Key Takeaways
- Trading combines are evaluation programs that let traders prove their skills using simulated accounts to gain access to funded trading opportunities
- Typical trading combine requirements include maintaining maximum daily loss limits of 2-4%, total drawdown restrictions of 8-10%, and hitting profit targets of 8-12% during a 20-30 day evaluation period
- Popular trading combine providers like TopStep Trader, OneUp Trader, and Earn2Trade offer account sizes ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 with profit splits of 50-80% for successful traders
- Successful trading combine strategies focus on risk control, proper position sizing (1-3% per trade), and consistent execution while avoiding common mistakes like overtrading and revenge trading
- Initial program fees range from $150-$1,000 depending on account size, with potential monthly income of $1,250-$12,000 for funded traders who meet performance targets
- Passing a trading combine leads to opportunities for account size scaling, higher profit splits, and the ability to grow a professional trading business with proper risk management
Are you dreaming of becoming a professional trader but lack the capital to start? A trading combine might be your stepping stone to success. This evaluation program lets you prove your trading skills using simulated accounts while competing for the chance to manage real money.
Starting your journey as a funded trader requires more than just market knowledge – it demands discipline proven performance and risk management skills. Trading combines offer a structured path to demonstrate these abilities without risking your own capital. You’ll trade virtual funds under specific rules and profit targets while building the track record needed to attract potential investors.
What Is a Trading Combine
A trading combine evaluates traders through simulated accounts to identify those qualified for managing funded capital. This assessment program measures trading performance against specific metrics like profit targets risk limits.
How Trading Combines Work
Trading combines operate through a structured evaluation process:
- Complete registration by selecting an account size target between $10,000 to $250,000
- Trade with virtual capital during a defined evaluation period of 20-30 days
- Meet profit targets while staying within maximum drawdown limits
- Follow position sizing rules limiting risk per trade to 1-2% of account value
- Document trades with detailed entry exit points market analysis
- Pass multiple evaluation phases to qualify for funded trading
Key Benefits for Traders
- Risk-free evaluation using simulated accounts instead of personal capital
- Access to professional trading platforms with real-time market data
- Clear profit targets establishing consistent performance benchmarks
- Documented track record demonstrating trading capabilities
- Potential to earn trading income through profit splits ranging 50-80%
- Regular performance feedback identifying areas for improvement
| Evaluation Metrics | Typical Requirements |
|---|---|
| Max Daily Loss | 2-4% of account |
| Max Total Drawdown | 8-10% of account |
| Profit Target | 8-12% per phase |
| Evaluation Duration | 20-30 trading days |
| Min Trading Days | 10-15 days |
Popular Trading Combine Programs
Trading combine programs offer structured paths to funded trading accounts through performance-based evaluations. Here’s an analysis of three established programs with their key features.
TopStep Trader
TopStep’s trading combine focuses on futures trading with clear profit targets and risk parameters. The program includes real-time performance tracking through a proprietary scoring algorithm that measures trading consistency. Traders choose from multiple account size options ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 in simulated capital. Upon successful completion, funded traders keep 80% of their first $5,000 in profits and 90% thereafter.
OneUp Trader
OneUp’s combine program emphasizes flexibility in trading styles with customizable evaluation periods. The platform provides access to professional-grade trading software and market analysis tools. Evaluation accounts start at $25,000 with scaling options up to $250,000. The qualification process monitors key metrics including:
| Metric | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Daily Loss | 4% of account |
| Total Drawdown | 8% of account |
| Profit Target | 8-12% |
| Minimum Trading Days | 10-15 days |
Earn2Trade
Earn2Trade integrates educational resources with its evaluation process. The program offers live market data feeds and advanced charting capabilities during the combine period. Successful traders gain access to funding options between $25,000 and $200,000. Key features include:
- Real-time trading score updates
- Automated profit-taking guidance
- Multiple platform compatibility
- Professional-grade trading tools
- Comprehensive market analysis resources
Each account tier maintains specific risk limits and profit objectives aligned with professional trading standards.
