The Best Funded Trader Program
The Best Funded Trader Program of 2022
Funded trading accounts offer the best of both worlds. You can make money doing something you love while at the same time not risking any of your capital. A funded trader program is especially appropriate for beginners. But what is the best funded trader program? Let’s go through the list of all providers, their pros and cons.
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Best Funded Trader Programs
- Best for Trading Futures: Topstep Futures
- Best for Trading Forex: Topstep Forex
- Best Newcomer: Earn2Trade
What Makes a Good Funded Trader Program?
Good funded trader programs help you to get started by offering education, webinars, and support. At the same time, excellent institutional-grade trading platforms and trustworthy funded trading account partners are important.
Are Funded Trader Accounts Worth It?
The main benefit of funded trader accounts is the limited risk factor. There is a small monthly fee for real-time data and the platform. In return, you gain access to a funded account once you proved that you have the right skills needed to be successful. Once you got funded, you keep up to 80% of the profit and request a payout to your checking account.
8 Best Funded Trader Programs
Table of Contents
1. Topstep Futures
As an industry leader and one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies in the United States, TopstepTrader has the brand power and reputation that traders trust. To participate in its funded account program, you first need to complete the Trading Combine. Here, you enter a real-time simulated futures account with $50,000, $100,000 and $150,000 buying power to test if you’re ready for the real thing.
You graduate if you:
- Can apply the software, make profits and control against large drawdowns
- Show consistent profitability and manage risk in the process
- Complete steps 1 and 2 in at least 15 days
- Meet your accounts profit targets
- Trade permitted products during permitted times
- Don’t hit or exceed the daily loss limit
- Don’t hold positions into major economic releases
- Follow TopstepTraders scaling plan.
So let’s assume you have what it takes. Once you complete the Trading Combine, you enter the funded trader Program. Here, the TopstepTrader team allocates capital to your account and lets you trade in real-time with zero personal risks.
So what happens when you start trading?
- You keep your first $5,000 in profits and 80% after that
- You can expand your asset base to include trading EUREX future contracts
- You can withdraw your profits at any time, and there is no wire fee for withdrawals over $500
- Your trades have zero commissions and zero clearing fees using TSTrader.
Trading Platforms
The list of trading platforms that you can use ranges from TSTrader, TradingView and T4 to NinjaTrader, TradeStation, R|Trader Pro, and many more.
Credibility Check
TopstepTrader discloses the official company name and addresses on their website: Topstep, LLC, 130 South Jefferson Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60661, USA. You can reach them via phone (888 407-1611) and use the contact form within the online help center. Topstep’s Trustpilot score is 4.4/5 based on 1,248 reviews.
Costs
The pricing starts at $132 per month for the $50k account during the Trading Combine.
Best Offer
- TopstepTrader 20% Discount (Automatic discount on all account sizes upon checkout. Follow the link, select your account size and click Select. Now you see the confirmed 20% discount)
For a detailed look at the entire service, check out our complete TopstepTrader review.
2. Topstep Forex
Currency specialists rejoice, this one’s for you. As the currency wing of Topstep, Topstep Forex funded accounts have similar eligibility requirements. First, you need to complete the Trading Combine and demonstrate you can apply TopTrader’s software, implement a winning strategy and manage risk at the same time.
It’s a necessary step to ensure that TopTrader’s capital is safe in your hands. Once you start trading, you keep your first $5,000 in profits and take home 80% of your winnings after that. You can also withdraw your profits at any time, and there is no wire fee for withdrawals over $500.
What separates Topstep Forex from Topstep Futures?
Topstep Forex funded account balances include buying power of up to $500,000.
And how is this done? In a word, leverage. Currency positions have leverage ratios as high as 100:1. Compared to Topstep Futures, the excess leverage with Topstep Forex is extremely risky. However, as we mentioned, it’s not your money.
With Topstep Forex financing the positions, you can always trade risk-free without worrying about reprisal. Keep in mind, you do need to prove your skills first. If you’re a profitable currency trader that lacks the capital to make significant moves, a Topstep Forex funded trader program may be just what you’re looking for.
Trading Platforms
The list of trading platforms that you can use ranges from TSTrader, TradingView and T4 to NinjaTrader, TradeStation, R|Trader Pro, and many more.
Credibility Check
TopstepTrader discloses the official company name and addresses on their website: Topstep, LLC, 130 South Jefferson Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60661, USA. You can reach them via phone (888 407-1611) and use the contact form within the online help center. Topstep’s Trustpilot score is 4.4/5 based on 1,248 reviews.
