I have a client who just bought a Nymex seat - the commissions are a driver, but so is the capital gains parking spot. I have paid as low as 55 cents all trading about 60K contracts per month (120K total).
i see, looks like spread trading is very scalable. What major contract can you trade under nymex's memebership? they only have nymex and nymex option.
Crude Oil Calendars, Nat Gas Calendars, HO Cracks, RBOB Cracks, HO Calendars, RBOB Calendars 'Calendars' includes butterflies, condors, and strip strategies of all sorts.
Rates go from $1.45/side for non-members to $.45/side for members/leasees. That is exchange fees only, your broker marks up from there. http://www.cmegroup.com/company/files/CME_Globex_Fee_Schedule.pdf
Clearport and ICE goes through Man F. Financially-cleared OTC swaps. Used to do alot of bilateral physical OTC back in the day with ComEd.