HyroTrader FAQ: 50+ Questions Answered (2026)

Quick Answer Block

Trust Cluster Disclaimer

Why I trust HyroTrader: I've been actively trading with HyroTrader since early 2026 — passed multiple challenges, currently funded, and testing the payout system firsthand. This assessment is based on real money in, real experience out.

That said, no prop firm is perfect. HyroTrader has quirks and limitations I've documented alongside the positives. My job isn't to sell you on them — it's to give you an honest breakdown so you can decide if their structure fits your trading. For the full picture, read my complete HyroTrader review. For the absolute latest, check HyroTrader's website or their help center.

I've tested over 60 prop firms since 2023. HyroTrader is one of the few crypto-native firms I currently trade with, and it gets more questions than almost any other firm I cover. Makes sense: crypto prop trading is newer than futures, the rules work differently, and there's less reliable information out there.

So I compiled every question I've personally been asked about HyroTrader, combined it with the most common search queries I see, and answered all of them below. As of April 2026, there are 53 questions here, organized by category. Every answer includes specific numbers, dates, and context from my own funded account.

If your question isn't here, drop it in the comments. I update this page monthly.

General Questions

What is HyroTrader?

HyroTrader is a crypto-only proprietary trading firm that funds traders to trade cryptocurrency perpetual futures with their capital. You pay a one-time challenge fee, prove you can trade profitably within their risk parameters, and they give you a funded account with real capital. You keep 70-90% of the profits. Unlike traditional prop firms that offer stocks, forex, or futures, HyroTrader is exclusively focused on crypto markets. They support 700+ USDT perpetual pairs on Bybit and 500+ pairs on Cleo, with OKX coming Q2 2026. As of April 2026, they've paid out over $3.5M to traders.

Who owns HyroTrader?

Samuel Drnda is the CEO and founder of HyroTrader. The company is registered in Bratislava, Slovakia, putting it under EU jurisdiction. Drnda has been visible in the crypto prop trading space since launching HyroTrader and has spoken at industry events, including the ProFX Awards in Dubai where HyroTrader won Best Crypto Prop Firm 2025. I mention the founder because transparency matters here. Too many prop firms hide behind anonymous ownership. Knowing who runs the company, where they're registered, and seeing them publicly associated with the brand adds a layer of accountability that anonymous firms lack.

Where is HyroTrader based?

HyroTrader is headquartered in Bratislava, Slovakia. That puts them inside the European Union, which matters for a few reasons. EU-based companies operate under stricter business regulations than firms registered in offshore jurisdictions like Saint Vincent, Seychelles, or the Marshall Islands. This doesn't make HyroTrader "regulated" in the financial services sense (no crypto prop firm is), but it does mean they're subject to EU commercial and consumer protection laws. For comparison, many crypto prop firms are registered in jurisdictions with minimal oversight. Slovakia isn't the most obvious fintech hub, but the EU framework is a significant trust factor.

Is HyroTrader regulated?

No. And this is true for every crypto prop firm operating today. Traditional financial regulation (like FCA, SEC, or ASIC oversight) applies to companies managing client funds or offering financial instruments. Prop firms, by definition, fund traders with the firm's own capital. You're not depositing money for them to manage. You're paying a fee for an evaluation, then trading their capital if you pass. This model falls outside the regulatory frameworks designed for brokers and asset managers. Does that mean you should ignore the risk? Absolutely not. It means you should evaluate trust based on track record, payout history, and corporate transparency rather than expecting a regulatory stamp.

How long has HyroTrader been operating?

HyroTrader was founded in 2020 and went through a major restructuring in 2023. That gives them roughly 6 years in the space, with about 3 years in their current operational form. I weight the post-2023 period more heavily because the restructuring changed their challenge structure, rules, and payout systems. The company that exists in April 2026 is substantially different from what launched in 2020. With 30,000+ traders on the platform and $3.5M+ in verified payouts, the current version has meaningful traction. For context, many crypto prop firms launched in 2023-2024 and have less than a year of real payout history.

What award did HyroTrader win?

HyroTrader won Best Crypto Prop Firm 2025 at the ProFX Awards in Dubai. I'll be direct about industry awards: they're a data point, not proof of quality. Awards ceremonies involve nomination processes and sometimes sponsorship relationships. That said, the ProFX Awards are a recognized event in the prop trading industry, and the "Best Crypto Prop Firm" category is competitive. It signals that HyroTrader has enough market presence and trader satisfaction to be recognized by the industry. I wouldn't choose a prop firm based on an award alone, but it does support the broader picture of a firm that's established and visible.

Is there a HyroTrader free trial?