Costs
The smallest account with $200k buying power costs $100 per month during the Trading Combine.
Best Offer
- TopstepFX 20% Discount (Automatic discount on all account sizes upon checkout. Follow the link, select your account size and click Select. Now you see the confirmed 20% discount)
For a top-to-bottom rundown of all the service has to offer, see our TopstepFX review.
3. Earn2Trade
Earn2Trade offers two different funded trading programs. The Gauntlet Program and the Gauntlet Mini Program.
The regular Gauntlet program is focused on trading the Futures market, where you manage a $25,000 virtual account for 60 days. During this time, you have to trade at least 30 calendar days and once per week. Your target is to reach the 10% profit target and never hit the 10% maximum drawdown.
Successful candidates receive a guaranteed funding offer from their partner Helios Trading Partners and Appius Trading.
The new Gauntlet Mini is a program similar to Topstep Futures and Topstep Forex. You pay a monthly fee, and you have to trade according to the rules. Trading lessons, webinars, and access to Journalytix (TM) are included in the monthly price.
After completion, you receive an offer for a funded trading account. Both programs come with an 80%/20% profit split, where you keep the 80%.
Trading Platforms
About 20 trading platforms can be used. The most popular ones are NinjaTrader and Finamark, R|Trader and Overcharts, but also Agena Trader, MultiCharts and many more platforms can be used.
Credibility Check
The company behind this is Earn2Trade LLC, with a registered office at 30 N Gould St. STE 4000, Sheridan, WY 82801, USA. You can reach out to them via email at support@earn2trade.com. Earn2Trade’s rating score at Trustpilot is 4.6/5 based on 693 reviews.
Costs
The Gauntlet Mini account sizes range from $25k to $150k, and the pricing starts at $130 per month.
Best Offer
- Earn2Trade 50% Discount on the 50K account and 20% on all other account sizes.
You find all details and a platform walk-through in the comprehensive Earn2Trade review.
4. FTMO
FTMO is an award-wining prop trading firm specialized in forex trading. In 2021 they paid over $23,000,000 from USD FTMO Accounts to their FTMO traders with an average payout processing time of only 8 hours.
At FTMO, you go through a 3-step process to qualify for a funded trading account.
- First, you enter the FTMO Challenge, where you have to reach the defined profit goals within 30 days.
- Then you enter the 60-day Verification process where you have to prove that you can repeat the FTMO Challenge success.
- Once you make it through the 2-step evaluation process with the FTMO Challenge and Verification, you receive an offer from FTMO to trade their capital on accounts ranging from $10,000 up to $400,000.
The standard Profit Split is 80:20, where the trader keeps 80% of profits ready to withdraw. However, there is also a Scaling Plan for funded accounts where traders can increase the Profit Split in their favor as high as 90:10 with account sizes as large as $2,000,000.
You can trade 44 currency pairs and 10 of the most popular cryptocurrencies. In addition, some cash indices, commodities and stock CFDs are also available for trading.
While Topstep has exceptional strengths in futures trading, FTMO shines when it comes to currencies.
Trading Platforms
The three most popular forex trading platforms MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 or cTrader, are available for free.
Credibility Check
The company transparently discloses its address on the website: FTMO Evaluation Global s.r.o., Opletalova 1417/25 in 110 00 Prague, Czech Republic, including their registration ID and VAT. FTMO won the Technology Fast 50 award by Deloitte three years in a row and rates at 4.7/5 stars on Trustpilot based on 1,204 reviews.
Costs
The participation fee starts at $139.50 for the $10,000 account (leverage 1:100 = $1 million buying power). Traders only pay the fee once per FTMO Challenge and get the fee back with their first Profit Split as a funded trader. There are no additional participation or platform costs for the Verification process and the time as a funded FTMO Trader.
Best Offer
Click here to start the FTMO free trial and to compare the challenge types.
For insights into the entire challenge, evaluation process, account and costs, see our FTMO review.
5. Fidelcrest
Fidelcrest is a newly funded trading account provider. The proprietary trading company was founded by a team of Forex traders and professionals in 2018. Based on their website, Fidelcrest currently has 6,000 active traders worldwide, offers 1,000+ tradeable instruments. The profit share during the verification phase is 40%, followed by 70%-80% after that.
Trading Platforms
Fidelcrest traders can trade using MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 or cTrader platforms.
