The Funded Trader was founded in May 2021 by Angelo Ciaramello, Blake Olson, and Carlos Rico Jr. It’s based online, letting traders test their skills in a simulated trading setup. They offer challenges where traders can prove themselves to get a “funded” account, with earnings based on demo trading performance.
The platform mainly supports Forex, commodities, indices, and crypto instruments, with accounts like Standard, Royal, Knight, and Dragon challenges that each come with different rules on profit targets, drawdowns, and trading styles.
Our Trading Funder team notes that The Funded Trader has a Trustpilot score of 3.5 out of 5 from over 20,000 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the straightforward setup, responsive customer support, and fast payouts after meeting trading targets. Many users also value the detailed guidelines and active community support, especially on Discord. On the negative side, some users report sudden rule changes, technical issues with platforms like DXTrade, and delays in resolving account or payout concerns. Others felt certain restrictions limited their ability to progress and access payouts smoothly.
Key advantages of The Funded Trader include a variety of challenge types, fast payout options, and an active support team with good community engagement on Discord. They allow trading with high profit splits, up to 95%, and support several trading platforms for flexibility. On the downside, some users report occasional rule changes, which can feel restrictive, and technical issues on specific platforms like DXTrade. A few also mention slow resolution times for certain account or payout issues, which can disrupt trading flow.
The Funded Trader offers account types like Standard, Rapid, Royal, Knight, and Dragon, each with different rules for drawdowns and profit targets. Prices range from around $49 for smaller challenges up to about $939 for larger accounts. Traders access these accounts on platforms like cTrader, DXTrade, Match-Trader, and Platform 5, with availability depending on location—some are U.S.-only, while others are international.
The Funded Trader’s rules include a 3-5% Daily Loss Limit and a 6-10% Maximum Drawdown, with leverage up to 1:100 for Forex. Weekend holding is allowed on some accounts, like Royal and Knight Pro, and news trading is also permitted for these. Hedging and EAs are allowed on most platforms, while copy trading has specific guidelines. Consistent traders can scale up their balance by 25% every three months, reaching up to $1.5 million.
In this article, our Trading Funder team offers an in-depth review of The Funded Trader, covering its main features, account options, and trading rules to help guide your experience with this prop trading firm.
What is The Funded Trader?
The Funded Trader was founded online in May 2021 by Angelo Ciaramello, Blake Olson, and Carlos Rico Jr. It lets traders prove their skills through challenges focused on Forex, commodities, indices, and crypto. Traders must complete specific profit and risk targets to qualify for a funded simulated account, where earnings are based on demo trading performance.
A forex prop trading firm like this one funds skilled traders, allowing them to trade larger amounts without using personal capital, with profits shared based on performance.
who is The Funded Trader’s founder?
The Funded Trader was founded by Angelo Ciaramello, Blake Olson, and Carlos Rico Jr. in 2021. Angelo Ciaramello and Blake Olson both had experience in trading and finance before creating the firm, and they have been active in developing a supportive online community for traders. Carlos Rico Jr. contributed his expertise in technology and operations to help build the platform’s infrastructure and support systems.
What makes The Funded Trader Legit?
The Funded Trader shows signs of legitimacy, with a clear structure for account options and active community engagement. Its Trustpilot score stands at 3.5 out of 5 from over 20,000 reviews, suggesting mixed experiences. Positive reviews highlight the ease of setup, responsive support, and timely payouts, which many traders have appreciated. However, some traders report issues like sudden rule changes and delays with platform or payout resolutions, especially on DXTrade, pointing to areas that may need improvement.
Does Makes The Funded Trader send payouts to its traders?
The Funded Trader does appear to send payouts, but reviews indicate some inconsistency. Many traders report successful, timely payouts, with up to 95% profit splits for eligible accounts and payout options like bank transfers, crypto, and e-wallets. However, some reviews mention payout delays or reductions linked to rule compliance checks in the payout process, which can create challenges for certain traders. These mixed reviews suggest that while payouts generally happen, there may be occasional issues with timing or conditions.
Does The Funded Trader have good User Reviews and Testimonials?
The Funded Trader has a Trustpilot score of 3.5 out of 5, based on over 20,000 reviews, showing mixed user feedback. Positive reviews often mention helpful customer support, a smooth setup process, and reliable payouts, which many traders find beneficial. On the downside, some users report issues with rule changes, delays in payout processing, and platform-related difficulties, particularly with DXTrade. These reviews suggest that while many find the service useful, there are some reported challenges with consistency and clarity.
Does The Funded Trader have good Customer Support?