Yes. HyroTrader offers a free trial account. It's a demo account that lets you experience the platform, test the trading interface, and familiarize yourself with the rules before paying for a real challenge. There are two important limitations: you cannot receive payouts from a free trial account, and the offer is limited to one trial per person. I recommend every new trader use this before spending money on a challenge. It gives you hands-on experience with their stop-loss requirements, the drawdown rules, and the platform interface. If you struggle on the free trial, you'll struggle on a paid challenge, so it's a useful filtering mechanism.

Does HyroTrader have a mobile app?

Partially. HyroTrader itself doesn't have a standalone mobile app, but your platform choice determines mobile access. If you trade on Cleo, there's a mobile app available. Cleo is their proprietary-style platform built on Binance data with 500+ pairs. If you trade on Bybit, you can use Bybit's own mobile app for trade execution, though your HyroTrader dashboard and account management are accessed through the web. For serious trading, I use desktop on both platforms. But if you need to manage positions on the go, Cleo's mobile app or Bybit's existing app cover that.

What is HyroTrader's Trustpilot rating?

As of April 2026, HyroTrader holds a 4.4 out of 5 on Trustpilot. For a crypto prop firm, that's a solid score. I always check Trustpilot patterns, not just the number. What I look for: response rate to negative reviews, consistency of positive reviews over time (not just bursts), and the specificity of complaints. HyroTrader's review profile shows consistent feedback over months rather than suspicious clusters. The negative reviews I've seen typically relate to rule violations (traders who broke drawdown rules and disagreed with the closure) rather than payout refusals. That pattern is what I'd expect from a legitimate firm enforcing real rules, not a firm looking for excuses to deny payouts.

Account Types & Pricing

How much does HyroTrader cost?

HyroTrader's challenge fees depend on the account type and size. The 2-Step challenge ranges from $89 (for a $5K account) to $999 (for a $200K account). The 1-Step challenge is more expensive: $119 (for $5K) to $1,399 (for $200K). These are one-time fees, and the fee is refunded with your first payout if you reach the funded stage. For the most popular $50K account, you're looking at $349 for the 2-Step or $499 for the 1-Step. The price difference between 1-Step and 2-Step reflects the easier evaluation structure of the 1-Step, which only has one phase instead of two.

What account sizes does HyroTrader offer?

HyroTrader offers six account sizes: $5,000, $10,000, $25,000, $50,000, $100,000, and $200,000. These are available for both 1-Step and 2-Step challenges. Each size has the same rules and profit targets (proportionally), so the only difference is the buying power and the challenge fee. I started with a $25K account to test the waters. The $50K and $100K accounts are the most popular based on what I see in the community. The $200K account is the largest starting size, but the scaling plan lets you grow any account up to $1M over time, so the starting size matters less than your long-term trajectory.

What is the 1-Step challenge?

The 1-Step challenge is HyroTrader's simpler evaluation path. One phase, one target: hit 10% profit, and you're funded. The daily drawdown limit is 4%, the maximum drawdown is 6%, and you need a minimum of 10 trading days. There's no time limit. The tighter drawdown limits (4% daily vs. 5% in the 2-Step, and 6% max vs. 10%) are the tradeoff for skipping the second phase. Pricing runs from $119 for $5K to $1,399 for $200K. I find the 1-Step better suited to traders who have a proven strategy and want to get funded faster. The smaller drawdown buffer demands better risk management from day one.

What is the 2-Step challenge?

The 2-Step challenge splits the evaluation into two phases. Phase 1 requires a 10% profit target. Phase 2 requires 5%. The daily drawdown is 5%, maximum drawdown is 10%, and each phase requires at least 10 and 5 minimum trading days respectively. No time limit on either phase. Pricing starts at $89 for $5K and goes up to $999 for $200K. The wider drawdown limits give you more breathing room. You can survive larger unrealized losses without breaching the rules. The tradeoff is two separate targets to hit, which means the overall evaluation takes longer. I recommend the 2-Step for newer prop traders or anyone testing a strategy they haven't fully validated yet.

Which is better: 1-Step or 2-Step?

Depends on your risk tolerance and experience. The 1-Step gets you funded faster (one phase instead of two) but gives you less room to make mistakes: 4% daily drawdown vs. 5%, and 6% max drawdown vs. 10%. The 2-Step costs less and provides a significantly wider drawdown buffer, but you have to pass two phases. I've done both. My honest take: if you've already passed challenges at other firms and you know your strategy works in crypto, the 1-Step saves time. If crypto prop trading is new to you, the 2-Step's wider margins are worth the extra phase. The price difference between the two isn't massive at the same account size, so make the decision based on drawdown tolerance, not cost.

Is the challenge fee refundable?

Yes, but only after you get funded and request your first payout. HyroTrader refunds the challenge fee with the first profit withdrawal. If you fail the challenge, you don't get the fee back. If you pass but never request a payout, you don't get it back either. This is standard across the prop trading industry. The refund incentive is real, though. On a $50K 2-Step account, that's $349 back in your pocket with your first withdrawal. I treat challenge fees as a cost of doing business. If you pass and the firm pays you, the refund is a bonus. If you fail, you've paid for a learning experience. Never spend challenge money you can't afford to lose.

