TD Ameritrade vs NinjaTrader

TD Ameritrade vs NinjaTrader Comparison Table 2024
TD Ameritrade NinjaTrader
4
4.5

TD Ameritrade is a leading discount brokerage offering a vast range of instruments including forex, stocks, futures, options and crypto. The company has nearly 40 years of experience and authorization from the SEC, FINRA and CFTC. Trading takes place via its well-known thinkorswim platform, which offers sophisticated tools and features including stock screeners and calculators.

NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.

Comment by Reviewer
"Traders who want access to a huge range of stocks from a reputable broker with low fees should consider TD Ameritrade. On the downside, we miss access to the familiar MetaTrader 4 software." "NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."
Pros
  • Advanced order types, including OCO and brackets
  • Automated trading capabilities, including robo-advisors
  • Several trading platforms including proprietary award-winning software
  • TD Ameritrade provides rich in-depth research and educational resources
  • Extended 24/7 trading hours allow for international access to the markets
  • The broker facilitates automatic syncing between desktop and mobile trading platforms
  • There is access to over 350 technical studies, 20 drawing tools and 8 Fibonacci tools
  • Active chat rooms to share ideas and communicate with thousands of experienced traders
  • The Economic Data tool allows access to a range of data about the health of global economies
  • Management Services and Essential Portfolios. Reviews of which show high levels of customer satisfaction
  • Portfolio margin gives some users increased leverage by basing margin requirements on total portfolio risk
  • NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets
  • NinjaTrader is a widely respected and award-winning futures broker and is heavily authorized by the NFA and CFTC
  • Low fees are offered, with $50 day trading margins & commissions from $.09 per micro contract
  • Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
  • You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
Cons
  • CFD trading not available
  • No MT4 or MT5 integration
  • Fractional shares are not offered
  • No direct cryptocurrency trading
  • Broker-assisted trade commissions are around $25
  • Stringent margin maintenance requirements and high fees
  • New traders may be overwhelmed by the vast amount of information and tools available
  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge
  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
Awards
  • Best Broker for Beginners 2022 - Investopedia Best Online Broker Awards
  • Best Online Broker for Stock Trading Platform and Research 2022 - NerdWallet's Best-Of Awards
  • #1 Platform & Tools, #1 Active Trading, #1 Options Trading, #1 Customer Service, and #1 Phone Support 2022 - StockBrokers.com Online Broker Review
  • 2023 Benzinga Global Fintech Awards
Instruments
Forex, Stocks, ETFs, Cryptos, Futures, Options, Commodities, Bonds Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, Futures, Crypto
Demo Account
Yes Yes
Minimum Deposit
$0 $0
Trading Platforms
  • eSignal
  • AutoChartist
  • NinjaTrader Desktop
  • Web & Mobile
  • eSignal
Payment Methods
Minimum Trade
$0 0.01 Lots
Regulator
SEC, FINRA, CFTC NFA, CFTC
Margin Trading
Yes Yes
STP Account
No No
ECN Account
No No
DMA Account
Yes No
MAM Account
Yes No
PAMM Account
No No
LAMM Account
No No
Demat Account
No No
AI / Machine Learning
No No
Robo Advisor
Yes No
Negative Balance Protection
No No
Market Maker
No No
P2P Trading
No No
Spot Trading
No Yes
Mobile Apps
iOS & Android iOS & Android
App Review

TD Ameritrade offers currency trading via Android and iOS mobile and tablet apps. Users can speculate on over 75 currency pairs with low fees and advanced trading tools. Deposit funds and manage accounts in a few clicks.

Android App Rating
3.2
iOS App Rating
3
Auto Trading
Yes - Auto trading available via bots NinjaScript or via Automated Trading Interface
Copy Trading
No No
Social Trading
No No
Trade Signals
Yes Yes
VPS Hosting
No No
Tournaments
No No
Demo Competitions
No No
Ethical Investing
Yes No
Custodial Account
Yes No
Guaranteed Stop Loss
No No
Inactivity Fee
$0 $25
Islamic Account
No No
Account Currencies
  • USD
  • USD
Stock Exchanges
Commodities
Forex Trading
Trade 70+ forex pairs including majors, minors or exotics via the desktop, mobile or webtrader app with no commission and 1:2 leverage. The choice of currencies is wider than most forex brokers. NinjaTraders supports the trading of popular currencies including the EUR/USD. The software also offers advanced features to streamline the trading experience, including complex order types like market if touched (MIT) and one cancels other (OCO).
Forex App

TD Ameritrade offers currency trading via Android and iOS mobile and tablet apps. Users can speculate on over 75 currency pairs with low fees and advanced trading tools. Deposit funds and manage accounts in a few clicks.

GBPUSD Spread
Variable 1.6
EURUSD Spread
Variable 1.3
EURGBP Spread
Variable 1.6
Assets
75+ 50+
Cryptocurrency
Gain exposure to cryptocurrency markets through OTC crypto trusts, mutual funds and ETFs and Bitcoin futures. This offers portfolio diversification opportunities and trading vehicles beyond standard crypto CFDs. You can get exposure to micro Bitcoin futures through the CME Group’s centralized exchange, which is highly regulated by the US CFTC. Micro contracts allow you to trade a fractional size of one Bitcoin, giving you more risk control and order flexibility.
Spread
Commission fees apply Floating
Coins
  • BTC
  • ETH
  • MBT
  • MET
  • BTC
Crypto Lending
No No
Crypto Mining
No No
Crypto Staking
No No
Auto Market Maker
No No
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