If you're joining us from outside the US, you already know the game is a little different when it comes to broker access. Tradovate and NinjaTrader Brokerage are US-focused, so you'll need an alternative broker to execute your futures trades. The good news? You absolutely can trade NQ futures from anywhere in the world. You just need the right setup.
This guide walks you through your best broker options, exactly how to open accounts, and all the resources you need to get started. TradingView and FXReplay work the same no matter where you are, so this is really about getting your execution broker sorted.
Your 3-platform setup stays the same. TradingView for charting (NQ1! on 15-sec), your broker's demo for execution practice, and FXReplay for backtesting. The only change is which broker you use for execution.
Interactive Brokers is the safest, most universally accessible option for non-US futures traders. They operate in virtually every country, have a dedicated Canadian entity (Interactive Brokers Canada), and give you direct access to CME Group exchanges where NQ and MNQ trade. They also support CAD, GBP, EUR, AUD, and 20+ other base currencies so you're not bleeding money on conversion fees.
Best for: ALL international traders, especially Canadians. This is the one broker that works everywhere, so if you're unsure, start here.
AMP Futures has an international subsidiary that accepts most non-US residents. They're known for rock-bottom commissions and incredible platform flexibility. They accept deposits in USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, CAD, AUD, HKD, JPY, NZD, and SGD. The $100 minimum makes them very accessible.
Heads up: AMP has country and regional restrictions. Canadians can only open accounts from Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec (BC may be allowed case-by-case). Some countries are fully restricted. Check their restricted list before applying.
Optimus Futures is a CFTC-regulated, NFA-member introducing broker that's been operating since 2004 with a clean track record. They're known for exceptional, personalized customer support and their free proprietary Optimus Flow platform with built-in depth-of-market, footprint charting, and volume analysis. They accept all self-directed Canadian futures traders (all provinces) through their clearing partners Phillip Capital and Ironbeam, making them an excellent alternative if AMP restricts your province.
Heads up: The minimum deposit is $500 (higher than AMP's $100). Optimus Flow desktop is Windows-only (use TradingView or Optimus Web on Mac). Withdrawal fees range from $20 to $60 depending on method. No inactivity fees.
NinjaTrader expanded into Europe in January 2026 through a CySEC-regulated entity. If you're based in an EU or EEA country, you can now use the full NinjaTrader/Tradovate ecosystem the same way US traders do. This is the closest experience to what we use in the cohort.
Best for: EU-based traders who want the exact same setup as US cohort members. If you're in Europe, this is your move.
AMP only accepts clients from select Canadian provinces. If yours isn't listed below, use Interactive Brokers Canada or Optimus Futures instead.
Bottom line: If you're in Alberta, Ontario, or Quebec you can use AMP. Everyone else should go with Interactive Brokers Canada (interactivebrokers.ca) or Optimus Futures (optimusfutures.com), both of which accept clients from all Canadian provinces with no restrictions.
| Feature | Interactive Brokers | AMP Futures | Optimus Futures | NinjaTrader EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Availability | 200+ countries | Most (with restrictions) | International (with restrictions) | EU/EEA only |
| Canada Access | All provinces | AB, ON, QC only | All provinces | No |
| Min. Deposit | $0 / $2,000 margin | $100 | $500 | No minimum |
| NQ/MNQ Access | Yes (CME) | Yes (CME) | Yes (CME) | Yes (CME) |
| TradingView | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Demo Account | Yes (free) | Yes (free) | Yes (free trial) | Yes (14-day trial) |
| Base Currencies | 28 incl. CAD | 12 incl. CAD | USD primary | USD, EUR |
| Withdrawal Fee | 1 free/mo, then $10 | $30 wire | $20 to $60 | $30 wire |
| Best For | Universal pick, Canada | Low-cost, accessible | All-province Canada, support | EU / Tradovate users |
Gather Your Documents. Government-issued photo ID (passport works best for international accounts), proof of address (utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months), and your tax identification number from your country.
Complete the Online Application. All four brokers let you apply fully online. Enter personal info, trading experience, financial details, and employment status. Be honest about your experience level. Select "Futures" as the product you want to trade.