What is the maximum account size?

The largest account you can start with is $200,000. Through the scaling plan, you can grow a funded account up to $1,000,000 (1 million). The scaling increases your account balance by 25% every 4 months, provided you meet the requirements: be in profit overall, have at least 2 out of 4 months in the green, have 2 approved payouts, and achieve 20% net profit. Starting at $200K and scaling 25% every 4 months, the math to reach $1M takes roughly 6-7 scaling cycles, or about 2-3 years of consistent profitable trading. It's a realistic ceiling for traders who stick with the program long-term.

Can I have multiple accounts?

Yes, HyroTrader allows traders to hold multiple accounts simultaneously. You can run several challenges and funded accounts at the same time. The main restriction is the cross-account hedging rule: you cannot open opposing positions across different accounts to create a risk-free arbitrage. Each account must be traded independently based on genuine market analysis. Running multiple accounts is a common strategy among experienced prop traders. It diversifies your risk across different strategies or timeframes. If one account breaches, the others survive. I currently run multiple accounts at various stages and treat each one as a separate trading business with its own strategy.

What platforms can I choose?

HyroTrader currently offers two platforms, with a third coming. Bybit connects via API and provides access to 700+ USDT perpetual futures pairs. It's the more full-featured option, but country restrictions apply (Bybit is not available in the US and several other jurisdictions). Cleo is built on Binance data, offers 500+ pairs, has no country restrictions, includes a mobile app, and supports up to 100x leverage. Hedging is allowed on Bybit but not on Cleo. OKX integration is planned for Q2 2026. Your platform choice at the start of a challenge is locked in for that account. Choose based on your location, pair availability, and whether you need hedging capability.

Trading Rules

What is the stop-loss rule at HyroTrader?

HyroTrader requires a stop-loss on every position, placed within 5 minutes of opening the trade. The maximum risk per trade is 3% of your account balance. This is one of the most distinctive rules in the crypto prop firm space. Most competitors don't mandate stop-losses at all. HyroTrader enforces it because crypto markets can move 10-20% in minutes, and an unprotected position can blow through drawdown limits before you react. From personal experience: set your stop-loss before or immediately after entry. The 5-minute window sounds generous, but if you're opening multiple positions rapidly, it's easy to lose track. I've made it a habit to place the stop as part of my entry order, not as an afterthought.

How does the daily drawdown work?

The daily drawdown limit is 5% for the 2-Step challenge and 4% for the 1-Step challenge. It's a trailing drawdown calculated based on your account's peak equity for that trading day. If your $50K 2-Step account peaks at $52,000 during the day, your drawdown floor is $49,400 (5% below $52,000). Dropping below that triggers a breach. The trailing mechanism is the critical detail. As your equity rises during a session, the drawdown floor rises with it. Unrealized profits count. So if you're up $2,000 in a session and give back $2,500, you've breached even though you only lost $500 from your starting balance. This catches traders who let winners turn into losers. Monitor your intraday equity peaks carefully.

What is the maximum drawdown?

Maximum drawdown is 10% for the 2-Step challenge and 6% for the 1-Step challenge. This is measured from your starting balance and represents the absolute floor your equity cannot breach at any point during the evaluation or funded phase. On a $50K 2-Step account, your account cannot drop below $45,000. On a $50K 1-Step account, the floor is $47,000. The 1-Step's 6% max drawdown is significantly tighter than the 2-Step's 10%. That 4% difference is meaningful in crypto markets, where volatility can eat through drawdown buffers quickly. If you're choosing between the two, the max drawdown difference is the most important factor to consider, not the number of phases.

What is the 40% profit distribution rule?

This is one of HyroTrader's most misunderstood rules. During the evaluation (challenge) phases, no single trade can account for more than 40% of your total profit. If you make $10,000 in total profit during your evaluation, no individual trade should have contributed more than $4,000 of that. The rule exists to prevent "one-trade wonders." HyroTrader wants evidence of consistent, repeatable trading, not a single lucky trade that hit the target. This rule applies only during the evaluation phases, not after you're funded. My advice: spread your risk across multiple trades and don't try to hit the profit target in one swing. Aim for 5-10% of the target per trade, and you'll never come close to triggering this rule.

What is the maximum exposure limit?

HyroTrader caps margin exposure at 25% of your account balance per position, with cumulative exposure limited to 2x your total balance. On a $50K account, that means no single position can use more than $12,500 in margin, and your total open margin across all positions cannot exceed $100,000. This prevents traders from loading up massive leveraged positions that could blow through drawdown limits on a single market move. In crypto, where 50x and 100x leverage is available, it's easy to accumulate dangerous exposure without realizing it. I keep my exposure well below these limits. Hitting the 2x cumulative cap means you're running extremely hot and have very little margin for error.

