Maven Trading has quickly become a notable player in the prop firm industry. Since launching in 2022, they’ve attracted over 50,000 traders to their community.
They promise low entry fees, flexible evaluation options, and competitive profit splits. This UK-based prop trading firm has caught the attention of both new and experienced traders looking for funded accounts.
But is it all as good as it sounds? Beneath the marketing, things get a bit more complicated.
Maven Trading does offer some real perks, like zero swap fees and scaling opportunities up to $1,000,000. Still, people have raised concerns about their wider spreads, platform limitations, and some restrictive policies.
If you’re weighing your options, it’s worth digging into the details. Here’s a closer look at Maven Trading’s challenge structures, trading costs, customer support, and payout processes.
Maven Trading Overview and Rating
Maven Trading scores 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot. That sounds pretty good at first glance, but it’s worth digging into what that really means.
Founded in 2022 and based in Canada, Maven claims to have funded more than 5,000 traders worldwide. They say they’ve provided over $60 million in funding, which is a big number, though it’s hard to verify.
The firm offers funded accounts starting at $2,000 and going up to $100,000. For traders who hit their targets, there’s apparently a shot at scaling up to $1,000,000.
Still, there are some real complaints floating around. Many traders point out that Maven’s spreads are wider than what you’ll find at most other firms. That can make it tough for active traders to actually turn a profit.
There’s also the platform issue. Maven doesn’t support MetaTrader 4 or 5, which is a dealbreaker for a lot of people who rely on those tools or run automated strategies.
Transparency? Honestly, it’s not Maven’s strong suit. Unlike some bigger prop firms, they don’t share much about their liquidity providers or how they handle order execution.
They’re also pretty strict about IP address policies and have some withdrawal limitations. For folks who value flexibility, these restrictions can be a headache.
When you look at reviews, there’s a definite split. Some traders like Maven’s low entry costs and say the customer support team is friendly and responsive.
But plenty of others are frustrated by the wide spreads and the firm’s policies, which can make long-term trading success harder than it should be.
Maven Trading Challenge Types and Options
Maven Trading offers several evaluation pathways. These are meant for different trading styles and experience levels.
Each challenge type comes with its own profit targets and drawdown limits. Traders can pick the one that fits their approach to the markets.
| Challenge Type | Entry Fee | Profit Target | Max Drawdown | Daily Drawdown | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Step | $13-$47 | 8% | 5% trailing | 3% | None |
| 2-Step | $19-$69 | 8% + 5% | 8% static | 4% | None |
| 3-Step | $15-$55 | 3% each phase | 6% static | 3% | 7 days per phase |
| Instant Funding | $25-$89 | None | 3% trailing | 1.5% | None |
The challenge fees are pretty competitive, honestly, that’s one of Maven’s biggest draws. Minimum costs start much lower than what you’ll find at most prop firms.
Still, those attractive prices aren’t without their downsides. You’ll want to weigh the trading conditions and overall costs before jumping in.
1-Step Challenge Details
The 1-Step challenge targets experienced traders who want quick access to funded capital. Unlike most prop trading setups, there’s no drawn-out evaluation period.
You need to hit an 8% profit target. At the same time, you’ll have to stay within a 5% trailing drawdown and a 3% daily drawdown.
No minimum trading days here, so if you’re quick and skilled, you can wrap things up fast. Weekend trading’s allowed too, which is great if you like trading during quieter market hours.
The trailing drawdown system moves up as your account grows. It gives you a bit of breathing room when things are going well.
But let’s be honest, that 8% profit target is tough, especially with Maven’s wider spreads. Those spreads can eat into your profits, so you really have to weigh if the potential payout is worth the extra cost compared to firms with tighter spreads.
2-Step Challenge Analysis
The 2-Step challenge offers a slower, more gradual evaluation. Traders who like to build momentum in stages often appreciate this setup.
In the first phase, you’ll need to hit an 8% profit target. The second phase drops that goal to 5%, which feels a bit more manageable, especially for beginners.
Instead of the trailing drawdown from the 1-Step challenge, the 2-Step uses a static 8% maximum drawdown. There’s also a 4% daily drawdown cap.
You get clearer risk boundaries with this approach. But honestly, it’s not as forgiving during wild market swings, since temporary losses can sometimes push you past those strict limits.
You won’t find any minimum trading days in either phase. That means you can move at your own pace, rush through if you want, or take your time to develop consistency.
This flexibility really helps part-time traders who can’t show up every single day.
