TradeDay Review for 2025

What is TradeDay?

What is TradeDay? TradeDay is a proprietary trading firm (prop firm) that funds futures traders after they pass a one-step evaluation. Founded in 2020 and based in Chicago, TradeDay was created by industry veterans James Thorpe and Steve Miley. The firm’s mission is to help traders develop skills with minimal risk to their own capital, providing a clear path to a funded account and extensive educational support.

Unlike multi-step programs, TradeDay uses a single-phase evaluation, meaning traders only need to pass one test to qualify for funding. This streamlined approach, combined with transparent rules and a supportive community, has made TradeDay a popular choice among aspiring futures day traders. TradeDay explicitly focuses on day trading – all positions must be closed by the end of the trading day, and it does not allow overnight holds or weekend positions.

The firm emphasizes that it is not a broker or financial institution but rather a platform offering simulated evaluations and a funding program. In essence, TradeDay’s value proposition is to let you trade futures with the firm’s capital once you prove yourself, keeping your personal risk low while sharing in any profits.

Who is TradeDay for? Given its futures focus, TradeDay primarily caters to traders interested in E-mini indices, commodities, treasury futures, and similar markets. It’s suited for beginners and intermediate traders who may lack substantial capital or wish to avoid risking their own funds.

The tone at TradeDay is educational – they offer courses, webinars, and even a community Discord channel to help traders enhance their skills. If you’re brand new to futures, TradeDay offers “zero to hero” courses to get you up to speed. Experienced traders can also benefit from the firm’s generous profit sharing and quick payouts.

Overall, TradeDay’s prop trading program is designed to be approachable, with profit targets that are relatively low, straightforward rules, and readily available support. Next, we’ll dive into the specifics of the evaluation, account types, rules, and how TradeDay stands out in the prop trading landscape.

TradeDay Payouts and Profit Sharing

TradeDay’s payout policy is exceptionally trader-friendly – in fact, they market it as “the best in the business”. Once you pass the evaluation and receive a funded account, here’s how payouts work:

Profit Split

In the funded stage, you keep 100% of your first $10,000 in profits. This means the firm takes no cut at all until you’ve pocketed a full 10K. After that threshold, profits are split 90/10 (90% to you, 10% to TradeDay). This is a very high payout ratio – essentially industry-leading, since many prop firms offer 80% to traders.

TradeDay even mentions that with strong performance, you have the potential to reach 95% profit share. In practice, the 95% likely comes after some milestone or time with the firm (or perhaps special scaling plans), but 90% as the standard split is already generous.

For comparison, Earn2Trade’s funded accounts are 80/20, and Topstep recently updated to a 90/10 split (after an initial bonus). TradeDay gives a $10K zero-fee buffer, which sets it apart – it shows confidence that if you succeed, they’re happy for you to take the first chunk of gains in its entirety.

Fast, Flexible Withdrawals

 One standout feature is instant payout eligibility. The very day your funded account is activated, you can request a withdrawal (as long as you have profits and meet a small minimum balance). There’s no waiting period, unlike some firms that require 10 or 20 trading days or a 30-day wait before the first payout.

TradeDay only asks that you maintain a “minimum profit buffer” – essentially, you can’t withdraw below your starting balance or the drawdown. In practice, traders report that you need at least $250 in profit to make a payout request. Once requested, TradeDay processes payouts extremely quickly, often within 24 hours.

There are no limits on withdrawal frequency or amount, except for maintaining the account balance above the required minimum. You could, in theory, pull profits out every day if you wanted (hence their term “daily payouts”). This is a significant advantage for those who require immediate access to their earnings.

Many competitors only pay out on a weekly or monthly basis. For example, MyFundedFutures’ payouts depend on hitting profit milestones and tend to be less frequent. TradeDay’s approach is much more flexible – you’re treated like a true independent trader who can withdraw at will once profitable.

No Consistency Rule After Funding

Notably, TradeDay’s strict 30% profit consistency rule does not apply to the funded account. Once you’re funded, you can have big winning days – nobody will ask you to prove consistency anymore. This is explicitly noted: “No consistency required to request a payout when funded!”. So if you have a funded account and you hit a home run trade, you’re free to withdraw those gains (just mind the drawdown still in effect to keep the account open).