How many minimum trading days are required?

The challenge phases require a minimum of 10 trading days. A "trading day" means a day where you execute at least one trade. The verification phase (the transition between passing the challenge and getting funded) requires 5 minimum trading days. There's no requirement that these days be consecutive. You can spread them out however you like since there's no time limit. The minimum day requirement exists to prevent traders from hitting the profit target in a single session and claiming a funded account. HyroTrader wants to see consistent activity over multiple sessions. Don't rush to fill the minimum. Trade your normal strategy at your normal frequency, and the 10-day requirement will take care of itself.

Is there a time limit on the challenge?

No. Both the 1-Step and 2-Step challenges have no time limit. You can take as long as you need to reach the profit target. The only time-related rule is the 90-day inactivity clause: if you don't place a single trade for 90 consecutive days, the account is closed. As long as you're actively trading (even occasionally), your challenge stays open indefinitely. No time limit is a significant advantage. Many competitors impose 30-day or 60-day deadlines on evaluation phases, which forces traders to take excessive risks as the deadline approaches. HyroTrader's approach lets you trade at your own pace and wait for high-quality setups.

Is news trading allowed?

Partially. HyroTrader prohibits "news-only" trading, meaning you cannot build a strategy that exclusively trades around major economic or crypto news events. If your entire approach is to open positions 30 seconds before a CPI release or a Bitcoin ETF decision and close them immediately after, that's not allowed. Regular trading that happens to overlap with news events is fine. If you have open positions during a news release as part of your normal strategy, you won't be penalized. The distinction is between a deliberate news-scalping strategy and normal trading activity. I trade through news events regularly without issues. My positions are based on technical analysis, and news is just one factor that affects the market.

Is Martingale allowed?

No. Martingale strategies are explicitly prohibited at HyroTrader. Martingale involves doubling your position size after a loss to recover the previous loss with the next trade. This creates exponentially increasing risk that almost always ends in a catastrophic blowup. HyroTrader's rules prohibit it because it's fundamentally incompatible with their drawdown limits. A Martingale sequence of 4-5 consecutive losses on a crypto position could breach both the daily and maximum drawdown in a single session. Even modified Martingale variants (1.5x instead of 2x) are not permitted. If HyroTrader detects a consistent pattern of increasing position sizes after losses, the account will be flagged and potentially closed.

Can I use trading bots?

Yes, with conditions. During the challenge phases, you can use custom-built trading bots. After you reach the funded stage, third-party bots are also allowed. The distinction matters: HyroTrader wants to verify that your challenge performance reflects a strategy you understand and control, not a rented algorithm. Custom bots prove you have the technical knowledge to build and manage automated systems. Once funded, the restriction relaxes because you've already demonstrated competence. If you're using a bot, make sure it respects all the rules: mandatory stop-losses within 5 minutes, the 3% max risk per trade, the 25% exposure cap, and the 40% profit distribution rule during evaluation. Bots that violate any rule will trigger the same consequences as manual violations.

Is hedging allowed?

This depends on your platform choice. If you trade on Bybit, hedging is allowed. You can hold both long and short positions on the same asset simultaneously. If you trade on Cleo, hedging is not supported. This is a platform-level limitation, not a HyroTrader policy decision. Cleo's architecture built on Binance data doesn't support simultaneous long/short positions on the same pair. If hedging is part of your strategy, choose Bybit. But remember that Bybit has country restrictions. US traders, for example, cannot access Bybit and are limited to Cleo, which means no hedging. This is one of the most important platform selection factors and something to decide before purchasing a challenge.

Is copy trading allowed?

Copy trading is not allowed during the challenge phases. HyroTrader wants the evaluation to reflect your individual trading ability, not someone else's trades replicated onto your account. After you reach the funded stage, the restriction may be different, but the challenge is explicitly off-limits for copy trading. Cross-account hedging (opening opposite positions on different HyroTrader accounts) is also prohibited at all stages. Each account must reflect independent trading decisions. If HyroTrader's monitoring systems detect identical trade patterns across multiple accounts or patterns matching known copy trading services, the accounts will be flagged. Trade your own strategy with your own analysis.

What happens if I break a rule?

HyroTrader uses a two-tier system for rule violations. The first violation is classified as a "soft breach." You receive one warning, and there's a 1-hour grace period to correct the issue (for example, if you forgot to place a stop-loss). After the grace period expires or if the violation is severe, the trade may be closed, but your account stays active. The second violation of the same type results in a "hard breach" and permanent account closure. No appeals, no second chances. The key distinction: each rule type gets its own first-warning allowance. A stop-loss warning doesn't count as your first strike for drawdown. But once you've used your warning for a specific rule, the next violation of that same rule ends the account immediately. Don't rely on the grace period. Treat every rule as if one violation closes the account.

