Funding Traders vs The Trade Pool: Elite Prop Firms Comparison
Introduction
Funding Traders and The Trade Pool are two popular proprietary trading firms offering funded accounts to traders who demonstrate consistent profitability. Funding Traders stands out with its competitive fee structure and flexible trading parameters, earning a solid 4.3/5 rating on Trustpilot from over 850 reviews. The Trade Pool, established more recently, offers innovative challenge structures and trader-friendly conditions, currently holding a 4.1/5 Trustpilot rating based on more than 620 reviews. Both organizations provide pathways to significant trading capital for qualified individuals, but differ in their assessment methods, scaling opportunities, and platform availability.
Quick Comparison
|
| Feature |
Funding Traders |
The Trade Pool |
|
 |
|
| Founded |
2020 |
2021 |
| Trustpilot Rating |
4.3/5 (850+ reviews) |
4.1/5 (620+ reviews) |
| Max Account Size |
$400,000 |
$300,000 |
| Profit Split |
Up to 90% |
Up to 85% |
| Time to Funded |
As quick as 2 days |
Typically 7-14 days |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
Program Types – Which experience fits your goals?
|
| Program |
Funding Traders |
The Trade Pool |
| Challenge Model |
Two-phase evaluation: Challenge phase and Verification phase |
Single-phase evaluation with consistent profit targets |
| Express Program |
Available – immediate funding with higher fees |
Not available |
| Account Sizes |
$10K to $400K |
$10K to $300K |
| Scaling Opportunities |
Growth up to 25% after consistent performance |
Automatic scaling program with predefined milestones |
| Demo Account |
7-day free trial available |
14-day simulation account |
Assessment Criteria – How can you pass the test?
|
| Criteria |
Funding Traders |
The Trade Pool |
| Profit Target |
8% (Challenge), 5% (Verification) |
10% single-phase requirement |
| Maximum Drawdown |
10% daily, 5% overall |
8% daily, 5% overall |
| Minimum Trading Days |
5 days per phase |
10 days total |
| Time Limit |
No time limit |
30 days maximum |
| News Trading |
Allowed with restrictions |
Not allowed during high-impact events |
| Weekend Holding |
Allowed |
Allowed with size restrictions |
| Consistency Rules |
Moderate – focus on overall performance |
Strict – requires consistent daily results |
Fees and Pricing – How much will you pay?
|
| Option |
Funding Traders |
The Trade Pool |
| $10K Account |
$99 one-time fee |
$89 one-time fee |
| $25K Account |
$199 one-time fee |
$189 one-time fee |
| $50K Account |
$299 one-time fee |
$279 one-time fee |
| $100K Account |
$499 one-time fee |
$459 one-time fee |
| $200K+ Account |
$799-$1299 one-time fee |
$749-$1099 one-time fee |
| Monthly Fees |
None |
None for first 4 months, then $49/month |
| Refund Policy |
Full refund within 7 days |
80% refund within 48 hours |
| Coupons |
Coupon Code |
Coupon Code |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
Platforms/Tools – What can you use?
|
| Platform |
Funding Traders |
The Trade Pool |
| MetaTrader 4 |
Supported |
Supported |
| MetaTrader 5 |
Supported |
Supported |
| cTrader |
Not supported |
Supported |
| TradingView |
Supported via integration |
Limited support |
| Custom Indicators |
Allowed |
Allowed with restrictions |
| EAs/Algorithms |
Allowed with specific rules |
Allowed during certain hours only |
| Mobile Trading |
Fully supported |
Supported with some limitations |
Available Options/Products
|
| Option |
Funding Traders |
The Trade Pool |
| Forex Pairs |
50+ pairs |
40+ pairs |
| Cryptocurrencies |
10+ major cryptos |
Limited selection (5 major cryptos) |
| Indices |
All major global indices |
US, European, and Asian indices |
| Commodities |
Gold, silver, oil, natural gas, etc. |
Gold, silver, oil, and select agriculturals |
| Stocks/Equities |
Limited selection |
200+ US stocks available |
| Exotic Markets |
Some available |
Very limited |
Technical Capabilities/Performance
|
| Feature |
Funding Traders |
The Trade Pool |
| Execution Speed |
Average 50ms |
Average 75ms |
| Spreads |
Competitive, from 0.1 pips |
Standard, from 0.5 pips |
| Slippage Control |
Advanced settings available |
Basic settings only |
| Server Locations |
NY4, LD4, TY3 |
NY4, LD4 |
| VPS Options |
Available at additional cost |
Free for funded traders |
| Trading Hours |
24/5 with weekend options |
24/5 standard forex hours |
Support and Education
|
| Feature |
Funding Traders |
The Trade Pool |
| Customer Support |
24/5 via chat, email, and phone |
Business hours via chat and email |
| Response Time |
Typically within 2 hours |
Usually within 24 hours |
| Educational Resources |
Extensive library of videos and articles |
Basic guides and weekly webinars |
| Community |
Active Discord server and regular events |
Growing Telegram group |
| Mentorship |
Available at additional cost |
Free group coaching sessions |
| Trading Analytics |
Advanced performance metrics |
Basic statistics and journal tools |
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
|
| Key Element |
Funding Traders |
The Trade Pool |
| Strengths |
More flexible trading parameters, higher maximum account sizes, no monthly fees, better platform variety, faster execution speeds |
More affordable entry plans, stronger educational support, free VPS for funded traders, better stock/equity offerings, automatic scaling program |
| Weaknesses |
Two-phase evaluation can be more time-consuming, slightly higher initial fees for some account sizes |
More stringent trading rules, monthly fees after initial period, less flexible weekend trading, fewer supported platforms |
| Best For |
Experienced traders seeking maximum flexibility, algorithmic traders, those wanting larger account sizes |
Newer traders who benefit from educational resources, stock traders, those preferring a simpler evaluation process |
| Final Grade |
4.4/5 |
4.2/5 |
| Discount Codes |
Coupon Code |
Coupon Code |
| Review |
Read full review |
Read full review |
FAQ
What makes Funding Traders popular among users?
