Trade The Pool: A Comprehensive Review of a Leading Prop Trading Firm

Overview: Introducing Trade The Pool

In the ever-expanding world of proprietary trading firms, Trade The Pool stands out as a unique platform tailored for stock and ETF traders. Founded by industry veterans with years of experience in trading and risk management, Trade The Pool has carved its niche by offering aspiring and professional traders access to substantial buying power without risking personal capital. The firm operates on a simulated environment for its evaluation phase, ensuring a smooth transition for traders aiming to secure funded accounts. With its focus on transparency, growth, and trader success, Trade The Pool has quickly become a go-to choice for those seeking to excel in the competitive trading arena.

Account Features: Flexibility and Growth Opportunities

Trade The Pool offers a range of account types designed to accommodate different trading strategies, levels of experience, and financial goals. Whether you are new to prop trading or a seasoned professional, their plans provide a structured pathway to success.

Mini Buying Power Account

The Mini Buying Power account is an excellent starting point for beginners, offering $20,000 in buying power. Traders aim for a profit target of $1,350 while maintaining a maximum loss of $900. With a manageable daily pause allowance of $300 and a requirement of just 10 trades over 45 days, this plan makes entry into the world of prop trading accessible. A one-time fee of $97 and a profit split of 70/30 ensure traders can start small while still reaping rewards.

Super Buying Power Account

For those seeking more leverage, the Super Buying Power account delivers $80,000 in buying power. Traders face a profit target of $4,200 and a maximum loss of $2,100, alongside a daily pause allowance of $700. With a 45-day trading period and a 60/40 profit split, this option, priced at a $300 one-time fee, offers a step up in opportunity and challenge.

Extra Buying Power Account

The Extra Buying Power account pushes the boundaries further with $160,000 in buying power. This tier comes with a profit target of $7,800, a maximum loss of $3,900, and a daily pause allowance of $1,300. Like other plans, the 45-day trading period and a 70/30 profit split provide an enticing package for ambitious traders. The one-time fee for this account is $475.

Ultimate Buying Power Account

The Ultimate Buying Power account provides an impressive $260,000 in buying power, catering to experienced traders looking for substantial leverage. To pass the evaluation phase, traders must achieve a profit target of $13,000 while adhering to a maximum loss of $6,000. This account includes a daily pause allowance of $2,600 and requires a minimum of 20 trades over 45 days. With a one-time fee of $800 and a 70/30 profit split, the Ultimate Buying Power account offers significant potential for growth and rewards for disciplined traders.

Limited Edition Account

The Limited Edition account is one of the most attractive offerings, providing traders with a reduced evaluation profit target and unique criteria for scaling. This account allows traders to prove their skills by reaching a 10% profit target while demonstrating consistency with at least three profitable days, each achieving a minimum gain of 0.5%. Unlike other programs, the Limited Edition account emphasizes sustainable performance over one-off successes. Additionally, traders benefit from a more forgiving 30-second rule, which reduces the required duration for trades compared to other plans. These tailored features make the Limited Edition program a compelling choice for traders seeking a fast yet balanced pathway to securing a funded account.

Swing Trading Account

Finally, the Swing Trading account caters to traders who prefer holding positions overnight or over weekends. With reduced intraday restrictions and the flexibility to trade beyond regular hours, this account type is ideal for those with strategies suited to longer time frames. Whether it’s the Mini, Super, or Extra tier, swing trading offers enhanced flexibility while maintaining Trade The Pool’s disciplined structure.

Scaling Plans and Growth Potential

Trade The Pool’s scaling plans allow traders to grow their accounts based on consistent performance. Once a trader achieves a 10% profit target, their buying power and daily pause allowance are increased. For example, a trader on the Super Buying Power plan who reaches an $8,000 profit target sees their buying power grow from $80,000 to $85,000, with incremental increases as performance milestones are achieved.

