Ready to Trade?
So, you’ve studied the charts and understand the strategies — now you’re asking yourself: “Am I ready to trade?” . Whether you’re looking to start risk-free with paper trading, level up through a prop firm, or step into the live markets with a real account, there are tons of ways to actually start trading.
Practice Risk-Free with Paper Trading
Before putting real money on the line, it's crucial to build confidence and consistency. That’s where paper trading comes in.What is Paper Trading?
Paper trading is simulated trading with virtual funds. You get to execute trades in real-time market conditions — without the financial risk. It’s the perfect way to practice your strategy, test new setups, and sharpen your edge.
How to Paper Trade Using TradingView:
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Create a free account at TradingView
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Click on “Chart” from the main dashboard.
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On the bottom panel, click “Trading Panel”.
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Select “Paper Trading by TradingView” and connect.
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Start placing trades with virtual money and track your performance!
Why Use TradingView for Paper Trading?
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Real-time market data (with minor delay on free accounts)
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Intuitive interface
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Wide range of indicators and drawing tools
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Custom scripts for strategy automation
- Easy transition to live brokers once you're ready
Your Gateway into Proprietary Trading Firms
Prop firms provide a powerful route for traders looking to access larger capital with limited personal risk. Instead of trading your own money, you trade the firm’s capital — after proving yourself through an evaluation or challenge.
Top Prop Firms for Futures Trading:
| Prop Firm | Features |
|---|---|
| Topstep | Industry leader in futures funding, daily loss limits, strong community |
| Leeloo Trading | Low-cost evaluations, multiple account options, fast payouts |
| Earn2Trade | Great educational content, Gauntlet Mini™ challenge, funded trader program |
| UProfit | Fast-track funding, clear rules, frequent promotions |
| Apex Trader Funding | Affordable plans, generous scaling rules, consistent payouts |
How it Works:
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Sign up for a trading evaluation or challenge.
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Meet the profit target without violating the firm’s risk rules.
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Get funded and trade live capital, splitting profits with the firm.
This route is ideal if you don’t have large personal capital but want to grow as a trader in a structured, low-risk environment.
Trading Live with a Broker
If you’ve built confidence and have capital ready to deploy, opening a live trading account is your next step. You’ll need a reputable broker with access to the futures markets, solid execution, and robust trading platforms.
| Broker | Highlights |
|---|---|
| NinjaTrader | Popular futures platform, low commissions, deep market data |
| Tradovate | Commission-free pricing options, modern cloud-based platform |
| AMP Futures | Wide variety of platforms, low margins, global futures access |
| Ironbeam | Strong customer service, trading tools, fast execution |
| Edge Clear | Personalized service, active trader focus, education support |