Payouts & Profit Split

What is the profit split at HyroTrader?

HyroTrader starts you at a 70/30 split (70% to you, 30% to the firm). The split improves on a fixed schedule: after 4 months of funded trading, it moves to 80/20. After 8 months, it reaches 90/10. This is a time-based progression, not performance-based. You don't need to hit specific profit targets to unlock better splits. You just need to stay funded and active. The 70% starting split is standard for the crypto prop firm space. The 90/10 ceiling at 8 months is competitive. Some firms offer 90% from day one, but those typically come with tighter rules or higher fees. I prefer the graduated model because it means the firm has a genuine incentive to keep you trading long-term.

How fast are payouts?

HyroTrader offers daily payout requests with 12-24 hour processing time. This is faster than most prop firms in any asset class. Many futures and forex prop firms process payouts bi-weekly or monthly. Daily availability means you can withdraw profits as they accumulate rather than waiting for a payout window. In my experience, the 12-24 hour window is accurate. I've had payouts process in under 12 hours, and the longest I've waited was about 20 hours. No payout has taken more than 24 hours. If you request a payout and it hasn't arrived within 24 hours, contact support. But don't request payouts during periods of platform maintenance or scheduled updates, as that can add delays.

What payment methods are available?

Payouts are processed in USDT (Tether) or USDC only. There are no fiat payment options. No bank transfers, no PayPal, no credit card refunds. Everything flows through crypto stablecoins. This makes sense for a crypto-native firm. Your trading profits are in USDT, and the payout stays in the same denomination. You'll need a crypto wallet that supports USDT or USDC to receive your payouts. If you need to convert to fiat, that's a separate step you'll handle through your own exchange account or off-ramp service. For traders already in the crypto ecosystem, this is seamless. For traditional traders new to crypto, set up your wallet and test a small transaction before your first payout request.

What is the minimum payout?

The minimum payout amount is $100. Anything below $100 cannot be withdrawn. There's also a mandatory withdrawal rule: once you reach 5% profit on your funded account, you must withdraw. This means on a $50K funded account, once you hit $2,500 in profit, a withdrawal is required. HyroTrader implements this to prevent traders from accumulating unrealized profits and taking increasingly larger risks. The mandatory withdrawal at 5% acts as a profit-taking mechanism that protects both the trader and the firm. I actually like this rule. It forces discipline. Too many prop traders let profits ride, push their luck, and eventually blow the account. Forced profit-taking locks in gains.

Is there a maximum payout?

HyroTrader doesn't publish a specific maximum payout cap. Your payout is limited by your profit split percentage multiplied by your available profits, minus the mandatory withdrawal requirements. On a $200K account at 90% split, if you've generated $20,000 in profit, your maximum withdrawal would be $18,000 (90% of $20,000). The practical ceiling is determined by your account size, your trading performance, and the scaling plan. As your account scales up to $1M, the potential payout amounts grow proportionally. The firm has paid out $3.5M+ total across 30,000+ traders, so there's evidence that significant payouts are being processed regularly.

How does the scaling plan work?

The scaling plan increases your funded account balance by 25% every 4 months. To qualify for a scale-up, you need to meet four conditions: your account must be in overall profit, at least 2 of the previous 4 months must be profitable, you need at least 2 approved payouts during that period, and your account must show 20% net profit since the last scale-up (or since funding, for the first increase). Starting from a $50K account, the first scale-up takes it to $62,500. Four more months of qualifying performance brings it to $78,125. The progression continues until you reach the $1M cap. Each step requires consistent profitability, not just one great month. This is designed to reward traders who demonstrate sustained performance over time.

When do I get real capital?

HyroTrader transitions traders to real capital after 3-5 successful payouts. During the initial funded period, you're trading on a simulated account that mirrors real market conditions. After proving consistency through multiple payout cycles, HyroTrader moves you to real capital. This transition is common among prop firms and makes business sense. The firm needs to verify that your trading is consistently profitable before committing real money. From the trader's perspective, the experience is identical. Your profits are real either way since HyroTrader pays you from the first funded payout. Whether the underlying capital is simulated or real doesn't change the dollars in your wallet. What changes is the firm's risk exposure, not yours.

How do I request a payout?

Payout requests are submitted through your HyroTrader dashboard. Log in, navigate to the payout section, enter the amount you want to withdraw (minimum $100), and confirm your crypto wallet address for USDT or USDC. Processing takes 12-24 hours. You'll need to have a verified account (KYC completed) to request payouts. Remember the mandatory withdrawal rule: if your funded account reaches 5% profit, you're required to withdraw, so don't wait too long. I recommend setting up your payout wallet before your first withdrawal request. Double-check the wallet address and the network (ERC-20, TRC-20, etc.) before confirming. Sending crypto to the wrong address or network is irreversible.

Does HyroTrader refund the challenge fee?