You can use demo accounts from the brokers Fidelcrest Markets, TradeView, IC Markets, XM Markets, Blueberry Markets, Purple Trading, Pepperstone and RoboForex during the Fidelcrest Trading Challenge and Verification. Live accounts will be held with one of the partnering prop firms.
One disadvantage of Fidelcrest compared to the funded accounts mentioned above is that you have to trade the same instruments in Phase 1 and Phase 2. The problem is that each trading period requires a new account (based on their knowledge base section account management, how is my account monitored). If your broker of Phase 2 does not support the instrument of your broker in Phase 1, then you have a problem since you can not trade the same instruments as required.
Credibility Check
Fidelcrest Ltd has its headquarters in Arch. Makariou III & 1-7 Evagorou, MITSI 3, 1st floor, office 102 C 1065 Nicosia, Cyprus. Their company registration and tax number are listed on ther website. Fidelcrest currently has 56 reviews on Trustpilot with an average rating of 4.3/5. You can connect with their team via email (support@fidelcrest.com).
Costs
Fidelcrest offers four ProFX Normal accounts for forex trading with sizes of $50,000 to $400,000, with one-off evaluation fees ranging from $349 to $1,499. ProFX Aggressive accounts and smaller account sizes are also offered.
6. The5ers
The5ers go an entirely different route compared to the other programs mentioned in this list. Each funded trading account is a live funded trading account with real money, funded by The5ers and tradeable by subscribers.
Tradeable securities are all forex majors like EUR/USD, USD/CHF and major crossings like AUD/CAD and GBP/JPY. Each trader has to pass the Level 1 Program with a profit target ranging between 10% and 25%.
Once the profit target was archived by trading according to the rules, the Level 1 Program will be closed. The profit will be paid out based on the profit split, and a new trading account on the next higher funding level will start with you as a Portfolio Manager Partner.
There is another main differentiator compared to the other trading accounts in the list. The5ers offers a profit split of 50:50. That means that the trader keeps 50% of the profit, while with other programs like Topstep, the trader keeps 80% of the profit.
Trading Platforms
Each of the programs is hosted on the MetaTrader 5 trading platform.
Credibility Check
The5ers fully discloses their headquarters in 14 Haroshet st, Raanana, Israel and office address in Enstar House, 168, Praed Street, London, United Kingdom, W2 1RH. You can contact them via telephone (929 955-5595) and email (help@the5ers.com). Currently, 404 ratings on Trustpilot score the The5%ers Traders Funding & Growth Program with 4.7/5 on average.
Costs
The participation fee ranges from $275 to $875.
7. City Traders Imperium
City Traders Imperium is a London-based company and was established in 2018 by Daniel Bautista Martin and Martin Najat. The relatively new forex funded trader program provider offers a revenue share of 50% – 70%.
Traders can use all kinds of trading strategies, and attendees have one year to complete the Evaluation Phase. Those who succeed will continue to trade on the Portfolio Manager level. The tradeable assets are limited to Gold and Forex during the Evaluation phase, and Indices will be added to the Portfolio Manager Level.
Interestingwise, any trade closed without a stop loss order in place will be considered as a violation of the risk management rules. Also, the scaling plan per account is complex.
Trading Platforms
The only trading platform offered is MetaTrader 4.
Credibility Check
City Trader Imperium fully discloses their company address 152-160 Kemp House, City Rd, EC1V 2NX, London, UK on ther website and company registration data. You can reach them via email at ctisupport@citytradersimperium.com. The Trustpilot rating is currently at 4.7/5 based on 175 reviews.
Costs
The pricing is in GBP. During the evaluation, the offered account sizes range from $2,500 to $17,500 with one-time payments of £109-£649, which currently equals $150-$893.
8. OneUp Trader
Whether if you are just starting or a seasoned professional, OneUp Trader offers funded accounts where you can showcase your skills and make some money along the way.
There are two steps to get started:
- Get evaluated
- Get funded
The evaluation process begins with OneUp’s Trading Evaluation program. Next, the team puts you through a real-time day trading simulator where you can trade, track, measure and showcase your abilities.
Once you pass the evaluation, you get introduced to OneUp’s funding partners. Once you start trading, the first $8,000 in profits are yours to keep, and after that, you take home 80% of all winnings.
What are some other benefits?
- Choose funding options from $25,000 up to $250,000
- Advanced analytics and data that help you become more successful
- Discuss, collaborate and share ideas with One-up Trader’s community members
Trading Platforms
The list of supported platforms includes Ninjatrader, R|Trader, Agena Trader, Photon, eSignal and more.
