Lightspeed
lightspeed.com
Direct-access broker for high-volume active traders, with per-share or per-trade stock pricing, per-contract options rates and Lightspeed Trader desktop.
What it is
Lightspeed is a broker for traders who place a lot of orders and care about routing and execution. Instead of a single app, it offers several platforms: Lightspeed Trader Pro on the desktop, Sterling Trader Pro and Sterling Vol Trader for professional equity and options workflows, a web and mobile platform, futures platforms and API access through Lightspeed Connect. Stocks, ETFs, options and futures are supported, and you choose where orders are routed.
Pricing is built around volume. Stocks can be charged per share, from $0.0035 above 250,000 shares a month down to $0.0010 above 15 million, with a $0.25 minimum per trade, or per trade, from $3.99 down to $2.00 depending on monthly trade count. Options run from $0.50 down to $0.20 a contract. Below the lowest published tier you must contact Lightspeed for a quote. Routing and regulatory fees are charged separately, and accounts under $15,000 pay a $25 monthly minimum in commissions.
Accounts start at $2,500 ($5,000 outside the US). Real-time market data on the desktop platforms is extra: the Level 1 bundle is $25 a month for non-professionals, with Level 2 and options feeds priced separately. Non-professionals get Level 1 stock and options quotes free on web and mobile.
Key features
- Lightspeed Trader Pro
- Desktop platform with configurable layouts, advanced order types, market filters, Fly News headlines and 24/5 trading in US stocks.
- Sterling platforms
- Sterling Trader Pro and Sterling Vol Trader for professional-style equity and options trading.
- Order routing
- Choose among routing destinations; ECN and exchange fees or rebates pass through to your account.
- Web and mobile
- A browser and mobile platform, with free Level 1 stock and OPRA options quotes for non-professional users.
- API trading
- Lightspeed Connect and support for third-party platforms for automated trading.
- Futures
- Futures trading through dedicated futures platforms.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Stocks, per share | $0.0010 to $0.0035/share | Tiered by monthly volume from 250,000 shares; $0.25 minimum per trade |
| Stocks, per trade | $2.00 to $3.99/trade | Tiered by monthly trades from 250 trades |
| Options | $0.20 to $0.50/contract | Tiered by monthly contracts from 500; $0.50 minimum per order on desktop, $1 on web and mobile |
| Level 1 data bundle | $25/mo | Non-professional real-time data for the desktop platforms |
Below the lowest published tiers, pricing is by quote. Routing and regulatory fees are charged separately. Accounts under $15,000 pay a $25 monthly commission minimum, less commissions paid. Minimum account $2,500 ($5,000 non-US). Margin rates range from 11.25% to 8.75% depending on balance.
Checked September 25, 2026 on lightspeed.com. Prices change; confirm on the provider's site before you subscribe.
Strengths
- Per-share and per-trade pricing that gets cheaper as volume rises
- Choice of order routing for traders who manage execution
- Several professional platforms, including Sterling, plus API access
- No margin interest on positions opened and closed the same day
Limitations
- Rates below the lowest published volume tiers are by quote only
- A $25 monthly minimum applies to accounts under $15,000
- Real-time data on the desktop platforms costs extra
- Routing and regulatory fees are added on top of commissions
- A $2,500 minimum deposit, higher than many retail brokers
Good fit for
- High-volume day traders placing hundreds of trades a month
- Active options traders who want per-contract pricing to fall with volume
- Traders who want direct routing control and professional platforms
Look elsewhere if
- Occasional traders and long-term investors, who would pay more than at a $0-commission broker
- Beginners looking for education and a simple app
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Lightspeed questions
What is the minimum to open a Lightspeed account?
Lightspeed says accounts start at $2,500, or $5,000 for non-US accounts.
How much does Lightspeed charge per share?
From $0.0035 a share above 250,000 shares a month down to $0.0010 above 15 million, with a $0.25 minimum per trade. Lower volumes are priced by quote.
What are Lightspeed's options commissions?
From $0.50 a contract above 500 contracts a month down to $0.20 at the highest volume, plus routing and regulatory fees.
Does Lightspeed charge for market data?
Yes on the desktop platforms: the non-professional Level 1 bundle is $25 a month. Level 1 quotes are free for non-professionals on web and mobile.
Written from Lightspeed's own website and documentation. All Trading Tools lists and compares tools; it does not recommend trades or give financial advice. Sources: lightspeed.com, lightspeed.com/pricing-fees, lightspeed.com/pricing-fees/stocks-etfs, lightspeed.com/pricing-fees/options, lightspeed.com/pricing-fees/market-data.