Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the minimum deposit to open an account with Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc.?

A deposit of only $5,000.00 is required to open an account (unless otherwise stated).

2. How soon and how often do I have to trade once my account is open?

You may begin trading your account whenever you are fully prepared and you can trade as frequently as you like.

3. How are my trades reported to me and will I receive a monthly statement?

Each transaction in your account is followed immediately by a confirmation statement sent directly to the e-mail address you provide. You will receive a monthly statement a week or so after the end of each month detailing all activity in your account for that month.

4. Can I access my account information online?

Yes. Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc. will (at your request) assign you a password and user I.D. in order to access your account information. Rest assured your account information is secure and private online.

5. Will I be assigned a broker to work with or can I choose one that I prefer?

In general, when you open an account with Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc., you are given the opportunity to either choose your broker or have one assigned to you. We simply want you to be comfortable with whomever you work with. If you are not sure who you would like for your broker, check out our Staff Profiles page to find out more about our brokers.

6. Does Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc. offer assistance for traders who only want to invest in options on futures?

Yes we do.

7. Is Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc. registered and regulated?

Yes, Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc. is registered with the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) and is a member of NFA (National Futures Association).

8. Can I access/review Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc.'s regulatory record with the NFA?

Yes, (Click here to do so).

9. How fast can I expect my fills to be returned to me?

For online accounts, market order fills are returned to you in as little as five to ten seconds. If you are placing a market order with a broker, often you can have your fill back while you hold. Fill reporting times may vary depending on the type of order placed (limit, stop, etc.) and the condition of the market when your price is hit.

10. Where are my funds held?

Rules governing the futures industry require that customer positions and monies be accounted for separately from your clearing firm. This is done to protect the client from the possibility of financial instability of the clearing member. All money is held on deposit at one of several investment grade Chicago and New York banks.

11. How much money do I have to keep in my account once it is open?

Once your account is open, there is no minimum balance requirement beyond the margin rates for any positions held in your account.

12. Can I earn interest on my funds in my accounts?

Yes. With a minimum balance of $10,000.00, Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc. will (upon your instructions) purchase a US Treasury bill that is marginable against futures transactions.

13. What margin rates are required by Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc. to open (purchase/sale) and hold (maintain) a position?

While some firms may require margin rates in excess of those posted by the various exchanges, Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc. requires only exchange minimum margin deposits. Nobody will offer lower margin rates than Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc.
Click Here To View Our Margin Rates

14. How do I deposit or withdrawl money from my account?

Withdrawals or deposits can be made by check or wire. Contact your Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc. broker when deciding which way is best for you.

15. What kind of account can I open with Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc.?

There are several types of accounts available. They are as follows:



1. Individual
2. Joint
3. Sole Proprietor
4. Partnership
5. Corporate
6. Retirement Plan

Power of attorney arrangements are available as well.

16. How quickly can I open an account and how soon can I begin trading?

New accounts can be opened in as little as 48-72 hours (with good funds wired into the account).

17. Can I transfer an account from another firm to Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc.?

Yes, you can. Simply complete a transfer request form and complete the new account form. There is no cost and we will handle the rest.

18. Can I open more than one account at Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc.?

You can open an account for yourself and anyone else that you wish to.

19. Can I trade contracts on foreign exchanges with my Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc. account?

Yes, Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc. can assist you in placing your trade on almost any regulated exchange around the world.

20. Can I assign my Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc. broker the right to trade a particular system on my behalf for my account?

Yes. Commodity, Futures, and Options Service, Inc. brokers are fully capable of handling orders on a "system assist" basis for its clients.