Quick Answer — Sway Funded vs The Funded Trader
Both firms offer 1-step and 2-step challenge models. The Funded Trader (TFT) has operated since 2021 and uses EOD trailing drawdown as standard — a key structural advantage over Sway Funded's intraday trailing default. TFT also supports MT4, MT5, and DXtrade, plus bank wire payouts through Deel. Sway Funded counters with lower pricing (especially with code FIRST), the 0-step Instant account, an active loyalty program, and 24-hour payout processing. TFT's longer operating history gives it a trust edge, but Sway Funded is meaningfully cheaper to enter.
- TFT wins: trust history (since 2021), EOD drawdown standard, MT4/MT5/DXtrade platforms, bank wire payouts
- Sway Funded wins: 0-step Instant account, pricing with code FIRST, loyalty program, 24h payout processing
- Both: 1-step and 2-step models, up to 90% profit split
Research-based comparison: I haven't run accounts at Sway Funded or The Funded Trader personally — my active trading is in futures. This comparison is built from official documentation, community data, and verified specs at both firms. Where I can't independently verify a detail, I say so.
For the full Sway Funded breakdown, read my complete Sway Funded review and my The Funded Trader review. Ready to start a Sway Funded challenge? Use code FIRST for 50% off your first challenge with code FIRST for 50% off. Questions? The help center covers most queries.
The Funded Trader (TFT) launched in 2021 — giving them a three-year head start on Sway Funded. Both have evolved into multi-model firms with 1-step and 2-step challenge options, competitive profit splits, and active communities. The comparison is closer than Sway Funded vs FTMO, but there are meaningful structural differences that should drive your decision.
I haven't traded either firm personally. My background is in futures. This comparison is built from official documentation and community data as of April 2026.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
FeatureSway FundedThe Funded TraderWinnerFoundedFebruary 20242021🏆 The Funded TraderChallenge Types1-step (Rapid), 2-step (Regular), 0-step (Instant)1-step (Royal), 2-step (Standard)🏆 Sway FundedDrawdown TypeIntraday trailing (default); EOD with add-onEOD trailing (standard)🏆 The Funded TraderPhase 1 Target (2-step)10% (Regular)10% (Standard)TiePhase 2 Target (2-step)8% (Regular)5% (Standard)🏆 The Funded TraderDaily Drawdown5%5%TieOverall Drawdown10% intraday trailing10% EOD trailing🏆 The Funded TraderPlatformsLiquid Charts (proprietary)MT4, MT5, DXtrade🏆 The Funded TraderProfit Split (max)80% default / 90% with add-onUp to 90%TiePayout MethodsCrypto only (BTC, ETH, USDT, TRX)Crypto (Deel), bank wire🏆 The Funded TraderPayout Speed24 hoursVaries (Deel processing)🏆 Sway Funded0-Step AccountYes (Instant)No🏆 Sway FundedTime LimitsNone (Rapid/Regular)Varies by modelVariesLoyalty ProgramYes (SFT tokens)No🏆 Sway Funded
Where The Funded Trader Wins
Trust History: Operating Since 2021
Three years versus two years may not sound like much, but in prop trading years it matters. TFT launched in 2021 and has navigated multiple market cycles, regulatory pressures on the prop industry, and the general industry volatility of 2022-2024. Their continued operation through that period is a meaningful signal of organizational stability.
Sway Funded's two-year run has been strong — $1M+ paid, 4.2/5 Trustpilot — but it's a shorter and more recent track record. TFT has simply been tested more.
EOD Trailing Drawdown Standard
TFT uses end-of-day (EOD) trailing drawdown as standard across their challenge models. Sway Funded's intraday trailing default is meaningfully stricter: your maximum drawdown level follows every intraday profit peak, so a strong morning session followed by an afternoon reversal can compress your buffer significantly.
For swing traders who hold positions overnight, or any trader who experiences regular intraday volatility, TFT's EOD standard is a structural advantage. Sway Funded can match this with the Fixed Drawdown add-on, but the baseline on TFT is more forgiving without any extra cost.
