Best Funded Trader Programs in Germany

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Best Funded Trader Program in Germany is Topstep

Your capital is at risk.

Best Funded Trader Programs in Germany:

  1. Topstep - the best option for Day Traders with the possibility of getting up to 100% of profits.

  2. SurgeTrader - the best choice for professional traders, up to 90% profit sharing.

  3. Maverick Trading - designed for active traders who want to earn from 70 to 80% on futures, stocks and options trading.

  4. Try Day Trading - offers one-on-one coaching, profits are split 50/50.

  5. Earn2Trade - for professional traders, profit distribution is carried out in the ratio of 80/20% in favor of traders.

Editor’s Warning:

Traders’ funding is an unregulated sphere, enabling companies to make exaggerated promises and embellish reality. In fact, people mostly lose money by paying the fee for the Challenge (testing) and not receiving funding. That’s why I recommend skipping this game, and honing your skills with one of the reliable Forex brokers, leaders of our rating.

Rinat Gismatullin
Author and business expert
Opinions expressed by Traders Union Contributors are their own.

As a chief expert at Traders Union, my primary concern is the interests of our website’s readers, and how to help them preserve capital and prevent loss.

Therefore, before you read this article, in which we looked into the best proprietary trading firms, I would like to warn you about the specifics of working with prop firms that promise funding for traders.

Our research shows that people mostly lose money with these firms, failing to pass the testing stage (challenges). Those who do get the funding are likely to still lose money upon failing to meet certain conditions of the agreement with many hidden clauses. Often, proprietary trading firms make their money not from their share of profits of successful traders, as their websites claim, but from the fees users pay for testing. The funding in itself is essentially nothing more than leverage for you, which licensed brokerages also offer.

This is why I advise against using prop firms, and working with licensed Forex brokers instead. Once you learn to earn stable profit with a real broker, you won’t need to look for a prop firm, because you will be doing well on your own.

Here are several brokerage companies I can recommend:

1
5.7 /10
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eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
2
5.28 /10
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3
6.68 /10
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What trader doesn't want to earn and profit without using their own money? In Germany, there are funded programs that allow traders to conquer the financial markets using capital provided by a third party, such as a trading firm or hedge fund.

To enroll in a financing program, traders typically need to fulfill specific criteria set forth by the company. These criteria may include possessing a requisite level of trading experience or successfully completing a series of assessments to showcase their skills and knowledge. Learn more about this way of earning money and the most popular financing programs in Germany in this article.

  • Is funded trading profitable in Germany?

    With the right approach, you will be able to earn a consistently high income. In most cases, companies pay traders from 70% of net profit.

  • Are prop firms legal in Germany?

    Yes, proprietary firms are legal in Germany. But to protect yourself from force majeure, when choosing a company, make sure that it is licensed by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).

  • How much does the average funded trader make in Germany?

    The earnings of funded traders in Germany vary greatly depending on their skills, experience and trading strategy. This is an area with profit potential, but also a risk of loss.

  • What is the best funded site for Forex in Germany?

    Topstep is the best choice for traders, as they get 100% of the profit. To get additional income, the company offers a referral program.

What is a Funded Trading Program?

With a funded trader program, traders have the opportunity to trade using a prop firm’s money. You and the proprietary firm share the profits you generate in the funded account.

The trading industry is a thriving field where many people are trying to learn more each day, but it's not just about knowing the basics, it's about knowing how to manage your money and being successful.

It’s becoming easier for people to learn trading skills and strategies online and become consistently profitable traders, however, many individuals don’t have very much investment capital to work with so that they can generate substantial amounts of money from their profitable trades.

By offering trader education resources, webinars, and support, good funded trader programs help you get started in trading with more than just trading capital. It's also important to have a trading platform of the highest quality and a partner company that offers funded accounts of the highest quality.

The advantage of funded trader accounts, as opposed to a Personal Forex account, is the reduced risk. Real-time data and a useful platform are available for a small monthly fee. Once you prove you possess the necessary skills, you’re granted access to a funded account. Upon getting funded, you get to keep up to 90% of the profits that you generate from trading.

👍 Pros of funded trading accounts:

Funded traders have the benefit of being free to use the funds allocated to their accounts as they see fit.

Funded traders have access to more immediate capital to make larger market moves than unfunded traders.

