Trust & Reliability
Editorial Summary
Trade The Pool is a stock-focused proprietary trading firm and a sister brand to The5ers. Unlike most prop firms centred on forex, it specialises in funded accounts for equities traders, with buying-power-based programs and dedicated stock-trading rules.
| Focus | Stocks / equities |
| Related to | The5ers |
All trading is conducted in a simulated environment using virtual funds. Figures, rules and offers change frequently—confirm the latest details on the firm’s official site before purchasing.
Trade The Pool: Account Types, Challenge Fees, Rules, and Buying Power
Trade The Pool Review: Quick Verdict
Trade The Pool is a stock-focused proprietary trading evaluation firm offering access to simulated trading accounts for U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs. Unlike many prop firms that focus on forex, CFDs, or futures, Trade The Pool is built around equities trading, with separate account tracks for Day Trade and Swing traders.
The current account structure is split into two main trading styles: Day Trade accounts and Swing accounts. Each style then offers two evaluation types: Flex and MAX. Flex is designed for traders who want unlimited time and fewer pressure points, while MAX is designed for traders who can work within a fixed evaluation window in exchange for a lower entry cost.
The lowest listed entry point is the $5,000 Day Trade MAX account at $47, while the largest listed account is the $200,000 Day Trade Flex account at $1,475. For Swing traders, pricing starts at $69 for the $2,000 Swing MAX account and goes up to $1,240 for the $40,000 Swing Flex account. Trade The Pool’s own terms state that its evaluation stage is simulated, and that the funds used during the evaluation are fictitious and cannot be used for actual trading.
This review covers the account types, account sizes, challenge fees, rules, and what traders actually get access to when purchasing a Trade The Pool evaluation.
What Is Trade The Pool?
Trade The Pool is a prop trading-style firm focused on stock trading. The platform gives traders access to a simulated evaluation environment where they can trade equities and ETFs under specific risk rules. If a trader meets the target and passes the evaluation requirements, they may become eligible for a funded trading account.
The firm says traders can trade almost any stock or ETF in the U.S. markets, but it does not offer index futures such as NQ or ES; traders can trade ETFs such as QQQ or SPY instead.
It is important to understand that Trade The Pool is not a traditional broker account. Its terms say the evaluation is a simulated training environment, that evaluation trading is not real, and that the “funds” provided during the evaluation are fictitious. The company also states that the one-time fee is paid for access to the evaluation and related services, not as a deposit or direct funding balance.
Trade The Pool Account Types
Trade The Pool has four main account routes:
| Account route | Trading style | Evaluation type | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Trade Flex | Intraday stock trading | Flexible, unlimited-time evaluation | Traders who want more time and wider risk limits |
| Day Trade MAX | Intraday stock trading | Fixed 60-day evaluation | Traders who want a lower entry fee and can work under time pressure |
| Swing Flex | Overnight and multi-day stock trading | Flexible, unlimited-time evaluation | Swing traders who want no fixed evaluation deadline |
| Swing MAX | Overnight and multi-day stock trading | Fixed 100-trading-day evaluation | Swing traders who want a cheaper entry fee and can work within a set window |
Trade The Pool describes Flex as an evaluation with unlimited time and fewer restrictions, while MAX is presented as the higher-pressure route with a 60-day style framework for day trading and fewer funded-stage restrictions.
Day Trade Accounts
The Day Trade accounts are designed for traders who actively trade U.S. stocks and ETFs during the trading day. The account sizes available are $5,000, $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, and $200,000.
Both Day Trade Flex and Day Trade MAX have a 6% profit target and a 70/30 payout split. The difference is mainly in the risk limits, minimum positions, trading period, and consistency rules.
Day Trade Flex Rules
| Rule | Day Trade Flex |
|---|---|
| Profit target | 6% |
| Daily pause | 2% |
| Maximum loss | 4% |
| Minimum positions | 10 |
| Trading period | Unlimited |
| Payout split | 70/30 |
| Consistency rule | 50% |
| Minimum withdrawal period | 14 days |
| Minimum 0.5% profit days | 3 |
| Real-time market data | Free |
| PDT rule restriction | No restriction |
Day Trade Flex is the more flexible version because it gives unlimited time to complete the evaluation. The trade-off is that it is more expensive than MAX at every account size.
Day Trade MAX Rules
| Rule | Day Trade MAX |
|---|---|
| Profit target | 6% |
| Daily pause | 1% |
| Maximum loss | 3% |
| Minimum positions | 20 |
| Trading period | 60 days |
| Payout split | 70/30 |
| Consistency rule | 30% during evaluation only |
| Minimum withdrawal period | 14 days |
| Minimum 0.5% profit days | No |
| Real-time market data | Free |
| PDT rule restriction | No restriction |
Day Trade MAX has a lower entry fee, but the rules are tighter. Traders get a smaller daily pause, smaller maximum loss, more required positions, and a fixed evaluation window.