No Fees on Payouts

TradeDay does not charge any withdrawal fees, and they cover transaction costs on their end. You’ll receive the full amount you asked for, via the payment method of your choice (most likely bank wire or digital transfer). They utilize a service called RiseWorks to facilitate international transfers smoothly. There’s no profit “retention” or forced rollover of profits – some prop firms require you to leave a portion in the account, but TradeDay lets you withdraw down to just above your drawdown threshold.

To illustrate, imagine you have a $ 100,000 funded account. You make $5,000 in profits in your first week. You could withdraw, say, $4,000 immediately (keeping $1,000 in the account to stay above the drawdown).

You’d receive the full $4,000 (since it’s under the first $10K, it’s 100% yours). And you didn’t have to wait weeks – you got it the next day. This kind of immediate reward is a big morale boost and a sign that TradeDay isn’t trying to trap traders with their capital. According to user reviews, “daily payouts and end-of-day drawdown” are two small details that “make a big difference” for traders’ experience.

TradeDay’s approach to profit sharing is aligned with their philosophy that when you succeed, they succeed. By guaranteeing funding and offering generous splits, they’re signaling that they want profitable traders to stick with them long-term. It’s worth noting that TradeDay charges no “activation fee” when you get funded (this fee is common elsewhere to cover the setup of a live account).

They’ve waived it entirely as part of their current promotion. The only cost once funded is the exchange market data fee, which TradeDay passes on to its clients. Because the funded account is a professional account, CME data can cost around $120-$130 per month for full market depth.

Several traders mention that after you pass, your monthly evaluation fee is swapped for this data fee. Essentially, you trade one fee for another – but now you’re trading with the firm’s money, and if you’re making profits, that data fee is a minor overhead. It’s good to be aware of it, though: funded futures traders in the U.S. are typically classified as professionals for data, so the exchanges charge higher rates (not something TradeDay controls).

Platforms, Tools, and Support Resources

TradeDay provides a robust infrastructure for traders, combining technology with education. They seem to truly care about their success and operate on a model "if you win, I win" which is fantastic for traders that are looking to join their funded trader program.

What Trading Platforms Does TradeDay Work With?

You won’t be locked into a single trading platform – TradeDay supports a wide range of popular futures trading platforms. These include NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradingView, Jigsaw Daytradr, and Quantower, among others.

NinjaTrader/Tradovate is a common choice (TradeDay integrates with those seamlessly), and many traders love TradingView’s browser-based interface for charting. By offering multiple platforms, TradeDay allows you to trade in the environment that suits you best.

They even mention a proprietary platform called TradeDayX, which works on both web and mobile, although most will likely stick to the established third-party platforms. The key point: whether you trade on a desktop setup or a mobile device, TradeDay has you covered – their system is stable and cross-compatible. As they put it, “trade from your phone to your desktop, from your home to the beach” (though we’ll caution against beach trading without a solid Wi-Fi!).

Education and Mentoring

This is where TradeDay really shines. Unlike some prop firms that simply sell you a challenge and disappear, TradeDay actively invests in making you a better trader. Upon joining (even before you’re funded), you get access to a rich members' area that includes:

• Courses for Beginners: If you “don’t know anything about trading futures,” they have structured courses to take you from beginner to competent. These cover futures basics, trading strategies, and risk management fundamentals.
• Daily Webinars & Live Streams: TradeDay hosts daily morning meetings and regular live webinars where experienced traders discuss market outlooks, trading techniques, and answer questions. This “virtual trading room” environment helps reinforce good habits. It’s like having a coach checking in with you each day.
• Market Analysis and News: They provide 24-hour market commentary and institutional-grade research through partnerships (for example, they feature analysis from The Market Chartist, an award-winning research provider). Traders get live news feeds and market analysis around the clock. This can give you an edge by keeping you informed of key market drivers.
• Discord Community: TradeDay maintains an active Discord chat and forums where members can engage in discussions. This community aspect means you’re not alone – you can bounce ideas off peers or seek help if you’re struggling. Successful traders and even the founders sometimes chime in to answer questions. According to TradeDay, “we have successful traders waiting to answer your questions” in the community.
• One-on-One Coaching: They highlight “1-2-1 coaching” as part of how TradeDay compares to other firms. This suggests that traders can book personal mentoring sessions (possibly after funding, or maybe as part of the CoPilot program). Having seasoned traders mentor you individually is a huge value-add that few prop firms provide.
  

