Where did the name DeCarley Trading come from?
DeCarley Trading was founded by Tracy DeCarlo to leverage the talents and experience of head broker Carley Garner. It seemed only natural to combine DeCarlo and Carley to form DeCarley. It has a certain ring, don't you think?
What do I need to get started trading with DeCarley Trading?
After you have properly researched the world of options and futures trading and had any unanswered questions addressed by a DeCarley Trading representative, you simply need to complete an account application and fund the account with at least $2,000 (or $1,000 if trading micro futures). The online application takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete, and we normally issue an account number within a day. Open a Futures and options on futures trading account with DeCarley Trading
How do I open a commodity trading account?
The quickest and easiest way to apply for a trading account is to use the convenient online application located at www.DeCarleyTrading.com (or references in the previous question).
Is there an account minimum?
Yes. We don't require you to fund the account with several thousand dollars, as many other brokerage firms do. You are free to open with as much or as little as you like, provided the starting balance is at least $5,000. Of course, you will want to fund the account with enough money to margin any position you are interested in executing or to cover the cost of any option you are interested in purchasing. With that said, not all trading platforms and clearing arrangements are accessible to all account sizes and types. If you intend to start with less than $5,000, contact us for details on which trading platform and FCM would be appropriate for your needs.
Which platform should I choose?
DeCarley Trading offers several clearing arrangements (FCMs) to choose from; accordingly, we are able to provide a list of over twenty trading platforms for our clients to choose from. In fact, our clients have access to nearly all futures and options platforms available, so if you don’t see one on our website, don’t hesitate to ask!
Click here to view our suite of online trading platforms for futures and options.
If you are unsure which platform to choose, we can help you determine the best fit for your trading style. Our most popular trading platform is the DeCarley Trader (a custom version of CQG Desktop) because it is free to use, provides access to live quotes, charting, and options chains, is user-friendly, and is accessible on mobile via the CQG mobile app or iBroker.
Click here for a list of mobile platforms that enable our clients to trade on the go.
How do I fund my DeCarley futures trading account?
Funding an account can be done via ACH transfer, wire transfer, or transfer from an existing account at a competing brokerage firm.
Click here for funding instructions.
If you are interested in an account transfer or have questions about the logistics, timing, or transfer of open positions, please contact a DeCarley Trading representative at 702-947-0701 or
Click here for wire transfer instructions.
Is my money secure?
Unlike a stock or Forex account, the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) and the NFA (National Futures Association) require that futures trading brokerage houses, also known as FCMs (Futures Commission Merchants), hold customer-segregated accounts. This simply means that the FCM is not using your money to fund operations, etc. Assuming your FCM follows proper procedures, aside from your own trading, your money is deposited in a bank account and is earmarked under your name. In the event of a brokerage firm insolvency, the customer-segregated funds (your money) should be unaffected.
The NFA has written a piece on this; here is a link:
Is your money safe in a futures account?
How do I sign up for a free trial of DeCarley Trading client newsletters?
Signing up for the free trial is easy. You can do so on www.CarleyGarnerTrading.com or right here on DeCarleyTrading.com. Simply click on the main menu item titled "FREE Offers" and complete the registration form.
Keep in mind that The DeCarley Perspective is free to DeCarley Trading clients only. Subscription to this e-newsletter is granted upon completion of the account forms and funding of the account. However, accounts must remain actively trading to continue receiving the publications.
Can I subscribe to DeCarley Trading newsletters while keeping my trading account at another brokerage firm?
Yes. If you are not interested in opening a trading account with DeCarley but would like to receive the newsletter, you can subscribe via our Substack for a small fee. Click here to review The DeCarley Perspective on Substack.
Can I sell naked options at DeCarley?
Absolutely. Many brokerage firms limit their clients’ ability to sell options; others outright forbid it. However, DeCarley believes a responsible option-selling strategy likely offers the best odds of success. Accordingly, we are more than happy to accommodate our clients who wish to trade in this manner.
Does DeCarley offer SPAN minimum margins?
Yes. Although the margin policy varies per FCM we use to clear, we offer minimum exchange margin (Standard Portfolio Analysis of Risk) for option spreads and option selling strategies. SPAN is a CME Group (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) product that calculates margin requirements by analyzing the “what-ifs” of virtually any market scenario. The system accounts for various positions held in an account, any antagonistic positions, market volatility, and other factors to determine an appropriate margin requirement. As a minimum SPAN broker, it isn’t possible for competitive futures brokerage firms to offer a lower margin rate for option traders.
