What Is A Funded Trading Account (+ 13 Best Funded Trading Platforms)

Do you wonder what is a funded trading account? Learn how AquaFunded can help you trade without risking your own money. Get started today!

Trading can be an expensive endeavor. Between platform fees and the cost of losses, you can quickly go broke before you even get the chance to prove yourself. Best funded trading accounts help traders offset these costs and even eliminate them. With these accounts, traders are given a demo or live account with a balance funded by a proprietary trading firm. The goal is to pass an evaluation or assessment phase to prove you can trade profitably and responsibly. Once you complete the process, you gain access to the firms’ capital and can trade for real with little to no risk to your capital.

We’ll discuss how funded trading accounts work, their benefits, and how you can start today with the best-funded trading accounts. AquaFunded's funded trading program will help you achieve your objectives by giving you access to capital so you can trade forex, stocks, crypto, and precious metals through trusted brokers without risking your own money.
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What is A Funded Trading Account

A funded trading account lets you trade with a company’s money instead of your own. You get to simulate trading with virtual cash provided by a proprietary trading firm or prop firm.
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What’s A Prop Firm?

Think of a prop firm as a partner. They provide the simulated funding, the tools, and the resources you need to learn the art of day trading. In exchange, you split any profits you make with them.
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How Does A Funded Account Work?

Most simulated funded accounts work similarly:
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Prop firms assume the financial risk for the trades. As such, they have some entrance criteria before giving someone simulated funding.
Typically, the trader must complete at least one challenge. The challenge is a chance to show you can execute successful trades consistently. In other words, you’re showing that you didn’t make a profit by luck!
The challenge period ends. If you’ve shown that you’re a promising trader, you can keep a share of the simulated profits generated.
The firm will continue to support you and offer in-built risk management to help you along the way.
Funded trading really is that simple!
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Is Trading With A Funded Account Worth It?

a lot of money made by trader - What Is A Funded Trading Account

Definitely! Participating in a funded trading program like AquaFunded can provide abundant flexibility, you don’t have to risk your capital, and you can utilize higher leverages. You can succeed as a funded trader with the proper trading mindset, a solid strategy, and effective risk management.

Dubai-Based Funded Trading

AquaFunded is a Dubai-based funded trading program that allows traders to access large capital accounts and earn up to 95% profit splits. The company provides a unique funding model with easy-to-achieve 8% profit targets and fast bi-weekly payouts, with an option for the first payout in just 7 days. AquaFunded caters to traders of all experience levels, from beginners to those with a few years of experience, who want to trade with reduced risk using the firm's capital instead of their own.

With its competitive features and UAE-based operations, AquaFunded aims to stand out in the crowded prop trading market and provide a trustworthy platform for traders looking to scale their profits. Get started with AquaFunded's funded trading program today!
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What Happens If You Lose Money On A Funded Account?

person understanding issues - What Is A Funded Trading Account

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Losing money in a funded account differs from losing money in a personal trading account.
Losing money on a personal trading account means you lose your cash.
Losing money on a funded account means you lose the opportunity to profit from trading with someone else's money.
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When a trader loses money on a funded account, they do not have to repay the prop firm for any losses. Instead, the trader violates the terms of their agreement with the prop firm and suffers the consequences detailed in its policies.
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Losing Access to a Funded Account

You will not receive a refund if you lose all the funds in a funded account. You simply lose access to the account and the opportunity to keep trading with the firm's money.

Most prop firms have strict rules regarding the maximum drawdown, which dictates how much a trader can lose before closing their account. If a trader is within the maximum drawdown, they may retain access to the funded account and must pay a fee to reapply.
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13 Best Funded Trading Accounts For Successful Trading

woman typing on laptop - What Is A Funded Trading Account

1. AquaFunded: A Dubai-Based Prop Trading Firm

AquaFunded is a Dubai-based funded trading program that allows traders to access large capital accounts and earn up to 95% profit splits. The company provides a unique funding model with easy-to-achieve 8% profit targets and fast bi-weekly payouts, with an option for the first payout in just 7 days.