All these resources are funded by the monthly membership fee you pay. TradeDay explicitly contrasts this with others who “sell trading courses for thousands of dollars” – instead, they bundle education into the affordable monthly subscription. They offer a standalone TradeDay CoPilot membership for $24/month, which gives access to all resources and the community without requiring participation in an evaluation.

That’s an option for those who want the learning aspect. But for evaluation participants, know that your fee isn’t just for a simulation account – you’re getting a quasi-educational package. Many user reviews praise TradeDay’s commitment to trader growth. TradeDay’s owners bring decades of experience building and mentoring prop desk traders, and it shows in how they’ve structured the program.

Customer Service

In line with the supportive vibe, TradeDay’s support team is responsive and helpful. Traders frequently mention receiving thoughtful and timely replies from TradeDay’s customer service. Whether it’s via email, support ticket, or even phone (they list a Chicago phone number), the company seems to take customer care seriously.

They also have an extensive FAQ knowledge base on Freshdesk. On Trustpilot, many 5-star reviews highlight the “efficient response and help” from customer service, which gives traders peace of mind. Having a prop firm that listens and adapts to trader feedback is invaluable.

Some of TradeDay’s improvements (like reducing the minimum days to 7, introducing multi-account support, and eliminating activation fees) have come after listening to their user base. The founders even engage on social media and forums to gather input. Overall, TradeDay’s platform and support form an ecosystem geared toward trader success, combining solid technology (multi-platform, stable data), education, and human support. It feels less isolating than just trading a sim on your own.

Pros and Cons of TradeDay Prop Firm

Pros

• One-Step Evaluation with Low Profit Targets: There is only a single phase to get funded, and profit targets are typically around 3–4% of the account (e.g., $ 3,000 on $ 100,000), which is more attainable for newbies than for firms requiring 8–10%. No second stage or extended gauntlet – pass the first test and you’re done.
• Fair and Transparent Rules: TradeDay’s rules are straightforward and publicly stated – no surprise conditions. There’s no daily loss limit to micromanage, and they offer the favorable end-of-day drawdown option that many traders prefer. The consistency rule, although strict, is clearly defined (a 30% cap per day) and aimed at encouraging good habits.
• Generous Payout Policy: Funded traders retain 100% of the first $ 10,000 profit and 90% thereafter, with a potential payout of up to 95%. You can withdraw profits from Day One of funding – no waiting period – and payouts are processed within 24 hours. There are zero payout fees or limits, and TradeDay allows very frequent withdrawals (even daily) as long as a minimum balance is maintained. This is among the best payout schemes in the industry.
• Strong Educational Support: TradeDay offers extensive resources, including futures trading courses for beginners, daily webinars and market analysis, one-on-one mentoring, and a community Discord for traders. This “learn and earn” approach helps traders improve their skills during the evaluation. It’s essentially a built-in trading academy at no extra cost.
• Responsive Customer Service and Community: The company has a reputation for listening to traders. Support queries get quick, helpful responses. The founders and team actively engage with users (e.g., implementing suggestions like 7-day minimums and new account types). Plus, being part of an active trader community means you can get peer advice and not feel alone in the process. Many reviewers praise TradeDay’s supportive environment.
• Multiple Account Flexibility: For those who want to scale up or try different strategies, TradeDay allows up to 6 simultaneous accounts. They even provide discounts on additional accounts. You could, for example, run a conservative and an aggressive strategy in parallel. Upon funding, you could also potentially have multiple funded accounts to increase overall capital, since TradeDay doesn’t appear to prohibit that.
  