Upload Verification Documents. Upload your ID and proof of address. Use scanned documents rather than phone photos for faster approval. Make sure documents are clear and legible.
Wait for Account Approval. Approval typically takes 1 to 3 business days. You'll receive an email once your account is verified and ready to fund.
Fund Your Account via Wire Transfer. International clients primarily use wire transfers. Log into your broker portal for wiring instructions specific to your currency. Include your account number in the memo/reference field. Your bank may charge a fee for international wires.
Set Up Your Demo/Paper Trading Account. Open your demo account and get familiar with the platform. This is what you'll use during the cohort to practice. Pull up NQ or MNQ on your demo and make sure you can place orders. IBKR calls it "Paper Trading," AMP and NinjaTrader call it "Demo" or "Simulation."
Connect to TradingView (Optional). All four brokers integrate with TradingView. In TradingView, click the "Trading Panel" at the bottom, select your broker, and log in with your broker credentials. This lets you chart and execute from the same screen.
IBKR's official walkthrough covering the full account opening process, depositing, and withdrawals.
Step-by-step lesson on setting up your paper (demo) trading account for risk-free practice during the cohort.
Free courses covering IBKR Desktop, TWS Mosaic, Client Portal, mobile app, and order types.
Futures contract mechanics, margin requirements, and how to close or roll positions on the IBKR platform.
Official lesson on requesting trading permissions, subscribing to market data, and managing your international account.
Complete list of required documents for individual, Canadian, and international account applications.
Official FAQ with screenshots walking you through the full application, document upload, and approval process.
Detailed instructions for international wire transfers, accepted currencies, and ensuring your deposit is credited correctly.
Check this before applying. Lists all restricted countries and Canadian province-level restrictions.
AMP's own 4-step guide covering education, research, paper trading, and getting your account ready.
Browse all 20+ supported platforms including Optimus Flow, TradingView, MetaTrader 5, Sierra Chart, and more.
Official confirmation that Optimus accepts all non-solicited, self-directed Canadian futures traders.
Step-by-step onboarding guide covering education, research, paper trading, and getting your account ready.
Connect your Optimus account to TradingView for charting and execution. Includes verified user reviews.
Sign up for Tradovate's free simulation account with unlimited demo trades and real-time market data.
Step-by-step instructions for linking your Tradovate account to TradingView.
Your charting platform. Works worldwide. Pull up NQ1! and set your chart to the 15-second timeframe.
Your backtesting platform. Browser-based, works worldwide. Replay historical price action at your own pace.
Start with "Understanding Futures" if you're brand new to futures. Then watch the setup video for your specific broker. Finally, watch the execution videos to learn how to actually place trades on TradingView. You don't need to watch everything, just what applies to you.
If you're coming from stocks or forex and futures feel foreign, these will get you up to speed fast.
Uses one of the smallest futures products in the world paired with a simple day trading strategy to make your first experience less stressful. Perfect starting point.
Shows you how to find futures contracts, read contract details, add them to your watchlist, and place your first order on IBKR. Practical walkthrough, not theory.
Multi-lesson video course covering futures mechanics, margin, how to close/roll positions, and finding margin amounts on the platform. Free, no account needed to watch.
50+ free video lessons starting from "What are Futures?" all the way through order types, margin, and strategies. Assumes zero knowledge. No account required, no credit card.
Watch the one that matches the broker you chose, then move on to execution.
Full official walkthrough from application to funding. Covers the exact screens you'll see and what to enter at each step.
Step-by-step for setting up your demo account. This is what you'll use to practice during the cohort.
Specifically for international traders. How to request futures trading permissions, subscribe to CME market data, and configure your account for NQ access.
AMP's official video showing the exact process of connecting your AMP account to TradingView using CQG credentials. Short and to the point.
Written walkthrough with screenshots: create TradingView account, open SuperCharts, select AMP in the Trading Panel, choose your server, and log in.
For EU traders using NinjaTrader/Tradovate. Step-by-step instructions for linking your account to TradingView.
If IBKR is your broker, watch these in order. They show you exactly how to find NQ, place orders, set stops, and manage positions on the platform.
The most current tutorial. Walks through the full IBKR futures setup from scratch: enabling permissions, finding contracts, placing your first trade. Start here if IBKR is your broker.
