Yes, WeBull offers futures trading, but you need a separate account and cash to start
WeBull lets you trade futures contracts through its platform, but it is not the same as trading stocks. You must open a WeBull Futures account separately from your regular stock account, and you need to fund it with cash — not margin or buying power from your stock holdings. Futures trading on WeBull is available to U.S. residents who meet the platform's account requirements.
Futures are contracts to buy or sell a commodity, index, or currency at a set price on a future date. Unlike stocks, where you own a piece of a company, futures are agreements. WeBull offers contracts on major indexes like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100, as well as commodities like crude oil, natural gas, and gold, and currencies like the euro and British pound.
Key Takeaways
- You must open a separate WeBull Futures account and fund it with cash; it does not share money with your stock account.
- WeBull futures trading is available during extended hours — from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon — with breaks overnight.
- Futures contracts require you to post margin, which is a deposit that covers potential losses; the amount depends on the contract type.
- Futures prices move in larger increments than stocks, so a small price move can result in a large dollar gain or loss on your account.
How to open a WeBull Futures account
Start by logging into your existing WeBull account. Look for the "Futures" tab or section in the main menu — the exact location may vary depending on whether you are using the mobile app or desktop version. Click on it and select the option to open a futures account.
WeBull will ask you to complete a questionnaire about your trading experience and financial situation. Answer honestly; the platform uses this to determine whether you meet its requirements. You will also need to agree to the futures account agreement and risk disclosures. Read these carefully — they explain how futures work and the risks involved.
Once approved, you can fund the account by transferring cash from your bank or from your WeBull stock account (if you have one). The minimum deposit varies, so check the current requirement when you open the account. Your futures account balance is separate from your stock account, so money in one does not automatically move to the other.
What margin means in futures trading
Margin in futures is not a loan — it is a deposit that WeBull holds to cover potential losses on your open contracts. If the price of a futures contract moves against you, your account balance shrinks. If it shrinks too far, WeBull will close your positions automatically to prevent your account from going negative. This is called a margin call.
The margin requirement depends on the contract. A micro E-mini S&P 500 contract (a smaller version of the standard contract) might require $500 to $800 in margin, while a standard E-mini S&P 500 contract could require $2,000 or more. WeBull displays the margin requirement for each contract before you place a trade, so you know exactly how much of your account balance will be tied up.
If you have $5,000 in your futures account and a contract requires $2,000 in margin, you can only open one contract. You cannot open a second one until the first one closes or your account balance rises. This is different from stock trading, where you can often borrow money to buy more shares.
Trading hours and contract types on WeBull
WeBull futures trading runs nearly around the clock. The market opens Sunday evening at 5 p.m. Eastern time and closes Friday at 4 p.m. Eastern time. There is a one-hour break each weeknight from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. This extended schedule means you can trade at times when the stock market is closed.
WeBull offers several contract types. Micro contracts are smaller and require less margin — they are often a good starting point for new futures traders. Standard contracts are larger and move in bigger dollar increments. For example, a one-point move in a standard E-mini S&P 500 contract is worth $50, while the same move in a micro contract is worth $5. The platform clearly labels which is which when you are placing a trade.
How price moves translate to gains and losses
Futures contracts have a multiplier — a number that determines how much each price movement is worth in dollars. If you buy one E-mini S&P 500 contract and the index rises 10 points, your gain is $50 (10 points × $50 per point). If it falls 10 points, your loss is $50. This happens when ready as the price moves; you do not have to wait until the contract expires to see the change in your account balance.
This is why futures can be risky. A $2,000 margin deposit on a standard contract means a 10-point move in the wrong direction wipes out 25 percent of your account. A 40-point move against you would wipe out your entire deposit and close your position. Micro contracts are less volatile in dollar terms because the multiplier is smaller, but the same principle applies.
WeBull shows your unrealized gain or loss in real time as you hold a position. When you close the contract (by selling if you bought, or buying if you sold), the gain or loss becomes real and settles into your account balance.
Fees and commissions for futures trading
WeBull charges a commission for each futures contract you open and close. The exact amount depends on the contract type and current promotions. Check the WeBull website or app for the current commission schedule before you start trading. Some brokers offer commission-free or reduced-commission periods for new futures traders, so look for any active offers.
In addition to commissions, you may pay exchange fees and clearing fees. These are small charges that go to the exchanges and clearinghouses that operate the futures markets. WeBull typically discloses these fees in the order confirmation after you place a trade.
Closing a futures position before expiration
Most futures traders close their positions before the contract expires. If you bought a contract, you close it by selling the same contract. If you sold a contract, you close it by buying it back. You do not have to wait for the contract to expire or take physical delivery of the underlying commodity or index.
When you close a position, WeBull calculates your total gain or loss, subtracts commissions and fees, and deposits the net result into your futures account. If you made money, the balance goes up. If you lost money, it goes down. You can then withdraw the cash back to your bank or use it to open new positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum account balance to trade futures on WeBull?
Yes. WeBull requires a minimum deposit to open a futures account, though the exact amount may change. Check the current requirement on the WeBull website or app when you open the account. This is separate from any minimum required to maintain an open position (the margin requirement).
Can I use margin from my WeBull stock account to trade futures?
No. Your futures account is separate and must be funded with cash from your bank or transferred from your stock account. Buying power or margin from your stock account does not carry over to futures trading.
What happens if my account balance falls below the margin requirement?
WeBull will close your open positions automatically to bring your account back into compliance. This is called a margin call liquidation. You lose any remaining balance after the positions close and commissions are paid. This can happen very quickly if the market moves sharply against you.
Can I trade futures on WeBull at night or on weekends?
Yes. WeBull futures trading is open Sunday through Friday, with a one-hour break each weeknight. You can trade during these extended hours, though liquidity (the number of buyers and sellers) is lower during off-peak times, which can affect how quickly your order fills.
What is the difference between a micro contract and a standard contract?
A micro contract is one-tenth the size of a standard contract and requires less margin. A one-point move in a micro E-mini S&P 500 contract is worth $5, while the same move in a standard contract is worth $50. Micro contracts are often better for traders who are new to futures or want to risk less money per trade.