Hydra Funding Review
Trading can be rewarding, but it’s also risky—especially when it comes to prop trading firms offering funded accounts. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Hydra Funding has been in the game for almost two years, but is it worth your time and money? In this review, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from funding programs and fees to tradable assets and restrictions, so you can decide if Hydra Funding is the right choice for you.
About Hydra Funding
Hydra Funding positions itself as a prop firm built by traders, for traders. Their goal? To create a level playing field for everyone, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro. They offer 24/7 live chat support, ensuring help is always available no matter where you’re trading from.
Hydra has partnered with ThinkMarkets, a broker known for realistic trading conditions that closely mimic live markets. This partnership aims to provide traders with reliable data and fast execution, essential for any serious trading strategy.
The team behind Hydra includes experienced traders, which is reflected in their platform’s design. They offer 1-phase accounts tailored to swing traders and 2-phase accounts for day traders, giving flexibility to match your style. With access to Forex, Cryptocurrency, Stocks, and CFDs, Hydra Funding covers a wide range of markets.
Co-founder Cameron Fous, a professional trader since 2005, plays a hands-on role. Not only does he trade on the platform himself, but he also shares his insights on day trading and swing trading through his YouTube channel, offering a transparent look at how Hydra works.
Funding Program Options
Hydra Funding offers Forex and Crypto funded accounts with options for traders at all experience levels. Forex accounts go up to $1,000,000, while Crypto accounts max out at $200,000. Traders can earn up to a 90% payout share, with no time limits or trailing drawdown. For example, a $100,000 Forex account costs $750 to start.
Traders can choose between one-phase or two-phase challenges, with leverage options tailored to the asset type:
Crypto: Up to 1:2
Forex and Metals: Up to 1:20
Indices: Up to 1:10
Commodities: Up to 1:5
Start Small, Scale Up
For traders not ready for a big commitment, Hydra Funding offers smaller account options. Start with a $10,000 Forex account for $130 or a $5,000 Crypto account for $45. As you build confidence, you can scale up to larger accounts, with up to $1 million in Forex funding or $200,000 in Crypto funding available across multiple accounts.
Professional Trading Environment
Hydra Funding provides competitive spreads and fast executions on platforms like cTrader, DXTrade, and MatchTrader. Liquidity is sourced from multiple brokers, ensuring stable and reliable conditions. Raw spreads start as low as 0.0 pips for Forex instruments.
Account Sizes and Daily Loss Limits
Account sizes range from $10,000 for beginners to $1,000,000 for professional Forex traders, and up to $200,000 for Crypto accounts. Risk management rules include:
Maximum Drawdowns: 6% across all account types.
Daily Loss Limits: 5% for Forex accounts, 3% for Crypto accounts.
For example:
- A $200,000 Forex account has a daily loss limit of $10,000.
- A $50,000 Crypto account has a daily loss limit of 3%.
Fast & Reliable Payouts
Payouts are processed within 24 hours on average, with options to receive funds in fiat via RiseWorks or in crypto through USDC, ETH, or BTC. Hydra has maintained a solid track record of consistent, prompt payouts since launching in 2022—even for accounts that have been breached.
Fees
Hydra Funding’s fee structure is straightforward and offers flexibility for traders at different levels. Pricing starts at $130 for a $10,000 Forex account and $45 for a $5,000 Crypto account. For larger accounts, a $100,000 Forex account costs $750, while a $500,000 account is priced at $3,750.
One-Time Fees
Hydra Funding charges a one-time fee to join its funding programs, applicable to both one-phase and two-phase challenges. Examples of pricing include:
- Forex Accounts:
- $10,000 account: $130
- $100,000 account: $750
- $500,000 account: $3,750
- Crypto Accounts:
- $5,000 account: $45
This pricing structure positions Hydra as one of the more cost-effective options in the market, offering affordable entry points without cutting features.
Profit Split
Hydra Funding offers a profit split of up to 90/10. Traders start with a 75% split and can upgrade to 90% by paying an additional 20% fee. This optional add-on gives traders the chance to increase their earnings without hidden costs.