Trading Combine Requirements
Trading combines set specific performance metrics to evaluate traders’ skills through standardized testing parameters. These requirements fall into three main categories that determine progression through the evaluation process.
Initial Capital Requirements
Trading combines offer evaluation accounts ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 in simulated capital. The initial fee varies based on account size selection:
| Account Size | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| $25,000 | $100 – $200 |
| $50,000 | $200 – $350 |
| $100,000 | $350 – $500 |
| $150,000 | $500 – $750 |
The selected account size determines profit targets performance benchmarks.
Risk Management Rules
Trading combines enforce strict risk parameters to protect capital:
- Maximum daily loss limits of 2% to 4% of account value
- Total drawdown restrictions capped at 8% to 12%
- Position size limits based on contract values
- Trading hours limited to regular market sessions
- Minimum 10 trading days per evaluation period
- Maximum holding periods for overnight positions
Profit Targets
Performance objectives measure trading consistency through defined metrics:
- Phase 1 profit targets range from $2,000 to $10,000
- Minimum trading days required: 10-15 per phase
- Average winning day requirements: 50% or higher
- Maximum consecutive losing days allowed: 3-5
- Monthly profit splits: 60-80% for funded traders
- Scaling plans available after 3 months of consistent profits
Each requirement serves as a benchmark for evaluating trading discipline risk control capabilities.
Passing a Trading Combine
Passing a trading combine requires consistent performance across multiple metrics while maintaining strict risk management protocols. The evaluation process tests both technical skills and emotional discipline under simulated market conditions.
Trading Strategies That Work
Successful trading combine strategies focus on three core elements: risk control, position sizing and market timing. A defined risk-reward ratio of 1:2 or higher increases the probability of meeting profit targets. Break-even stop losses protect gains after reaching predetermined price levels. Small position sizes, limited to 1-3% of account value, prevent excessive drawdowns during volatile market conditions.
Trading strategies that excel in combines include:
- Price action trading focusing on support resistance levels
- Momentum trading during high-volume market hours
- Breakout trading with confirmation indicators
- Trend following using multiple timeframe analysis
- Mean reversion on overbought/oversold conditions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trading combine participants often make preventable errors that lead to evaluation failure:
Risk Management Errors:
- Overtrading during drawdown periods
- Holding losing positions too long
- Adding to losing trades
- Breaking maximum position size rules
- Violating daily loss limits
Psychological Mistakes:
- Trading without a defined plan
- Revenge trading after losses
- Deviating from strategy rules
- Overconfidence after winning streaks
- Hesitation on valid trade setups
- Poor entry timing on breakouts
- Missing profit targets by a few ticks
- Trading during low-volume periods
- Using too many indicators
- Ignoring key support/resistance levels
Costs and Profitability
Trading combines provide a structured path to funded trading through investment in evaluation programs. The financial components involve both upfront costs and potential earning opportunities.
Program Fees
Trading combine fees range from $150 to $1,000 based on account size selection.
| Account Size | Monthly Fee | Reset Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $150 | $100 |
| $50,000 | $300 | $150 |
| $100,000 | $500 | $200 |
| $150,000 | $1,000 | $300 |
Monthly fees cover platform access, data feeds, trading tools, and performance tracking. Reset fees apply when restarting an evaluation after violating trading rules or missing profit targets.
Potential Returns
Successful funded traders earn 50% to 80% of generated profits through profit-sharing agreements.
| Account Size | Monthly Profit Target | Potential Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $2,500 | $1,250 – $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| $150,000 | $15,000 | $7,500 – $12,000 |
Scaling plans allow traders to increase account sizes after demonstrating consistent profitability. Additional benefits include reduced fees, higher profit splits, and access to premium trading features.
