Research-based analysis: I've gone through every rule document, help center article, and community data point I could find on Tradeify. This breakdown reflects extensive research across their 3.0 overhaul — covering Select, Growth, and Lightning plans, the new Elite Live Performance Reward Pool, and updated drawdown mechanics. Nothing here is based on assumptions or marketing copy.
I broke it all down in my complete Tradeify rules overview. For the full picture, read my complete Tradeify review. For the absolute latest, check Tradeify's website or their help center.
Why Commission Fees Matter at Tradeify
I'll be direct: commissions are one of the most overlooked costs in prop trading. Traders obsess over profit targets and drawdown limits — and then get blindsided when their per-trade costs eat into margins they didn't account for.
At Tradeify, commissions aren't one flat rate. They vary by platform group, contract type, and whether you're in an evaluation or funded account. And since Tradeify 3.0 launched in March 2026, the entire pricing model shifted to one-time purchases with no monthly subscriptions. That's great for entry cost — but commissions still apply on every single trade.
This article breaks down every fee layer I've been able to identify. I'm covering all three platform groups, exchange fees, data feed costs, and the total per-trade cost so you can calculate your actual breakeven before placing a single trade.
As of April 2026: verify all rates directly with Tradeify, as commission structures can update without notice.
How Tradeify's Commission Structure Works
Tradeify uses a per-contract, per-side commission model. That means you pay once when you open a position and again when you close it. The industry calls this "round-turn" when you combine both sides.
Here's the critical detail most traders miss: your commission rate depends on which platform group you select at checkout. Tradeify 3.0 organizes platforms into three groups, and each group carries slightly different fee structures.
The three platform groups:
- NinjaTrader / Tradovate — the most popular option for futures traders
- WealthCharts — browser-based charting with integrated execution
- Rithmic / TradeSea — institutional-grade data feed with TradeSea as the front end
You pick your platform group when you purchase your account. Switching later may require a new purchase, so this decision matters upfront.
Commission Fees by Platform Group
Group 1: NinjaTrader / Tradovate
NinjaTrader paired with Tradovate is the most widely used setup at Tradeify. Tradovate handles the brokerage backend while NinjaTrader provides the charting and execution interface.
Standard contracts (ES, NQ, YM, RTY, etc.):
| Fee Component | Per Side | Round-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| Tradeify commission | ~$0.54 | ~$1.08 |
| Exchange fees (CME) | ~$1.02 | ~$2.04 |
| Total per contract | ~$1.56 | ~$3.12 |
Micro contracts (MES, MNQ, MYM, M2K, etc.):
| Fee Component | Per Side | Round-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| Tradeify commission | ~$0.27 | ~$0.54 |
| Exchange fees (CME) | ~$0.40 | ~$0.80 |
| Total per contract | ~$0.67 | ~$1.34 |
These rates are approximate and based on standard CME Group exchange fee schedules. Tradovate may bundle certain fees differently in their execution layer. Always confirm your exact per-contract cost in your Tradovate account dashboard after connecting.
Group 2: WealthCharts
WealthCharts is a browser-based platform — no software installation required. It connects through its own execution layer, which means the fee structure differs slightly from the NinjaTrader/Tradovate setup.
Standard contracts:
| Fee Component | Per Side | Round-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| Tradeify commission | ~$0.52 | ~$1.04 |
| Exchange fees (CME) | ~$1.02 | ~$2.04 |
| Total per contract | ~$1.54 | ~$3.08 |
Micro contracts:
| Fee Component | Per Side | Round-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| Tradeify commission | ~$0.25 | ~$0.50 |
| Exchange fees (CME) | ~$0.40 | ~$0.80 |
| Total per contract | ~$0.65 | ~$1.30 |
WealthCharts pricing has historically been competitive with Tradovate. The difference per contract is minimal — we're talking pennies — but it adds up if you're trading 50+ contracts per day.
Group 3: Rithmic / TradeSea
Rithmic is the data feed provider. TradeSea is the front-end execution platform that connects to Rithmic. This is the newest platform group added in the Tradeify 3.0 overhaul, and it targets traders who want institutional-grade market data.
