Maven Trading Review 2025: 5 Challenge Types from $15 - Complete Analysis
Looking for a prop firm with maximum flexibility and ultra-low entry costs? Maven Trading might be exactly what you need. With 5 unique challenge types starting at just $15, Maven caters to every trading style from aggressive scalpers to patient swing traders. But is it really worth your time and money in 2025?
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, Maven Trading has quickly established itself as a serious contender in the forex prop trading space. With over $60 million paid out to traders worldwide, an 80% profit split, and bi-weekly payouts, Maven offers compelling value for both beginners and experienced traders looking for alternatives to giants like FTMO or Funded Next.
What truly sets Maven apart from the competition is their unprecedented variety of challenge programs. While most prop firms offer just one or two evaluation types, Maven provides five distinct paths to funding: the aggressive 1-Step challenge for confident traders, the traditional 2-Step evaluation, the forgiving 3-Step program with the lowest profit targets, Instant Funding for those who hate evaluations entirely, and Mini challenges designed specifically for beginners with limited capital.
But is Maven Trading right for you? In this comprehensive 3,500+ word review, we'll break down all 5 challenge types in exhaustive detail, analyze the real pros and cons based on trader feedback, explain every trading rule you need to know, compare Maven to major competitors, and give you our honest MLS Score verdict on whether Maven deserves your attention in 2025.
Risk Warning: Forex and CFD trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. According to industry statistics, approximately 70-80% of retail traders lose money. Most traders fail prop firm evaluations on their first attempt. Evaluation fees are typically non-refundable. This review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Trade only with money you can afford to lose completely.
Maven Trading Pricing
Choose your challenge type and account size
All challenges include no time limit • Bi-weekly payouts • Multi-asset trading
1-Step Challenge
Single phase evaluation - pass once and get funded
| Account | 1-Step | 2-Step | 3-Step | Instant | Mini |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2K | |||||
| $5K | |||||
| $10K | |||||
| $25K | |||||
| $50K | |||||
| $100K |
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Maven Trading Challenge Types: Complete Breakdown
Maven Trading's biggest competitive advantage is the sheer variety of challenge programs available. Unlike most prop firms that force you into a one-size-fits-all evaluation, Maven lets you choose the path that best matches your trading style, risk tolerance, and experience level. Here's an exhaustive breakdown of each option:
The 1-Step Challenge is Maven's most aggressive evaluation program, designed for experienced traders who are confident in their abilities and want the fastest path to funding. With a single 10% profit target and no time limit, you can potentially get funded in just a few days if your strategy is solid. However, the higher target means you'll need stronger performance compared to multi-step alternatives.
This challenge type is particularly popular among scalpers and day traders who can consistently generate 1-2% daily returns. If you're the kind of trader who has already proven yourself on demo accounts or with personal capital, the 1-Step is your ticket to fast funding without the tedium of multiple phases.
Pro Tip: The 1-Step is ideal if you have a proven strategy with a win rate above 55% and average risk-reward of 1:1.5 or better. Avoid this challenge if you're still refining your edge.
The 2-Step Challenge follows the traditional prop firm evaluation model pioneered by FTMO and adopted across the industry. You'll need to hit an 8% profit target in Phase 1, followed by a 5% target in Phase 2. The lower individual targets make this more achievable for consistent traders who prefer steady progress over aggressive gains.
This program is Maven's most popular choice among intermediate traders. The two-phase structure serves as a natural filter—it proves you can perform consistently across different market conditions rather than just getting lucky once. Many successful funded traders actually prefer this path because it builds discipline and confidence.
The 3-Step Challenge is Maven's most forgiving evaluation program, featuring the lowest profit targets in the industry. With targets of just 6%, 4%, and 3% across three phases, this program is perfect for conservative traders who prioritize capital preservation and steady growth. The trade-off is longer evaluation time, but many traders find this preferable to the pressure of higher targets.
This is arguably Maven's best value proposition for newer traders. The extremely low targets mean you can trade with minimal risk per position while still progressing toward funding. If you're the type of trader who aims for 0.5-1% daily gains with strict risk management, the 3-Step was designed specifically for you.
Best For: Swing traders, position traders, and anyone who prefers a low-stress evaluation with achievable targets. Also excellent for testing new strategies with real consequences.
Hate evaluations? The Instant Funding program lets you skip them completely and start trading a live funded account immediately after purchase. This is perfect for experienced traders who have already proven themselves elsewhere or simply don't want to waste time and energy on evaluation phases. The trade-off is tighter risk parameters (8% max drawdown vs 10%) and a lower 70% profit split.
While the upfront cost is higher and the profit split lower, many traders calculate that the time saved is worth it. Consider this: if you typically spend 2-3 weeks passing a challenge, that's 2-3 weeks of potential profits you're missing. For active traders generating consistent returns, Instant Funding can actually be more economical despite the higher price tag.
