Prop Firm Trading vs Personal Trading Account: Which Path Suits You Best (2024)

Have you ever thought about trading in the financial markets? If so, you might be wondering whether it’s better to trade with your own money or through a proprietary trading (prop trading) firm. With the prop trading industry booming in recent years, it’s a question worth exploring: Should you dive in using your own money, or consider the increasingly popular route of prop trading?

For those on the fence, let’s explore what each path offers, especially if you’re somewhere between a beginner and an intermediate trader, seeking not just profits, but also education and a stepping stone in the trading world.

Understanding Prop Trading

First off, what is prop trading? In simple terms, Prop trading firm, short for proprietary trading firm is when a firm gives traders access to its capital to trade in the markets. You’re not risking your own money but instead, the firm’s. Here’s how it usually works: you take an assessment by paying a fee to start trading. If you do well, by making a profit while managing risks, the firm will let you trade with their funded trading account through their available trading platforms and share the profits with you. But it’s not just about the money; it’s about proving you can manage risks wisely in your funded account.

The Growth of Prop Trading

Prop trading isn’t new. It started decades ago but has changed a lot. Back in the day, traders wearing colorful jackets would buzz around in trading pits. Now, with everything online, there’s a new wave of prop firms. They’re easier to find and join, making prop trading an attractive option for many with profitable trading strategies.

Prop Trading vs. Personal Account Trading: The Decision

So, should you go with a prop firm or trade on your own? Each has its pros and cons. Trading with a prop firm can give you access to more capital than you might have on your own. This can mean bigger potential profits. However, you’ll have to pass their test first, and there are rules to follow.

Trading with your own money, even if it’s just $500 or $1,000, gives you freedom. You make all the decisions. But, the downside is, you’re limited by how much you can earn and potentially lose your savings, if you don’t manage the risk properly.

Why Emotions and Education Matter

The Role of Emotions in Trading

Whether trading through a prop firm or with your own money, emotions play a big role. Fear of losing money or the excitement of making it can affect your decisions. Successful traders learn to manage their emotions, focusing on strategy and risk management instead of getting caught up in the moment.

Our courses and assessments are designed to not just teach you about the markets, but also about yourself, helping you manage the psychological aspects of trading. This holistic approach ensures that whether it’s our money or yours on the line, you’re equipped to make decisions calmly and strategically.

Tips for Managing Risks and Emotions

  1. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that making huge profits overnight is rare. Aim for steady gains over time.
  2. Risk Management: Never risk more than you can afford to lose. Small, controlled bets are better than risky ones.
  3. Understand the Markets: Knowledge is power. Learn as much as you can about trading before you start.

A Gateway to Prop Trading Success

With a lot of prop firm around, The City Traders stands out by not just offering access to capital but also education through our “Prop Trader Roadmap” course. It’s designed for traders like you—ambitious, diligent, yet perhaps needing that extra bit of knowledge to navigate the markets confidently. Our funding programs, ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, are crafted with static drawdown and no time limits, ensuring you have the space to grow at your own pace.

Conclusion

In the end, the choice between prop trading and personal account trading is deeply personal but informed by your circ*mstances, goals, and the resources at your disposal. For those leaning towards prop trading, remember: it’s not just about the capital. It’s about the learning, support, and community you gain access to. The City Traders is here to provide that comprehensive support, helping you navigate your trading journey with confidence.

Ready to Start?

If you’re intrigued by the prop trading route and eager to learn more, why not explore what we have to offer? From our beginner-friendly courses to our tailored funding programs, we’re here to help you succeed. Remember, trading is not just about making money; it’s about making informed decisions and growing your skills along the way.

You can also watch the video we made about this topic here.

Prop Firm Trading vs Personal Trading Account: Which Path Suits You Best (2024)

FAQs

Prop Firm Trading vs Personal Trading Account: Which Path Suits You Best? ›

If you're just starting out in Forex trading or want access to additional resources and support, a prop firm may be the way to go. However, if you're an experienced trader who prefers to make your own decisions and has a solid understanding of the market, a personal account may be a better fit.

What is the difference between prop firm and own account? ›

Prop firms offer access to larger accounts for relatively low capital outlay, but you're also on a shorter leash. Trading your own money means total control of how you want to trade, but the trade-offs for that control may not be for everyone.

Should you trade with a prop firm? ›

Despite these many pros, prop trading does come with a few disadvantages you should consider before embarking on this journey. Lack of regulation Proprietary firms are less or not regulated at all – this puts you at higher risk, so you need to do your due diligence before choosing a prop firm.