3-Step Challenge Breakdown
The 3-Step challenge puts consistency ahead of chasing big profits. It asks traders to hit a 3% profit target in each of the three phases.
This setup really speaks to folks who value steady, reliable performance. If you’re working on building disciplined trading habits, it’s honestly a pretty solid fit.
You get a 7-day window to complete each phase. That’s not a ton of time, so it adds a bit of urgency, great for fast movers, but maybe a headache if you’re more of a long-game trader.
Lower profit targets shift your focus to risk management and just executing well, rather than swinging for the fences. It’s refreshing, honestly, compared to some of those high-stakes challenges that practically invite reckless risk.
The challenge enforces a 7% static maximum drawdown, with 3% daily limits. These tight risk parameters mean you’ve got to pay close attention to position sizing and stop-losses.
On the flip side, if you’re used to taking bigger risks or running looser strategies, it might feel a bit restrictive. Still, for traders looking to sharpen discipline, these rules can be pretty helpful.
Instant Funding Options
Maven’s instant funding programs skip the usual waiting period, so qualified traders get real capital right away. The Standard and Mini options fit different account sizes, but both come with strict consistency rules and tough performance requirements.
The 24-hour trading window, plus the single trade restriction, throws some unique challenges at you. Traders have to show profitability in an incredibly short timeframe.
This setup really tests your execution skills and market timing. But honestly, it doesn’t always match how most people trade over longer stretches.
Next-day payouts after you finish stand out as a big perk, especially if you want fast access to your profits. Still, with all the tight rules and that tiny trading window, instant funding mostly works for experienced traders who already have solid short-term strategies.
Trading Costs and Spreads Analysis
Maven Trading’s cost structure poses a real headache for active traders eyeing this prop firm. They advertise spreads starting at 0 pips on major pairs, but in practice, the spreads are usually wider than what you’ll find at big-name competitors running MetaTrader.
The $2 USD commission per side ($4 round trip) on forex trades stacks up fast. If you’re trading frequently or making a bunch of daily trades, these fees can eat into profits before you know it.
When you add those wider spreads to the mix, it gets tough for anyone relying on tight execution costs. For example, Maven’s spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD often run 0.2-0.5 pips higher than what DNA Funded or Blueberry Funded offer. Over 10 round-trip trades a day, that’s an extra $20-50 gone, ouch.
Zero swap fees are a plus for swing traders and longer-term position holders. No overnight charges means you dodge those annoying little fees that pile up over time.
But if you’re a day trader or scalper who never holds trades overnight, that perk barely moves the needle. The spread costs are still a big hurdle.
Trading indices with Maven brings the same pain. Spreads on stuff like the Dow Jones and S&P 500 are noticeably wider than what you get elsewhere.
If your strategy needs lots of quick ins and outs across different timeframes, Maven’s pricing just isn’t a great fit.
Trading Platforms and Technology
Maven Trading gives you access to two main trading platforms: Match-Trader and cTrader. Both come with web and mobile versions, so you can trade from just about anywhere.
These platforms get the job done, but there’s no MetaTrader 4 or 5 support. That’s a real downside for prop traders who rely on those industry-standard tools.
Match-Trader is Maven’s primary option. It integrates with TradingView, which means you get some pretty advanced charting features.
You can access financial markets directly here, and in most cases, execution speeds seem to keep up with what pros expect. Still, some traders have noticed delays during big news events, those moments when volatility goes through the roof.
cTrader is the other choice. It offers over 70 technical indicators and lets you run automated trading strategies.
But, again, no MetaTrader compatibility. If you’ve built custom indicators or Expert Advisors for MetaTrader, you can’t just bring them over. You’d have to rebuild your systems or maybe even give up on automation altogether, which isn’t ideal.
Since both platforms are web-based, you don’t have to install anything. That’s convenient, but it also means you’re at the mercy of your internet connection and browser performance.
Mobile apps let you trade on the move. They’re handy, but honestly, they don’t offer everything you need for deep chart analysis or building complex strategies.
It seems like Maven picked these platforms mainly to keep costs down. MetaTrader licenses aren’t cheap, after all.
But that choice does make things tougher for experienced traders who’ve spent years working with MetaTrader systems.
Scaling Plan and Account Growth
Maven Trading lays out a straightforward scaling pathway for funded traders. If you perform well, you can grow your account from the starting level all the way up to $1,000,000.
To move up, you’ll need to show consistent results over time. That means hitting 10% profit across four months, so, about 2.5% each month, and making at least one payout request during that stretch.