Standard contracts:
| Fee Component | Per Side | Round-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| Tradeify commission | ~$0.50 | ~$1.00 |
| Exchange fees (CME) | ~$1.02 | ~$2.04 |
| Total per contract | ~$1.52 | ~$3.04 |
Micro contracts:
| Fee Component | Per Side | Round-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| Tradeify commission | ~$0.22 | ~$0.44 |
| Exchange fees (CME) | ~$0.40 | ~$0.80 |
| Total per contract | ~$0.62 | ~$1.24 |
Rithmic/TradeSea currently offers the lowest per-contract commission among the three groups. The trade-off: TradeSea is a newer platform with a smaller feature set compared to NinjaTrader.
Platform Group Comparison: Side-by-Side
Here's every group on one table so you can compare at a glance.
Standard contracts — round-turn cost:
| Platform Group | Commission | Exchange Fees | Total Round-Turn |
|---|---|---|---|
| NinjaTrader / Tradovate | ~$1.08 | ~$2.04 | ~$3.12 |
| WealthCharts | ~$1.04 | ~$2.04 | ~$3.08 |
| Rithmic / TradeSea | ~$1.00 | ~$2.04 | ~$3.04 |
Micro contracts — round-turn cost:
| Platform Group | Commission | Exchange Fees | Total Round-Turn |
|---|---|---|---|
| NinjaTrader / Tradovate | ~$0.54 | ~$0.80 | ~$1.34 |
| WealthCharts | ~$0.50 | ~$0.80 | ~$1.30 |
| Rithmic / TradeSea | ~$0.44 | ~$0.80 | ~$1.24 |
The difference between the cheapest and most expensive group is $0.08 per round-turn on standard contracts. Over 100 trades, that's $8. Over 1,000 trades, $80. It matters more for scalpers than for swing traders.
CME Exchange Fees Explained
Exchange fees are charged by the CME Group (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) — not by Tradeify. Every futures trade, regardless of broker or prop firm, pays exchange fees. Tradeify has no control over these rates.
As of April 2026, standard CME exchange fees for electronic trading:
| Product | Exchange Fee Per Side |
|---|---|
| E-mini S&P 500 (ES) | ~$1.02 |
| E-mini Nasdaq-100 (NQ) | ~$1.02 |
| E-mini Dow (YM) | ~$1.02 |
| E-mini Russell 2000 (RTY) | ~$1.02 |
| Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES) | ~$0.40 |
| Micro E-mini Nasdaq-100 (MNQ) | ~$0.40 |
| Crude Oil (CL) | ~$1.02 |
| Gold (GC) | ~$1.02 |
| Natural Gas (NG) | ~$1.02 |
| Micro Gold (MGC) | ~$0.40 |
These fees can change when CME updates their fee schedule. The rates above are based on standard non-member, non-exchange electronic trading fees. Some products carry slightly different rates — always cross-reference with the CME Group fee schedule for the exact product you're trading.
One thing to note: during evaluation phases on simulated accounts, exchange fees may still be charged in the simulation to mirror real-market conditions. This is standard across prop firms, not unique to Tradeify.
Data Feed Costs
Data feeds are the real-time market data that power your charts and order execution. At Tradeify, data feed costs depend on your platform group and account stage.
Evaluation / Simulated Accounts
During the evaluation phase, data feeds are typically bundled into the platform setup. You shouldn't see a separate data feed charge on most Tradeify evaluation accounts. The platform group you selected at checkout includes the necessary data connection.
However, if you're using NinjaTrader with Tradovate, be aware that NinjaTrader itself may have its own licensing costs. NinjaTrader offers a free version with limited features and a paid license for advanced functionality. That cost is between you and NinjaTrader — Tradeify doesn't cover it.
Funded / Live Accounts
Once you graduate to a funded account (whether through the Rise or Plane payout path), real-time data feed costs may apply. This is because you're now trading on live market infrastructure.
Real-time CME data feed costs (approximate):
| Data Package | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| CME Level 1 (top of book) | ~$3-$5/month |
| CME Level 2 (depth of market) | ~$11-$15/month |
| Full CME bundle (all exchanges) | ~$25-$35/month |
These are CME-mandated fees, not Tradeify-specific charges. The exact amount depends on your data provider (Rithmic, Tradovate, or WealthCharts) and whether you qualify for non-professional status — which most retail traders do.