AquaFunded caters to traders of all experience levels, from beginners to those with a few years of experience, who want to trade with reduced risk using the firm's capital instead of their own. With its competitive features and UAE-based operations, AquaFunded aims to stand out in the crowded prop trading market and provide a trustworthy platform for traders looking to scale their profits. Get started with AquaFunded's funded trading program today!
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2. Apex Trader Funding

Apex Trader Funding allows you to get started fast and access the futures market with limited risk to your capital.
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Traders can get approved in as little as 7 days and seek somewhere between $400,000 and $4 million for their trading.
You can connect with Rithmic or Tradovate, trade on holidays, and much more.
You get to keep the first $25,000 you make, and profit splits remain at 90% for the biggest accounts.

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There are no daily drawdowns; you can open up to 20 accounts, and they often run promotions where you can get 80% off accounts, making them one of the cheapest funded trading accounts.
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Pros

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Fast approval process: Traders can often get approved within 7 days.
High funding amounts: Traders can seek up to $4 million for trading.
Favorable profit splits: Keep the first $25,000 you make and enjoy 90% profit splits for larger accounts.
No daily drawdowns: Avoid the risk of losing your trading capital due to daily drawdowns.
Multiple account openings: Open up to 20 accounts.
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Cons

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Strict performance requirements: Traders must meet specific performance criteria to maintain funding.
Limited control over trading strategy: Funding providers may have restrictions on trading strategies or leverage.
Potential for account closure: If performance falls below expectations, the funding provider may close the account.
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3. IC Funded

IC Funded stands out as one of the best prop trading firms for traders looking to scale their trading operations and maximize profits. What sets IC Funded apart is its flexibility in the evaluation process, where time limits don’t pressure traders. This is a big deal because it allows you to trade at your own pace, focusing on strategy and skill rather than racing against the clock.
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A Lucrative Partnership for Traders

With a profit split up to 80%, it’s a fantastic deal for traders who want to keep more of what they earn. Another reason why IC Funded is the go-to choice for many traders is its broad range of tradable instruments and support for popular trading platforms like MetaTrader 4 and 5. Whether you’re into forex, crypto, or commodities, IC Funded has you covered with top-tier tools that help you execute your strategies effectively.
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Diverse Trading Opportunities and Comprehensive Support with IC Funded

The firm also allows various trading styles, from scalping to hedging, enabling you to trade in a way that suits you best. The firm also stays engaged with its community through social media, keeping traders updated and connected. All these factors combined make IC.

Funded a top choice for traders serious about growing their trading careers while enjoying the flexibility and support needed to succeed:
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Pros

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No time limits on evaluations
Profit split up to 80%
Access to over 150 trading instruments
Flexible trading strategies allowed
Bi-weekly profit withdrawals
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Cons

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Not regulated by major financial authorities
Initial fee is non-refundable
Limited asset selection compared to some firms
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4. Fxify

FXIFY helps you get into prop trading and is a top option for forex traders. This platform allows you to take a one- or two-phase assessment depending on your trading comfort. Plus, you can work at your own pace to build confidence and earn more. FXIFY offers prop traders various benefits, including:
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Profit splits up to 90%
Funding up to $4 million
MT4 and MT5 functionality

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Traders can enjoy customizable leverage, tighter spreads than the competition, and no trading restrictions. The platform provides instant payouts, has no consistency rules, and allows unlimited trading days. After their first payout, traders receive a 125% refund on their assessment fee.
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Pros

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Accessibility: FXIFY allows traders to get started with prop trading quickly and easily.
Flexible assessment: Choose between a one or two-phase assessment based on your comfort level.
Work at your own pace: Build confidence and earn more at your own speed.
High profit splits: Earn up to 90% of your profits.
Large funding amounts: Access funding up to $4 million.
MT4 and MT5 compatibility: Trade on popular trading platforms.
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Cons

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Performance requirements: Traders must meet certain performance criteria to maintain funding.
Risk of account closure: Failure to meet performance targets may result in account closure.
Limited control over trading environment: As a prop trader, you may have less control over certain aspects of your trading environment than a fully independent trader.
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5. FTMO

FTMO is among the most popular and reliable prop trading firms, offering its trading services since 2014. FTMO provides competent traders with funded trader accounts with funds up to $1 million. Before the traders could receive the funds, they had to undergo a two-phase evaluation process, including trading challenges and an account verification process.
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FTMO Evaluation Process

The FTMO platform claims its evaluation process is challenging and designed to attract the best traders. FTMO claims that consistent traders can succeed even if they lack the proper trading skills, as the platform provides a performance coach, account analysis, and many other helpful trading tools to guide inexperienced traders.