When you meet these requirements, your account gets a 25% boost. It’s a solid incentive for traders who focus on steady, sustainable profits rather than chasing big, risky wins.
| Current Account Size | After 25% Scaling | Months Required | Minimum Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $12,500 | 4 | $1,000 |
| $25,000 | $31,250 | 4 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $62,500 | 4 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $125,000 | 4 | $10,000 |
Timeline analysis suggests it could take around 2.5 years to hit the $1,000,000 maximum. That’s if traders consistently scale up and meet performance requirements every four months.
It’s an ambitious path, but not impossible. You’d need steady profits and a good handle on risk.
But here’s the thing, Maven’s trading costs have to stay reasonable as accounts get bigger. Once you’re trading with a larger account, those wider spreads start to sting.
The bigger your position, the more those costs add up. At some point, the benefits of scaling might not feel as big as they look on paper.
Trading Rules and Restrictions
Maven Trading has some pretty thorough risk management rules. They’re meant to protect both the firm and its funded traders, which sounds fair enough.
These rules touch on a bunch of trading behaviors. For starters, there are restrictions on certain strategies and even timing around big news events.
When it comes to news, you can’t open positions within two minutes before or after high-impact releases. Honestly, that’s a pretty common prop firm move to keep volatility from getting out of hand.
Traders also have to use stop-loss and take-profit orders on every position. It’s a basic risk management thing, but some folks might find it a bit rigid.
There’s a long list of prohibited strategies. High frequency trading, arbitrage, copy trading, and using Expert Advisors (EAs) are all out.
That wipes out a lot of automated or systematic approaches. So if you’re an algo trading fan, Maven probably isn’t your dream firm.
IP address policies are strict, too. You need to log in from the same general location, and Maven keeps an eye on this to stop account sharing.
On the upside, this helps prevent fraud. But honestly, it can be a pain for traders who travel a lot or rely on VPS services for better connectivity.
Additional restrictions include:
- Maximum position size limits based on account equity
- Prohibition on holding positions over weekends for certain account types
- Restrictions on trading during server maintenance periods
- Limits on the same pair trading frequency to prevent excessive scalping
- Requirements for specific risk-reward ratios on trades
These trading rules show Maven’s pretty cautious stance on risk. If you’re used to more relaxed prop firms, honestly, it might feel a bit tight.
There’s a lot packed into these restrictions. You’ll want to really look them over before diving into Maven’s evaluation.
Customer Support and Service Quality
Maven Trading’s customer support gets mixed reviews from traders. Some folks praise the fast response times, but others aren’t so happy with how their problems actually get solved.
The main support channel is a live chat right on the website. There’s also a big Discord server, over 80,000 members, where people can ask questions and swap advice.
Honestly, the Discord community might be Maven’s best feature. Peer-to-peer support is strong, and you can talk directly to company reps if you need to.
Moderators keep things civil, and there are regular updates. It feels surprisingly professional for such a large group, with traders helping each other out and sharing tips about the platform and its rules.
If you use live chat during business hours, you’ll usually get a reply right away or within a few minutes. That’s pretty solid compared to other firms.
But there’s a catch: you can’t get help by email or phone. If you prefer those methods or need to explain something technical in detail, you might feel a bit stuck.
The quality of support depends a lot on what you’re asking. Straightforward questions, like checking your account status or figuring out where you are in a challenge, get answered quickly and accurately.
But when things get complicated, like technical glitches or disagreements about the rules, traders say it can take much longer to get a resolution. And the answers aren’t always satisfying.
Support agents know Maven’s platform and policies well enough, but they don’t seem to have much leeway for unusual situations. If you’re hoping for exceptions or a flexible approach, you might end up frustrated.
There’s a basic FAQ on Maven’s website and a few educational resources, but honestly, they don’t go very deep. The Discord community helps fill in the gaps, though that means you’ll have to do some digging on your own to find the info you need.
Payout Process and Withdrawal Policies
Maven Trading processes payouts every 10 business days. That’s quicker than a lot of competitors, who usually make you wait 14 to 30 days.
This faster payout schedule gives traders more regular access to their profits. Still, a few restrictions definitely take the shine off that speed.
The $10,000 maximum withdrawal per cycle stands out as a real hurdle for high-performing traders. If you’re running a larger scaled account, you’ll need several cycles just to pull out bigger profits. That can make things tricky if you rely on steady cash flow from your trading.
You can choose from a few withdrawal methods: cryptocurrency, direct bank transfer through the Rise platform, or a regular bank transfer. Crypto usually lands in your wallet fastest, but you’ll have to deal with exchange rate swings and keep your wallet secure. Bank transfers can take longer and sometimes come with extra fees, which isn’t ideal.