Yes. When you pass the challenge and request your first payout from the funded account, HyroTrader includes the challenge fee in that first withdrawal. So if you paid $349 for a $50K 2-Step challenge and your first payout is $1,000 at the 70% split, you'll receive $1,000 plus the $349 fee refund. The refund is automatic and added to the first payout. You don't need to request it separately. If you fail the challenge, the fee is not refunded. If you pass but your account is closed before you request a payout, you don't receive the refund either. The refund is specifically tied to completing the evaluation and making your first successful profit withdrawal.

Platforms & Trading

How does Bybit work with HyroTrader?

HyroTrader connects to Bybit through an API integration. You create a Bybit account, generate API keys, and link them to your HyroTrader dashboard. Once connected, your HyroTrader challenge or funded account uses Bybit's trading infrastructure. You get access to 700+ USDT perpetual futures pairs, Bybit's charting tools, order types, and execution engine. Trades placed on Bybit are monitored by HyroTrader's risk management system in real time. The API connection means you're trading on Bybit's actual platform, not a stripped-down version. Country restrictions apply. Bybit is not available in the US, UK (for certain products), and several other jurisdictions. Check Bybit's restricted countries list before purchasing a challenge with Bybit selected.

How does Cleo work with HyroTrader?

Cleo is HyroTrader's alternative trading platform, built on Binance market data. It offers 500+ crypto pairs, up to 100x leverage, and has no country restrictions. That last point is the critical differentiator. Traders in countries where Bybit is restricted (including the US) can still trade with HyroTrader through Cleo. Cleo includes a mobile app, making it the only mobile-ready option. The main limitations compared to Bybit: fewer pairs (500+ vs. 700+), no hedging support, and a different interface that some experienced Bybit traders find less intuitive. I've traded on both. Cleo is functional and reliable, but Bybit has a more polished trading experience. If you have access to both, the decision comes down to whether you need hedging or prefer the larger pair selection.

What crypto pairs can I trade?

On Bybit, you have access to 700+ USDT perpetual futures pairs. This covers all major cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, SOL, etc.) plus hundreds of altcoin pairs. On Cleo, the selection is 500+ pairs based on Binance data. Both platforms focus exclusively on USDT-denominated perpetual futures. Spot trading, options, and inverse futures are not available through HyroTrader. The pair count matters because crypto markets have hundreds of active assets. More pairs means more opportunities to find trades that match your strategy. If you trade primarily BTC and ETH, either platform works. If you trade mid-cap and small-cap altcoins, Bybit's larger selection gives you more options.

What leverage is available?

Maximum leverage depends on the platform. Cleo offers up to 100x leverage. Bybit's leverage varies by pair but also goes up to 100x on major pairs, with lower maximums on smaller altcoins. The real constraint isn't the platform's leverage limit. It's HyroTrader's 25% maximum margin exposure per position and the 2x cumulative exposure cap. Even if Bybit offers 100x leverage on BTC, you can only allocate 25% of your account balance as margin per trade. On a $50K account, that's $12,500 max margin per position. At 100x leverage, $12,500 in margin controls a $1.25M position, which is massive. In practice, the exposure limits prevent you from using maximum leverage across multiple positions simultaneously.

Is OKX coming to HyroTrader?

Yes. HyroTrader has announced OKX integration planned for Q2 2026. As of April 2026, it's not yet live, but it's on the public roadmap. OKX would add a third platform option alongside Bybit and Cleo, giving traders another exchange with a different pair selection, interface, and geographic availability. OKX has its own country restrictions (different from Bybit's), so the addition would expand access for some traders while providing an alternative for those who prefer OKX's trading experience. I'll update this FAQ when OKX integration goes live. Check HyroTrader's announcements for the exact launch date.

Can I switch platforms mid-challenge?

No. The platform you select when purchasing a challenge is locked for that specific account. If you choose Bybit for a 2-Step $50K challenge, you cannot switch to Cleo halfway through. If you want to try a different platform, you'll need to purchase a new challenge and select the other platform at that point. This is why I recommend using the free trial to test both platforms before committing money. Figure out which interface, pair selection, and feature set works best for your strategy. Once you've decided, purchase the challenge on your preferred platform. Starting a new challenge just to switch platforms is an expensive mistake.

Trust & Safety

Is HyroTrader legit?

Based on my direct experience and independent research: yes. HyroTrader is a legitimate crypto prop firm. I'm currently funded with them, have processed payouts, and have verified the company's basic operational structure. The evidence supporting legitimacy includes: EU registration in Slovakia, named and publicly visible CEO (Samuel Drnda), $3.5M+ in total payouts across 30,000+ traders, an industry award from ProFX Dubai, a 4.4/5 Trustpilot rating with consistent review patterns, and daily payout processing. None of these factors individually prove legitimacy, but together they form a pattern that would be extremely expensive and complex to fabricate. Compare this to prop firms with anonymous owners, offshore registration, no payout history, and no third-party verification. The gap is significant.

