Quick Answer Block
Quick Answer — Can US Traders Use HyroTrader?
- Yes. US traders can use HyroTrader through the Cleo platform.
- Bybit is blocked in the United States. Cleo has zero country restrictions.
- Cleo offers 500+ crypto pairs with Binance data, a mobile app, and no geo-blocks.
- KYC: US passport and ID accepted at the funded stage.
- Payouts: USDT/USDC only (no bank wire). Taxable income in the US.
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.
Full Article
HyroTrader is a crypto-only prop trading firm that US traders can access through the Cleo platform. Bybit, HyroTrader's primary exchange, is restricted in the United States. Cleo has no country restrictions at all.
As of April 2026, this makes HyroTrader one of the few crypto prop firms with a clear, documented path for American traders.
Can US Traders Actually Use HyroTrader?
Yes. No asterisk, no workaround, no gray area.
HyroTrader itself has zero country restrictions. The restriction comes from Bybit, the exchange. Bybit blocks access from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and several other countries due to regulatory compliance.
Cleo is HyroTrader's alternative platform. It runs on Binance data feeds (not the Binance exchange itself) and has no geographic restrictions. US traders select Cleo when starting a challenge, and everything works the same as it does for traders in unrestricted countries.
This isn't a loophole. HyroTrader explicitly offers Cleo as the platform for traders in Bybit-restricted countries. It's part of their product design.
Why Is Bybit Blocked in the US?
Bybit restricted US access due to regulatory pressure from US financial authorities. The exchange doesn't hold the required licenses to operate in the United States, so they geo-block American IP addresses and reject US-based KYC documents.
This isn't specific to HyroTrader. Any platform built on Bybit faces the same restriction. If you're in the US, Bybit isn't an option regardless of which prop firm you use.
Using a VPN to access Bybit from the US is technically possible but carries real risks. Bybit can detect VPN usage and flag or close your account. If you pass a challenge and get funded, then get flagged for VPN use, you could lose your funded account and any pending payouts. Not worth it.
What Is Cleo and How Does It Work for US Traders?
Cleo is a web-based trading platform that uses Binance's real-time data feed. It's not the Binance exchange. It's a separate platform that mirrors Binance pricing and liquidity.
For US traders, the key points:
What you get on Cleo: 500+ crypto pairs, leverage up to 100x, built-in backtesting, custom drawing tools, multiple stop-loss and take-profit levels, a mobile app (iOS and Android), and the same challenge conditions as Bybit users.
What you don't get: Access to Bybit's 700+ pairs (Cleo has 500+), hedging capability (allowed on Bybit, not on Cleo), and third-party integrations or external algo trading support.
When you select Cleo as your platform, HyroTrader auto-creates your account. You'll get an email with login credentials. No need to create a separate Cleo account.
How to Start HyroTrader as a US Trader: Step by Step
- Go to HyroTrader's website and click "Start Challenge" (or "Free Trial" to test first)
- Choose your account size ($5K to $200K) and challenge type (1-Step or 2-Step)
- Select Cleo as your platform (not Bybit)
- Enter your email and payment information
- Receive your Cleo login credentials via email
- Set your Cleo password and log in
- Start trading under challenge conditions
The free trial is available on Cleo too. US traders can test the platform for 10 days under real challenge conditions without paying anything. One free trial per person.
What Do US Traders Give Up by Using Cleo Instead of Bybit?
The honest answer: a few things, but nothing that should be a dealbreaker.
Fewer pairs. Cleo has 500+ pairs vs Bybit's 700+. The majors (BTC, ETH, SOL, and top-50 coins) are all available. You lose some small-cap and recently listed tokens.
No hedging. HyroTrader allows hedging on Bybit but not on Cleo. If your strategy relies on opening opposite positions on the same pair, Cleo won't work. For most traders, this isn't relevant.
No external tools. Bybit's API allows third-party trading tools and custom integrations. Cleo's ecosystem is closed. You trade through Cleo's interface only. No TradingView integration, no custom bots during challenge.
Everything else is identical. Same account sizes. Same pricing. Same profit targets. Same drawdown limits. Same stop-loss rules. Same profit split. Same payout process.
KYC for US Traders
KYC verification is required before your first payout on a funded account. Not during the challenge phase.
HyroTrader accepts US identification documents. You'll need a government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's license) and proof of address. Standard verification process, typically completed within a few business days.
No SSN is required for KYC. This is identity verification, not tax filing.
Payouts and Tax Considerations for US Traders
HyroTrader pays exclusively in USDT or USDC stablecoins. No bank wire. No PayPal. No check. You need a crypto wallet to receive payouts.