Maven’s KYC requirements fall in line with what you’d expect in the industry. You’ll need a government-issued ID, proof of address, and to fill out some compliance forms. If you send in everything they ask for, they usually finish verification in 24 to 48 hours. Sometimes, though, they might ask for more documentation, which can drag things out longer than you’d like.
Withdrawal processing follows a structured approach:
- Request submission during business hours
- KYC verification (if not previously completed)
- Internal review and approval process
- Payment processing to selected method
- Confirmation and tracking information provided
Several policies can delay or complicate withdrawals. For example, you might run into restrictions on changing withdrawal methods between requests.
They also require you to use the same IP address throughout the request process. If your account has recent rule violations or disputed trades, you might see holds on withdrawals.
The 10-day cycle starts only after you finish all verification requirements. So, if you’re new, your first withdrawal could take longer while they process your documents.
After you’re verified, withdrawals usually go a bit more smoothly.
Maven Trading Pros and Cons
Maven Trading offers a bit of a mixed bag for people looking to get funded. There are some real advantages, but you’ll also find a few frustrating challenges.
Strengths:
- Low challenge fees: Starting at $13-15, significantly below industry averages of $49-165
- Flexible evaluation options: Multiple challenge types accommodate different experience levels
- Zero swap fees: Eliminates overnight holding costs for position traders
- Fast payout cycles: 10-day processing beats most competitors’ 14-30 day schedules
- Scaling opportunities: Clear pathway to $1,000,000 maximum account size
- No minimum trading days: Allows quick completion for skilled traders
- Active community: 80,000+ member Discord provides peer support and networking
Weaknesses:
- Wide spreads: Consistently higher than industry standards, increasing trading costs
- No MetaTrader support: Eliminates access to industry-standard platforms and tools
- Limited transparency: Lack of detailed information about liquidity providers and execution
- Restrictive payout policies: $10,000 withdrawal caps and strict IP monitoring
- Platform limitations: Match-Trader and cTrader lack MetaTrader’s extensive customization
- Higher overall costs: Spreads plus commissions create expensive trading environment
- Limited customer support: Live chat only, no email or phone options
The cost structure stands out as Maven’s biggest drawback, especially if you’re an active trader who’s constantly jumping in and out of positions.
Sure, the low challenge fees might catch your eye at first. But those ongoing spread costs? They can pile up fast and pretty much wipe out any savings. In the end, Maven often feels less economical than some rivals that charge more upfront but keep your ongoing costs down.
Maven’s probably a better fit for traders who care most about a cheap entry and don’t mind higher costs over time. If you’re running longer-term strategies and don’t trade every five minutes, the wider spreads might not bother you much.
But if you’re into day trading, scalping, or high-frequency stuff, you’ll almost certainly find more value with platforms that offer tighter execution costs.
Real User Reviews and Testimonials
Recent trader feedback from August 2025 shows a pretty split response to Maven Trading. Experiences really depend on trading style and what people expect.
The 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating looks great on the surface. But if you dig deeper, there are some important details about trader satisfaction that don’t show up in the numbers.
Positive reviews often mention Maven’s fast funding process and responsive customer support. One trader said they got a $30,000 payout just six hours after requesting it. That’s impressive for handling big withdrawals when everything lines up.
The Discord community gets a lot of love, too. People appreciate the active moderation and the fact that other traders are actually helpful.
“Maven’s challenge fees made it possible for me to try prop trading without a huge upfront investment,” one trader shared. “The scaling plan is transparent, and I’ve received three payouts without issues. The spreads are wider than I’d like, but for swing trading, it’s manageable.”
On the flip side, negative reviews usually focus on costs and platform limitations. Several traders complain about the spread differences compared to MetaTrader-based firms, especially if they’re into short-term strategies.
The lack of MT4/5 support comes up a lot, mostly from traders who already use automated systems. It’s a dealbreaker for some.
“The challenge was affordable, but the ongoing costs killed my profitability,” a day trader said. “What I saved on entry fees, I lost many times over in wider spreads. Maven works for some strategies, but not mine.”
Some reviews talk about successful withdrawals but mention the IP monitoring system. A few traders had their accounts restricted while traveling or using VPS services.
Usually, customer support fixes these problems, though sometimes it takes a few days. That can be a headache if you’re in the middle of a payout.
The Trustpilot ratings seem legit, with verified purchases and detailed stories suggesting real trader input. Still, it’s odd, there aren’t many middle-ground scores. People either love Maven or they really don’t, and there’s not much in between.
