Who this is for: You, a futures trader or prospective AMP Futures customer. You may be a day trader, swing trader, or part of a small prop/retail shop. You need to budget and choose data feeds. You need concrete monthly numbers.
What this solves: Explain exactly how AMP Futures data fees work. Show typical monthly amounts you’ll face. Give concrete steps to reduce or avoid unnecessary charges. Cover per-user charges, provider surcharges (CQG, Rithmic, TT, Teton), exchange prices, and the $100 minimum-balance rule that affects access.
How to use the guide: Read the TL;DR for a quick plan. Use the step-by-step sections to compare Level 1 vs Level 2. Judge provider trade-route costs. Follow the decision tree in the closing to pick the right setup for your trading style. Expect at least 20 concrete numbers across examples and scenarios.
Quick Answer / TL;DR
Choose the cheapest live quotes: keep only Level 1 (Top of Book). Expect roughly $5/month per exchange for Level 1. Need market depth (Level 2, Depth of Market)? Expect about $17/month per exchange. Use Rithmic? Add a $25/month connection fee per user and $0.10 per side per contract for some trade routing. Keep at least $100 in your account to avoid data being turned off. Plan for full-month billing; a 1-day subscription still costs the full calendar month.
- Pick Level 1 for cheap quotes: $5 per exchange.
- Pick Level 2 for DOM: $17 per exchange.
- Consider bundles: CME bundle Level 1 $15 and Level 2 $45.
- Avoid reactivation hassle: maintain ≥ $100 balance.
1) AMP Futures data fees overview — per-user, $100 minimum balance
AMP Futures data fees cover exchange market data and provider/connection fees. Exchange market data includes real-time quotes, cash/index data, and market depth. Provider fees include connection costs for third-party feeds like Rithmic and TT. Expect line items from exchanges and from platforms.
Subscriptions are charged per live trading credential, that is, one username or login equals one subscription. Exchanges bill monthly for the full calendar month. AMP posts those charges to your account during the first week of the following month. Keep at least $100 in your account at month-end. If your balance is below $100, AMP will disable your market data until you top up.
You will also see platform and add-on fees. Examples: CQG additional user $10/month, Rithmic connection $25/month per user ID, and per-side routing fees $0.10 per contract. Data fees are separate from commissions and margin requirements. Account fees like wires and statements are outside this schedule.
Best for: Traders who want a clear view of per-user recurring costs and the $100 balance rule.
Skip if: You already work at a firm that handles exchange billing centrally.
Key points:
– Per-user billing: 1 login = 1 subscription.
– Minimum balance: $100 required to keep data live.
– Full-month charges: exchanges bill full calendar month.
– Billing timing: charges posted during first week of next month.
– Example baseline: Level 1 ≈ $5/month per exchange.
Watch out for: Thinking data fees are prorated. They are not; a 1-day signup costs the full month.
2) Billing mechanics and timelines — $100 balance and full-month billing
Check the billing cadence. AMP posts exchange market data fees during the first week of the month that follows the usage month. Expect one bulk charge per exchange per subscription. Expect no proration. Subscribe on the 30th and you will be charged the full monthly rate.
Follow this signup-to-billing timeline:
1. Request data in the AMP portal (day 1).
2. Data activates immediately if your balance is ≥ $100.
3. Exchange fees post during the first week of the next month.
4. If your balance is < $100 at month-end, AMP disables your data.
Plan around the full-month rule. Example: Level 1 at $5 costs $5 whether you use it 1 day or 30 days. Level 2 at $17 costs $17 for the month. Bundles like CME Level 1 are $15 and CME Level 2 bundle is $45. If you add a Rithmic connection $25 that posts monthly too.
Account complexity increases costs:
– Multiple usernames = multiple bills.
– Multiple platforms can mean platform-specific fees.
– CQG may list additional-user fees at $10 per login.
Best for: You if you want precise cashflow timing and to avoid surprises.
Skip if: You don’t manage your own account balance and company policy handles it.
Key points:
– Billing timing: first week of following month.
– No proration: pay full month even for partial use.
– Reactivation threshold: top up to ≥ $100 to restore data.
– Example charges: $5 vs $17 per month, $25 Rithmic fee.
– Multiple logins: each username billed separately.
Watch out for: Letting your balance dip below $100 on month-end. You will lose market data mid-cycle.
3) Common fee types and typical prices — $5 to $148 monthly examples
Categorize fees into exchange Level 1, Level 2, bundles, cash/index feeds, and specialty exchanges. Typical non-professional prices to expect:
– Level 1 (Top of Book): $5.00 per exchange per month.
– Level 2 (Depth of Market): $17.00 per exchange per month.
– CME bundle Level 1 (ALL CME Top of Book): $15.00 per month.
– CME bundle Level 2 (ALL CME Depth): $45.00 per month.
– Cash/index: S&P cash index $18.00 per month; NASDAQ Global Indexes $19.00 per month.
– ICE Futures US: $148.00 per month; ICE Europe commodities $161.00; ICE Europe financials $139.00.
