Our 2025 review of NinjaTrader 3.5/5

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NinjaTrader in brief

Our opinion of NinjaTrader

We particularly liked the advanced charting tools and trading automation features that NinjaTrader offers, making it a powerful platform for futures traders who rely on technical analysis and strategy development. The low trading fees for futures contracts are also a strong advantage, especially for high-frequency traders who prioritize cost efficiency.

We would have liked to see a more diverse asset selection, as the platform is limited to futures and options on futures, with no access to stocks, forex, or cryptocurrencies. The absence of a mobile trading app is also a major drawback, restricting traders who need flexibility and access on the go. Additionally, the fee structure for withdrawals and market data subscriptions can be confusing and lead to unexpected costs.

Who is NinjaTrader designed for?

NinjaTrader is best suited to experienced futures traders who require advanced tools, low trading costs, and a highly customizable desktop platform but do not need multi-asset trading or mobile accessibility. 

Before you zero in on NinjaTrader, explore other options in the market:

Let's find out more about our test results on NinjaTrader.

Security and reliability 3.5/5

NinjaTrader is a U.S.-based brokerage and trading platform that specializes in futures and options on futures. Founded in 2003, the platform has been in operation for over 20 years, serving over 500,000 users worldwide. It is widely recognized for its advanced charting tools, trading automation, and customizable platform, making it a preferred choice for professional and institutional traders.

While NinjaTrader is respected in the futures trading industry, it has not won major international awards recently, and its limited asset selection and lack of mobile trading make it less competitive compared to full-service multi-asset brokers.

Is NinjaTrader Reliable for Canadian Traders?

NinjaTrader is regulated in the United States by the National Futures Association (NFA) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). However, it is not registered with any Canadian regulatory bodies, such as the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC), Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC), or Alberta Securities Commission (ASC).

This means that Canadian traders do not receive local investor protection when using NinjaTrader, and funds deposited with the broker are not covered by the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF).

Risk Management Features

NinjaTrader offers several risk management tools, including:

• Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Orders – Traders can set predefined exit levels to manage risk.
• Custom Risk Controls – Advanced traders can use risk templates and set custom position limits.
• Simulated Trading Mode – The free demo account allows traders to test strategies without real financial risk.
• No Negative Balance Protection – Unlike some brokers, NinjaTrader does not offer negative balance protection, meaning traders can lose more than their initial deposit in extreme market conditions.

Market and asset diversity 2.5/5

NinjaTrader is positioned as a specialist broker for futures and options on futures, catering primarily to active traders and professional market participants. Unlike many full-service brokers that provide stocks, ETFs, forex, and cryptocurrencies, NinjaTrader focuses almost exclusively on futures trading, offering access to various commodities, indices, and interest rate futures.

This narrow market focus means that traders looking for a diverse portfolio including equities, bonds, or cryptocurrencies will need to use an external broker. While NinjaTrader excels in advanced tools for futures traders, its lack of multi-asset support limits its appeal to a broader range of retail investors.

Our opinion on offerings of NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader provides excellent access to futures markets, making it a strong choice for professional traders who specialize in futures contracts. However, compared to full-service brokers, its lack of stocks, forex, indices, and cryptocurrencies significantly reduces its appeal for traders looking for a diverse portfolio. For multi-asset traders, this limitation makes NinjaTrader less competitive in terms of market diversity.

Platforms and tools 4/5

NinjaTrader provides a powerful trading platform primarily designed for futures and options trading. The platform is available as a desktop application and a web-based version, but it does not offer a mobile trading app, making it less accessible for traders who need to manage positions on the go.

Available Platforms

• 🖥️ NinjaTrader Desktop
• Professional-grade trading software with advanced charting tools and customizable features.
• Supports automated trading strategies and algorithmic trading.
• Includes market replay to test strategies using historical data.
• Only available on Windows (no native Mac support).
• 🌐 NinjaTrader Web Platform
• Web-based platform with real-time market data and execution.
• More limited compared to the desktop version, with fewer customization options.
• Accessible from any browser, but lacks advanced automation features.
• 📡 Third-Party Market Data Feeds
• Integrates with Kinetick, CQG, Rithmic, and other market data providers.
• Requires separate subscription fees for real-time data.

Analysis Tools and Decision Aids

• 📊 Advanced Charting – Over 100+ indicators, multiple timeframes, and custom scripting for indicator development.
• 📈 Strategy Builder – Allows traders to create automated trading strategies without coding.
• 📉 Market Depth (Level II Data) – Provides real-time order book insights for scalping and day trading.
• 🔍 Market Replay – Enables traders to replay historical market conditions and test strategies in real time.
• 📊 Volume Profile & Order Flow Tools – Advanced order flow analysis for professional traders.

Supported Order Types

• Market Orders
• Limit & Stop Orders
• Trailing Stops & Stop-Loss Orders
• OCO (One Cancels the Other) Orders
• Bracket Orders for Risk Management
• No Guaranteed Stop-Loss Orders (GSLOs) (A downside compared to some competitors)

Fees, spreads and commissions 3.5/5

NinjaTrader is positioned as a low-cost broker for futures trading, offering competitive commissions compared to traditional futures brokers. However, the platform has a complex fee structure, including market data subscriptions, withdrawal fees, and platform licensing fees, which can increase the total cost of trading.