Uses IBKR's newest Desktop platform (not the old TWS). Shows how to search for micro futures, set up your order ticket, place market and limit orders, and monitor positions. Clean and modern interface.
Complete platform walkthrough for IBKR Desktop. Covers everything from navigation, watchlists, charting, order entry, and account management. Includes Canada-specific account link.
End-to-end walkthrough of futures trading on IBKR. Finding the right contract, understanding the order ticket, placing trades, setting stop-loss and take-profit, and closing positions.
Professional trader walkthrough showing real order execution on IBKR. Good for seeing how someone actually uses the platform in practice, not just theory.
If you're using the classic TWS platform instead of IBKR Desktop, this video shows how to trade micro futures specifically on TWS Mosaic.
Since all four brokers connect to TradingView, these videos apply to everyone. Learn how to place orders, set your stop-loss and take-profit, and manage positions directly from your charts.
Full walkthrough of placing NQ/MNQ orders on TradingView: market orders, limit orders, setting stop-loss and take-profit, bracket orders, and managing open positions. This is the one to bookmark.
Detailed written guide covering the Trading Panel, buy/sell buttons, limit and stop orders from the chart, managing positions, modifying working orders, and viewing trade history. Pairs perfectly with the video above.
Short, clear tutorial showing exactly how to set TP and SL levels directly from the chart. This is the #1 thing you need to know for risk management.
Under 10 minutes. Shows how to automatically set SL/TP on every trade so you never forget. Step-by-step and beginner-friendly.
"This tip would've saved me at least a year in my trading journey." Shows how to make SL/TP automatic so the trade manages itself once you enter.
AMP-specific connection and execution videos.
AMP's official video. Short and to the point: connect AMP to TradingView via CQG credentials, select your server, and you're ready to trade.
Screenshots of every step: create TradingView account, open SuperCharts, click Trading Panel, select AMP, choose your server, enter CQG credentials. Follow alongside the video above.
Shows how to close a long or short futures position and how to roll to the next contract when expiration approaches. Important for when contracts expire quarterly.
If you want to go deeper on your own time, this is the best free resource available.
Full video courses covering IBKR Desktop, TWS Mosaic, Client Portal, mobile app, order types, overnight trading, and event contracts. All free, self-paced.
Everything futures in one place: video courses, expert-led webinars, CME Group collaboration content, podcasts, and the latest market analysis. Bookmark this page.
Teaches futures using Tradovate and TradingView specifically. Covers platform setup, charting, indicators, funded accounts, and includes demonstration videos.
Remember: You don't need to master your broker's entire platform before the cohort. You need to (1) open an account, (2) get your demo running, and (3) know how to place a market order and a limit order. Everything else you'll learn as we go. Don't let the setup phase become an excuse not to trade.
Yes! NQ and MNQ futures trade on the CME, which is accessible to international traders through brokers like Interactive Brokers, AMP Futures, and Optimus Futures. You'll be trading the exact same contracts on the exact same exchange as US traders.
No. All recommended brokers accept international wire transfers in multiple currencies. Interactive Brokers supports 28+ currencies and AMP supports 12 currencies including CAD, EUR, GBP, and AUD.
Our session is Monday through Thursday, 9:00 to 10:30 AM EST. NQ futures trade nearly 24 hours (Sunday 6 PM to Friday 5 PM EST), so you'll always have access. Convert 9:00 AM EST to your local time zone and plan accordingly.
Many prop firms accept international traders, but each has its own country restrictions. Check each firm's website directly. The skills you learn in the cohort translate to any prop firm evaluation.
Go with Interactive Brokers Canada (interactivebrokers.ca) or Optimus Futures (optimusfutures.com). Both accept clients from all Canadian provinces with no restrictions. IBKR is the most full-featured, while Optimus is known for outstanding personal support and lower micro contract commissions.
Yes, Tradovate offers a free 14-day demo trial that's available internationally. You can use it to practice during the cohort. After the trial, you'd use your chosen broker's demo for continued practice.
Reach out directly in the Circle community. We'll work together to find a solution for your specific situation. There are additional options depending on your country.