Withdrawal Process
Withdrawals are handled through the Hydra Dashboard, with payouts available as soon as traders qualify. Hydra doesn’t charge withdrawal fees, but third-party fees (e.g., for international transfers) may apply. Hydra has a solid track record for processing payouts quickly, typically within 24 hours.
Tradable Assets
Hydra Funding offers a diverse range of assets, allowing traders to diversify their strategies and manage risk effectively. Their asset classes include Forex pairs, Cryptocurrencies, Metals, Indices, and Commodities, providing options for both short-term and long-term strategies.
Forex
- Exotics: Less common pairs such as EUR/NOK, USD/MXN, and USD/SGD provide unique setups for experienced traders.
- Majors: Popular pairs like AUD/USD, EUR/USD, and GBP/USD, known for high liquidity and stability.
- Crosses: Cross-currency pairs like AUD/CAD, EUR/AUD, and GBP/JPY offer additional trading opportunities beyond majors.
Cryptocurrencies
Trade major digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum with leverage up to 5:1. Altcoins, including Litecoin and Chainlink, are also available, with leverage capped at 2:1 for smaller cryptos.
Metals
Hydra Funding supports trading in gold (XAU/USD) and silver (XAG/USD), with raw spreads starting from 0.0 pips.
Indices
Major global indices like the NASDAQ 100, S&P 500, and Euro Stoxx 50 allow traders to speculate on broader market trends.
Energies
Commodities such as Brent and WTI crude oil are available for those focusing on global energy markets.
Customization and Trader-First Philosophy
Hydra Funding emphasizes flexibility and customization, aiming to meet the needs of traders with diverse strategies. Their collaboration with ThinkMarkets ensures access to a wide range of assets and trading styles.
Account Types
Hydra Funding offers multiple account types tailored to different trading preferences:
- .mini Accounts: Mini lots (1,000 units) for smaller-scale trading compared to the standard 100,000-unit lots.
- .pro Accounts: Lower spreads with higher commissions.
- .var Accounts: Higher spreads with lower commissions.
Commissions
The commission structure is simple and transparent:
- All Other Assets: $0 commissions, reducing costs for non-Forex trades and maximizing potential returns.
- Forex and Metals: $7 per lot round trip.
Leverage
Hydra Funding offers leverage options tailored to account types and trading strategies:
Single-Phase Accounts
- Forex, Metals, Oils, Indices: 1:10
- Cryptocurrencies: 1:2
- CFD/Stocks: 1:5
Two-Phase Accounts
- Forex, Metals, Oils, Indices: 1:50
- Cryptocurrencies: 1:2
- CFD/Stocks: 1:5
Traders can opt for a “Double Leverage” upgrade (up to 1:100) for Forex, Metals, Oils, and Indices. Cryptocurrencies and Stocks are excluded. This feature is ideal for traders comfortable with higher risk for potentially higher rewards.
Restrictions
While Hydra Funding offers many opportunities for traders, it’s essential to understand the restrictions and rules in place. These limitations are designed to manage risk but can also impact your trading strategy. Here’s what you need to know:
Drawdown Rule
- Maximum Trailing Drawdown starts at 6% and locks at your initial balance once you achieve a 6% return.
- Example: A $100,000 account can drop to $94,000 before breaching.
Daily Loss Rule
- Daily Stop Loss is 5% for Forex accounts and 3% for Crypto accounts. It’s calculated based on the previous day’s balance and compounds with account growth.
Inactivity Rule
- Accounts must remain active with at least one trade every 30 days, or they’ll be terminated.
Account Breach Conditions
There are only three ways to lose an account:
- Exceeding the Trailing Drawdown.
- Violating the Daily Loss Limit.
- Inactivity for 30 days.
Required Stop Loss
- Unless you’ve purchased the “No Stop Loss Required” upgrade, every trade must have a stop loss. Trades without one are auto-closed without penalty.
Running Risk Rule (Max Lot Size)
- The maximum lot size varies by account and is displayed in your Trader Dashboard. Exceeding it will result in automatic position closure.
Expert Advisors (EAs)
- EAs, Scripts, Indicators, and personal copy trading are allowed during evaluation, but copying trades from others is not.
