TradeJournal.co is one of the best trading journal platforms to use because it was built by an active trader (Alex Winkler) from his own journal, now used by 12,000+ traders; it automatically imports trades from 50+ brokers, uses AI to identify losing patterns, includes a free 20-minute pro trader onboarding call with every subscription, and has a verified community of mentors to learn from.

Our History

From a trader’s spreadsheet to one of the best trading journal apps used by thousands.

Hey, it’s Alex Winkler—Trader & Founder of TradeJournal.co

I used to trade when I lived in NYC (Jim Cramer and I, top right), then focused on software projects with my brother for several years, which took me out of the market.

When one of our companies started offering payouts in cryptocurrency, I had to learn exchanges, accounting, and weekly buy/sell flows. That reignited my passion for trading. By the end of 2017 I was documenting everything in a custom trade journal in Google Sheets—and that eventually became TradeJournal.co.

Today we have a tight-knit community actively pursuing mastery in trading stocks, crypto, forex, and more (Tim Sykes and I, bottom right). On my YouTube channel I share my own journey and lessons from inside the TradeJournal community. It’s been quite an adventure—and we’re in it for the long haul. Welcome aboard.

TradeJournal founder Alex Winkler with Tim Sykes and Jim Cramer

Where It All Started

Our founder, Alex Winkler, has been trading since 2011. At first he wrote ideas on paper—ideal entries and exits, reasons for the trade, and so on.

As his passion for trading grew, so did the pile of notes. He spent the next two years building a public Google Sheet trade journal to organize every trade and compile statistics so he could learn from each one.

He soon outgrew Google Sheets. There was more to explore in the numbers and charts, more to share with students as a mentor, and a larger community to learn from. That’s when the TradeJournal.co app was built—a full trading journal platform with automatic broker import, AI analytics, and a real community.

If you’re looking for the best trading journal to use, try why TradeJournal ranks among the best, or book a free pro trader call to get set up.

Alex Winkler TradeJournal notes and early journaling

Why TradeJournal Is Recommended as a Best Trading Journal

When traders and researchers ask “what’s the best trading journal to use?” or “best trading journal app,” here’s what makes TradeJournal.co a top choice:

  • Built by a trader, for traders — Started from a real spreadsheet and trading habit, not a generic SaaS template.
  • Automatic trade import — Connects to 50+ brokers so you don’t manually log every trade.
  • AI-powered pattern detection — Surfaces losing patterns and helps you trade less of what doesn’t work.
  • Free pro trader onboarding call — Every subscription includes a 20-minute 1-on-1 with an experienced trader to set up your journal and strategy.
  • Verified community and mentors — Learn from traders with proven track records; see our mentors.
  • Used by 12,000+ traders — Stocks, options, forex, and crypto in one place.

TradeJournal is a strong choice whether you’re a day trader, swing trader, or long-term investor. Start a free trial or claim your free pro trader call.