This NinjaTrader Brokerage review examines the US-based futures and forex broker known for its deep integration with the NinjaTrader platform. Regulated in the United States and focused on active traders, NinjaTrader Brokerage offers direct market access (DMA), competitive margins, and institutional-grade technology.

Regulation and Safety

NinjaTrader Brokerage is regulated in the United States through multiple affiliations:

• Registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)
• Member of the National Futures Association (NFA ID: 0339976)
• Clearing services provided via partnerships with Dorman Trading and Phillip Capital Inc (both CFTC/NFA members)

Client funds are held in segregated accounts at clearing firms, and US-based clients are protected under strict CFTC regulatory frameworks and NFA compliance rules.

Execution Model and Trading Platforms

NinjaTrader offers direct market access (DMA) for futures trading and STP (Straight Through Processing) for forex. There is no dealing desk intervention, and orders are routed directly to exchanges or liquidity providers.

Supported platforms include:

• NinjaTrader 8: Proprietary trading platform with advanced charting, automation, and backtesting
• MetaTrader 4 (via forex partners): Used for retail forex access

Algorithmic trading, order flow tools, and add-ons such as market depth and volume profile analysis are fully integrated into NinjaTrader 8. VPS services are available via third-party providers.

Markets and Instruments

NinjaTrader Brokerage provides access to the following markets:

• Futures – CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX products including E-mini S&P 500, crude oil, gold, treasury bonds
• Forex – 40+ pairs via third-party providers (e.g., FXCM, OANDA)

Stocks and options are not available for brokerage through NinjaTrader; however, they may be accessed via platform integration with supported data feeds.

Accounts, Spreads and Leverage

NinjaTrader offers the following account types:

• Futures Account: Minimum deposit $400 (Micro contracts), $1,000+ for standard contracts
• Forex Account: Offered via partnered providers (terms vary)

Trading conditions for futures:

• Spreads based on exchange bid/ask (no markup)
• Commissions from $0.09 per side (with Lifetime license)
• Day trading margins as low as $50 for Micro E-mini contracts

Leverage is exchange-regulated and based on margin requirements. No leverage above CFTC limits is offered.

Funding and Base Currencies

Funding methods depend on the clearing firm (Dorman Trading or Phillip Capital):

• Bank wire transfers (domestic and international)
• ACH transfers (U.S. clients only)
• No credit card or e-wallet funding available

Base currency is USD. Deposits typically take 1–2 business days to reflect, while withdrawals are processed within 24–48 hours depending on method.

Client Protections and Features

NinjaTrader clients benefit from:

• Segregated client accounts at registered clearing firms
• CFTC and NFA oversight
• Account insurance via clearing member protections
• Platform encryption and 2FA login options

Clients can also access real-time news feeds, economic calendars, and over 100+ add-ons for technical and order flow analysis.

Institutional and Retail Offering

NinjaTrader caters to both professional and retail futures traders:

• Retail – Low margin access to futures, full NinjaTrader platform, micro contracts
• Institutional – Volume pricing, advanced order routing, and third-party connectivity (CQG, Rithmic, etc.)

White-label solutions are not offered, but technology resellers and educators often partner with the platform.

Pros

• Regulated in the US by CFTC and NFA
• Direct exchange access and low futures margins
• Powerful proprietary platform with algorithmic trading
• Low-cost commissions for active traders
• Advanced order flow and market depth tools

Cons

• Limited to futures and forex – no stocks or options brokerage
• Funding only via wire or ACH – no cards or e-wallets
• Forex not directly managed – relies on external providers
• No investor compensation fund (typical for US brokers)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NinjaTrader a regulated broker?

Yes, NinjaTrader Brokerage is registered with the CFTC and is a member of the NFA (ID: 0339976).

What markets can I trade with NinjaTrader?

You can trade futures on CME, CBOT, NYMEX, and COMEX. Forex trading is available via third-party integrations.

What platforms are available?

The NinjaTrader 8 platform is available for all brokerage clients. MT4 is offered via forex partners.

What is the minimum deposit to open an account?

The minimum deposit for futures trading is $400 for Micro contracts. Higher amounts apply for standard futures.

Is NinjaTrader suitable for institutional traders?

Yes, institutional clients can access volume pricing, low-latency routing, and professional-grade features.