Cons

• No Overnight or News Trading: If your strategy involves holding futures positions beyond the day session or playing economic news releases, TradeDay’s rules won’t accommodate that. All trading must be flat before the market closes each day, and high-impact news windows are off-limits. This could be a limitation for swing traders or news-event scalpers.
• Strict Consistency Rule: The 30% max profit-per-day rule can frustrate traders who have an occasional big day. You’ll need to consciously scale out or stop trading once up ~30% of the target in a day to avoid breaking the rule. While it fosters good practice, it may feel stifling to those who rely on one or two major successes to achieve a goal. Competitors like Topstep or Apex Trader Funding do not have this specific rule (though they manage risk in other ways).
• Higher Costs for Larger Accounts: TradeDay’s monthly fees for large accounts (e.g., $150K or $250K) are on the pricey side – for example, $350/month for $150K and $750 for $250K. Smaller budget traders might opt for the $ 50,000 or $ 100,000 accounts, which are more reasonable. By contrast, some rivals run one-time fee models or cheaper specials for large accounts. However, frequent 40%-off discounts at TradeDay do help mitigate this.
• Exchange Data Fee After Funding: Once you’re funded, you’ll be responsible for professional market data fees (approximately $120+ per month for CME exchanges). This is standard across futures prop firms, but it’s an added ongoing cost to be aware of. TradeDay covers all sim data during the evaluation, but in a live funded account, the trader pays for real-time data from the exchange.
• Mixed Reports on Billing: A minority of users have reported issues with billing or refunds, such as forgetting to cancel a subscription and being charged, or experiencing delays in refunding duplicate charges. While overall sentiment on support is positive, ensure you manage your subscription actively. If you decide to quit the program, cancel before the next billing cycle to avoid any hassle.
• Limited to Futures Only: TradeDay is focused solely on futures trading. Unlike some prop firms, it doesn’t offer forex or stock CFD programs. For most in the target audience, this is fine (they want to trade futures). But if you ever wished to try other asset classes, you’d need a different firm. Also, within futures, the program doesn’t permit options on futures or spreads – it’s geared to outright futures positions.

In weighing these pros and cons, it’s clear TradeDay’s strengths heavily favor the trader – especially the payout structure and educational support. The cons are mostly the standard constraints that come with a serious futures funding program (risk controls like no overnight trading). For many traders, the benefits of TradeDay, such as not having to worry about arbitrary daily loss limits and being able to withdraw profits quickly, will far outweigh the downsides. Next, we’ll look at what actual users have been saying about their experience with TradeDay.

User Reviews and Reputation

TradeDay has quickly established a strong reputation in the prop trading community, despite being a relatively new firm (operating since 2020). On Trustpilot, TradeDay holds an Excellent rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on over 950 user reviews.

This high score indicates a very satisfied customer base. Reviewers often highlight the fairness and transparency of TradeDay’s evaluation. According to an AI-generated summary of Trustpilot feedback, “customers appreciate the company's commitment to supporting trader growth through fair evaluation processes and transparent rules”. Traders feel the rules are straightforward with no hidden catches, and that TradeDay truly wants them to succeed.

Many users praise specific features:

• “Daily payouts and EOD drawdown...make a big difference” – The ability to get paid quickly and not worry about intraday drawdown pop up as a favorite aspect.
• Support Team Responsiveness: People have noted the “thoughtful and timely replies” from TradeDay support, even saying “customer service was very efficient with their response and help”. Any problems (like a technical glitch or a rule clarification) were handled quickly to their satisfaction.
• Platform Features: Traders enjoy the platform’s clarity and absence of gimmicks. One review mentioned “straightforward nature of the rules, absence of hidden conditions, and clarity of communication” as key positives. The variety of platforms (Tradovate, TradingView, etc.) and the stability of their data feed also get good feedback – there are few complaints of platform downtime or execution issues.
• Trader Resources: Several reviews mention the value of TradeDay’s educational content. Users liked the daily live meetings and the fact that “TradeDay’s comprehensive resources support beginners and experienced traders”. The community aspect – having other traders and mentors to talk to – is a morale booster that came through in some testimonials.