The profit split ratio at FTMO is also higher than many other platforms, at 80: 20%, and the trading challenges are also achievable. Traders have the advantage of getting high leverage with reliable customer service. Regarding trading instruments, there are 44 forex trading pairs and 10 cryptocurrencies.
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FTMO Pros and Cons

FTMO is considered one of the best prop firms for Forex traders. However, traders can also trade in indices, commodities, and stock CFDs.
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Pros

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High-profit splits
Maximum currency pairs
High leverage
Effective trading tools
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Cons

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The source of funds is unknown
Lack of technical assistance
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6. FidelCrest

Among some of the best-funded trader programs, Fidelcrest has also made its place through its exceptional trading services. Founded in 2018, Fidelcrest is among the few prop firms that cater to citizens in the US, Canada, Australia, and other developed countries. Fidelcrest provides a funded trading account of up to $2 Million to traders who pass its 2-phase evaluation challenge.

The trading rules at Fidelcrest are competitive and require traders to demonstrate effective trading strategies and consistency to achieve their targets. At Fidelcrest, traders can get an affordable trading account with the most advanced platform and proficient customer service. Fidelcrest is affiliated with a reliable and regulated broker.
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Fidelcrest Trustworthiness

The firm is trustworthy. Fidelcrest also offers multiple rewards and bonuses to its customers, such as an acceleration plan and plan double, which adds value to the overall trading experience. Traders are not allowed to use copy trading or EAs during Fidlecrest's evaluation phase. This is a significant disadvantage, especially for new traders who rely on the strategies of other successful traders.

This shows that the company aims to generate maximum profits through competent traders rather than providing opportunities to new traders in the market.
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Pros

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Partnered with a related broker
Low subscription fee
Rewards and Bonuses
Advanced trading platform MT4, MT5, C Trader
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Cons

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No Copy trading
Rigorous evaluation process
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7. The 5ers

Offering trades in forex, indices, metals, and securities, the 5ers provides some of the most generous profit shares in the industry. The company allows up to 100% splits and even salary offers for top traders. Traders can access the platform immediately after passing the evaluation, which starts at $95, and there are no subscription fees.

Users gain access via MT5, and the standard leverage is 1:10. Still, it can move upward to as much as 1:30. Capital funding ranges from $6,000 to $4 million with easy scaling options and the freedom to develop your trading strategy. They are also running a promo for a 10% discount on the $10K Hyper Growth Account.
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Pros

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Generous profit splits: Offers some of the highest profit shares in the industry, including up to 100% for top traders.
Salary offers: Provides salary options for exceptional traders.
Quick access: Traders can start trading immediately after passing the evaluation.
Low entry cost: Evaluation fees start at $95, and there are no subscription fees.
MT5 access: Provides access to the popular MT5 trading platform.
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Cons

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Performance requirements: Traders must meet specific performance criteria to maintain funding and profit splits.
Limited control over trading environment: As a prop trader, you may have less control over certain aspects of your trading environment than a fully independent trader.
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8. Top Step

Topstep is another proprietary firm that holds the position of a top brand in the financial markets. Traders can sign up for a futures trading account on Topstep by agreeing to participate in the Traders combine funded account program. Traders who pass the trader combine challenge can earn up to $ 300K in real-time funds in their funded futures account.
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Topstep Advantages

Trading with Topstep offers many advantages, which is why it is also considered the best prop trading firm in the financial market. Countless courses, quizzes, and other coaching programs provide technical assistance to traders, and Topstep’s trader communities and forums are also the talk of the town among traders.

