CME Group is a new entity representing the July 2007 merger of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). The formation of CME Group did not, however, result in any change to trading privileges for CME and CBOT members. At present, therefore, CME and CBOT members continue to trade on the same terms as before the merger transaction. CME members are able to trade CME products at reduced rates directly from the trading floor, and correspondingly, CBOT members are able to trade CBOT products at reduced rates directly from the trading floor. To cross-trade products offered by the individual exchanges belonging to CME Group, participants need to have memberships at each of the individual exchanges.

CME and CBOT membership types, fees and requirements vary, as do terms for purchasing and leasing memberships.