Unlike many CFD brokers, NinjaTrader does not offer forex or stock CFDs, so spreads are not a factor in pricing. Instead, traders pay exchange-traded futures commissions, which vary depending on the market and account type.

Comparison of Commissions for Most Traded Assets

Other Fees at NinjaTrader

• 💳 Deposit Fees: ❌ No fees for deposits via bank wire.

• 💵 Withdrawal Fees: $40 per international wire – Higher than most competitors.

• 🕒 Inactivity Fees: $25/month after 12 months of inactivity – Applies if no trades are made.

• 📡 Market Data Fees: $12 - $39 per month – Required for real-time trading access.

• ⚙️ Platform Licensing Fees: $0 - $1,099 (one-time payment) – Free version available but with limitations.

• ❗ Overnight Fees (Swaps): None – Futures trading does not incur swap fees.

How is NinjaTrader's price positioning?

NinjaTrader offers some of the lowest futures trading commissions, making it cost-effective for active traders. However, the high withdrawal fees, mandatory market data subscriptions, and inactivity charges significantly increase costs, especially for less frequent traders.

Additionally, the platform licensing fees—while optional—can make trading more expensive in the long run, especially if traders opt for the one-time $1,099 license.

While trading fees are competitive, the extra costs associated with withdrawals, inactivity, and market data make NinjaTrader less attractive for casual traders.

Customer reviews 4.2/5

NinjaTrader has a Trustpilot rating of 4.2 out of 5, based on 847 reviews. While many traders appreciate the advanced charting tools and low futures trading fees, others have raised concerns about high withdrawal fees, the lack of a mobile app, and the complex fee structure.

Here are some recent testimonials from Canadian users:

• Mark L (Toronto, ON – January 15, 2025): "I’ve been using NinjaTrader for about a year, and while the platform is excellent for futures trading, the costs add up quickly. The withdrawal fee of $40 per wire transfer is too high, especially since other brokers offer free withdrawals. The market data subscription is another extra cost that I wasn’t expecting. The charting tools are fantastic, but if you’re a casual trader, this platform might be too expensive."
• Olivia M (Vancouver, BC – December 22, 2024): "I switched to NinjaTrader for its automated trading and advanced order flow tools, and it does not disappoint. The execution speed is great, and the ability to customize trading strategies is a huge plus. However, I was really frustrated to learn that there’s no mobile app. I travel a lot, and not having access to my trades on my phone is a major inconvenience. It’s a great platform, but definitely not beginner-friendly."
• Daniel S (Montreal, QC – February 5, 2025): "The biggest advantage of NinjaTrader is the low commissions on futures contracts, but the fee structure is confusing. I initially thought the platform was free, but real-time market data requires a monthly subscription, and if you want the full version, you have to either pay monthly or buy a lifetime license. Also, the customer support hours are limited, which isn’t great if you run into issues outside of U.S. market hours. Overall, a solid platform for professional traders, but not the most user-friendly."

How is NinjaTrader positioned in relation to its competitors?

Conclusion of our review on NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader is a powerful platform for experienced futures traders but falls behind competitors in asset variety, regulation, and overall accessibility. While its low futures trading fees make it attractive for active traders, the high withdrawal fees, inactivity fees, and the lack of a mobile app create barriers for casual traders. Additionally, no copy trading features and limited asset selection mean that traders looking for a multi-asset broker may find better options elsewhere.

Compared to brokers offering stocks, forex, and crypto trading, NinjaTrader’s focus on futures alone makes it less flexible for portfolio diversification. The platform is best suited for advanced futures traders who require customizable tools, algorithmic trading, and deep market analytics. However, traders looking for a commission-free stock trading experience or lower-cost forex trading may need to consider alternatives.

Before opening an account with NinjaTrader, compare the best brokers in Canada.

What types of accounts are available with NinjaTrader in Canada?

NinjaTrader offers three main account types: Free Account, Lease Account, and Lifetime License Account. Each account provides access to the platform’s trading tools, but there are key differences in fees, features, and execution speed. Additionally, NinjaTrader offers a Demo Account for practice trading but does not provide an Islamic (swap-free) account option.

Free Account

The Free Account is designed for new traders who want to test NinjaTrader’s basic features without paying for a subscription. This account type provides basic charting, standard order execution, and access to futures markets, but lacks premium tools like advanced trade automation and lower commissions. While the platform itself is free, traders still need to pay market data fees separately.

Lease Account

The Lease Account is a subscription-based plan that provides access to advanced trading tools and faster execution speeds. Traders can choose to pay $99 per month, $297 per quarter, or $720 per year for this plan. The biggest advantage of this account is the reduced commissions on trades ($0.25 per micro contract instead of $0.35 on the free plan). This account is best suited for active futures traders who want lower fees and advanced features without committing to a lifetime license.