As a funded trader, you're somewhat protected since you don't use your own money.

Obtaining licensure and passing certification programs can be very challenging for new professionals and solo traders. When you become a funded trader, you get the necessary licenses and certifications to start trading immediately.

Instead of requiring you to work from an office, most funded trading programs allow you to trade from anywhere you have Internet access.

👎 Cons of funded trading accounts:

Despite nominal freedom of use, funded traders are required to follow certain rules and regulations under the sponsorship of their company. As part of these rules, there are daily loss limits, maximum positions, and other requirements.

Being a funded trader also takes time, especially if you lack the knowledge or expertise to take a program immediately.

It’s possible for your profits to be lower than you expected for the first few years when trading with certain trading companies because they impose enormous fees on their funded traders.

Best Funded Trading Programs in Germany

Topstep is the best option for day traders

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With its brand power and reputation as an industry innovator and one of Inc 5000’s fastest-growing companies, Topstep has earned the trust of many traders. To participate in the funded account program, all traders begin with the Trading Combine. You can open a real-time simulated futures account with $50K, $100K, or $150K buying power.

During the Trading Combine, you can earn a funded trading account if you demonstrate consistent profitability and manage risk appropriately. Using Topstep's capital, you can trade in real time without personal financial risk, with funds provided by Topstep.

  • As quickly as within eight trading days, traders can qualify to receive a funded account (the amount of funding provided is determined by the Trading Combine plan).

  • The first $10,000 in profits you make can be withdrawn in full, and 90% of profits exceeding that amount can be withdrawn.

  • With Topstep, payout requests are processed on a daily basis (payout requests made prior to 10 a.m. CT are processed on the same day).

  • Topstep’s trader development services include instruction from professional traders, tools, and daily live videos, along with personalized analytics on performance and bonuses for traders.

Trading platforms supported include TSTrader, TradingView, NinjaTrader, Sierra Chart, MultiCharts, R|Trader Pro, and many more.

For a $50k account, Topstep pricing starts at $165 per month. $100k accounts cost $325 per month, and $150k accounts cost $375. Free trials are also available for 14 days.

SurgeTrader - provides $25,000 or more to manage

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SurgeTrader offers a 75% profit split to funded traders who meet their trading criteria. It's the perfect prop firm to diversify your investment portfolio with a variety of tradable assets. SurgeTrader has only one phase of evaluation, unlike many other prop firm trading entities that require traders to pass several levels of evaluation.

Traders can choose from six packages. With the Starter Package, you get $25,000 in instant funding and a 10% profit target. There’s a maximum trailing drawdown of 5% allowed. The Starter Package is ideal for beginners who want to avoid overly aggressive trading. With a $1 million funding size and a 75% profit split, the Master Package is the highest-tier account. A 10% profit target is set, along with a four-percent daily loss limit and a five-percent maximum trailing drawdown allowance. If you have a lot of confidence in your abilities, then this package may be for you.

This prop firm offers a wide variety of tradable securities, including crypto and gold, as well as popular stock indices. It’s possible to access leverage up to 1:10.

A top proprietary trading firm, SurgeTrader requires all of its clients to undergo evaluation. You need to pass only one phase of the SurgeTrader Audition process. It’s not necessary to earn over 10% of your account balance in order to pass the audition.

Audition fees range from $200 to $6,500 per account. There’s no limit to how many times you can take the audition. You can use credit/debit cards and PayPal to make payments and withdrawals.

Maverick Trading - designed for active traders

In the world of trading, Maverick is undoubtedly a top company. You can start trading in Maverick even if you are less experienced, as it offers the services of professional advisors and popular robo advisors.

Every business day, Maverick provides webinars and lessons. You can easily improve your skills with the help of lessons and webinars during business hours.

With Maverick, you can trade options, stocks, and Forex. As a new trader, you can count on Maverick's team for support, technology, and training lessons.

When you prove your trustworthiness to Maverick, they invite you to join their team and finance you immediately. Based on the profitability of your work, the amount of instant funding may be increased.

If you consider yourself to be an active trader, don't miss your chance to get instant funding and contribute to Maverick's development.

Maverick traders predominantly use ThinkorSwim during evaluations. However, most of them prefer Interactive Brokers for live accounts. This is because Interactive Brokers has a very user-friendly interface that's easy to navigate.