Day Trade Account Sizes and Fees
| Day Trade account size | Flex fee | MAX fee | Account size accessed |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $59 | $47 | $5,000 buying power |
| $25,000 | $120 | $97 | $25,000 buying power |
| $50,000 | $285 | $230 | $50,000 buying power |
| $100,000 | $545 | $435 | $100,000 buying power |
| $200,000 | $1,475 | $1,100 | $200,000 buying power |
The minimum required to access a Day Trade account is $47, which gives access to the $5,000 Day Trade MAX account. The lowest Day Trade Flex option is $59, which gives access to the $5,000 Day Trade Flex account.
Swing Accounts
The Swing accounts are built for traders who want to hold positions overnight or over multiple days. The available Swing account sizes are $2,000, $10,000, $20,000, and $40,000.
Both Swing Flex and Swing MAX have a 15% profit target, 3% daily pause, 7% maximum loss, 5 minimum positions, and a 70/30 payout split. The main difference is that Swing Flex has unlimited time, while Swing MAX has a 100-trading-day evaluation window.
Swing Flex Rules
| Rule | Swing Flex |
|---|---|
| Profit target | 15% |
| Daily pause | 3% |
| Maximum loss | 7% |
| Minimum positions | 5 |
| Trading period | Unlimited |
| Payout split | 70/30 |
| Consistency rule | 50% |
| Minimum withdrawal period | 14 days |
| Funded-stage consistency rule | Yes, 50% |
| Minimum 0.5% profit days | 3 on most listed tiers |
| Real-time market data | Free |
| PDT rule restriction | No restriction |
Swing Flex is the more flexible option for position traders because it removes the fixed evaluation deadline. It is also more expensive than Swing MAX across all account sizes.
Swing MAX Rules
| Rule | Swing MAX |
|---|---|
| Profit target | 15% |
| Daily pause | 3% |
| Maximum loss | 7% |
| Minimum positions | 5 |
| Trading period | 100 trading days |
| Payout split | 70/30 |
| Consistency rule | 30% |
| Minimum withdrawal period | 14 days |
| Funded-stage consistency rule | Yes, 70% |
| Real-time market data | Free |
| PDT rule restriction | No restriction |
Swing MAX is cheaper than Swing Flex, but traders must complete the evaluation within 100 trading days and operate with the MAX consistency structure.
Swing Account Sizes and Fees
| Swing account size | Flex fee | MAX fee | Account size accessed |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $87 | $69 | $2,000 buying power |
| $10,000 | $420 | $297 | $10,000 buying power |
| $20,000 | $670 | $447 | $20,000 buying power |
| $40,000 | $1,240 | $800 | $40,000 buying power |
The minimum required to access a Swing account is $69, which gives access to the $2,000 Swing MAX account. The lowest Swing Flex option is $87, which gives access to the $2,000 Swing Flex account.
Overall Minimum Cost by Account Type
| Account type | Smallest account size | Minimum listed fee | Account size accessed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Trade MAX | $5,000 | $47 | $5,000 buying power |
| Day Trade Flex | $5,000 | $59 | $5,000 buying power |
| Swing MAX | $2,000 | $69 | $2,000 buying power |
| Swing Flex | $2,000 | $87 | $2,000 buying power |
The cheapest overall Trade The Pool account is the $5,000 Day Trade MAX account at $47. The cheapest Flex option is the $5,000 Day Trade Flex account at $59. For Swing traders, the cheapest route is the $2,000 Swing MAX account at $69.
Cheapest Way to Access Each Account Size
| Buying power / account size | Cheapest route | Minimum listed fee |
|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | Swing MAX | $69 |
| $5,000 | Day Trade MAX | $47 |
| $10,000 | Swing MAX | $297 |
| $20,000 | Swing MAX | $447 |
| $25,000 | Day Trade MAX | $97 |
| $40,000 | Swing MAX | $800 |
| $50,000 | Day Trade MAX | $230 |
| $100,000 | Day Trade MAX | $435 |
| $200,000 | Day Trade MAX | $1,100 |
For traders comparing only the lowest fee per account size, MAX is cheaper than Flex across both Day Trade and Swing accounts. Flex becomes more attractive only if the trader values unlimited time and wider rules more than the lower upfront cost.
What Account Size Means at Trade The Pool
When Trade The Pool lists a $5,000, $50,000, or $200,000 account, that number refers to the buying power connected to the evaluation account. It should not be understood as a cash deposit or withdrawable capital.
Trade The Pool’s terms say the evaluation is simulated and that the funds used in the evaluation are fictitious. The company also clarifies that the one-time fee does not reflect the fictitious Hub funds made available during the evaluation.
In practical review terms, the account size matters because it determines the profit target, risk limits, and scale of the evaluation. However, it is not money transferred into the trader’s personal account.
Day Trade vs Swing: Which Account Type Is Better?
The better account type depends on trading style.