Comparison with Top Competitors
When you stack Maven Trading up against firms like DNA Funded, IC Funded, and BrightFunded, you’ll spot some clear pros and cons. These differences really shape how Maven holds up in the prop firm world.
| Feature | Maven Trading | DNA Funded | IC Funded | BrightFunded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenge Fees | $13-$47 | $49-$165 | $39-$199 | $59-$289 |
| Platforms | Match-Trader, cTrader | MT4/5, cTrader | MT4/5, cTrader | MT4/5, DXTrade |
| EUR/USD Spread | 0.8-1.2 pips | 0.1-0.3 pips | 0.2-0.4 pips | 0.1-0.5 pips |
| Payout Cycle | 10 days | 14 days | 7-14 days | 14 days |
| Max Withdrawal | $10,000/cycle | $50,000/cycle | $25,000/cycle | $100,000/cycle |
| Profit Split | 80-100% | 80-90% | 80-95% | 75-90% |
| Scaling Limit | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $500,000 | $1,500,000 |
The spread situation? That’s where Maven stumbles. DNA Funded, for example, can offer EUR/USD spreads as tight as 0.1 pips.
Meanwhile, Maven’s spreads usually land between 0.8 and 1.2 pips. For active traders, that gap adds up, think $70 to $110 extra per standard lot.
That extra cost can chip away at any savings from Maven’s lower challenge fees. It’s not something you can just brush off, especially if you trade often.
Platform choice is another sticking point. Most competitors let you use MetaTrader or other platforms.
But Maven sticks with Match-Trader and cTrader. If you’ve built your whole approach around MT4 or MT5, that’s a headache.
Algorithmic traders, in particular, might feel boxed in. Years of work on MetaTrader-based systems don’t transfer over easily.
On the flip side, Maven’s challenge fee is refreshingly low. The $13 minimum makes prop trading possible for folks who can’t swing the $49–$289 fees you’ll see elsewhere.
That lower barrier could bring in a much wider range of traders. Not everyone has hundreds to gamble on a challenge, right?
Scaling potential is another big factor. DNA Funded lets you scale up to $2,000,000, while IC Funded caps out at $500,000.
Maven lands in the middle with a $1,000,000 limit. That’s probably enough for most, but some traders might want room to grow further.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
Maven Trading scores 47 out of 100 in this review. That number shows the firm’s strong points in accessibility, but also hints at some real issues.
Ongoing trading costs and limited platform flexibility drag down its overall standing. Honestly, those cost-related drawbacks make it tough for traders to stay profitable in the long run.
Best suited for:
- Novice traders with limited capital seeking affordable prop firm entry
- Swing and position traders who can minimize spread impact through longer holding periods
- Traders comfortable with Match-Trader or cTrader platforms
- Those prioritizing zero swap fees for overnight positions
- Traders seeking active community support and networking opportunities
Not recommended for:
- Day traders and scalpers requiring tight spreads for profitability
- High frequency trading specialists dependent on minimal execution costs
- Traders with existing MetaTrader-based systems and strategies
- Professional traders requiring substantial withdrawal flexibility
- Those prioritizing transparent liquidity provider relationships
Maven Trading offers a reasonable entry point for new prop traders. If you’re okay with higher ongoing costs in exchange for a low upfront investment, it might be worth a look.
The firm runs a legitimate operation and pays out quickly. Scaling opportunities are there, especially for traders building longer-term strategies that don’t get wrecked by spreads.
But honestly, if you’re an experienced trader with a proven profitable strategy, you’ll probably find better value elsewhere. Some established competitors have tighter spreads and MetaTrader access, even if their challenge fees are higher.
Over time, the total cost of trading usually favors firms with better execution. That means the initial savings from lower fees can get wiped out by ongoing operational expenses.
If you’re considering Maven Trading, crunch the numbers on expected trading costs versus any challenge savings. Maybe start with a small challenge just to see if the platform and spreads fit your style before going big.
You might want to check out DNA Funded if you care about tight spreads and platform flexibility. IC Funded could be a fit if you want a balance of costs and features. BrightFunded is there if you need high withdrawal limits and scaling.
Each alternative brings something different to the table. It really depends on what you’re after and your financial situation.
The prop trading world’s changing fast. Firms tweak their offerings all the time, and policies shift without much warning.
Whatever you choose, it’s worth keeping an eye on the industry. Staying up to date with what competitors are doing can help you stay ahead in the funded trader game.