Life After Passing a Combine
Successfully passing a trading combine opens opportunities to manage larger capital pools with profit-sharing agreements. The transition from evaluation to live trading brings new responsibilities along with greater earning potential.
Managing Funded Accounts
Funded trading accounts require precise execution of proven strategies while maintaining risk parameters. Your daily operations involve monitoring positions, analyzing market conditions, and following established trading rules. Trading platforms provide real-time performance tracking to help stay within maximum drawdown limits of 10% and daily loss caps of 5%. Performance metrics include:
| Metric | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Daily Loss Limit | 5% of account |
| Total Drawdown | 10% maximum |
| Profit Split | 50-80% |
| Minimum Trading Days | 10 per month |
Scaling Your Trading Business
Growing your funded trading operation depends on consistent performance metrics. After 3 months of profitable trading, you’re eligible for account size increases. Progressive scaling follows this pattern:
- Generate steady profits above benchmark returns
- Maintain drawdown limits below specified thresholds
- Document trade execution accuracy above 85%
- Expand into additional asset classes like ETFs
- Trade higher position sizes with proven strategies
Each scaling milestone increases potential earnings through:
| Scale Level | Account Size Increase | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 25% | Higher profit split |
| Level 2 | 50% | Reduced fees |
| Level 3 | 100% | Premium features |
Performance tracking algorithms measure your trading score in real-time, accelerating advancement through scaling tiers based on demonstrated skill.
Conclusion
Trading combines offer you a powerful pathway to becoming a funded trader without risking your personal capital. These programs create a structured environment where you can prove your trading abilities while maintaining professional risk management standards.
Through careful preparation understanding of requirements and consistent execution of proven strategies you’ll position yourself for success in these evaluations. The opportunity to manage substantial capital pools with attractive profit-sharing arrangements makes trading combines an appealing option for advancing your trading career.
Remember that your journey doesn’t end with passing the evaluation. It’s just the beginning of your professional trading career where continuous learning and disciplined execution will determine your long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trading combine?
A trading combine is an evaluation program where traders can prove their skills using simulated accounts to earn the opportunity to trade with real capital. It provides a structured environment to demonstrate trading abilities without risking personal money, while competing for funding from proprietary trading firms.
How much does a trading combine cost?
Trading combine fees typically range from $150 to $1,000, depending on the selected account size and program features. These fees cover platform access, data feeds, trading tools, and performance tracking. Some programs also charge reset fees if you need to restart the evaluation.
What are the typical profit targets in trading combines?
Most trading combines require traders to reach monthly profit targets between 6% to 10% of the account value. For example, a $50,000 account might need to generate $3,000 to $5,000 in profits within the evaluation period while staying within risk parameters.
What happens if I fail the trading combine?
If you fail the trading combine by violating rules or missing profit targets, you can typically restart the evaluation by paying a reset fee. Some programs offer discounted reset fees or free retries under certain conditions. You can continue attempting until you successfully pass the evaluation.
How much can funded traders earn?
Funded traders typically earn 50% to 80% of generated profits through profit-sharing agreements. Potential monthly income varies based on account size and performance. For example, a $100,000 funded account generating 10% monthly return could earn the trader $5,000-$8,000 per month.
What are the common reasons traders fail combines?
Most traders fail combines due to poor risk management, overtrading, violating daily loss limits, or holding losing positions too long. Other common mistakes include trading without a defined plan, revenge trading after losses, and overconfidence leading to excessive risk-taking.
How long does it take to complete a trading combine?
The evaluation period typically ranges from 20 to 30 trading days. Some programs offer accelerated paths where traders can qualify faster by meeting profit targets while maintaining strict risk control. The exact duration depends on the specific program and account size selected.
What markets can I trade in a combine?
Available markets vary by program but typically include futures, forex, and sometimes stocks. Most popular combines focus on futures trading due to their liquidity and standardized contracts. Some programs allow trading multiple asset classes during the evaluation period.