Day Trade accounts are better suited to traders who prefer intraday stock trading and do not want to hold positions through normal market close. Trade The Pool states that Day Trading accounts are liquidated 10 minutes before the market closes, although positions can be opened after the market close and held overnight under specific restrictions. Overnight buying power is reduced on Day Trade accounts, with the $5,000 account reduced to $800 and the $200,000 account reduced to $32,000 overnight.
Swing accounts are better suited to traders who want to hold positions overnight or over weekends. Trade The Pool says Swing accounts can hold positions overnight and over weekends, and unlike Day Trade accounts, exposure during pre-market and post-market sessions remains the same as the full account size.
Flex vs MAX: Which Evaluation Type Makes More Sense?
Flex is the better fit for traders who want more time and less evaluation pressure. In both Day Trade and Swing categories, Flex removes the fixed time limit and gives traders more room to work through the evaluation process. The downside is cost: Flex is more expensive than MAX at every account size.
MAX is the better fit for traders who are confident they can meet the target within the time limit. Day Trade MAX gives traders 60 days, while Swing MAX gives traders 100 trading days. MAX also comes with a lower price tag, but the rules can be tighter, especially around daily pause, maximum loss, and consistency requirements.
From an editorial standpoint, MAX is the better value on price alone. Flex is the more forgiving choice for traders who do not want to rush.
Markets and Trading Conditions
Trade The Pool focuses on U.S. equities and ETFs. Traders can access a broad stock universe, including many U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, but the firm does not support futures or options trading. Its program page specifically notes that it does not offer index futures like NQ or ES, although traders can trade ETFs such as QQQ or SPY.
Both Day Trade and Swing accounts include real-time market data as a free add-on in the published program table. The PDT rule is listed as having no restriction across the available account types.
Eligibility and Risk Notes
Trade The Pool’s terms state that users must be at least 18 years old or the legal age in their jurisdiction, if higher, to be eligible for an account. The terms also say users may be subject to AML and KYC checks, including requests for government-issued identification documents.
The firm also states that it is not a broker-dealer and does not directly offer financial advice. Its website disclaimer says all trading activities through the Company Hub are executed in a simulated environment, that simulated results do not reflect real trading outcomes, and that simulated trading results have limitations.
Trade The Pool Pros and Cons
Pros
Trade The Pool’s biggest advantage is its stock-trading focus. Many prop firms are built around forex, CFDs, or futures, so Trade The Pool stands out by offering access to U.S. stocks and ETFs.
Another strength is the clear split between Day Trade and Swing accounts. This makes it easier for traders to choose an account based on how they actually trade rather than forcing every trader into the same evaluation model.
The third advantage is pricing variety. The Day Trade MAX account starts at $47, making it a low-cost entry point compared with many larger prop-style challenges.
Cons
The biggest drawback is that the accounts are simulated, not direct cash accounts. The buying power shown on the account is not withdrawable money and should not be confused with a deposit.
The second drawback is that rules vary significantly between Day Trade, Swing, Flex, and MAX. A trader comparing only account size and fee could easily miss important differences in daily pause, max loss, consistency rules, and trading period.
The third drawback is that Swing accounts are more expensive relative to their starting buying power. The lowest Swing MAX option costs $69 for $2,000 in buying power, while the lowest Day Trade MAX option costs $47 for $5,000 in buying power.
Is Trade The Pool Legit?
Trade The Pool is a real prop trading-style brand operated by Five Percent Online Ltd., and its public pages clearly explain the evaluation model, account types, and simulated nature of the trading environment. The firm’s transparency around fictitious evaluation funds and simulated trading is a positive sign because it helps readers understand what they are actually paying for.
That said, “legit” does not mean risk-free. Challenge fees are real, accounts can be breached, and passing an evaluation is not guaranteed. Trade The Pool itself states that becoming a funded user is contingent on meeting performance criteria and complying with the company’s evaluation process.
Trade The Pool Review: Editorial Verdict
Trade The Pool is one of the more distinctive prop trading firms because it focuses on U.S. stocks and ETFs rather than forex, CFDs, or futures. Its product structure is easy to understand once broken down: traders choose between Day Trade and Swing, then between Flex and MAX.
The cheapest overall route is the $5,000 Day Trade MAX account at $47. The cheapest Flex route is the $5,000 Day Trade Flex account at $59. Swing accounts start at $69 for the $2,000 Swing MAX account and $87 for the $2,000 Swing Flex account.
For most traders comparing cost against account size, Day Trade MAX offers the strongest value on paper. It gives access to $5,000 in buying power for $47 and scales up to $200,000 for $1,100. Flex accounts are more expensive, but they may suit traders who value unlimited time and a more forgiving evaluation setup.
The key takeaway is that Trade The Pool should be judged by more than account size. The real comparison is between trading style, time limit, drawdown rules, consistency rules, and whether the trader is suited to intraday or swing stock trading. For experienced stock traders who understand simulated prop evaluations, Trade The Pool is a serious comparison candidate. For beginners, the rules and risk structure need careful review before paying for any account.