Of course, no firm is perfect. There are also some critical voices, though they’re relatively rare. A few themes from less-positive reviews or comments:

• Consistency Rule Frustration: A handful of users who failed the evaluation due to the 30% rule expressed frustration, feeling it was an unnecessary hurdle. (This tends to come from those used to more lenient firms. In fairness, TradeDay advertises this rule upfront, so it’s usually traders who are not fully aware who get caught out.)
• Billing/Subscription Issues: As noted earlier, some traders experienced difficulties canceling or obtaining a refund in a timely manner if they were dissatisfied. For example, one might sign up and then change their mind, but forget to cancel the recurring payment – leading to a charge. TradeDay does have a cancellation process outlined in its FAQs, but it’s wise to be proactive in this matter.
• Payout Procedure for Big Withdrawals: While day-one payouts are a plus, one or two users on forums noted that if you try to withdraw all your profits and leave nothing in the account, you can effectively “starve” your account below the required balance, and it might be closed. This isn’t a complaint per se (it’s common sense – you can’t withdraw below the trailing drawdown or you’d violate your account). But it’s something new that funded traders learned: always leave a cushion in the account if you want to keep trading. TradeDay’s rule of maintaining a minimum balance covers this.
• General Skepticism of Prop Firms: In broader trading forums, such as Reddit, some traders are naturally skeptical of newer prop firms. Early on, people questioned if TradeDay was “legit or just making money off fees.” However, sentiment has shifted positively as more success stories have emerged. A Reddit user remarked that TradeDay is “one of the few that seem legit and not hoping you fail just to get more money for more evaluations. They have a proven track record.”. The fact that TradeDay’s founders are known trading professionals and that the firm has been trusted by thousands of traders since 2020 (as their site claims) gives credibility.

TradeDay’s Trustpilot profile also shows that the company is engaged – they have replied to 95% of negative reviews. This means if someone has an issue, TradeDay often reaches out to resolve it or clarify, which is a good sign of customer care. Additionally, TradeDay is ranked in multiple categories on Trustpilot (such as #13 in Coaching Center, #18 in Education Center), indicating they’re seen as more than just a funding provider but also an educational service.

In summary, user sentiment on TradeDay is overwhelmingly positive. Traders appreciate that it “does what it says on the tin” – funds traders who prove themselves, without making the process overly complicated. The combination of fair rules, high payout share, and solid support has led many to call TradeDay one of their top choices in the prop firm space.

Regulation and Tax Considerations

Regulatory Status: TradeDay is neither a broker-dealer nor a financial advisor; it’s essentially an educational and funding service that utilizes simulated accounts. This model is generally unregulated (aside from basic business and compliance laws) because traders initially trade on simulated accounts and later trade the firm’s capital in a proprietary arrangement.

TradeDay’s website makes clear that they “do not promote or sell financial products or services”. When you get funded, you will typically sign an agreement (Independent Contractor or Profit Share Agreement) with TradeDay or its brokerage partner. The brokerage partner for order execution is listed as CQC on one site – likely an intermediary that clears trades. For the trader, no license is required to join TradeDay’s program. However, normal trading regulations still apply (for instance, U.S. persons must abide by exchange rules, and TradeDay won’t allow trading on inside information or anything illegal).

One important consideration is that TradeDay cannot accept residents of certain countries. Like most U.S.-based prop firms, they exclude individuals from sanctioned or high-risk regions for legal reasons. For example, citizens of countries like North Korea, Cuba, Iran, and a long list of others are not eligible. This is standard due to U.S. sanctions compliance. For the vast majority of international traders, TradeDay is available, with members from Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond. Please be prepared to provide identification documents for identity verification when signing up, as they will verify your residency.

Taxes: Whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad, profits you earn from TradeDay are considered taxable income. Even though you’re trading TradeDay’s funds, the payouts you receive are income to you – essentially compensation for your trading performance. According to tax experts, “the income you receive from profit splits or performance bonuses is still considered taxable income… treated just like any other self-employment earnings”.

TradeDay (and similar firms) typically classify traders as independent contractors, rather than employees. In the U.S., if you’re a citizen or resident who earns more than $600 from TradeDay in a year, expect to receive a 1099-NEC tax form from them or their payment processor, reporting that income to the IRS. You’ll then report it on your tax return (usually as business income on Schedule C, since it’s self-employed income). This means you’ll owe ordinary income tax on the payouts, and possibly self-employment tax (Medicare/Social Security) as well, just as if you earned consulting or freelance income. One implication: prop trading income doesn’t get the special 60/40 capital gains tax treatment that direct futures trading might get, because legally it’s not your capital at risk. It’s effectively contract income. So factor that into your tax planning.

