Your First Step
Final checklist and how to get started today
Preparation Checklist
- Defined strategy: What instruments? What timeframes? When do you enter and exit?
- Demo practice: Minimum 2-4 weeks trading on a simulator
- Positive results: Your strategy must be profitable on demo first
- Available capital: $150-300 for a discounted evaluation
- Time to trade: How many hours per day can you dedicate?
- Platform installed: NinjaTrader or Tradovate set up
- Understand drawdown: You know exactly how much you can lose
If you don't have a proven strategy on demo, DO NOT buy an evaluation. You'll be throwing money away.
Registration Process
- 1. Choose your firm: Use the comparison tool, check active discounts
- 2. Select account: Size ($25K-$150K), drawdown, Challenge/Instant
- 3. Apply discount: Copy the code from our discounts page
- 4. Pay: Card, crypto, or available method
- 5. Receive credentials: Via email, typically within minutes to hours
- 6. Set up platform: Connect with the received credentials
- 7. Verify connection: Make sure you can see your account correctly
- 8. Start trading!: But take it easy, keep reading...
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overtrading: You don't need trades every day. Quality > quantity.
- Revenge trading: After a loss, DO NOT try to recover immediately.
- Ignoring drawdown: ALWAYS know how much margin you have left.
- Oversizing: Start with 1-2 micros, not the maximum allowed.
- Trading without stops: NEVER. A spike can blow your account in seconds.
- Trading out of boredom: If there's no clear setup, don't trade.
- Changing strategy: Stick to your plan. Constant changes kill accounts.
80% of those who fail do so because of these mistakes, not lack of skill. Discipline is more important than strategy.
Your First Week
- Day 1-2: Trade with minimum size (1 micro). Get familiar with the live platform.
- Day 3-4: If all goes well, gradually increase. Follow your strategy.
- Day 5-7: Evaluate results. Are you following the plan? How are you handling emotions?
- Golden rule: If you lose 30% of your drawdown in a week, STOP. Analyze what happened.
The Right Mindset
- Initial goal: DON'T lose the account. Profits will come later.
- Patience: The best traders make 3-5 trades per week, not per day.
- Consistency: $100/day x 20 days = $2,000/month. You don't need home runs.
- Process over outcome: Focus on executing well, not on the money.
- It's a business: Treat it professionally, not like a game.
Resources to Keep Learning
- Our blog: Educational articles and advanced guides
- Trading books: Recommended books section
- Economic calendar: Market-moving events
- FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
- Reviews: In-depth analysis of each firm
Key Points
- Don't buy an evaluation without a proven strategy on demo
- Always use available discounts (50-80% OFF)
- Start with minimum size for the first few days
- The initial goal is NOT to lose the account, not to get rich
- Discipline > Strategy. Emotional mistakes kill accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I practice on demo before buying?
At least 2-4 weeks with consistently positive results. If you're not profitable on demo (without pressure), you won't be in real trading. Some traders practice for months before feeling ready.
What account size should I choose to start?
We recommend $50K to start. It's enough capital to trade comfortably, but not so large that it overwhelms you. Prices are usually reasonable ($150-250 with discount).
What should I do if I fail my first evaluation?
It's normal. Most people fail at first. Analyze WHY you failed (emotions, strategy, management), adjust, and try again. Every failure is a lesson if you use it.
Can I make a living from prop trading?
Yes, many people do. But it requires time, practice, and consistency. Don't expect immediate results. Think of 6-12 months of learning before having stable income.
Knowledge Check
Answer correctly to unlock the next step
If you lose 30% of your drawdown in the first week, what should you do?
How many minimum weeks of demo practice are recommended?
What should you do in your first week trading the evaluation?
What is the most common mistake that destroys accounts?
Risk Warning
Futures trading carries a high risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or investment recommendations. Past results do not guarantee future performance. Only trade with capital you can afford to lose.