Tostep is also popular among traders due to its fast, easy payout process and a 14-day free trial account. The firm claims to process the withdrawal request within the same day. Topstep's profit split ratio is phenomenal, up to 100%, higher than many other prop firms. In addition, traders can trade on various trading platforms such as:

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TS Trader
Trading view
R Trader
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Topstep Account Sizes

Topstep offers three different account sizes, ranging from $50k to $100k, with subscription fees of $165, $325, and $375 monthly. This is a monthly recurring fee, not a one-time subscription fee like other platforms. The profit target of each account is $3,000, $6,000, and $9,000, respectively, with a daily drawdown of $1000, $2000, and $3000 and a total drawdown of $2000, $3000, and $4000.

The targets are not in percentages but in specific amounts, making it clearer for the traders to calculate and set goals.
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Pros

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Free trial account
100% first $ 5000 profit
Easy one-step evaluation
Funded trading coach
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Cons

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Limited trading instruments
No customer service on weekends
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9. Audacity Capital

Audacity Capital is a UK-based prop firm providing funded accounts to customers globally since 2012. Traders affiliated with this firm can trade forex, indices, and commodities on the MT4 trading platform. Like all other funded trading programs, Audacity Capital also provides funds to experienced and talented traders who would earn profits for the company. Unlike other firms ' standard evaluation phases, individuals must follow a different selection process to become funded traders.
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Audacity Capital Levels

At Audacity Capital, traders must fill out a registration form and apply for a funded account after passing the online or face-to-face interview session. Successful candidates are offered account sizes from $15,000 to $480,000 at a 50% profit split. The funded trader at Audacity Capital has to go through six stages to reach the maximum funds of $480,000.

The lot size increases with the capital, starting from 0.5 to 16 at the last level. At the initial levels, traders can only trade forex, but after the third stage, traders can also include indices and commodities. This prop firm has no time restrictions or minimum trading days requirements.
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Pros

Achievable funded traders at Audacity Capital have to go through six stages to reach the maximum funds of $480, opp profit targets.
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Multiple educational resources
Zero commission
Easy payouts
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Cons

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No room for inexperienced traders
One trading platform MT4
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10. Traders4Traders

Traders4Traders is not just a proprietary trading platform that provides funds to skilled traders but also an educational platform that guides and trains individuals to become successful traders. Numerous online courses are offered to forex traders who become affiliated with the T4T platform, and they have the opportunity to do funded trading up to $1,000,000 and earn massive profits.
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Evaluation Process for Fully Funded Accounts

To start trading with a fully funded account, Professional and newly trained traders must go through a practical assessment demo account. The trading rules of this demo account involve traders maintaining a 5% daily drawdown and achieving the 10% profit target. A plus for the trader is that there are no time constraints, and they can achieve this target as fast or slow as they want.
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Essential Trading Rules for Traders

Other rules exist at the traders' capital prop firm besides the trading conditions in the evaluation phase. Traders should have a stop loss at every trader they open at the market. Trades that do not have a set stop loss will face a trade closure automatically from the server, and the account will be closed after the due notice.
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T4T: A Suitable Option for Traders of All Levels

There are also rules regarding trading hours, as no trades can be conducted on weekends. T4T is ideal for both new traders and experienced traders and investors. Amateur traders can first learn trading through the T4T trading education platform and then start low by opting for the initial level trading amount.

Professionals are not required to go through the whole process and can simply subscribe to the more significant trading account.
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Pros

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Trading Education Platform
Fast Scaling plan
Unlimited Trading Time
One Time Subscription Fee
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Cons

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Multiple-level evaluation process
Low Leverage
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11. Trade the Pool

Offering access to over 12,000 stocks and ETFs, Trade the Pool, launched in 2022, is a newcomer to prop trading. An offshoot of 5ers, Trade the Pool has four funded trading programs starting at $20,000 up to $260,000 with an unlimited scale-up plan. Single-phase evaluation ensures that traders can quickly get to work.