Rules and Regulations: Ensuring Discipline

Success with Trade The Pool requires adherence to a well-defined set of trading rules and restrictions. These rules ensure that traders maintain consistent performance while minimizing risks. Key regulations include:

• Consistency Rules: Traders must execute a minimum of 20 positions during the evaluation phase. Additionally, no single trade can contribute more than 30% of the profit target.
• Max Drawdown: Each account type has a strict maximum loss limit, and exceeding this results in account termination.
• Daily Risk Limit: Traders are limited to a daily loss (DL) threshold specific to their account type. Reaching this limit triggers a pause in trading activity for that day.
• Minimum Volume Requirements:
  • Pre-market/after-market: At least 20,000 shares traded.
  • Regular hours: At least 200,000 shares traded.
• 60-Second Rule: Each trade must remain open for at least 60 seconds, except for the Limited Edition account, which reduces this to 30 seconds.
• 10-Cent Rule: Profitable trades must have a price difference of at least 10 cents per share between entry and exit. Trades with less profit do not count towards the evaluation.
• Stocks That Halt: Trading is prohibited during a stock halt. After trading resumes, traders must wait at least one minute before placing a new trade.
• End-of-Day Liquidation: All open positions are closed 10 minutes before market close to minimize overnight risk.

By adhering to these guidelines, traders demonstrate discipline, a crucial aspect of successful trading.

Evaluation Process: From Challenge to Funded Account

Trade The Pool’s evaluation process is designed to assess traders’ skills and ensure they align with the firm’s objectives. The journey to becoming a funded trader involves three steps:

1. Choose a Program: Select the account type that best suits your trading style.
2. Pass the Evaluation Phase: Meet the profit target (e.g., $4,200 for Super Buying Power) within 45 days while adhering to all trading rules. Evaluations are conducted in a simulated environment with real-time data.
3. Get Funded: Transition to a funded account where profits can be withdrawn.

The evaluation phase emphasizes consistency over luck, encouraging traders to build sustainable strategies.

Payout Methods: Earning Your Rewards

Trade The Pool provides flexible payout methods tailored to traders’ needs, ensuring a seamless reward process. Unlike traditional banking methods, payouts are handled through the following channels:

• Hub Credits: Profits are credited to the trader’s account within the Trade The Pool platform. These credits can be withdrawn or reinvested in new trading programs.
• Rise Payment System: A streamlined and secure method, Rise ensures swift processing of payouts, allowing traders to access their earnings without delays.
• Cryptocurrency: For those who prefer decentralized finance, Trade The Pool supports cryptocurrency payouts, offering traders flexibility and convenience in handling their profits.

Payout Frequency and Minimums

Traders can request payouts once every 14 days, provided they meet the minimum withdrawal threshold of $300. The firm emphasizes maintaining sufficient buffer funds to avoid breaching drawdown limits after withdrawals. Processing times are quick, ensuring traders have access to their earnings promptly.

These methods demonstrate Trade The Pool’s commitment to providing modern, accessible options that cater to the diverse preferences of their global trader base.

Pros and Cons: Balancing Strengths and Limitations

Advantages of Trade The Pool

• Low Entry Costs: Affordable one-time fees make it accessible for traders.
• Generous Profit Splits: Up to 80% profit retention.
• Scalable Accounts: Consistent performance leads to increased buying power.
• Comprehensive Support: Includes access to trading tools, coaching, and performance analytics.
• Flexible Trading Options: Supports day and swing trading, including pre-market and after-market sessions.
• Quick Payouts: Fast and secure payout methods through Hub Credits, Rise, and cryptocurrency.
• Ability to Trade Stocks and ETFs: Access to a wide range of instruments.
• Great Trading Platform: Powered by Trader Evolution for an optimal experience.
• No Evaluation Failure for Minor Rule Breaches: Traders fail only when the maximum loss is exceeded.
• Free Live Stock Market Data: Includes Nasdaq TotalView Level 2 data at no extra cost.
• Premium Services Included: One month free access to premium tools like Trade Ideas.
• Short Small-Cap Stocks: Ability to short small-cap stocks without paying locate fees.

Limitations of Prop Trading Firms

• 10-Cent Rule: May limit profitability for high-frequency scalpers.
• 30-Second Rule: While an improvement over the 60-second rule, it can still restrict quicker scalping strategies.
• Stocks That Halt: Trading halts prevent execution and may disrupt strategies reliant on such movements.
• Simulated Evaluation Environment: Initial trading is not on live markets, which may feel limiting for some.
• Limited Overnight Exposure: Reduced buying power during overnight trading sessions.

Conclusion: Is Trade The Pool Right for You?

Trade The Pool offers a compelling opportunity for traders looking to access significant buying power without risking personal capital. With its clear evaluation process, flexible account options, and commitment to trader success, it’s an ideal platform for disciplined traders aiming to scale their careers. Whether you’re an aspiring professional or an experienced trader, Trade The Pool provides the tools, structure, and support needed to thrive in the competitive world of stock and ETF trading.