Lifetime License Account

The Lifetime License Account is a one-time purchase of $1,099 that grants permanent access to all NinjaTrader features. This plan is ideal for professional traders who want the lowest trading fees ($0.09 per micro contract) and the fastest execution speeds. It includes premium support, advanced order flow analysis, and full algorithmic trading capabilities. While the upfront cost is high, traders who plan to use NinjaTrader long-term can save on subscription fees compared to the Lease Account.

Demo Account

NinjaTrader provides a free Demo Account with simulated trading funds (up to $50,000 virtual balance). This account is available for a limited time (typically 14 to 30 days) and allows traders to test strategies, explore platform features, and practice order execution. The Demo Account does not require a deposit, making it useful for beginners and experienced traders who want to test NinjaTrader before committing to a paid plan.

Islamic Account

NinjaTrader does not offer an Islamic (swap-free) account. Since the platform focuses on futures trading, where overnight swaps are not charged the same way as forex, there is no dedicated Sharia-compliant trading option. Traders requiring an Islamic account may need to look for alternative brokers that support swap-free trading conditions.

Deposits and withdrawals at NinjaTrader: How does it work?

NinjaTrader offers limited funding and withdrawal methods, supporting only bank wire transfers with no credit/debit card, PayPal, or cryptocurrency options. Compared to competitors, this makes funding and withdrawing funds more expensive and less convenient.

Most brokers provide multiple funding options, including e-wallets and cards, with lower withdrawal fees. NinjaTrader’s $40 withdrawal fee is high, especially compared to brokers that offer free or lower-cost withdrawals. Additionally, the lack of instant deposits means traders must wait 1-2 days for deposits and up to 5 days for withdrawals, which is slower than many competitors.

Overall, NinjaTrader's deposit and withdrawal system is outdated and costly, making it less attractive for traders who want quick and flexible funding options.

Does NinjaTrader offer copy trading?

NinjaTrader does not offer built-in copy trading or social trading features. Unlike some competitors that integrate with ZuluTrade, Myfxbook AutoTrade, or eToro’s social trading network, NinjaTrader focuses solely on advanced futures trading and strategy automation rather than passive investment features.

However, traders can use third-party solutions to create automated strategies or signal-based trading, but this requires manual setup and external integration, making it more complex compared to brokers with native copy trading options.

Alternative Automation Options on NinjaTrader

• Automated Trading via Strategy Builder – Traders can create their own trading bots or use pre-built algorithms within NinjaTrader’s Strategy Builder, but this requires programming knowledge.
• Third-Party Signal Providers – Some traders may manually copy signals from external services, but this is not a direct copy trading feature like other brokers offer.
• Market Replay for Backtesting – Traders can test historical strategies but cannot copy live trades from other traders automatically.

What is the tax treatment of income generated by NinjaTrader?

Income earned from trading on NinjaTrader in Canada is subject to taxation under Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations. The taxation method depends on whether the CRA classifies your trading activity as capital gains or business income, based on factors such as trading frequency, intent, and holding period.

Capital Gains Tax (For Passive Traders & Investors)

If trading is considered investment activity (i.e., trades are infrequent, and positions are held for longer periods), profits are treated as capital gains:

• Only 50% of the profit is taxable, at your marginal tax rate.
• Example: If you make $20,000 in trading profits, only $10,000 is subject to tax.
• Capital losses can be used to offset capital gains and reduce taxable income.

Business Income Tax (For Active & Professional Traders)

If you trade frequently, use leverage, or rely on trading as a primary income source, the CRA may classify your trading as business income:

• 100% of trading profits are taxable, at your marginal tax rate.
• Trading-related expenses (such as software fees, data subscriptions, and commissions) can be deducted.
• Losses can be deducted from total taxable income, unlike capital losses which can only offset capital gains.

How to declare your trading income in Canada

• Capital Gains Reporting
• Report capital gains on Schedule 3 – Capital Gains (or Losses) when filing your T1 General Income Tax Return.
• Keep records of all trades, including buy/sell prices, transaction fees, and profits/losses.
• Business Income Reporting
• Report business income on Form T2125 – Statement of Business or Professional Activities.
• Deduct eligible expenses (platform fees, withdrawal fees, market data costs, etc.).
• Foreign Income and Currency Conversion
• Since NinjaTrader is a U.S.-based broker, trading profits must be converted to CAD using the exchange rate at the time of each transaction.
• If total foreign holdings exceed $100,000 CAD, you must file Form T1135 – Foreign Income Verification Statement.

Points to remember while filing your taxes

Contact: How do I contact NinjaTrader customer service?

FAQs

Nishadh Mohammed

Nishadh Mohammed is a seasoned news editor and financial writer, working with HelloSafe since May 2023. Nishadh has developed expertise in financial markets, insurance, and investment products, with a deep understanding of the Canadian financial landscape. He has honed his SEO skills and content marketing strategies while writing for Canadian publishing houses. Armed with a master's in Business Analytics and extensive journalistic experience, Nishadh uniquely combines data proficiency and thorough research to deliver comprehensive and accessible information.