What does DeCarley Trading have, that other brokerage firms don’t?
DeCarley Trading offers refreshingly honest, high-end brokerage services at reasonable rates. We understand that long hours are a must; accordingly, we make ourselves available to clients nearly 15 hours per day. Does your broker do that for you?
We are also capable of offering high-quality complimentary educational content, trading coaching, and position advising, backed by years of experience, without the hefty price tag. DeCarley strongly believes it is our job to provide clients with the tools and information needed to trade efficiently, not just to generate commission.
Trading is a game of odds, and DeCarley Trading is dedicated to ensuring we do our job to provide you with the opportunities you deserve in these treacherous markets. While others may rush you off the phone, we enjoy taking the time and putting in the extra effort to meet your needs as a trader, whatever they may be.
What can I expect as a DeCarley Trading client?
DeCarley understands that trading itself is a stressful endeavor; further, it is important that your brokerage firm provide reliable service so you can be on top of your game. We are dedicated to providing unparalleled service at reasonable rates that won’t unnecessarily work against your bottom line.
DeCarley Trading clients will have access to Carley Garner's e-newsletter, the "DeCarley Perspective", as well as the ability to communicate directly with Carley regarding questions or concerns. Clients are also provided with trading recommendations in commodity and financial futures and options markets exclusive to DeCarley Trading clients.
Does DeCarley Trading offer services other than brokerage?
DeCarley Trading is an informational hub for news organizations, websites, and most importantly the retail trading public. The firm offers e-newsletters on trading in futures and options, available exclusively to DeCarley clients and Substack subscribers. Additionally, DeCarley Trading broker Carley Garner has written multiple books, including "Trading Commodity Options with Creativity", "A Trader's First Book on Commodities", "Higher Probability Commodity Trading", and more. We hope that the honest account of the trading world that the books portray will better prepare you for your future as a trader.
What hours can I expect to reach DeCarley?
The members of DeCarley Trading love the business of trading and can't seem to pull themselves away from the excitement. A DeCarley representative is available from 5 am to 5 pm Pacific on most days. For those of you on the East Coast, this translates into 8 am to 8 pm. However, in most circumstances, clients can reach DeCarley by phone or email well beyond normal office hours. In addition, our clients have access to a 24-hour trade desk.
What can I expect in terms of commission?
We have displayed a customizable commission sheet directly on the Main Menu of DeCarleyTrading.com: Custom Commission Schedule. DeCarley realizes that all traders are different, and so are their service needs. Just as you don't want to pay for service that you aren't getting, we don't feel right about charging you for services not rendered. Thus, you simply tell us where you fit on the scale, and we will set your account up accordingly. Keep in mind, the freedom of customizable commissions works both ways. If you choose a self-directed online rate after a "getting started" grace period, you will be left to fend for yourself in most aspects. Naturally, there will be times of technical difficulties, poor fills, etc., in which we will be more than happy to assist you, but for day-to-day trading services, you will be required to rely on your own abilities. Therefore, if you aren't ready to trade on your own, we recommend using a broker to place your trades.
Keep in mind that our overall goal is to provide you with the knowledge and confidence necessary to be efficient and effective in placing your own trades, doing so creates a win-win scenario for all parties. After all, as an online trader, you will be able to save money on transaction costs, and we will be able to service many more accounts.
I am risk averse; should I trade options or futures?
Risk is in the eye of the beholder. Many will tell you that long option strategies are the most conservative because they involve limited risk; however, I argue that a combination of long and short options, or even outright short option trading, may be a better probability play. Being successful in the game of trading requires an open mind, let us show you how option selling and spread trading may fit your risk and reward profile.
I am new to trading; should I feel comfortable trading online?
This is a question that only you can answer. However, I caution you that too many beginning traders are tripping over dollars trying to save pennies. In the larger picture, the commission paid is annoying, but it likely won't be the deciding factor in whether you make money, unless, of course, you are overtrading.
DeCarley Trading makes a living through commissions charged to clients. We understand that clients who are happy and, hopefully, successful will generate more revenue in the long run than a client who pays an excessive commission but closes her account within weeks or months. In other words, DeCarley Trading is in tune with your trading goals and not just focused on the immediate gratification of a round-turn commission. As a result, we have gone out of our way to offer very competitive commission rates with much better-than-average service attached.
The bottom line is: if you are comfortable with your market knowledge and your ability to trade online, you have no reason not to trade on your own. However, mistakes can be incredibly costly. If you aren't ready to go on your own, don't force it. I suggest you read the article on this site titled "Full-Service Brokerage or Online Trading?"