Use-case mini-profiles:
– Day scalper needing DOM on CME and CBOT: 2 × $17 = $34 per month for those two markets.
– Trend trader needing Top of Book on one exchange: ≈ $5 per month.
– Active options trader routing through Rithmic: add $25 per user plus routing fees.
Line items you will see on statements:
– Exchange data fees (per exchange, per level).
– Provider connection fees (Rithmic $25, CQG usually $0).
– Platform add-ons (CQG additional user $10).
– Cash/index feeds (S&P $18, NASDAQ $19).
Key points:
– Level 1: $5 per exchange.
– Level 2: $17 per exchange.
– CME bundle L1: $15; bundle L2: $45.
– S&P cash: $18; NASDAQ indexes: $19.
– ICE US: $148; ICE Europe: $139–$161.
Best for: You if you need to estimate a monthly bill quickly.
Skip if: You trade only in free platform feeds included with certain platforms.
Watch out for: Adding 3 markets at Level 2 quickly becomes $51 per month before provider fees.
4) Data feed providers and surcharges — CQG, Rithmic, TT, Teton; $0 to $25+ provider fees
Separate exchange fees from provider fees. Exchanges charge the market data. Providers add connection or routing fees. Compare providers by monthly fees and per-contract routing rates.
Provider specifics:
– CQG: Typically no monthly connection fee beyond exchange charges. CQG additional user login: $10 per month. CQG trade route may be $0.10 per side per contract.
– Rithmic: Connection fee $25 per month per user ID. Rithmic trade route typically $0.10 per side per contract.
– Trading Technologies (TT): Platform may charge connection/service fees; verify on request. TT often lists identical exchange fees but may add routing costs.
– Teton (Sierra Chart): No additional monthly connection fee beyond exchange charges for many feeds when used via AMP.
Concrete comparisons:
– Rithmic + CME Level 2 bundle: $45 (bundle) + $25 (Rithmic) = $70 per month.
– CQG + CME Level 2 bundle: $45 + $0 = $45 per month; add $10 if you need a second login.
– Two-exchange Depth via Rithmic: 2 × $17 + $25 = $59 per month.
– Per-side routing: 1 contract traded with round-trip of 2 sides at $0.10/side costs $0.20 per contract.
When provider fees matter:
– If you run multiple user IDs, expect $25 per user for Rithmic.
– If you route trades via provider routes, expect $0.10 per side and that number applies per contract.
– If you need multiple logins for CQG, add $10 per additional login.
Key points:
– Rithmic connection: $25 per month per user ID.
– Per-side routing: $0.10 per contract for CQG and Rithmic examples.
– CQG extra user: $10 per month.
– Bundle example: $45 + $25 = $70 with Rithmic.
– Two-exchange Depth via Rithmic: $59.
Best for: You if you evaluate platform features versus added monthly costs.
Skip if: You only need the default CQG feed and one login.
Watch out for: Per-side routing fees when trading high-volume or HFT-style strategies.
Comparison table: Exchange levels vs provider fees
| Data / Provider | Typical Exchange Price (non-pro) | CQG extra fees | Rithmic extra fees | TT / Teton notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CME Level 1 (Top of Book) | $5.00 / month | $0 | $0 (plus $25 connection) | $0 (provider may charge) |
| CME Level 2 (Depth of Market) | $17.00 / month | $0 | $0 (plus $25 connection) | $0 (provider may charge) |
| CME Bundle L1 (ALL CME Top) | $15.00 / month | $0 | $0 (plus $25) | $0 |
| CME Bundle L2 (ALL CME DOM) | $45.00 / month | $0 | $0 (plus $25) | $0 |
| CBOT Level 1 | $5.00 / month | $0 | $0 (plus $25) | $0 |
| S&P Cash Index | $18.00 / month | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| NASDAQ Global Indexes | $19.00 / month | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| ICE Futures US | $148.00 / month | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| CQG Additional User | n/a | $10.00 / month | n/a | n/a |
| Rithmic Connection Fee | n/a | n/a | $25.00 / month | n/a |
| Trade Route Fee (per side/contract) | n/a | $0.10 | $0.10 | provider-dependent |
5) Non-professional vs professional fee differences — non-pro examples include $45 bundle
Understand classification. Exchanges classify users as non-professional or professional. Non-pro fees are typically lower. The prices listed here reflect non-pro schedules. Professional designations can materially raise fees.
Examples of non-pro pricing:
– CME bundle Depth (ALL CME Level 2): $45 per month.
– CME bundle Top (ALL CME Level 1): $15 per month.
– Single CME Level 2: $17 per month.
– Single CME Level 1: $5 per month.
How status is determined:
– Exchanges define professional by employment, firm affiliation, or how you use data.
– AMP will ask classification during onboarding or provide an exchange form if unclear.
– If labeled professional, expect higher monthly rates from exchanges.
Actions to take:
– Verify your classification during account opening.
– Request the exchange classification form if you need clarity.
– Budget for higher professional fees if you work for or receive payments from a trading firm.
Key points:
– Non-pro CME bundle L2: $45 per month.
– Non-pro CME bundle L1: $15 per month.
