategies in real-time market conditions. Since it involves no real capital, the demo account is not subject to any fees or regulatory constraints.

Deposits and withdrawals at AMP Futures: How does it work?

AMP Futures provides limited options for deposits and withdrawals, primarily relying on bank wire transfers. While bank transfers are secure and widely accepted, the absence of alternative methods like credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies makes the process less convenient for some traders.

Additionally, the withdrawal fees—ranging from $30 to $50—are higher than what many competitors charge, particularly those that offer free or lower-cost withdrawal options. Processing times of 1-3 business days are standard for bank transfers but fall short when compared to brokers offering near-instant withdrawals through modern payment methods.

Overall, AMP Futures' reliance on traditional banking methods limits its accessibility and flexibility, especially for traders seeking quicker and more cost-effective payment solutions. Competitors with diverse payment options and lower fees are better positioned to meet the needs of a broader audience.

Does AMP Futures offer copy trading?

AMP Futures does not offer copy trading or social trading features as part of its services. The broker focuses exclusively on providing a specialized trading experience in futures and options on futures, with access to professional-grade platforms such as MetaTrader 5, Sierra Chart, and MultiCharts.

Key Points:

• No Copy Trading Software: AMP Futures does not support platforms or tools like ZuluTrade, Myfxbook, or other similar copy trading systems commonly integrated with brokers offering forex or CFD trading.
• No Social Trading Features: The broker does not provide interactive features like community-driven forums, trader performance sharing, or leaderboards, which are typically associated with social trading platforms.
• Focus on Professional Trading: Instead of social or copy trading, AMP Futures emphasizes advanced trading tools and platforms catering to experienced traders who manage their strategies independently.

If you’re looking for copy or social trading functionalities, alternative brokers may better suit your needs. Let me know if you need help comparing those options!

What is the tax treatment of income generated by AMP Futures?

Income generated from trading futures and options through AMP Futures is subject to taxation under Canadian tax laws, governed by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). How the income is taxed depends on the classification of the trading activity—whether it's considered capital gains or business income.

1. Capital Gains

If trading activity is occasional or intended as an investment, any profits are typically classified as capital gains.

• Taxable Amount: Only 50% of the capital gains are subject to tax at your marginal tax rate. For example, if you generate $10,000 in profits, only $5,000 will be taxed.
• Offsetting Losses: Capital losses can be deducted from capital gains in the same year, or carried forward or backward to offset gains in other years.

2. Business Income

If trading activity is frequent, speculative, or considered your primary source of income, it may be classified as business income.

• Taxable Amount: 100% of trading profits are taxed at your marginal tax rate.
• Deductible Expenses: Trading-related costs, such as platform fees, data subscriptions, withdrawal charges, and other expenses directly tied to trading, can be deducted from your taxable income.
• This classification is often applied to day traders or those whose trading activity resembles a business.

How to declare your trading income

Capital Gains Declaration

• Report capital gains on Schedule 3 – Capital Gains (or Losses) of your T1 General income tax return.
• Include details of each transaction, including the purchase price (adjusted cost base), selling price, and any related expenses (e.g., commission fees).

Business Income Declaration

• Report business income on Form T2125 – Statement of Business or Professional Activities.
• Include all trading profits as gross income, and list deductible expenses to calculate your net taxable income.

Foreign Income Reporting

• Since AMP Futures is a U.S.-based broker, any income or account balances denominated in foreign currencies (e.g., USD) must be converted to Canadian dollars (CAD) using the exchange rate at the time of the transaction.
• If your foreign holdings exceed $100,000 CAD at any point during the year, you must file Form T1135 – Foreign Income Verification Statement.

Points to remember while filing your taxes

• No Tax-Advantaged Accounts: AMP Futures does not offer tax-advantaged accounts like Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) or Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs). As such, all income generated is taxable under regular income tax rules.
• Record Keeping: It is crucial to maintain accurate records of all transactions, including dates, amounts, fees, and exchange rates, as the CRA may require documentation in case of an audit.
• Consult a Tax Professional: Due to the complexity of tax laws surrounding futures trading and foreign income reporting, consulting a tax expert is recommended to ensure compliance.

Contact: How do I contact AMP Futures customer service?

FAQs

Nishadh Mohammed

Nishadh Mohammed is a seasoned news editor and financial writer, working with HelloSafe since May 2023. Nishadh has developed expertise in financial markets, insurance, and investment products, with a deep understanding of the Canadian financial landscape. He has honed his SEO skills and content marketing strategies while writing for Canadian publishing houses. Armed with a master's in Business Analytics and extensive journalistic experience, Nishadh uniquely combines data proficiency and thorough research to deliver comprehensive and accessible information.