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NinjaTrader Review
A popular futures brokerage and platform for active traders, with advanced charting, automation and low day-trading margins.
Best for
- Futures day traders
- Automation and strategy building
- Prop-firm-funded traders
Not best for
- You want stocks/ETFs
- You want a simple mobile-only app
- You're a passive investor
Our verdict & scoring
NinjaTrader is both a futures broker and a widely used desktop platform, favoured by active futures day traders for its charting, order-flow tools and strategy automation. Founded in 2003, it was acquired by crypto exchange Kraken in May 2025 (a ~$1.5B deal) and now operates as a standalone platform within the Kraken group. It offers competitive commissions (with an optional lifetime licence) and is a common choice among prop-firm-funded traders.
Scores are based on our review methodology. Affiliate relationships do not buy higher ratings.
Pros
- Excellent futures charting
- Strong automation tools
- Popular with funded traders
Cons
- Futures-focused (no stocks)
- Learning curve
- Data fees add up
Fees & hidden costs explained
Per-contract commissions; pricing varies by plan (monthly/lifetime licence). Exchange data fees apply.
Safety, regulation & availability
US: NinjaTrader's brokerage (NinjaTrader Clearing, LLC) is a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant and NFA member — now a Kraken company. Verify current registration via NFA BASIC. Futures products are not available to all regions equally.
Account protection: Futures accounts are not SIPC-insured; client funds are held under CFTC segregation rules. Verify specifics.
Available to retail traders in:
Verify this platform yourself:
Frequently asked questions
Is NinjaTrader good for prop-firm trading?
Yes — many US futures prop firms support NinjaTrader as a trading platform. Confirm platform support with your specific firm.
Who owns NinjaTrader?
Since May 2025, NinjaTrader is owned by Kraken, which acquired it for about $1.5B. It continues to operate as a standalone futures broker and platform.
Official sources
Risk warning: Trading stocks, options, futures, forex, crypto, CFDs and funded accounts involves risk. You can lose money. This website is educational only and does not provide financial, investment, tax or legal advice.
Leverage, volatility, fees, spreads, liquidity and platform rules can increase losses.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you click some links on our site. This does not cost you extra. Our comparisons are educational and transparent, and our rankings are not affected by commissions.