TransAct Futures is a Chicago firm, part of York Business Associates LLC, incorporated in 1998. It offers technology, clearing, and support services for hedge funds, commodity trading adviser, and commodity pool operator clients. TransAct is able to offer unparalleled futures trading pricing because it also acts as a clearing firm for trades.

Trading Platform

TransAct’s trading platform is called TransActAT. Very much like IB’s TWS and TT’s X_Trader, TransActAT is specially built for active scalpers, inter-market spreaders, arbitrage and position traders. TransActAT can be configured to enter market, limit, stop, or stop limit orders, assign restrictions and set stop and limit prices. TransAct also provides the Trade Navigator software as an alternative to the TransActAT front end. Trade Navigator features Trading, Charting & Analytics in one package aside from its tight integration with TransAct’s lightning-fast backend. A trader can also carry out real-time simulation and live trading in multiple markets and accounts simultaneoulsy. For emini traders, the familiar order bracketing (just like NinjaTrader’s auto placement of profit target, stop loss and trailing stops), is present for quick and efficient entries and exits.

Charting Software / Platform

In addition to the TransActAT front end, TransAct offers clients two excellent 3rd party charting sofware, Ensign Software and Sierra Chart. With these packages, TransActs capabilities are enhanced due to the following:

• Tight Integration with TransAct’s lightning fast data feed
• Comprehensive List of Technical Analysis, Studies and Drawing Tools
• Order Bracketing (auto placement of profit and loss)
• Reliable intraday and historical Charts

Fees & Commissions

TransAct does not openly advertise it’s rates online but it is widely known among traders that they charge $3.76 RT with a minimum of 274 RTs a month. For active traders, this is quite favorable as compared to for e.g. Interactive Broker’s unbundled rate of $4.80 RT or thinkorswim’s $7.00 RT per contract.

Computer Requirements

Read Trader’s Computer Hardware Guide to get an overview on what hardware is required for trading. It is also advisable to view Best PC for Online Trading and Best Laptop for Trading for a comprehensive discussion on trading computer requirements and recommendations.

Customer Support

TransAct’s support team is quick to respond to queries. They can be contacted at:

• Contact TransAct Futures Toll Free: 1-877-TRADE-03 (877-872-3303)
• Direct local phone number: 312-341-9090
• Main Fax: 312-341-9560
• Address : 141 W Jackson Blvd #240a, Chicago IL 60604 US

Conclusion

Overall, TransAct has a very good DOM and great features in it’s TransActAT platform for the active trader. The addition of Ensign Software and Sierra Chart, which are in their own right two very good charting applications, certainly add value to being a TransAct customer. Their phone support is very good and one very big plus is that when you have a problem/suggestion TransAct is very responsive. The platform itself is very intuitive and easy to use and the commissions are certainly competitive compared to the main brokerages around.