Trade the Pool is an excellent option for beginners mainly versed in stock trading and one of the top stock prop firms. Active traders keep 80% of their profits. Funded accounts start at $20,000 and up to $260,000. Traders can test the system using the 14-day free trial.
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Pros

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Generous profit splits: Offers some of the highest profit shares in the industry, including up to 100% for top traders.
Salary offers: Provides salary options for exceptional traders.
Quick access: Traders can start trading immediately after passing the evaluation.
MT5 access: Provides access to the popular MT5 trading platform.
Promotional offers: Currently running a 10% discount on the $10K Hyper Growth Account.
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Cons

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Strict performance requirements: To maintain funding, traders must consistently meet specific profit targets, such as a minimum monthly profit or a certain profit factor. Please meet these requirements to avoid account closure.
Limited trading flexibility: Trade The Pool may restrict specific trading strategies or instruments, limiting the trader's ability to implement their desired approach.
Lack of transparency: The specific terms and conditions of the funding program may need to be fully transparent, traders may need to be more transparent, and traders may face unexpected changes or restrictions.
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12. Funded Trading Plus

Funded Trading Plus recently founded a prop trading platform that grants funded accounts starting from $12,500 with a scaling plan up to $2,500,000. The Funded Trading Plus account is also popular among traders worldwide for its easy trading rules, 90% profit splits, and affordable subscription fees.

Funded traders also offer maximum crypto pairs for trading other than forex, indices, and commodities. Another facility-funded Trader Plus provides is that the traders can choose from a step evaluation program:
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2-step evaluation program
Immediate funded accounts

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The evaluation phases have easy trading rules with a 10% profit target, 3% daily, and 6% total drawdown, and there is no time limit for reaching the goal.
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One-Step Evaluation

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The subscription fee for the one and two-step evaluation accounts starts at $199 and reaches $999, which is also refundable. For the instant funding program, the one-time non-refundable fee at level 1 is $225 and goes up to $4500. There are no restrictions on copy trading or using EAs. Similarly, traders can hold trades overnight and can also trade over weekends.
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Advantages

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No trading restrictions on Overnight weekend holding
No time limitation
Direct Funded Programs
90% profit split
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Disadvantages

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Drawdown limitations
Low leverage of 1:30
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13. FTUK

Forex Trader UK is a platform that provides funded trader accounts to capable traders and investors in the financial markets. FTUK is not a very popular name among the prop firms as it was founded in 2021. Even within a very short time, FTUK has been able to fund traders in many countries worldwide.

FTK claims to provide funded stock trading accounts of up to $5,760,000 to competent traders who can earn profits for themselves and the firm. FTUK has a one-step evaluation process where risk management rules are applied to assess capable traders. Instant-funded accounts are also available for those who don’t want to undergo the evaluation process.
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FTUK Scaling Plan

With multiple levels to reach the $5,760,000 funded account, traders can immediately follow all the trading rules. FTUK has a fast-paced scaling plan. In this plan, traders must reach their profit target to scale up their accounts. FTUK provides a varied choice of trading instruments for its customers and is a reliable portfolio manager partner for traders worldwide.
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Pros

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Immediate Funding Program
One Step Evaluation
Fast Scaling Plan
Multiple Trading Instruments
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Cons

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50% Profit Split at first level
No hedging allowed
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Is A Funded Account Real Money?

money stacked together - What Is A Funded Trading Account

If you're making money with a funded trading account, you're making real money. A funded account in trading usually refers to an account that has been provided with real money by a proprietary trading firm or a similar entity, allowing the trader to trade with that capital. While the money in the account is real and can be used for trading, the trader typically does not own this money.
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Profit Sharing and Risk Management in Funded Trading Accounts

Instead, they are given a share of the profits they generate while adhering to the firm's rules and risk management guidelines. If the trader meets specific performance criteria, they can withdraw some of the profits as earnings. If they incur losses or violate the firm's rules, they may lose access to the account or face other penalties.

A funded account often involves real money, but it comes with specific conditions and is typically provided by a third party rather than being entirely owned by the trader.
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Dubai-Based Funded Trading

4 Tips For Successful Funded Trading

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1. AquaFunded: Your Best Bet for Success in Prop Trading

AquaFunded is a Dubai-based funded trading program that gives beginners and experienced traders access to significant capital accounts with easy-to-achieve 8% profit targets. The company stands out in the crowded prop trading market by offering traders generous profit splits up to 95% and fast bi-weekly payouts, with an option for a first payout in just 7 days.