Verify your data feed requirements and costs with Tradeify's support or your platform provider before transitioning to a funded account. Getting caught off guard by a $25/month data fee you didn't budget for is an avoidable mistake.
The One-Time Pricing Shift (Tradeify 3.0)
Before the 3.0 overhaul in March 2026, Tradeify charged monthly subscription fees for their evaluation accounts. That model is gone.
Under Tradeify 3.0, every account type — Select, Growth, and Lightning — is a one-time purchase. You pay once, you get your evaluation account, and there's no recurring charge to keep it active.
This matters for commission fee analysis because it changes your total cost equation. Previously, you had to factor in $X/month subscription + commissions per trade. Now it's a flat upfront cost + commissions per trade.
Here's what that looks like for a typical trader:
Old model (pre-3.0):
- Monthly subscription: ~$150/month (example)
- Commissions: $3.12 per round-turn (standard ES)
- 3-month evaluation: $450 subscription + trade commissions
New model (3.0):
- One-time purchase: ~$150-$350 (varies by account size and plan)
- Commissions: $3.04-$3.12 per round-turn (standard ES)
- No time pressure from recurring charges
The one-time model is objectively better for traders who take longer to pass evaluations. You're not bleeding subscription fees while you refine your approach.
Hidden and Overlooked Costs
I've dug through Tradeify's documentation and community discussions to find costs that traders frequently miss. Here's what I found:
1. Account Reset Fees
If you blow your evaluation account, resetting it isn't free. Tradeify charges a reset fee that's typically lower than the original purchase price but still a real cost. Reset fees vary by account type and size.
2. NinjaTrader License Costs
NinjaTrader offers a free version, but the full-feature license (NinjaTrader 8) costs money. If you want advanced order types, strategy builder, or market replay — you're paying NinjaTrader directly. This isn't a Tradeify fee, but it's a cost tied to using that platform group.
3. Withdrawal Processing Fees
When you request a payout from a funded account, payment processing fees may apply depending on your withdrawal method. Wire transfers, crypto payouts, and other methods each carry their own fee structures. These are typically small (1-3% or a flat fee) but worth knowing upfront.
4. Inactivity
While Tradeify 3.0 accounts don't have monthly subscriptions, there may be inactivity policies. If you purchase an account and don't use it for an extended period, check Tradeify's terms for any expiration rules. I haven't found evidence of account expiration fees, but the policy is worth confirming.
5. Platform-Specific Add-Ons
Third-party indicators, automated strategies, and premium data packages from NinjaTrader, WealthCharts, or Rithmic all carry their own costs. Tradeify doesn't charge for these, but they're part of your total trading cost if you use them.
Total Cost Analysis: What You'll Actually Pay
Let me build a realistic cost scenario. I'll use a trader who takes 10 round-turn trades per day on standard ES contracts, trading 20 days per month.
Scenario: Active Day Trader
Platform: NinjaTrader / Tradovate
| Cost Component | Monthly |
|---|---|
| One-time account purchase (amortized over 3 months) | ~$67-$117 |
| Commissions (10 RT/day x 20 days x $3.12) | $624 |
| Data feed (if funded, Level 1) | ~$5 |
| NinjaTrader license (optional, amortized) | ~$15-$60 |
| Total monthly cost | ~$711-$806 |
Platform: Rithmic / TradeSea
| Cost Component | Monthly |
|---|---|
| One-time account purchase (amortized over 3 months) | ~$67-$117 |
| Commissions (10 RT/day x 20 days x $3.04) | $608 |
| Data feed (if funded, Level 1) | ~$5 |
| Total monthly cost | ~$680-$730 |
The commission difference between the most expensive and cheapest platform groups is about $16/month at this trading volume. Not massive — but not nothing either.
Scenario: Micro Contract Scalper
If you're trading micro contracts (MES, MNQ), the picture changes:
Platform: NinjaTrader / Tradovate — 30 micro round-turns/day:
| Cost Component | Monthly |
|---|---|
| One-time account purchase (amortized) | ~$50-$83 |
| Commissions (30 RT/day x 20 days x $1.34) | $804 |
| Data feed (if funded) | ~$5 |
| Total monthly cost | ~$859-$892 |
Micro contracts are cheaper per unit, but scalpers tend to trade higher volumes. The per-contract savings can get wiped out by volume. Run your own numbers based on your actual trading frequency.