As part of its evaluation phase, the Forex program also uses Interactive Brokers. Maverick's teaching approach differs greatly from other programs in that it’s more effective and comprehensive. However, it’s also more expensive. Joining the options program will cost you about $7,000 and joining the Forex program will cost you about $4,000.

Try Day Trading - offers one-on-one coaching

Forex trading is the sole focus of Try Day Trading. Unlike other funded trading programs, Try Day Trading doesn’t only allocate cash to you. Upon joining, they'll guide you through a 12-week course.

This course will prepare you for success once you start trading with real money. Getting to know the company's trading culture is also an important factor in success.

Try Day Trading has been around since 2008 and has evolved ever since. Trader Executive, the company's one-to-one training program introduced in 2016, consists of individual training from the company's Lehi, Utah offices.

Following graduation from the training program, students can receive funded accounts worth up to $100,000 and keep 80% of their profits.

Earn2Trade - the best choice for futures trading

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Your capital is at risk.

For $150 a month, Earn 2 Trade offers a Gauntless Mini account with $25K. When you choose the $350 a month option, you can get up to $150K.

In the beginning, you might want to settle for the $150 monthly fee option if you are still developing your trading confidence. Within the first month of receiving this, you might aim for $1750 and above according to the mentorship you’ve been provided with.

By doing so, you won't need to spend any additional money to upgrade your account to the $350 a month option.

Additionally, achieving this feat will give you access to proprietary trading partner accounts.

Upon reaching this point, you'll have access to:

  • A beginner crash course that would otherwise cost $249

  • Access to a trading simulator

  • Access to Journalytix

Rules and Regulation

Regulation

German residents can open accounts with foreign prop firms, unless prohibited by the firm's jurisdiction.If traders work with a partner broker, a license allowing it to operate in Germany is required. Such licenses can be issued by CySEC (the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) or BaFin (the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority | Germany).

Investor protection

To view the blacklisted prop firms and their partner brokers, visit websites of BaFin, CySEC, FCA (the Financial Conduct Authority), and other European regulators. If your rights have been violated, file complaints with the above regulators, local law enforcement bodies, or registration authorities in firms’ jurisdictions.

Taxation

The tax rate depends on the declared income for the year. The rate for trading investment assets is up to 25%.

Funded Trading Programs in Germany Compared

For a quick overview of the funded trader programs discussed here, we compiled a table highlighting the important points.

Best for Trial period Profit Share Cost Markets

Topstep

New day traders

14 days

100%

$495 for 3 month membership, $990 for 6 month membership

Futures

SurgeTrader

Professional traders

Based on your plan profit target

75%-90%

From $200 to $6,500

Futures

Maverick Trading

Active traders

N/A

70% to 80%

$6,000 for the educational training and $199/month desk fee, $5,000 to fund live trading account.

Futures, stocks, and options

Try Day Trading

One-on-one coaching

30 days

50%

$6,995 to $15,395

Forex

Earn2Trade

Professional traders

15 days

80%

Bootcamp: $2,499

The Gauntlet: $429

The Gauntlet Mini: $150, $170, $245, $315, or $350.

How Do I Become a Fully Funded Trader in Germany?

If you are planning to become a fully funded trader in Germany, stick to the following scheme:

  • Develop your trading skills. A trader applying for funding must be able to navigate the intricacies of the market, charts, quotes, be able to analyze and forecast the situation, and react promptly to any changes.

  • Select a financing program and apply for selection. Fill out the application form and be honest about your trading experience and qualifications.

  • Go through the evaluation process, which may involve trading in a simulated account for a period of time.

  • If you prove to the company that you are reliable, you will be given full funding. Depending on the profitability of your work, the initial amount may be increased over time.

How Much Money Can I Make?

One question that always nags at potential traders is how much money they can make when they set out to become funded traders. The response to this question is complex and dependent on a number of important variables. For instance:

Funding Level

The foundation of the funded trader programs lies in the financing amount provided by the trading firm. These values range widely, from a few thousand dollars to large sums in the six figures. For example, some might provide traders a $25,000 beginning capital, while the most outstanding companies give over $1 million per account.