Funding Traders has gained popularity primarily due to its flexible trading parameters, absence of monthly subscription fees, and higher maximum account sizes. Traders particularly appreciate their two-phase evaluation system that allows for a more thorough assessment of trading abilities while maintaining reasonable profit targets. Their support for multiple platforms and algorithmic trading also attracts experienced traders looking for technical versatility.
How does The Trade Pool differ from other similar organizations?
The Trade Pool distinguishes itself with a streamlined single-phase evaluation process focused on consistency rather than high profit targets. Their automatic scaling program that increases account size based on performance milestones is unique in the industry. They also provide more comprehensive educational resources and free VPS services for funded traders, making them particularly attractive to newer traders or those transitioning to funded accounts for the first time.
Can I use expert advisors (EAs) with both platforms?
Yes, both Funding Traders and The Trade Pool allow the use of expert advisors, but with different restrictions. Funding Traders permits EAs with specific operational rules focused mainly on preventing manipulative trading patterns. The Trade Pool allows algorithmic trading but restricts it to certain hours and has more stringent guidelines about EA functionality, particularly around news events. Traders should carefully review each firm’s specific EA policies before implementing automated strategies.
What happens if I fail the evaluation with either company?
Both companies allow you to retry after failing an evaluation, but with different approaches. Funding Traders offers a reset option at a discounted rate (typically 50-70% of the original fee) that allows you to restart the phase you failed. The Trade Pool provides one free reset if you fail within the first week of your evaluation, and subsequent resets at approximately 60% of the original cost. Neither company places limits on how many times you can attempt to pass.
Which company offers better profit splits for funded traders?
Funding Traders offers slightly more favorable profit splits, with funded traders starting at 80% and scaling up to 90% after demonstrating consistent profitability. The Trade Pool begins with a 75% profit split for newly funded traders, which can increase to 85% through their scaling program. Both companies pay out profits on a bi-weekly or monthly schedule, with Funding Traders typically processing withdrawals faster (2-3 business days versus 3-5 for The Trade Pool).
How was this 2 companies Comparison Created?
1. We Collect
Our team gathered comprehensive data directly from Funding Traders and The Trade Pool official websites, terms of service documents, and published fee structures. We supplemented this with verified user reviews from Trustpilot, trading forums like ForexFactory and Reddit, and conducted interviews with current funded traders from both organizations. This multi-source approach ensures we capture both official policies and real-world trader experiences.
2. We Examine
Our panel of experienced prop trading analysts and professional traders thoroughly examined all collected information, verifying details through test accounts where possible. We compared stated policies against actual implementation, evaluated platform performance through independent testing, and cross-referenced trader testimonials with documented company responses to ensure accuracy and eliminate potential bias.
3. We Score
Our scoring methodology evaluates each company across seven key categories: fee structure, account scaling potential, trading conditions, platform variety, customer support, educational resources, and withdrawal processes. Each category receives a weighted score based on its importance to the average trader’s success, with particular emphasis on realistic profit targets and fair evaluation metrics. Final scores incorporate both objective metrics and subjective trader satisfaction.
4. You Choose
Use this comparison as a starting point for your decision, but consider your personal trading style, experience level, and financial goals. Funding Traders offers greater flexibility and higher potential scaling, making it ideal for experienced traders with established strategies. The Trade Pool provides stronger educational support and simpler evaluation criteria, better suiting newer traders or those preferring a clearer path to funding. Many successful traders maintain accounts with both firms to leverage their complementary strengths.
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