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NinjaTrader Review
NinjaTrader is a Chicago futures trading platform now owned by crypto exchange Kraken, and it does not offer real spot forex or stock trading.
Min Deposit
N/A
Spreads From
Not applicable, charges a per contract commission
Max Leverage
Set by exchange margin, not a fixed ratio
Platforms
NinjaTrader Desktop (Windows), NinjaTrader Web
Pros
- Registered as a futures commission merchant with the CFTC and NFA
- Backed by Kraken, a large crypto exchange, after a 2025 buyout
- Commission can drop to under a dollar a side on the lifetime plan
- Free demo account with live data and the full charting toolset
- Works on a Windows desktop app, a web browser, and a mobile app
Cons
- Fined $250,000 by NFA in 2025 for weak money laundering checks
- Only offers futures, not spot forex, stocks, or real crypto coins
- Desktop platform needs Windows, so Mac users must run it in a VM
- Lifetime plan needs a $1,499 upfront payment to unlock low fees
- Blocks new accounts from Canada and several other countries
NinjaTrader started in 2003 in Chicago. It built a fast desktop program for trading futures, like oil, gold, and stock index contracts. In 2025, the crypto exchange Kraken bought NinjaTrader for $1.5 billion. NinjaTrader still runs under its own name and its own team, now as part of the Kraken group.
The firm that holds client money is NinjaTrader Clearing, LLC. It is registered with the CFTC and is a member of NFA, under NFA ID 0309379. NinjaTrader does not sell spot forex or shares. You trade futures contracts on currencies, stock indexes, and commodities instead. You can trade from the Windows desktop app, a web browser, or a mobile app.
Pricing has three plans, from free with a higher fee per contract, up to a one time payment for the lowest fee. There is no fixed minimum deposit, but your account needs enough money for margin. In 2025, NFA fined NinjaTrader Clearing $250,000 for weak money laundering checks. The firm did not admit or deny this.
Max Leverage
Set by exchange margin, not a fixed ratio
Spreads From
Not applicable, charges a per contract commission
Platforms
Regulation, fund safety, track record
Spreads, execution, leverage
Platform quality, charting, features
Analysis, webinars, learning materials
Support quality, responsiveness
Mobile app quality, features
Last verified: April 26, 2026