Phase 2 Target: 5% vs Sway Funded's 8%
In a 2-step comparison, TFT's Standard model requires only 5% profit in Phase 2 versus Sway Funded Regular's 8%. A lower Phase 2 target means less time in evaluation and lower chance of drawdown violation before funding. This is a real structural difference favoring TFT for the 2-step experience.
Platform Variety: MT4, MT5, DXtrade
TFT supports three platforms: MT4, MT5, and DXtrade. Traders already using MetaTrader have zero platform adjustment. DXtrade is increasingly popular with prop traders who prefer a web-based interface. Sway Funded's Liquid Charts is proprietary — capable, but not part of established trader workflows for most users.
Payout Method: Deel + Bank Wire
TFT processes payouts through Deel, which supports crypto and bank wire options. For traders who want fiat payouts — direct bank deposit without handling crypto — TFT provides that path. Sway Funded's crypto-only policy with 1.5% fee is a limitation for fiat-preferring traders.
Where Sway Funded Wins
0-Step Instant Account
TFT doesn't offer a direct funded account that bypasses evaluation. Sway Funded's Instant account is a genuine differentiator for profitable traders who want immediate funded access. The Instant model comes with stricter rules (3% daily drawdown, 8% overall, 20% consistency rule, up to 75% split), but the evaluation bypass has real value for the right profile.
Pricing With the FIRST Code
Sway Funded's 50% first challenge discount (code FIRST) makes their entry pricing very competitive. TFT's pricing varies by model, but Sway Funded's discounted rates are typically lower for comparable account sizes. For traders who might take multiple challenge attempts before passing, lower per-attempt costs matter.
24-Hour Payout Processing
Sway Funded's 24-hour payout clock is faster than TFT's Deel-based processing, which can vary. Deel adds a third-party processing layer that Sway Funded's direct crypto payout bypasses. For traders who want fast access to profits, Sway Funded has a timing edge here.
Loyalty Program: SFT System
TFT doesn't have a loyalty program comparable to Sway Funded's SFT token system. Daily login rewards, qualifying trade tokens, Mystery Boxes with free accounts, and Sway PLUS — none of these exist at TFT. For active traders who want a secondary reward layer on top of their trading, Sway Funded's ecosystem is more developed.
No Time Limits
Sway Funded's Rapid and Regular challenges have no time limits. TFT's challenge time limits vary by model. No time limit is a meaningful quality-of-life feature for traders who trade selectively or part-time.
Who Should Choose Each Firm?
Choose The Funded Trader if:
- You prefer EOD drawdown without paying extra for it
- You want MT4, MT5, or DXtrade platforms
- You want bank wire fiat payout options
- You value a slightly longer operating track record
- A lower Phase 2 profit target (5%) suits your trading pace
Choose Sway Funded if:
- You want a 0-step direct funded account
- Pricing is a significant factor (especially with 50% first code)
- You're comfortable with crypto-only payouts
- You value the SFT loyalty program and Mystery Box rewards
- You trade selectively and prefer no time limits
- You want faster payout processing (24h vs Deel's variable timeline)
The bottom line: The Funded Trader's structural advantages — EOD drawdown standard, lower Phase 2 target, MetaTrader platform access, and fiat payout via Deel — make it a stronger default choice for Forex traders prioritizing drawdown safety and platform familiarity. Sway Funded's lower entry pricing, the 0-step Instant account, and the SFT loyalty system create a compelling counter-case for traders who value flexibility and cost efficiency over operational history. Neither firm dominates comprehensively — your trading style and priorities determine which is the better fit.
FAQ
Q1: What is the main difference between Sway Funded and The Funded Trader?
The key structural differences are drawdown type (TFT uses EOD standard, Sway Funded uses intraday trailing by default), platform (TFT offers MT4/MT5/DXtrade vs Sway Funded's Liquid Charts), and payout methods (TFT supports bank wire via Deel, Sway Funded is crypto-only). Sway Funded counters with a 0-step Instant account and lower pricing with discount code FIRST.
Q2: Which firm has a lower Phase 2 profit target?
The Funded Trader's Standard 2-step model requires 5% profit in Phase 2. Sway Funded's Regular 2-step requires 8% in Phase 2. TFT's Phase 2 target is lower and easier to achieve.