Weekend Holding
- Trades must be closed by 3:45 p.m. EST on Friday unless you’ve purchased the “Hold Over the Weekend” upgrade. Open trades will auto-close but won’t violate your account.
News Trading
Two-Phase Accounts: Trading during news events or holding positions over news is prohibited.
Be mindful of market volatility during major news events.
One-Phase Accounts: News trading is permitted.
Challenge
Hydra Funding offers flexible one-phase and two-phase evaluation options for both Forex and Crypto accounts, so you can pick the structure that suits you best.
One-Phase Forex Challenge
The one-phase Forex challenge has a 10% profit target and no time limits, allowing you to trade at your own pace. You start with leverage up to 1:20 on Forex and metals, 1:10 on indices, and 1:5 on commodities. You can also choose add-ons for weekend holding and news trading if needed. Fees for this challenge start at $130 for a $10,000 account and go up to $7,500 for a $1,000,000 account. You’ll receive a 75% profit split, with the option to upgrade to 90%.
Two-Phase Forex Challenge
In the two-phase Forex challenge, the profit target is split across two stages: 8% in Phase 1 and 5% in Phase 2, also with no time limits. This challenge includes higher leverage options—up to 1:50 for Forex and metals—while indices and commodities leverage remains the same. Weekend holding and news trading aren’t allowed in this structure. Fees start at $110 for a $10,000 account and go up to $900 for a $200,000 account, with the same profit split structure as the one-phase option.
One-Phase Crypto Challenge
For Crypto traders, the one-phase challenge has a 9% profit target and a 3% daily cap, giving you freedom to meet targets without rushing. Leverage is 5:1 on BTC and ETH, and 2:1 on other cryptos. Weekend trading is allowed, along with optional news trading add-ons. Fees for Crypto accounts start at $45 for a $5,000 account and go up to $2,150 for a $200,000 account. Successful traders keep 90% of profits.
Two-Phase Crypto Challenge
The two-phase Crypto challenge also has two stages: 6% profit target in Phase 1 and 9% in Phase 2, with a 3% daily cap. Leverage and weekend trading conditions are the same as the one-phase Crypto option. Fees range from $35 for a $5,000 account to $2,000 for a $200,000 account, and you’ll keep 90% of profits once funded.
Broker: ThinkMarkets
Hydra Funding partners with ThinkMarkets, a well-established brokerage known for providing a regulated and reliable trading environment. Founded in 2010, ThinkMarkets is headquartered in London and Melbourne and operates under respected regulators such as the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, and FSA Japan.
Key Features of ThinkMarkets
- Platform Access: After purchasing a Hydra Funding account, traders gain access to the ThinkMarkets platform within 15-30 minutes via the Hydra Dashboard or a direct download link.
- Global Reach: ThinkMarkets serves clients in over 180 countries, though certain regions may face restrictions. Hydra Funding provides workarounds for these cases.
- Trading Conditions: ThinkMarkets supports Hydra Funding’s leverage options and minimizes slippage for a smooth trading experience.
- Commission Structure:
- Forex and Metals: $7 per lot (round trip).
- All Other Assets: $0 commissions.
ThinkMarkets’ regulated and globally recognized platform ensures a secure and efficient trading experience, making it a strong fit for Hydra Funding users.
Conclusion
Hydra Funding positions itself as a prop trading firm built by traders, for traders. With flexible account options, customizable evaluation phases, and competitive profit-sharing up to 90%, it caters to traders of all levels. Their collaboration with ThinkMarkets ensures realistic trading conditions, while features like 24/7 live chat support demonstrate a commitment to providing a supportive trading environment.
The firm’s risk management rules—such as daily loss limits and trailing drawdowns—are strict but aim to promote responsible trading rather than restrict flexibility. Additionally, their transparent fee structure and fast payouts make Hydra Funding a viable option for traders seeking reliability and affordability.
For those looking to grow their trading careers with a firm that understands the challenges of the market, Hydra Funding offers a competitive and trader-focused platform worth considering.
Hydra Funding Discount Code
If you want to join Hydra Funding, use our exclusive discount code FT10 for a 10% discount!