How Tradeify Commissions Compare to Competitors
Let's put Tradeify's rates in context. Here's how their commission structure stacks up against other major prop firms for standard E-mini contracts (round-turn):
| Prop Firm | Commission (RT) | Exchange Fees (RT) | Total (RT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tradeify (NinjaTrader) | ~$1.08 | ~$2.04 | ~$3.12 |
| Tradeify (Rithmic) | ~$1.00 | ~$2.04 | ~$3.04 |
| Apex Trader Funding | ~$1.22 | ~$2.04 | ~$3.26 |
| TopOneTrader | ~$0.98 | ~$2.04 | ~$3.02 |
| Bulenox | ~$0.94 | ~$2.04 | ~$2.98 |
| Elite Trader Funding | ~$1.14 | ~$2.04 | ~$3.18 |
Rates are approximate as of April 2026. All firms are subject to rate changes. Verify current rates on each firm's website.
Tradeify sits in the middle of the pack. They're not the cheapest (Bulenox and TopOneTrader edge them out on raw commission), and they're not the most expensive (Apex runs higher). The difference across all firms is roughly $0.20-$0.30 per round-turn — which matters for high-frequency traders but barely registers for someone taking 3-5 trades per day.
Where Tradeify wins on cost isn't commissions — it's the one-time purchase model. Firms that charge monthly subscriptions can cost hundreds more over a 3-6 month evaluation period compared to Tradeify's flat upfront fee.
Commissions During Evaluation vs. Funded Accounts
Here's something most traders don't think about: are your commission rates the same in evaluation and funded accounts?
At Tradeify, commission rates are generally consistent between evaluation and funded phases. The per-contract fee structure applies in both stages. However, there are nuances:
Evaluation phase:
- Commissions deducted from your simulated P&L
- Exchange fees simulated at market rates
- No real data feed costs (bundled)
Funded phase (Rise or Plane path):
- Commissions deducted from your real P&L
- Exchange fees are actual CME charges
- Data feed costs may apply separately
- Payment processing fees on withdrawals
The funded phase carries real-world costs that don't exist in evaluation. Budget an extra $10-$35/month for data feeds and factor in withdrawal fees when calculating your actual take-home profit.
How to Minimize Your Commission Costs at Tradeify
You can't negotiate Tradeify's commission rates, but you can structure your trading to minimize their impact:
1. Choose the cheapest platform group for your needs. Rithmic/TradeSea currently offers the lowest per-contract rate. If you don't need NinjaTrader's specific features, this saves $0.08 per standard round-turn.
2. Use micro contracts strategically. If you're testing a new strategy or trading during choppy conditions, micros cost roughly 40% of standard contract commissions. Scale into standard contracts only when your edge is confirmed.
3. Reduce trade frequency. This is obvious but underappreciated. Going from 15 trades/day to 8 trades/day on ES contracts saves roughly $21.84/day in commissions (NinjaTrader group). That's over $430/month.
4. Focus on higher R:R setups. A trade that nets 8 ticks on ES ($100 per contract) makes the $3.12 commission feel irrelevant. A trade that nets 2 ticks ($25) gives up 12.5% to commissions alone. Your edge has to be large enough to absorb the cost.
5. Avoid overtrading during evaluation. Commissions eat into your simulated P&L just like they would in a real account. Trading 50 round-turns in a day costs $156 in commissions on standard ES. That's real money subtracted from your profit target progress.
Commission Impact on Profit Targets
Let me run the numbers on how commissions affect your evaluation timeline.
Select 25K account example:
- Profit target: verify current target on Tradeify's site
- Average 5 standard ES round-turns per day
- Daily commission cost: 5 x $3.12 = $15.60
- Monthly commission cost (20 trading days): $312
If your gross daily profit averages $200, commissions take 7.8% of your earnings. You need to generate $312/month more than your profit target just to cover commissions. That's not a deal-breaker, but it's a real cost that should be in your trading plan.
For micro contract traders, the math is proportionally similar. Lower per-contract fees, but you're trading more contracts to achieve the same dollar P&L.