Is a prop firm better than own capital? ›

Lower Risk

Trading is never entirely without risk. However, the risk with virtual prop trading is generally lower because it does not involve using your personal capital. You don't have to worry about losing your own money if you have a loss.

Can you make a living trading for a prop firm? ›

Yes, as a funded trader with True Forex Funds, it is possible to make a living from prop trading firms. Proprietary trading firms, or prop firms, often provide traders with the opportunity to trade with the firm's capital, allowing them to access larger trading positions and potentially increase their profits.

Should I get a prop firm account? ›

Conclusion. Getting a prop firm account can be a great opportunity for traders looking to take their skills to the next level. It allows traders to use someone else's money and potentially earn a share of the profits.

What are the disadvantages of prop firms? ›

👎 Prop Trading Cons
  • Proprietary Firms Are Less Regulated Than Retail Brokers: Most prop trading firms that provide remote trading are not regulated at all. ...
  • Risk of Losing Money: ...
  • Proprietary Trading Fees are High: ...
  • Prop Trading is Mostly Day Trading: ...
  • Proprietary Firms Can Steal Your Intellectual Property:
Nov 15, 2023

What is the success rate of prop traders? ›

According to it, 4% of traders, on average, pass prop firm challenges. But only 1% of traders kept their funded accounts for a reasonable amount of time. While this result is not nearly as bad as the one discussed earlier, it still looks bleak for prospective prop traders. But why is the percentage of failure so high?

What happens if you lose money in a prop firm? ›

Proprietary trading firms often provide evaluation accounts where you prove your trading skills. Usually, you pay a one-time fee to enter this "challenge." If you lose money during this evaluation, you won't owe anything beyond the initial fee.

How stressful is prop trading? ›

Prop trading isn't all pomp and glamour either. It's a competitive, high-stress field with drawbacks like any other career. It's also awash with less-than-reputable firms that offer zero base pay, limited profit sharing and often make new hires pay for training and tech.

Which is the most trusted prop firm? ›

Best Prop Trading Firms 2024 - Reviewed by Experts
  • Topstep.
  • The 5%ers.
  • Earn2Trade.
  • SurgeTrader.
  • FTMO.
  • E8.
  • City Traders Imperium.
  • Fidelcrest.
Feb 2, 2024

Which prop firm has the lowest fees? ›

Best cheap forex prop firms
  • FTMO: evaluations starting at $399.
  • TopStepTrader: Challenges starting at $375.
  • T4tCapital: Flexible evaluation options starting at $299.
  • Funded Trading Plus: Starting at $25.
  • Earn2Trade: $99 Mini challenge.
  • True Trading Group: $49 evaluation with a $25,000 virtual account.
Feb 27, 2024

How much money do I need to start a prop firm? ›

To summarize, the amount of money you need to open a prop firm can range from $10,000 to $1 million, depending on the type of prop firm, the technology, the registration, the liquidity, and the CRM tool.

How much does the average prop firm trader make? ›

In conclusion, the income of prop firm traders can vary greatly depending on several factors such as experience, performance, and the size of the firm. On average, a junior prop trader can expect to earn anywhere between $50,000 to $100,000 per year, while a senior trader can make upwards of $500,000 annually.

Do prop traders need a license? ›

Prop trading firms are less heavily regulated than regular brokerages and broker-dealers. However, if such laws apply, you must still properly register your business and get licensed.

What is the average salary for a prop trader? ›

The average prop trading salary in the USA is $210,000 per year or $101 per hour. Entry level positions start at $146,300 per year while most experienced workers make up to $250,000 per year.

Do prop firms give you real money? ›

While it's true that there have been instances of fraudulent prop firms, it's important to note that legitimate prop trading firms do exist, and they indeed pay traders based on their performance. It's crucial to thoroughly research and choose reputable firms with a proven track record.

What is the difference between a personal account and a funded account? ›

With a funded account, you share risks but also share rewards. You risk other people's money but that allows other people to dictate to you how to trade. With a personal live account, you reap all the rewards but also bear all the risks.

How does a prop firm account work? ›

A prop firm is a company offering prop traders an opportunity to use their skills to trade for them. The company provides traders capital that they can use to trade stocks, commodities, futures, derivatives, and currencies. This means that you have the freedom to choose what you want to trade as a trader.

Are prop firm accounts real? ›

Yes, proprietary (prop) trading firms are real. They trade financial markets using their own capital.

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