Credibility Check
Unfortunately, OneUp Trader does not disclose any information about the company and their address and contact data on the website. Also, there is no information available on what company will fund your account and how many traders got funded so far. Oneup Trader has 2 reviews on Trustpilot.
Costs
The smallest account with the 50% profit split costs $105 per month. It goes all the way up to $650 per month for the 80% profit split in the $250,000 account.
Funded Trader Program Summary
There’s no doubt funded trader programs have plenty of benefits. Many providers offer exceptional service and can be a great addition to your trading toolkit. Whether it’s access to advanced software or the idea of using someone else’s money to trade, funded accounts offer a risk-free way to compete against the best.
More importantly, the knowledge you obtain is invaluable. Considering their own money is at stake, providers will do everything in their power to ensure you succeed. They don’t want you draining their bankroll.
So what this means for you is:
- greater guidance,
- mentorship and
- coaching compared to other services.
As well, when competing in the arena, you’re surrounded by other advanced traders. This will help you increase your skill-set and have you climbing up the ladder in no time.
When deciding between the options above, you really can’t go wrong with most of them.
TopstepTrader is the market leader, with over 6,033 funded accounts in 2020 and even more in 2021. Earn2Trade, Maverick Trading, Fidelcrest, The5ers and City Traders Imperium officially disclose their company address, contact info, and pricing on their website, which is positive.
OneUp Trader does not disclose any company details, and Try Day Trading hides their pricing of up to $22,595 participation fee and $10,000 violation fee in their policies and procedures page, so both could do better. Other companies like Tradenet meanwhile stopped offering funded trading accounts.
If you are looking purely for a funded trader account, TopstepTrader and Earn2Trade are the best choices. However, Maverick Trading is an excellent choice for people with the intention to work for an investment firm managing immense account sizes.
If you are looking for excellent education, I recommend reading my comprehensive best trading courses blog post. And if you consider joining the expensive funded trader programs, then read the detailed reviews first.
Now it is up to you.
Top 3 Offers
If you are looking for a funded trader account with an excellent price-performance ratio, you may focus on the top 3:
- TopstepTrader (Futures Trading) TopstepTrader Free Trial or 20% off (Automatic discount on all account sizes upon checkout)
- TopstepFX (Forex Trading) TopstepFX 20% Discount (Automatic discount on all account sizes upon checkout)
- Earn2Trade (Futures Trading) Earn2Trade 50% Discount (discount applied automatically).
Comparison
Your Profit Share and Tradeable Assets
| Funded Trader Program | Tradeable Assets | Your Profit Share |
|---|---|---|
| Topstep Futures | Futures | 80%-100% |
| Topstep Forex | Forex | 80%-100% |
| Earn2Trade | Futures | 80% |
| FTMO | Forex, Crypto | 80%-90% |
| Fidelcrest | Forex | 40%-70% |
| The 5ers | Forex | 50% |
| City Traders Imperium | Forex, Gold, Indices | 50%-70% |
| OneUp Trader | Futures | 50%-80% |
Free Trial, Discounts, and Payments
| Funded Trader Program | Free Trial | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Topstep Futures | Yes | 20% |
| Topstep Forex | ✘ | 20% |
| Earn2Trade | ✘ | 20%-50% |
| FTMO | Yes | ✘ |
| Fidelcrest | ✘ | ✘ |
| The 5ers | ✘ | ✘ |
| City Traders Imperium | ✘ | ✘ |
| OneUp Trader | ✘ | ✘ |
FAQ
What is the best funded trader program?
Topstep offers the best funded trader program for a low price and with a free trial available. Future contracts and forex pairs are tradable at Topstep, and the revenue share is favorable. They funded over 6,000 accounts in 2020, and over $2 million have been withdrawn this year.
How much do funded traders make?
Funded traders can make unlimited profits as long as they trade according to the rules defined by their funded trading account provider. Of course, the bigger the tradeable account size, the higher the potential profits.
Can I become a funded trader?
Most companies require traders to prove their abilities during an evaluation phase. Those who succeed by reaching the profit target are liable for funded trading accounts. Some companies also offer immediate funded accounts in exchange for higher participation fees.
What is funded trading?
Funded trading enables traders to make money by trading other firms capital without putting their own trading account at risk. However, long-term success requires a high level of skills and knowledge about the financial markets.
How do funded trading accounts work?
Funded trading accounts are associated with a two-step process. First new traders prove that they can make money trading over a more extended period. Second, once the evaluation phase passed by, the trader receives full access to a funded trading account and receives a revenue share of up to 80% of profits made.