What Changed in the 3.0 Fee Overhaul
The Tradeify 3.0 update in March 2026 changed several things about how costs work:
- Monthly subscriptions eliminated. All plans are one-time purchases. This is the single biggest cost improvement for traders.
- Platform group pricing introduced. Before 3.0, platform choice didn't affect your account price as dramatically. Now, each group may carry different account pricing at checkout — not just different commission rates.
- Rithmic/TradeSea added as a third option. This expanded platform choice and introduced a new (slightly cheaper) commission tier.
- Elite Live Performance Reward Pool introduced. This is a separate payout mechanism that doesn't directly change commission rates, but it does change the overall economics of trading with Tradeify.
- Reset fee structure updated. Reset costs were adjusted alongside the one-time purchase model. Verify current reset fees before purchasing.
If you were on a legacy Tradeify plan (pre-3.0), your commission rates may have been different. The rates in this article reflect the 3.0 structure. Legacy accounts may operate under grandfathered terms — check with Tradeify support if you're unsure which fee schedule applies to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Tradeify's commission fees per contract?
Tradeify charges approximately $0.50-$0.54 per side for standard contracts and $0.22-$0.27 per side for micro contracts, depending on your platform group. When you add CME exchange fees (~$1.02 per side for standard, ~$0.40 for micro), the total per-side cost is roughly $1.52-$1.56 for standard contracts and $0.62-$0.67 for micro contracts.
2. Are commission rates the same across all Tradeify platform groups?
No. Each platform group (NinjaTrader/Tradovate, WealthCharts, Rithmic/TradeSea) has slightly different commission rates. As of April 2026, Rithmic/TradeSea offers the lowest per-contract rate, while NinjaTrader/Tradovate is marginally higher. The difference is roughly $0.04-$0.08 per round-turn on standard contracts.
3. Does Tradeify charge monthly subscription fees?
No. Since the 3.0 overhaul in March 2026, all Tradeify accounts (Select, Growth, Lightning) are one-time purchases. There are no recurring monthly subscription fees to maintain your evaluation account.
4. What are the CME exchange fees on Tradeify trades?
CME exchange fees are approximately $1.02 per side for standard E-mini contracts and $0.40 per side for micro E-mini contracts. These are set by the CME Group and apply to all futures trading, regardless of broker or prop firm. Tradeify has no control over exchange fee rates.
5. Are there data feed costs at Tradeify?
During evaluation, data feeds are generally bundled with your platform setup. Once funded, you may need to pay for real-time CME data — typically $3-$35/month depending on the data level (Level 1 vs. Level 2) and your platform. Confirm data feed costs with your platform provider before transitioning to a funded account.
6. How do Tradeify's commissions compare to Apex Trader Funding?
Tradeify's total round-turn cost on standard ES contracts is approximately $3.04-$3.12, depending on platform group. Apex Trader Funding's round-turn cost is approximately $3.26 for comparable contracts. Tradeify is slightly cheaper per trade. However, total cost depends on subscription models, account pricing, and your trading volume — not just per-contract rates.
7. Do commissions differ between evaluation and funded accounts at Tradeify?
Commission rates per contract are generally consistent between evaluation and funded phases. The key difference is that funded accounts incur real exchange fees, potential data feed costs, and payment processing fees on withdrawals — costs that don't apply during simulated evaluations.
8. What hidden fees should I watch for at Tradeify?
Beyond commissions, watch for: account reset fees if you fail an evaluation, NinjaTrader license costs (if using that platform), data feed charges on funded accounts, withdrawal processing fees, and third-party indicator or tool subscriptions. None of these are "hidden" per se, but traders frequently overlook them in cost planning.
9. Can I switch platform groups after purchasing a Tradeify account?
Platform group selection typically happens at checkout and is tied to your account. Switching platform groups after purchase may require purchasing a new account. This makes the initial platform choice important — factor in both commission rates and feature requirements before committing.
10. How much do commissions cost per month for an active Tradeify trader?
For a trader taking 10 standard ES round-turns per day over 20 trading days, monthly commission costs are approximately $608-$624 depending on platform group. For micro contract traders doing 30 round-turns/day, monthly costs are roughly $744-$804. These are commission-only figures — add data feeds, platform costs, and the amortized account purchase for total monthly cost.