For non-U.S. traders, TradeDay typically does not withhold any U.S. taxes (since you’re not a U.S. person). You might not receive a formal tax form at all. But that doesn’t mean it’s tax-free – you are usually expected to self-report the income to your own country’s tax authorities. Many countries will treat it as either self-employment or miscellaneous income. Always consult a local tax professional to understand your obligations. If you’re in a country with a tax treaty with the U.S., generally you won’t be double-taxed by the U.S. on this income; you’ll handle it in your home country. Keep records of all your payouts (TradeDay provides an account of payouts, but keep your logs too).

Bottom line: Plan for taxes. A good practice is to set aside a percentage of each payout for taxes so you aren’t caught off guard at year’s end. Treat your trading like a business – because in the eyes of the IRS and most tax agencies, that’s effectively what it is when you’re trading on a prop firm’s behalf. On the bright side, as an independent contractor, you may be able to deduct certain expenses related to trading (office equipment, internet, perhaps the evaluation fees) against your income. This can help reduce your taxable profit. Always seek professional advice if you are unsure, as tax laws can be complex.

Final Verdict: Is TradeDay Worth It?

TradeDay has emerged as a top-tier prop firm for futures traders, particularly those who value a supportive and educational environment. The firm strikes a great balance between being trader-friendly (with easy-to-pass targets and high payouts) and instilling discipline (with rules like drawdowns and consistency that reinforce good trading habits). If you’re an aspiring futures trader with limited capital or someone who wants to sharpen their skills under real market conditions, TradeDay offers a compelling proposition.



Who would benefit most from TradeDay? Beginners will appreciate the wealth of educational content and the lower profit targets, which give them a realistic chance at funding while learning. Intermediate traders who may have struggled at other firms might find TradeDay’s rules more forgiving (no daily loss limit, option for end-of-day draw) and the quick payouts rewarding for their effort. Even advanced traders can leverage TradeDay to access more capital – with the ability to run multiple accounts and a profit split that eventually rivals trading on your own, it can be a smart way to scale up without taking on personal risk.

TradeDay’s strengths are clear: a single-step evaluation in which you only need to demonstrate roughly 3% profit in a week or two of trading; no profit share taken until you’ve made a considerable chunk; and the ability to actually enjoy your profits immediately via day-one withdrawals. The emphasis on consistency means those profits are likely to be repeatable, not flukes. Moreover, TradeDay’s founders and team seem genuinely invested in traders’ success – a refreshing attitude in an industry where some firms only care about collecting fees. The continuous improvements (such as lowering minimum days and adding new account types) and high customer satisfaction scores demonstrate that TradeDay is here for the long haul and stands by its traders.

A few considerations: If your personal trading style requires holding positions overnight or if you strongly dislike any profit cap rules, TradeDay might feel limiting. In that case, a different firm (or trading your own account) might be a better fit. Also, the monthly subscription model means if you need many months to pass, costs can add up (though the same is true for any evaluation with monthly fees). Fortunately, TradeDay’s low targets mean that many traders won’t need to hold positions for too many months if they trade carefully. And remember, once you’re funded, that monthly cost goes away – you’re just paying exchange fees at that point.

All things considered, TradeDay earns a thumbs up. It has positioned itself as an honest, transparent prop firm that provides real value beyond just a “challenge”. The combination of fair odds to succeed and a rich support system makes it stand out in the crowded prop firm market. If you’re serious about building a track record in futures trading and want a partner that’s invested in your growth, TradeDay is definitely worth a look. As always, be sure to thoroughly read their rules, take advantage of their educational tools, and approach the evaluation with discipline. Trading with a prop firm is not a get-rich-quick scheme – but with firms like TradeDay, it can be a viable pathway to trading professionally with minimal personal risk.

Disclaimer: Trading futures, forex, or any leveraged product involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.