For US taxes, prop firm income is generally treated as ordinary income. The IRS expects you to report cryptocurrency received as payment at its fair market value. Converting USDT/USDC to USD on an exchange creates a separate taxable event if there's any gain.
I'm not a tax advisor. If you're making significant income from prop firm trading, consult a CPA who understands crypto taxation. The rules are evolving and state-level requirements vary.
Should US Traders Use a VPN for Bybit Instead?
No.
VPN use to bypass Bybit's geo-restrictions violates their terms of service. The risks:
- Account flagged and suspended
- Pending payouts frozen
- Funded account terminated
- Potential ban from future challenges
Cleo exists specifically to solve this problem. There's no upside to VPN risk when a legitimate alternative is available.
What About OKX Coming to HyroTrader?
HyroTrader is adding OKX as a third platform option, expected Q2 2026. As of April 2026, no confirmed details on whether OKX will have US restrictions similar to Bybit.
OKX currently has limited US availability (OKX US exists as a separate entity). Whether HyroTrader's OKX integration will work for US traders depends on how the partnership is structured. Check back after launch for updates.
Other Crypto Prop Firms Available to US Traders
HyroTrader via Cleo isn't the only option. US traders can also look at:
- Breakout: Check their current US availability
- Crypto Fund Trader: Check their current country restrictions
- Various newer firms: The crypto prop space is expanding rapidly
HyroTrader's advantage for US traders is the clear, documented Cleo path with no ambiguity about whether Americans are welcome. Many competitors have vague policies or rely on "don't ask, don't tell" approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens use HyroTrader?
Yes. US citizens and residents can use HyroTrader by selecting the Cleo platform instead of Bybit. Cleo has no country restrictions. HyroTrader explicitly supports this as a legitimate path for traders in Bybit-restricted countries, including the United States.
Is it legal for Americans to use HyroTrader?
HyroTrader is a prop trading firm, not a regulated exchange. As of April 2026, there's no US law prohibiting Americans from participating in crypto prop firm challenges. The Cleo platform route avoids any Bybit regulatory restrictions. Consult a legal advisor if you have specific concerns.
Do I need a VPN to use HyroTrader from the US?
No. US traders should select Cleo as their platform, which works without any VPN or geo-bypass. Using a VPN to access Bybit from the US risks account termination and lost payouts. Cleo is the intended solution for US-based traders.
What crypto pairs can US traders access on Cleo?
US traders on Cleo can access 500+ crypto pairs powered by Binance data. This includes all major cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, SOL, etc.) and most popular altcoins. Cleo has fewer pairs than Bybit's 700+ but covers the most actively traded markets.
Can US traders get payouts from HyroTrader?
Yes. HyroTrader pays US traders in USDT or USDC stablecoins to their crypto wallet. Payouts process in 12-24 hours, same speed as non-US traders. KYC with US identification is accepted at the funded stage.
Do I need to pay US taxes on HyroTrader income?
Prop firm income is generally considered taxable in the United States. USDT/USDC received as profit should be reported as ordinary income at fair market value. Converting stablecoins to USD may create additional taxable events. Consult a CPA familiar with crypto taxation for your specific situation.
Can US traders access HyroTrader's free trial?
Yes. The free 10-day trial runs on the Cleo platform, which has no country restrictions. US traders can test HyroTrader's rules and platform experience before paying for a challenge. One free trial per person, no payout eligibility during trial.
What's the cheapest way for US traders to start on HyroTrader?
The cheapest entry is the $5K 2-Step challenge at $89. The free trial costs nothing but doesn't lead to funding. For US traders new to HyroTrader, the recommended path is: free trial first, then $5K or $10K 2-Step challenge to learn the rules with minimal financial risk.
Will OKX be available for US traders on HyroTrader?
HyroTrader is adding OKX as a platform option in Q2 2026, but as of April 2026, there's no confirmed information about US availability through the OKX integration. OKX has its own regulatory position in the US (via OKX US). Check HyroTrader's announcements after launch.
Is Cleo as good as Bybit for trading on HyroTrader?
Cleo and Bybit offer the same challenge conditions, rules, and payout structure. Cleo has fewer pairs (500+ vs 700+) and doesn't support hedging or external tools. Cleo has built-in backtesting and a mobile app. For most trading strategies, the platform difference is minimal. The main thing US traders lose is pair selection depth.
The bottom line: US traders have full access to HyroTrader through the Cleo platform. No VPN needed. No gray area. Select Cleo when starting your challenge, pass with the same rules as everyone else, and collect payouts in USDT/USDC. The only real sacrifice is 200 fewer pairs and no hedging. If you trade major crypto pairs with stop-losses, you won't notice the difference.