The Funded Trader’s customer support receives mixed reviews, with a Trustpilot score of 3.5 from over 20,000 traders. Positive feedback highlights the support team’s quick responses and helpful assistance, with some users noting that issues are often resolved promptly through live chat or ticketing. However, some reviews mention slower response times for more complex issues, particularly around payouts and account changes, suggesting that while support can be effective, it may be inconsistent depending on the issue.
What are The Funded Trader’s advantages?
The Funded Trader’s advantages include:
- High Profit Splits: Up to 95% on funded accounts, competitive among prop firms.
- Flexible Account Options: Offers various challenges like Standard, Rapid, Royal, and Knight, each with unique rules to suit different trading styles.
- No Time Limits: Most challenges don’t have time limits, allowing traders to work at their own pace.
- Scaling Plan: Allows for account growth by 25% every three months, up to $1.5 million, for consistent traders.
- Platform Variety: Supports cTrader, DXTrade, Match-Trader, and Platform 5, giving traders flexibility based on location and preference.
- Use of EAs and Copy Trading: Permits Expert Advisors and copy trading within set guidelines, catering to different trading strategies.
- Supportive Community: Active Discord community for sharing strategies and getting support, praised by many traders.
- Fast Payouts: Some traders report quick and reliable payouts after meeting targets, often within a week.
What are The Funded Trader’s disadvantages?
The Funded Trader’s disadvantages include:
- Mixed Payout Reliability: Some traders report delays or issues with payout processing, especially if rule violations are flagged.
- Rule Changes: Sudden changes in trading rules have been reported, causing frustration among traders.
- Platform Issues: DXTrade and Match-Trader platforms sometimes experience technical issues, including trade delays and crashes.
- Strict Rule Enforcement: Violations like trade layering or breaching drawdown limits can lead to payout reductions or account deactivation.
- Limited Customer Support for Complex Issues: While general support is responsive, more complex issues can face slower resolution times.
- Geographic Restrictions: Certain platforms are only available to international clients, with some restrictions based on location.
What is The Funded Trader’s Pricing?
The Funded Trader offers various account types with one-time fees, depending on account size and challenge type.
This table below simplifies pricing by showing the range for each account type:
| Account Type | Account Sizes | One-Time Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $10,000 – $200,000 | $89 – $949 |
| Rapid | $10,000 – $200,000 | $99 – $999 |
| Royal | $10,000 – $200,000 | $109 – $1,049 |
| Knight | $25,000 – $200,000 | $159 – $939 |
| Dragon | $5,000 – $100,000 | $49 – $355 |
These fees vary by account type and challenge, with higher costs for larger accounts and advanced challenge types.
Does The Funded Trader offer price discounts?
Yes, The Funded Trader grants discounts on its prices, ranging from 5% to 50%. To receive these discounts, traders should use this The Funded Trader discount link. This link offers at least 10% sale, but it also automatically reflects the most recent discount available upon use. The Funded Trader applied the discount instantly upon purchasing the evaluation.
Does The Funded Trader allow multiple accounts?
The Funded Trader allows traders to manage multiple accounts, with specific rules based on the challenge type. For most challenges, the cap is $600,000 in total funded accounts and up to $1,200,000 across active challenge accounts. For those using the Knight Pro Challenge, traders can manage up to $2,500,000 across 20 accounts in both challenge and funded phases, providing more flexibility at a higher scale.
Does The Funded Trader offer Free Trial?
The Funded Trader does not offer a direct free trial, but it provides a chance to participate in free competitions each month. Traders who perform well in these competitions can earn free entry into the challenges, allowing them to showcase their skills without paying the usual entry fees.
Does The Funded Trader offer a swing trading account?
The Funded Trader has a swing trading option through its Royal and Knight Pro challenges, letting traders keep positions open over the weekend. This is helpful for swing traders who hold trades longer. To get this option, choose the Royal or Knight Pro challenge when setting up an account.
How does The Funded Trader work?
This setup below takes traders from sign-up to trading on a funded account, with each step structured and supported for a smooth process. Here’s how The Funded Trader works:
- Select and Purchase a Challenge: Start on The Funded Trader website by picking a challenge (like Standard, Rapid, or Royal) and choosing an account size. Complete the payment to begin.
- Start Phase 1 of the Evaluation: Achieve an 8-10% profit target while staying within specific drawdown limits. Passing this phase moves you to Phase 2.
- Complete Phase 2 (If Required): Phase 2 requires a 5% profit target, also with strict drawdown rules. Passing Phase 2 qualifies you for a funded account. (Note: Knight Challenge skips this phase.)
- Verify Your Identity: After passing all phases, submit KYC/AML documentation in the Trade Hub. Verification typically takes 24-48 hours.
- Activate the Funded Account and Start Trading: Once verified, the funded demo account is activated. You can now trade according to platform rules and guidelines.