Is HyroTrader a scam?

No. I've been funded with HyroTrader and received payouts. The question comes up because the prop trading industry has genuine scam operations, and traders are right to be skeptical. Signs of a prop firm scam include: refusing or endlessly delaying payouts, impossible-to-pass rules designed to fail traders, anonymous ownership, no verifiable payout history, and disappearing support. HyroTrader shows none of these patterns. They process payouts daily with a 12-24 hour turnaround. Their rules are complex but clearly documented and consistently enforced. The CEO is named and publicly visible. $3.5M+ in verified payouts provides tangible evidence. Are there traders who've had negative experiences? Of course. Accounts get closed for rule violations, and those traders sometimes leave angry reviews. That's different from a scam. That's a firm enforcing its rules.

Does HyroTrader actually pay traders?

Yes. HyroTrader has paid out $3.5M+ as of April 2026. I've personally received payouts, and the Trustpilot reviews contain consistent payout confirmations from other traders. Payouts are processed in USDT/USDC within 12-24 hours of request. The daily payout option is functional. The mandatory withdrawal at 5% profit means traders are actively pulling money out rather than accumulating unrealized profits indefinitely. I've verified this through my own account and through conversations with other funded HyroTrader traders in the community. Payout proof videos and screenshots exist across social media and review platforms. No legitimate payout takes more than 24 hours in my experience. If someone claims their payout was denied, check whether they violated a rule. That's the typical explanation.

Is KYC required?

Yes, KYC (Know Your Customer) verification is required at the funded stage. You don't need KYC to purchase a challenge or to trade during the evaluation phase. Once you pass the challenge and qualify for a funded account, HyroTrader requires identity verification before activating your funded account and processing any payouts. The KYC process typically involves submitting a government-issued ID (passport, national ID card, or driver's license) and proof of address. Processing time varies, but most verifications complete within 24-48 hours. KYC is standard across legitimate prop firms and required under EU anti-money laundering regulations. A prop firm that doesn't require KYC before sending you money should raise more red flags than one that does.

Can US traders use HyroTrader?

Yes, with a platform limitation. US traders cannot use Bybit because Bybit is not available in the United States. The alternative is Cleo, which has no country restrictions. US-based traders can purchase a HyroTrader challenge, select Cleo as their platform, and trade the full 500+ pairs available on Cleo with up to 100x leverage. The main feature US traders lose by being limited to Cleo: hedging capability (not available on Cleo) and the larger Bybit pair selection (700+ vs. 500+). If hedging is central to your strategy, HyroTrader on Cleo won't work for you. For most trading approaches, Cleo's feature set is sufficient. I know several US-based traders who are funded on HyroTrader through Cleo and haven't had issues.

What countries are restricted?

HyroTrader itself doesn't restrict specific countries, but Bybit does. If you select Bybit as your trading platform, the country restrictions are Bybit's, not HyroTrader's. This includes the United States, and several other countries where Bybit is unavailable. The workaround: choose Cleo instead. Cleo has no country restrictions whatsoever. Any trader from any country can use HyroTrader on Cleo. This two-platform approach effectively makes HyroTrader available globally, even if Bybit isn't. Before purchasing a challenge, verify your country's status with Bybit if you want to trade there. If in doubt, start with Cleo. You can always open a second account on Bybit later if your jurisdiction is supported.

Is my money safe with HyroTrader?

Your exposure with HyroTrader is limited to the challenge fee you pay upfront. You're not depositing trading capital, holding a balance with the firm, or funding a brokerage account. The maximum you can lose is the one-time challenge fee ($89-$1,399 depending on account type and size). Once funded, HyroTrader provides the capital. Your profits are paid out to you; they're not held in an account that could be frozen or lost. The challenge fee is the full extent of your financial risk. Compare this to traditional trading where your entire account balance is at risk. In prop trading, the firm absorbs the capital risk. Your risk is capped at the entry fee. The refund of that fee with your first payout further reduces your net risk.

How do I contact HyroTrader support?

HyroTrader provides email support and live chat. Both are accessible through their website and dashboard. In my experience, live chat responses come within a few hours during business hours. Email responses typically arrive within 24 hours. The quality of support has been adequate. Technical questions about rules and platform issues get detailed, specific answers. Account-related queries (payout status, KYC verification) are handled promptly. For complex issues, I recommend email over live chat because you get a written record of the response. If you're disputing a rule violation or asking about a specific account event, having the response in email form gives you documentation. Support quality is one of the factors I evaluate when reviewing prop firms, and HyroTrader's is in the top half of the industry.

Advanced Questions

What happens after 90 days of inactivity?

