NinjaTrader isn’t a prop firm, it’s a U.S.-regulated futures broker and multi-device trading platform (desktop & web). It offers very low commissions (as low as $0.09 per micro contract), $50 day margins on Micros, and unlimited simulated trading for practice. Note: NinjaTrader acquired Tradovate in 2022, and in March 2025 Kraken announced a deal to acquire NinjaTrader (pending close).
- U.S.-regulated futures brokerage (CFTC-registered FCM; NFA ID #0309379) with clear disclosures.
- Integrated platforms across Desktop, Web, and Mobile, plus an official TradingView connection add-on.
- No account minimum to open; ACH/debit deposits supported (as low as $5).
- Transparent commission tiers with Lifetime plan offering micro commissions as low as $0.09/contract.
- Free, unlimited simulated trading and extensive education (daily livestreams, training library).
- ACH withdrawals (U.S.) and bank wires supported; fees and timelines published.
- Broad third-party connectivity (data & brokers) and multi-broker desktop add-on.
- “Arena” simulated trading competitions with cash prizes (ongoing series).
- Pricing is plan-based (Free/Monthly/Lifetime) which adds complexity vs flat-rate brokers.
- Payout/withdrawal rails limited to ACH and bank wire (no PayPal/Skrill/card withdrawals).
- ACH/debit deposits face a 60-day hold before withdrawal eligibility.
- Jurisdictional access varies; no comprehensive public “restricted countries” list.
- Options on futures via NinjaTrader Brokerage remain limited/unclear; often requires third-party connectivity.
- Not a prop firm — no “instant funding” or profit-split payouts (standard brokerage model).
NinjaTrader Review
NinjaTrader is a regulated U.S. futures broker (CFTC/NFA #0309379) with a strong platform suite across desktop, web, and mobile plus an official TradingView add-on. Opening is easy (no account minimum; ACH/debit from ~$5), commissions can be very sharp on the Lifetime plan (micro contracts from $0.09/contract), and you get free, unlimited sim trading with a solid education stack. Funding/withdrawals are straightforward via ACH and bank wire, third-party connectivity is broad, and the ongoing “Arena” sim competitions add a nice learning-by-doing angle.
Trade-offs: Pricing is tied to plan tiers (Free/Monthly/Lifetime), withdrawal rails are essentially ACH/wire, and ACH/debit deposits have a 60-day hold before you can withdraw. Jurisdiction support varies (no neat public “restricted list”), options on futures via NT Brokerage are limited/unclear, and this isn’t a prop model—no instant funding or profit splits. Bottom line: excellent if you want a regulated futures broker with robust tools and competitive long-term pricing; less ideal if you need broad payout methods, options depth in-house, or prop-style payouts.