– Single-exchange L2: $17 per month.
– Single-exchange L1: $5 per month.
– Classification affects all months billed, not just one.
Best for: Individual traders who can confirm non-pro status and want lower rates.
Skip if: You are employed by a firm that requires professional classification.
Watch out for: Misclassification. If your status changes, expect backdated adjustments and higher charges.
6) How to reduce AMP Futures data fees — keep $100, choose Level 1 $5, avoid add-ons
Reduce fees by matching data to your strategy. Choose the minimum feed that still supports your edge. Fund your account to at least $100 to avoid forced disconnects and reactivation delays.
Strategies to reduce costs:
– Choose Level 1 where possible. Save roughly $12 per exchange by avoiding Level 2 ($17 − $5 = $12).
– Use bundles when you need many CME markets. Example: CME L1 bundle $15 versus 4× $5 = $20; save $5.
– Avoid Rithmic unless you need its features. Save $25 per month per user by using CQG or Teton.
– Consolidate logins. CQG extra logins cost $10 each per month.
Step-by-step setup to minimize costs:
1. List the exchanges you need. Count them; e.g., 3 exchanges.
2. Choose Top of Book or Depth. L1 $5; L2 $17.
3. Pick a provider: CQG (no connection fee), Rithmic ($25), TT (provider may add fees).
4. Fund account to ≥ $100 to keep data active.
Cost-savings examples:
– Single-exchange L1 on CQG: $5 per month.
– Two-exchange L2 via Rithmic: 2 × $17 + $25 = $59 per month.
– Four CME markets L1 via CQG: 4 × $5 = $20 vs CME L1 bundle $15 (save $5).
Key points:
– Save $12 per exchange by picking L1 over L2.
– Bundles can save $5–$25 depending on market count.
– Rithmic adds $25 per user. CQG extra user $10.
– Maintain $100 balance to avoid disconnects.
– Per-side routing fees can add $0.10 per contract.
Best for: Cost-conscious traders who can compromise on DOM visibility.
Skip if: Your strategy requires Level 2 DOM for order execution and speed.
Watch out for: Hidden recurring items such as cash-index feeds like S&P $18 and NASDAQ $19 that can add $37 combined.
7) Edge cases and common mistakes — full-month charges, multiple users, $17 and $25 examples
Avoid common errors that raise your bill. Pay attention to timing and multiple credentials. Factor in provider routing fees when calculating per-contract trade economics.
Common mistakes and remedies:
– Subscribing for one day and paying the full month. Example: Subscribe on day 1; pay $17 for L2 even if used 1 day. Remedy: Time your subscription to start at month-begin if possible.
– Multiple credentials each billed. Example: two logins with CQG additional user $10 each = $20 per month. Remedy: Consolidate logins or remove unused IDs.
– Low balance disconnect. Example: balance drops to $90 at month-end → data disabled. Remedy: Maintain ≥ $100.
– Ignoring per-side routing for high-volume strategies. Example: 1,000 contracts at $0.10 per side = $200 round-trip fee. Remedy: Use alternative routing or negotiate.
Practical scenarios with numbers:
– If you need CME and CBOT DOM: 2 × $17 = $34 per month. Add Rithmic $25 if you use Rithmic = $59.
– If you use Rithmic for routing 500 contracts per month at $0.10/side: 500 × 2 × $0.10 = $100 in routing fees.
– If you pick CQG plus two extra logins: CQG base + 2 × $10 = $20 extra.
Key points:
– Full-month billing can waste money if you time subscriptions poorly.
– Two logins at $10 each = $20 per month.
– Rithmic connection $25 adds quickly to $17 × markets.
– Per-side routing $0.10 applies per contract, per side.
– Maintain $100 to avoid service interruption.
Best for: You if you want to avoid billing surprises and protect small accounts.
Skip if: You have deep pockets and prefer maximum platform redundancy.
Watch out for: Multiplying small fees across volume. $0.10 per side sounds small, until it hits 10,000 contracts.
Closing decision tree and final checklist (short)
Decide by trading style:
– If you trade low volume, use Top of Book only. Expect $5 per exchange and avoid provider fees. Fund ≥ $100.
– If you need DOM and trade a few contracts, consider one Level 2 feed at $17. Use CQG to avoid the $25 connection if possible.
– If you trade high volume or need specific platform features, accept Rithmic $25 and $0.10 per side routing. Budget routing fees per contract traded.
– If you need many CME markets, buy a CME bundle: $15 for L1 or $45 for L2.
Final checklist:
1. Count exchanges you need; multiply by $5 or $17.
2. Check for bundles: CME L1 $15, CME L2 $45 can save money.
3. Pick a provider: CQG (extra user $10), Rithmic ($25 + $0.10/side), TT (may charge).
4. Maintain ≥ $100 in account to avoid disconnects.
5. Expect billing during the first week of the following month.
6. Consolidate logins to avoid $10 per additional CQG user charges.
You now have a clear map and concrete monthly numbers. Compare your needs against examples here. Adjust subscriptions, providers, and funding to keep your data costs tight.