If you don't place a single trade for 90 consecutive days, HyroTrader closes your account. This applies to both challenge and funded accounts. There's no warning before closure. Once 90 days pass without activity, the account is terminated. If you need to take a break from trading, place at least one small trade within every 90-day window to keep the account alive. The minimum trading day requirements and the 90-day inactivity policy are separate rules. You can trade once every 89 days and keep the account open, but you'll make very slow progress toward the minimum trading day requirements. This rule mainly catches abandoned accounts and prevents traders from holding funded accounts indefinitely without generating activity.

How does the soft breach system work?

HyroTrader's two-tier violation system gives you one warning per rule type. First violation of a specific rule: soft breach. You get notified, have a 1-hour grace period to correct the issue, and the trade may be automatically closed. Your account stays active. Second violation of the same rule type: hard breach. Permanent account closure, no appeal. Each rule category has its own separate breach counter. A soft breach on the stop-loss rule doesn't count against your drawdown rule record. You could theoretically receive a soft breach warning for multiple different rules and still keep your account. But one repeat offense on any single rule triggers permanent closure. Don't test the limits. One warning is a generous safety net, not an invitation to push boundaries.

What is the verification phase?

After passing the challenge (either 1-Step or 2-Step), there's a verification phase before you receive your funded account. During verification, you trade under the same rules with a minimum of 5 trading days. This phase confirms that your challenge performance was genuine and repeatable. The profit target during verification is lower than the challenge phases, and the main purpose is to demonstrate continued trading consistency. Verification typically takes 1-2 weeks for active traders. Once you complete it, your funded account is activated (pending KYC approval). The verification phase is another filter against lucky traders who passed the challenge on a single hot streak. Consistent performance across challenge and verification builds confidence that your strategy is sustainable.

Can I trade 24/7?

Crypto markets never close, and HyroTrader doesn't impose specific trading hours. You can open and close positions at any time, day or night, weekdays and weekends. This is a significant difference from futures and forex prop firms that operate within exchange hours. The 24/7 availability means your drawdown limits are continuously monitored, including overnight and over weekends. If you leave positions open overnight, a significant market move at 3 AM can breach your drawdown while you're sleeping. I always set stop-losses (which HyroTrader requires anyway) and size positions to survive overnight volatility. The 24/7 market is an opportunity for flexibility, but it's also a risk factor if you're not managing positions around the clock.

What are the exact fees for each account size?

For the 2-Step challenge: $5K costs $89, $10K costs $149, $25K costs $249, $50K costs $349, $100K costs $599, $200K costs $999. For the 1-Step challenge: $5K costs $119, $10K costs $199, $25K costs $329, $50K costs $499, $100K costs $849, $200K costs $1,399. The 1-Step premium over the 2-Step ranges from roughly 30% to 40% depending on the account size. All fees are one-time charges with a refund on the first funded payout. No monthly subscriptions, no hidden costs, no platform fees. The fee is your total cost to enter the evaluation. I recommend starting with the $25K or $50K account. The fees are reasonable, the position sizing is practical, and the drawdown limits give you enough room to trade properly.

How does HyroTrader compare to other crypto prop firms?

HyroTrader is one of the established names in the crypto prop firm space, but it's not the only option. Compared to competitors, HyroTrader's strengths include: no time limits on challenges, daily payouts (most competitors do weekly or bi-weekly), dual platform option (Bybit + Cleo), and the scaling plan to $1M. The weaknesses: the mandatory stop-loss rule is stricter than most competitors, the 40% profit distribution rule during evaluation adds an extra constraint, and the 1-Step's 6% max drawdown is tighter than many alternatives. On pricing, HyroTrader is mid-range. Not the cheapest, not the most expensive. For a detailed comparison, read my full HyroTrader review at /prop-firms/hyrotrader where I stack it against other crypto prop firms with specific numbers.

What is the affiliate program?

HyroTrader offers an affiliate program with a 10% commission on referred challenge purchases. Your referrals also receive a 5% discount on their challenge fee. The program is managed through HyroTrader's dashboard. You receive a unique referral link, and commissions are tracked automatically. Payouts for affiliate earnings follow the same USDT/USDC payment method. If you have an audience of crypto traders (YouTube, Twitter, Discord, blog), the affiliate program is a straightforward way to earn from recommendations. I'm transparent about affiliate relationships on Proptradingvibes.com. My reviews and assessments are independent of affiliate income. The affiliate commission doesn't change the score I give a firm or the criticisms I document.

The bottom line

53 questions, zero fluff. HyroTrader is a real crypto prop firm with real payouts, real rules, and real limitations. The mandatory stop-loss, the 40% distribution rule, and the trailing daily drawdown make it one of the more complex firms to trade with. But the no-time-limit challenges, daily payouts, and the scaling plan to $1M create a structure that rewards consistent traders.

If something changes after April 2026, I'll update this page. Bookmark it, come back when you need specific answers, and if your question isn't here, leave a comment.