- $1,000,000 capital with Trustpilot rating of 4.5/5
- Real accounts; $1,000,000 challenge account
- 75%-90% profit share with available add-ons
- Overnight, weekend, and news trading permitted
- No minimal trading days; one-step evaluation.
The Funded Trader
- $600,000 standard balance, four funding options
- 1:200 leverage with 80-90% profit splits
- Stellar 4.7/5 Trustpilot from 5k reviews
- Unlimited free evaluation retries
- Scaling up to $1,500,000; overnight and news trading allowed
- Comprehensive trading tools including forex and cryptocurrencies.
Cons ❌
SurgeTrader
- Stop-loss required for each trade
- Maximum open size 1 lot / $10,000 of the account balance
- Trailing drawdown
The Funded Trader
- No free trial (as of now)
- Customer support, while trustworthy, is slow
- Trailing drawdown (in Knight's challenge)
Rules 📋
SurgeTrader
Lot Size Limit, Maximum Daily Loss, Maximum Trailing Drawdown, Profit Target, Stop Loss Required
The Funded Trader
Lot Size Limit, Maximum Daily Loss, Maximum Loss, Maximum Trading Days, Minimum Trading Days, No EAs Allowed, No Martingale Allowed, Profit Target, Third Party Copy Trading Risk
Proprietary, or "prop," trading firms are a significant avenue for retail traders to access larger capital for trading in exchange for sharing profits. SurgeTrader and The Funded Trader stand out as noteworthy competitors in this space. This review dissects the features, pros, cons, and rules of both firms to provide a comparative analysis aimed at assisting potential traders in making an informed decision.
SurgeTrader's Competitive Edge
SurgeTrader, known for offering a substantial trading capital up to $1,000,000, boasts a reputable Trustpilot rating of 4.5/5. Its straightforward one-step evaluation scheme eliminates the common multi-tiered challenges traders usually face. The firm's profit share ranges from an attractive 75%-90%, with the possibility of further enhancements through add-ons. SurgeTrader allows for flexibility in trading strategies, evidenced by its permission for overnight, weekend, and news trading, which are often restricted in other firms. Additionally, the absence of minimal trading days shows SurgeTrader's confidence in its traders’ abilities to manage funds responsibly.
The Funded Trader's Unique Offerings
The Funded Trader sets itself apart with a slightly lower standard balance at $600,000 but compensates through its four diverse funding options. With the added advantage of high leverage at 1:200 and an impressive profit split of 80-90%, this firm garners a stellar Trustpilot score of 4.7/5 based on a substantial number of reviews. Noteworthy is its policy for unlimited evaluation retries, removing the pressure that comes with a one-shot opportunity. The Funded Trader also boasts a higher scaling target of $1,500,000. The provision of comprehensive trading tools and the inclusion of cryptocurrencies marks an expanded asset offering.
Leveraging Capital and Profit Sharing
Both firms present lucrative capital options and a high profit-sharing ratio, vital factors for ambitious traders. SurgeTrader's 90% profit share at the higher end exemplifies the firm's generous incentives. When it comes to trading instruments, SurgeTrader takes a more conservative stance by focusing on commodities. Contrastingly, The Funded Trader provides a broader range which can be an attractive point for traders looking for diversification.
Assessing the Regulations
Regulations set by prop firms are crucial in understanding the risk management framework expected from traders. SurgeTrader’s requirement of a stop-loss on each trade, along with a maximum open size correlates with a cautious risk management policy. Simultaneously, these restrictions may impact aggressive trading strategies. The Funded Trader’s prohibition of EAs and Martingale strategies tilts its platform toward manual traders with more traditional risk strategies.
Funding and Profit Withdrawals
Funding methods are quite similar with both firms accepting credit/debit cards; however, The Funded Trader’s inclusion of crypto demonstrates its modern approach. Withdrawal methods differ more distinctly, with The Funded Trader offering crypto withdrawals, potentially appealing to the tech-savvy trader. SurgeTrader maintains a more conventional approach through bank wire transfer.
User Experience and Support
User experience can be gauged by the ease of operations and the quality of customer support. SurgeTrader's straightforward evaluation process enhances its user experience. While The Funded Trader has an excellent Trustpilot rating, its slower customer support turnaround could be a point of contention for traders requiring timely assistance. However, the high level of trust conveyed by reviews indicates satisfactory resolutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both SurgeTrader and The Funded Trader offer competitive edge through their tailored offerings. While SurgeTrader may be ideal for traders who appreciate higher capital, flexible trading conditions and a simplistic approach, The Funded Trader is more suitable for those seeking extensive funding options, asset diversity, and high leverage. Ultimately, the decision lies in aligning a firm's offerings with the trader’s strategy, experience level, and risk management preference. The analysis above aims to demystify the complexities and herald a transparency that empowers traders to opt for the firm best fitting their ambitions.