- Request Payouts: Profits can be withdrawn through the Trade Hub with a split of up to 95%. Risk checks are done on all payouts to ensure compliance.
- Scale the Account: For consistent performance, accounts can grow by 25% every three months, up to a maximum of $1.5 million.
What are The Funded Trader’s Rules and Objectives?
The Funded Trader has several rules and objectives for its trading challenges:
- Daily Loss Limit: Capped at 3-5% depending on the challenge. Exceeding this limit breaches the account.
- Maximum Drawdown: Set between 6% to 10%, depending on the challenge. Exceeding this limit also breaches the account.
- Leverage Limit: Generally set at 1:100 for Forex, with lower limits on metals, commodities, and indices.
- Consistency Rule: Traders must maintain a steady trading approach to avoid risking large portions of their balance at any point.
- Holding Over Weekends: Allowed for specific accounts, like the Royal and Knight Pro challenges, providing flexibility for longer trades.
- Holding Over Major News Events: Allowed for Royal and Knight Pro challenges; restricted for others to avoid high volatility.
- Hedging: Permitted on most accounts, allowing traders to hedge within their strategy.
- Scaling Plan: Accounts can scale by 25% every three months, up to $1.5 million, for consistent performance.
- Use of Expert Advisors (EAs): Allowed on most challenges, though limited for competitions and some specific accounts.
- Trading Style Restrictions: Scalping is permitted, but news trading and other strategies have restrictions depending on the account type.
- Copy Trading: Allowed only under specific guidelines; using external signals or account management services is prohibited and can lead to warnings or breaches.
The table below provides key rule details for each challenge type offered by The Funded Trader. Each row highlights specific limits and allowances regarding losses, leverage, trading style, and other key rules.
| Rule/Feature | Standard | Rapid | Royal | Knight | Knight Pro | Dragon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Loss Limit | 5% | 5% | 5% | 3% | 5% | 5% |
| Maximum Drawdown | 10% | 8% | 10% | 6% | 8% | 10% |
| Leverage Limit | 1:100 | 1:100 | 1:100 | 1:100 | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Consistency Rule | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Holding Over Weekends | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Holding Over News | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Hedging | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scaling Plan | 25% every 3 months | 25% every 3 months | 25% every 3 months | 25% every 3 months | 25% every 3 months | 25% every 3 months |
| Use of EAs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trading Style | Limited | Limited | Flexible | Limited | Flexible | Limited |
| Copy Trading | Restricted | Restricted | Restricted | Restricted | Restricted | Restricted |
Which trading platforms does The Funded Trader use?
The Funded Trader offers several trading platforms for accessing accounts:
- Platform 5 (via Thaurus): Exclusive to non-U.S. clients.
- DXTrade: Available to all clients globally.
- Match-Trader: Also available globally for all clients.
- cTrader: Limited to clients outside the United States.
What brokers does The Funded Trader use?
The Funded Trader partners with third-party brokers for trading access but is not itself a broker. It offers simulated accounts through several platforms: DXTrade, Match-Trader, cTrader (for non-U.S. clients), and Platform 5 via Thaurus (also limited to non-U.S. traders).
Does The Funded Trader allow trade copiers?
The Funded Trader allows trade copiers in several specific challenges:
- Standard Challenge: Trade copiers are allowed only if purchased as an add-on. Without the add-on, trade copiers are prohibitedcross TFT accounts must adhere to strict guidelines and is restricted to certain account types only.
- Dragon Challenge: Permits trade copiers, Expert Advisors (EAs) on Platform 5, and cBots on cTrader. Trade copying must follow rules to avoid misuse, such as not copying to Rapid Accounts or accounts without the add-on.
- Royal Challenge: Allows trade copiers, EAs, and cBots, offering flexibility across accounts with similar limitations to prevent misuse.
- Knight and Knight Pro Challenges: Both allow trade copiers, EAs, and cBots on specific platforms, with the requirement to disable these systems if the account becomes inactive to prevent spam.
Conclusion about The Funded Trader
The Funded Trader has received mixed reviews, averaging a 3.5-star rating on Trustpilot. Based on our research at Trading Funder, many traders appreciate the high payout potential and the flexibility of its challenges, particularly the option to use EAs and trade copiers on certain accounts, which appeals strongly to advanced traders. However, our team also noted recurring complaints about strict rule enforcement and sudden account shutdowns. Traders often express frustration over unexpected violations, with some feeling that rules can change without sufficient notice. For those consulting Trading Funder on the best prop firms, we suggest The Funded Trader as a strong option for those focused on high payouts and customizable accounts—but we also advise a close examination of their terms to avoid surprises.
