Maverick Trading

About Maverick Trading

Maverick Trading is one of the longest-running proprietary trading firms in the United States, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Unlike most modern prop firms that focus on forex or futures through challenge-based evaluations, Maverick Trading operates as a traditional proprietary trading firm that recruits, trains, and funds traders primarily in stocks and options, with a separate forex (FX) division.

The firm distinguishes itself through its comprehensive training approach. Maverick Trading offers over 250 hours of structured instruction to its Stock/Options Division traders, covering everything from risk management to advanced options strategies. The training program is divided into three phases: qualification, intensive trading education, and live trading. Traders work with assigned risk managers who guide their development and ensure proper risk controls are maintained.

Maverick Trading operates on a membership model rather than the challenge-based system used by most online prop firms. Traders pay an upfront lifetime membership fee, complete the qualification program, and then progress through a six-level system from Associate Trader (Levels 1-2) through Master Trader (Levels 3-4) to Elite Trader (Levels 5-6). Starting capital ranges from $25,000 at Level 1 and can reach up to $800,000 at the highest levels. Traders keep 70% to 80% of profits depending on their performance level. The firm has been featured in CNBC, Forbes, and Seeking Alpha, and has published a trading book titled "Maverick Trading: Professional Techniques to Create Generational Wealth."

How Maverick Trading Works

Maverick Trading's process is more involved than typical online prop firms:

Step 1 - Application and Interview: Prospective traders complete an online application and trader profile, watch an introductory video, and then schedule an interview with the recruiting team. This interview assesses trading interest, goals, and commitment level.

Step 2 - Membership and Training: Accepted applicants pay the lifetime membership fee ($7,000 for Stock/Options Division, $4,000 for FX Division) and enter the Maverick Qualification Program. This includes classes taught by veteran professionals, tests on risk management and trading strategies, and successful demonstration of skills through simulator trading.

Step 3 - Risk Capital and Live Trading: Before going live, traders must post a $5,000 risk capital deposit (Stock/Options Division) or $2,000 refundable deposit (FX Division). They also pay a monthly $199 desk fee. Traders are then assigned a trading account starting at $25,000 to $40,000 (Levels 1-2) and begin trading with guidance from an assigned risk manager.

Step 4 - Progression: Traders advance through six levels by demonstrating consistent profitability. Capital allocation increases at each level, reaching up to $800,000 at Levels 5-6. Profit splits improve with performance, ranging from 70% to 80%.

The key difference from challenge-based prop firms is that Maverick Trading provides ongoing mentorship, risk management oversight, and a structured career path rather than a one-time pass/fail evaluation.

Pricing & Plans

Stock/Options Division

Capital Progression:

• Levels 1-2 (Associate Trader): $25,000 - $40,000
• Levels 3-4 (Master Trader): $100,000 - $400,000
• Levels 5-6 (Elite Trader): Up to $800,000

FX Division

Profit Split: 70% to 80% depending on performance level and consistency.

A portion or all of the monthly desk fees may be credited toward purchasing additional Maverick services or applied toward the required performance bond. Traders also receive a bonus upon generating $7,000 in profits for the firm.

Rules & Restrictions

Maverick Trading is less transparent about its specific trading rules compared to challenge-based prop firms. Known rules and restrictions include:

• Trading Style: Primarily swing and position trading; the firm is known as a top swing and position trading firm
• Risk Management: Each trader works with an assigned risk manager who oversees their trading activity
• Instruments: Stocks and options (Stock/Options Division), forex currencies (FX Division)
• Leverage: Up to 1:50 available
• Expert Advisors/Bots: Not publicly confirmed as supported; the firm emphasizes manual, rule-based trading methodologies
• Copy Trading: Not applicable to the firm's model
• Scalping: Not the firm's primary focus; traders are trained in swing and position trading
• Required Methodology: Traders must follow rule-based tactics and maintain a personalized, detailed trading plan

Specific details on daily loss limits, maximum drawdown, and other quantitative rules are covered during the qualification program and are not publicly disclosed on the firm's website.

Payouts

Maverick Trading pays traders on a monthly basis. Profit withdrawals are processed via electronic fund transfer (bank transfer). Traders keep 70% to 80% of the profits they generate, with the exact split depending on their performance level and consistency.

The monthly payout cycle is standard for traditional prop firms but slower than the weekly or bi-weekly payouts offered by many online challenge-based prop firms. There is no publicly stated minimum payout amount.

Is Maverick Trading Legit?

Maverick Trading is one of the most established proprietary trading firms in existence, having operated continuously since 1997 -- nearly three decades. The firm is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has been featured in major financial media outlets including CNBC, Forbes, and Seeking Alpha. The longevity alone provides a significant trust signal that few competitors can match.

The firm holds approximately a 4.0-star rating on Trustpilot with about 96 reviews. Positive reviews consistently praise the quality of education and mentorship. However, some critical reviews raise concerns about the high upfront costs ($7,000+ membership fee plus $5,000 risk capital), lack of transparency around certain fees, and what some perceive as high-pressure sales tactics during the recruitment process. A few reviewers have compared the fee structure to a "pay to play" model.

It is important to note that Maverick Trading operates fundamentally differently from challenge-based prop firms. The high upfront cost includes comprehensive training, ongoing mentorship, and access to firm capital -- it is essentially buying into a trading career development program rather than paying for a one-time evaluation. Traders who are serious about stocks and options trading and value structured education may find the investment worthwhile, while those looking for a low-cost entry to funded trading may prefer challenge-based alternatives.

FAQ

What is Maverick Trading?

Maverick Trading is a US-based proprietary trading firm founded in 1997 that recruits, trains, and funds traders in stocks, options, and forex. Unlike challenge-based prop firms, Maverick operates as a traditional firm with comprehensive training, mentorship, and a six-level career progression system.

How much does Maverick Trading cost?

The Stock/Options Division requires a $7,000 lifetime membership fee, a $5,000 risk capital deposit, and $199/month in desk fees. The FX Division requires a $4,000 membership fee, a $2,000 refundable deposit, and $199/month in desk fees starting from the second month.

What is Maverick Trading's profit split?

Traders keep between 70% and 80% of the profits they generate, depending on their performance level and consistency within the firm's six-level progression system.

Does Maverick Trading allow EAs/bots?

Maverick Trading does not publicly confirm support for automated trading or Expert Advisors. The firm emphasizes manual, rule-based trading methodologies and provides each trader with a personalized trading plan developed with their risk manager.

Is Maverick Trading available in the US?

Yes, Maverick Trading is based in Salt Lake City, Utah and is fully available to US traders. The firm was founded in the US in 1997 and has operated continuously from the United States for nearly three decades.