How It Works
Smart Trader Funds is a proprietary trading firm that provides investment funds to traders after completing an evaluation phase. Prove your skill, get funded, get paid — here is the full journey, from your first challenge to your first payout.
From Challenge to Funded Account
You select an evaluation account, follow the rules, and once the objectives are met, you receive a funded account.
Choose your challenge
Pick an account size from $10,000 up to $300,000 and the challenge format that suits your trading approach. There is a one-time fee depending on the account size you choose — no monthly subscriptions, no hidden charges. Compare every format on our Challenges page.
- Account sizes from $10,000 to $300,000
- One-time fee, no subscriptions
- Three formats: 1 Phase, Regular, Pro
Pass the evaluation
You trade according to clear objectives and rules, respecting the daily and maximum drawdown limits. Once the conditions are fulfilled, you move to the next step. The trading period is unlimited, so there is no deadline pressure.
- Clear objectives and drawdown limits
- Unlimited trading period
- Minimum 5 trading days per phase
Get funded & get paid
Once the objectives are met, you receive a funded account. Trade, earn and request bi-weekly payouts processed in 48 hours or less. Your profit split starts at 80% on the first payout, grows to 90% after 3 successful payouts, and can reach up to 95% with STF promotions.
- Profit split up to 95%
- Bi-weekly payouts in 48 hours or less
- Challenge fee refunded with your first payout
Evaluation Rules
You trade according to clear objectives and rules, respecting the daily and maximum drawdown limits. Once the conditions are fulfilled, you move to the next step.
Daily loss limit
Daily loss is calculated from your starting balance of the day, including unrealized P&L:
- 1 Phase: 4% daily loss
- Regular: 5% daily loss
- Pro: 4% daily loss
The daily loss resets at midnight GMT.
Max loss limit
- 1 Phase: 6% max loss
- Regular: 10% max loss
- Pro: 8% max loss
Max loss is calculated from your initial balance and is fixed for the entire evaluation.
Profit targets
The 1 Phase account has a single 9% profit target — you get funded instantly upon hitting it. The Regular account has a 9% target in phase 1 and 4% in phase 2, so you progress step by step toward full funding.
Minimum trading days
You need at least 5 trading days with at least one trade per day to validate each phase. The trading period itself is unlimited.
Consistency rule
No single trading day can represent more than 45% of your total profit. This rule ensures consistent performance, not lucky one-off gains.
Leverage & news trading
All STF accounts have a maximum leverage of 1:50, on all instruments (forex, indices, commodities, crypto). News trading is restricted 5 minutes before and after major economic news (3-star events) on 1 Phase and Regular accounts — the Pro account allows news trading.
Failed the evaluation? You can try again by starting a new evaluation anytime — each attempt is a fresh start. For the complete rulebook, payout details and more, visit the Help Center or browse the FAQ.
Challenge to Suit Your Trading Approach
Three challenge formats tailored to fit any strategy and goal — with copy trading allowed and no commissions on every one of them.
1 Phase
Designed for confident, high-performing traders ready to showcase their skills right away. With a single evaluation phase — no delays, no detours — you get funded instantly upon hitting the target. Skip the standard evaluation entirely.
Regular
A structured two-stage evaluation for traders who prefer a gradual approach. With a 9% target in phase 1 and 4% in phase 2, you progress step by step toward full funding. Clear rules ensure a balanced and disciplined path to success.
Pro
Perfect for swing traders, allowing overnight and overweek holding for greater flexibility — weekend holding is only allowed on the Pro account. Focus on long-term strategies without the pressure of daily closures, giving your trades the time they need to develop.
Challenge accounts up to $800,000
The largest account you can select at the start is $300,000. Through consistent performance, you can scale your funded account up to $800,000. You can also have multiple challenges and funded accounts under the same profile, up to a combined buying power of $800,000. More capital means greater profit potential — with the right strategy and discipline, STF gives you the scale you need, whether you start small or aim big.
Start your challengeReady to prove yourself?
Join 204,000+ traders who chose STF to turn skill into capital. Your first move starts now.
Start your challenge