Profit split

Profits are split between the trader and the trading firm in funded trader programs. The profit split ratio is fixed and specified in the program agreement. Traders typically receive up to 70%-90% of the profits they make.

Trading Strategy

Choosing a suitable trading strategy is also critical. High-risk strategies may create huge short-term rewards, but they also carry a higher risk of loss. Conservative techniques produce more steady, consistent growth over longer time spans. Your strategy must balance risk and reward so that you can profit from multiple deals while avoiding catastrophic losses.

Effective risk management is essential as profits can be greatly increased with a well-defined and properly researched approach. Keep in mind that trading tactics are governed by different regulations and guidelines at different trading firms. Also traders should consider strict rules of most funding programs. Usually, they limit maximum loss to 4-10%.

How to Choose a Funded Trading Program in Germany

Choosing a funded program requires careful upfront analysis to make sure it fits your goals, risk level, and preferences. Below are a few steps to assist you in making the appropriate decision:

  • Conduct research on the various programs. Pay attention to factors such as profit-sharing schemes, trial periods, available assets, and associated costs.

  • Analyze the requirements. Each firm has its own selection criteria, such as minimum target profits, drawdown limits or certain trading styles. Make sure you meet the requirements before you apply.

  • Estimate the amount of financing. Consider the proposed capital and associated fees or costs.

  • Analyze the trading conditions, including leverage, available trading platforms, execution speed, maximum monthly drawdown, daily loss limit, etc. Make sure the terms and conditions fit your style and strategy.

  • Examine the mechanisms of profit distribution. Some companies offer flexible schemes, but more often they apply fixed ratios (for example, 80/20% in favor of the trader).

  • Explore other users' reviews on forums to get a more objective picture of the program.

  • Consider additional benefits such as educational resources, mentoring, and community support.

Are Funded Trading Programs Trustworthy?

If you choose the right company to work with, funded trading programs can be very trustworthy. Nonetheless, this is a new business model for this industry. Program quality varies from company to company. It is also possible that some scam their customers just out of greed. Due diligence and proper research are, therefore, highly recommended.

Expert Opinion

Funded accounts seem an attractive option for many traders and are perceived by them as a risk-free path to significant earnings. However, that is not entirely true, and like any path in trading, it cannot be easy and accessible to everyone. To some extent, it can indeed be one of the development options for an experienced trader who has a chance to pass the evaluation phase. For a mid-level trader who has been trading profitably for some time with their small capital, trying copy trading programs as a source of trading signals might be more feasible. This allows for development while continuing to work with a psychologically comfortable amount. For novice traders, participation in prop trading challenges is not recommended due to the high skill requirements for candidates.

Igor Krasulya

Igor Krasulya

Author at Traders Union

Methodology for compiling our ratings of prop firms

Traders Union applies a rigorous methodology to evaluate prop companies using over 100 quantitative and qualitative criteria. Multiple parameters are given individual scores that feed into an overall rating.

Key aspects of the assessment include:

  • Trader Testimonials and Reviews. Collecting and analyzing feedback from existing and past traders to understand their experiences with the firm.

  • Trading instruments. Companies are evaluated on the range of assets offered, as well as the breadth and depth of available markets.

  • Challenges and Evaluation Process. Analyzing the firm's challenge system, account types, evaluation criteria, and the process for granting funding.

  • Profit Split. Reviewing the profit split structure and terms, scaling plans, and how the firm handles profit distributions.

  • Trading Conditions. Examining leverage, execution speeds, commissions, and other trading costs associated with the firm.

  • Platform and Technology. Assessing the firm's proprietary trading platform or third-party platforms it supports, including ease of use, functionality, and stability.

  • Education and Support. Quality and availability of training materials, webinars, and one-on-one coaching.

Team that worked on the article

Chinmay Soni
Contributor

Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data. He is also an educator in the field of finance and technology.

As an author for Traders Union, he contributes his deep analytical insights on various topics, taking into account various aspects.

Dr. BJ Johnson
Dr. BJ Johnson
Developmental English Editor

Dr. BJ Johnson is a PhD in English Language and an editor with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in English Language in the U.S and the UK. In 2020, Dr. Johnson joined the Traders Union team. Since then, he has created over 100 exclusive articles and edited over 300 articles of other authors.

Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets. Her specialties are daily market news, price predictions, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).