Q3: Does The Funded Trader have a 0-step or direct funded option?
No. The Funded Trader requires passing either a 1-step (Royal) or 2-step (Standard) challenge. Sway Funded's Instant account allows direct funded access without evaluation.
Q4: Which platforms does The Funded Trader support?
The Funded Trader supports MT4, MT5, and DXtrade. Sway Funded uses their proprietary Liquid Charts platform only.
Q5: How does payout processing compare between the two firms?
Sway Funded processes payouts within 24 hours via direct crypto transfer. The Funded Trader uses Deel for payouts (crypto and bank wire), which has variable processing times. Sway Funded is faster on the crypto payout specifically.
Q6: Does The Funded Trader use EOD or intraday trailing drawdown?
The Funded Trader uses EOD (end-of-day) trailing drawdown as standard. Sway Funded uses intraday trailing drawdown by default, which is stricter for traders who experience intraday volatility. Sway Funded can convert to EOD with a paid add-on.
Q7: Which firm is cheaper to get started with?
With the FIRST discount code, Sway Funded's first challenge entry is typically lower than TFT's comparable account sizes. TFT pricing varies by model, but Sway Funded's 50% off discount is a meaningful cost advantage for first-time challenges.
Q8: Does The Funded Trader have a loyalty program?
No. The Funded Trader does not have a token-based loyalty program. Sway Funded's SFT system with Mystery Boxes, daily login rewards, and Sway PLUS is unique to their platform.
Q9: What profit split do both firms offer?
Both firms offer up to 90% profit split. Sway Funded's default is 80% (upgradeable to 90% with the Fixed Drawdown add-on). TFT reaches 90% through their standard programme structure.
Q10: Which firm is better for traders who use MetaTrader EAs?
The Funded Trader is the better choice for EA traders, as it supports MT4 and MT5 where most EAs are built. Sway Funded uses Liquid Charts, which doesn't run standard MetaTrader EAs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Sway Funded and The Funded Trader?
The key differences are drawdown type (TFT EOD standard vs Sway Funded intraday trailing default), platform (TFT MT4/MT5/DXtrade vs Sway Funded Liquid Charts), and payout methods (TFT bank wire via Deel, Sway Funded crypto-only). Sway Funded counters with a 0-step Instant account and lower pricing with code FIRST.
Which firm has a lower Phase 2 profit target?
The Funded Trader's Standard 2-step model requires 5% profit in Phase 2. Sway Funded's Regular 2-step requires 8% in Phase 2. TFT's Phase 2 target is lower.
Does The Funded Trader have a 0-step or direct funded option?
No. The Funded Trader requires passing either a 1-step (Royal) or 2-step (Standard) challenge. Sway Funded's Instant account allows direct funded access without evaluation.
Which platforms does The Funded Trader support?
The Funded Trader supports MT4, MT5, and DXtrade. Sway Funded uses their proprietary Liquid Charts platform only.
How does payout processing compare between the two firms?
Sway Funded processes payouts within 24 hours via direct crypto. The Funded Trader uses Deel for payouts with variable processing times. Sway Funded is faster on crypto payouts specifically.
Does The Funded Trader use EOD or intraday trailing drawdown?
The Funded Trader uses EOD trailing drawdown as standard. Sway Funded uses intraday trailing drawdown by default, convertible to EOD with a paid add-on.
Which firm is cheaper to get started with?
With the FIRST discount code, Sway Funded's first challenge entry is typically lower than TFT's comparable account sizes. Sway Funded's 50% discount is a meaningful cost advantage for first-time challenges.
Does The Funded Trader have a loyalty program?
No. The Funded Trader does not have a token-based loyalty program. Sway Funded's SFT system with Mystery Boxes and daily login rewards is unique to their platform.
What profit split do both firms offer?
Both firms offer up to 90% profit split. Sway Funded's default is 80% (upgradeable to 90% with the Fixed Drawdown add-on). TFT reaches 90% through their standard programme.
Which firm is better for traders who use MetaTrader EAs?
The Funded Trader is better for EA traders as it supports MT4 and MT5 where most EAs are built. Sway Funded uses Liquid Charts, which doesn't run standard MetaTrader EAs.