‍AquaFunded caters to traders of all experience levels looking to trade with reduced risk using the firm's capital instead of their own. With its competitive features and UAE-based operations, AquaFunded aims to provide a trustworthy platform for traders looking to scale their profits.
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2. Understanding the Guidelines of Funded Trading Accounts

Before you start trading with a funded trading account, you need to know the rules and conditions of your specific program. Each prop trading firm has its own set of guidelines about trading methods, risk levels, and profit targets. Why is this important?
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Follow the Rules

If you don’t follow the rules, you could lose your funding. Here’s what you should do:
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Read the handbook: Go through all the rules of the program.
Ask questions: If you’re unsure about anything, ask the support team.
Stay updated: Keep track of any changes to the rules.

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You set a strong foundation for success by understanding and following the guidelines.
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3. Create a Solid Trading Plan for Your Funded Account

A good trading plan is like a roadmap to success. It helps you stay focused and disciplined. Here’s what your plan should include:
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Trading goals: What do you want to achieve? Are you aiming for a specific profit or improving your skills?
Risk management: Decide how much of your capital you will lose on each trade. Generally, risk only 1–2% of your total capital per trade.
Trading strategy: Define how you will enter and exit trades.

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You might trade when the 50-day moving average exceeds the 200-day moving average. Manage Your Risk Managing risk is crucial. A few bad trades can wipe out your account without good risk management. Here’s how to manage risk effectively:
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Use stop-loss orders: These automatically close your trade if the market moves against you.
Diversify your trades: Don’t put all your money into one trade. Spread your investments.
Set risk limits: Decide how much you will lose in a day, week, or month.

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Pro Tip: Stick to the “2% Rule”; never risk more than 2% of your trading capital on a single trade.
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4. Keep Learning and Improving as a Funded Trader

The financial markets are constantly changing. To stay successful, you need to keep learning. Here’s how:
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Read books and articles: Learn about trading strategies, risk management, and market psychology.
Take online courses: Join webinars or courses that offer in-depth trading insights.
Follow market news: Stay updated with the latest financial news and trends.
Keep a trading journal: Record all your trades, noting why you made each trade and the outcome.
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Review it regularly to spot patterns and areas for improvement.
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Join Our Funded Trading Program Today - Trade with our Capital and Keep 90% of the Profit

AquaFunded is a Dubai-based funded trading program that offers traders a fresh start by allowing them to trade with the firm's capital instead of their own. This enables both new and experienced traders to reduce risk and improve their trading skills. Suppose you're interested in funded trading programs. In that case, AquaFunded's option is one of the best for beginners and experienced traders looking for a trustworthy prop trading company to help them scale their profits.
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How AquaFunded’s Funded Trading Program Works

To get started with AquaFunded, you first select a trading account size. The company offers five different options, ranging from $10,000 to $200,000. Next, you pay a one-time fee to access the account. Depending on your chosen account size, this fee ranges from $49 to $1,299. After you purchase, you receive login credentials to start your evaluation.

AquaFunded has a unique evaluation process that reduces the stress often associated with prop firm assessments. The company lets traders skip the first phase of their evaluation and immediately start with a funded account. This means you will have access to $10,000, $25,000, or $50,000, depending on the account size you choose to start trading immediately.
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Realistic Trading Experience

By doing this, AquaFunded aims to give traders a realistic experience of what it’s like to trade with a prop firm’s capital so they can trade more comfortably and confidently without the pressure of an assessment.

After the first phase of your evaluation, you will need to achieve an 8% profit target to qualify for your funded trading account fully. This target is relatively easy to achieve, and the company allows you to take as long as you need to reach it. Once you meet the target, you will fully qualify for the account and can start trading to earn real money.
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Fast Payouts and High-Profit Splits

As you trade to meet AquaFunded’s evaluation target and after you qualify for your funded account, the company offers competitive profit splits and fast payouts. AquaFunded provides a generous profit split of up to 95%. This means you will keep 95% of your profits while trading with the company’s capital. The firm also offers quick bi-weekly payouts, with an option for your first payout in just seven days.
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What Is A Funded Trading Account (+ 13 Best Funded Trading Platforms)