The Mini Challenge is Maven's beginner-friendly program, offering smaller account sizes with proportionally lower entry fees. Starting at just $15 for a $2,000 account, this is the lowest barrier to entry in the entire prop firm industry. Mini accounts are perfect for new traders who want to experience the psychological pressure of prop trading without risking significant capital.
Don't underestimate Mini accounts—they're not just for beginners. Many experienced traders use them to test new strategies, practice discipline, or simply build confidence before scaling up to larger accounts. The 75% profit split is slightly lower than standard challenges, but the ultra-low cost makes them excellent training grounds.
Key Advantages of Maven Trading
After extensive testing and analysis, here are the standout features that make Maven Trading worth considering over competitors:
#1: Industry's Lowest Entry Price ($15)
At just $15 for a Mini 3-Step account, Maven offers the absolute lowest barrier to entry in the prop trading industry. Compare this to FTMO's minimum of $155 or Funded Next's $32 starting price. This makes Maven accessible to traders in developing countries, students, or anyone who wants to test their skills without significant financial commitment.
Value Calculation: Even if you fail 5 Mini challenges at $15 each ($75 total), you've spent less than a single FTMO evaluation. This makes Maven ideal for developing and testing strategies.
#2: Unmatched Challenge Variety (5 Types)
No other prop firm offers this level of customization. Whether you're an aggressive scalper (1-Step), a methodical swing trader (3-Step), or someone who hates evaluations entirely (Instant Funding), Maven has a program tailored to your style. This variety alone justifies the slightly lower profit split compared to single-program competitors.
#3: No Time Limits on Evaluations
Unlike FTMO's 30-day phase limits or TopStep's 40-day maximum, Maven imposes absolutely no time restrictions on any challenge type. Take a month off for vacation? No problem. Want to only trade during high-probability setups? Go ahead. This flexibility is invaluable for part-time traders or those with variable schedules.
#4: Multi-Asset Trading
Trade Forex pairs, major indices (US30, NAS100, SPX500), commodities (Gold, Oil), and even cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH) all from a single Maven account. This diversification capability allows you to capitalize on opportunities across markets rather than being limited to forex-only like some competitors.
#5: Proven Track Record ($60M+ Paid)
With over $60 million paid to traders and a 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating from 1,250+ reviews, Maven has demonstrated they actually pay their traders. In an industry plagued by scams and payout delays, this track record provides genuine peace of mind. They've been operating since 2022 without major controversies.
Disadvantages and Limitations
No prop firm is perfect. Here are the genuine drawbacks you should consider before choosing Maven Trading:
80% Profit Split (No Scaling)
While 80% is competitive, it falls short of industry leaders like Apex Trader Funding (90%) or Lucid Trading (90%). More importantly, Maven offers no scaling program to increase your profit share over time. Long-term traders keeping consistent profits won't see their split improve, unlike firms with loyalty programs that can reach 90%+ after certain milestones.
Minimum 3 Trading Days Requirement
You must trade on at least 3 separate days (2 for Mini) to pass any evaluation. This prevents skilled traders from passing in a single profitable session. While this rule exists to prove consistency, it can be frustrating if you hit your target early and have to wait for the minimum days to elapse. Some competitors like Apex allow same-day passing.
Newer Company (Founded 2022)
Maven doesn't have the decade-long track record of established firms like FTMO (2015), TopStep (2012), or Earn2Trade (2018). While they've shown no red flags, traders who prioritize company longevity may prefer more established options. That said, newer doesn't mean worse—Maven has paid $60M+ without major issues.
No Futures Trading
Maven focuses exclusively on Forex and CFDs—no futures contracts. If you're an ES, NQ, or crude oil futures trader, you'll need to look elsewhere. Consider Apex Trader Funding, TopStep, or Lucid Trading for futures-focused prop trading. Maven is strictly a forex/CFD prop firm.
5% Daily Drawdown Limit
Maven enforces a strict 5% daily drawdown limit on most programs, which can be restrictive for aggressive trading styles. While this protects against catastrophic losses, scalpers who naturally experience higher intraday swings may find this limiting. Some competitors have eliminated daily limits entirely.
Complete Maven Trading Rules
Understanding the rules before you start is crucial for success. Here's everything that's allowed and prohibited at Maven Trading:
Allowed Activities
- News Trading: Trade freely during high-impact economic releases like NFP, FOMC, CPI, etc.
- Weekend Holding: Hold positions over weekends without penalty or forced closure.
- EA/Bots: Use Expert Advisors and automated trading systems (with some restrictions).
- Scalping: No minimum hold time required—scalp freely.
- Swing Trading: Multi-day and multi-week positions allowed.
- Hedging: Open opposite positions in the same instrument within your account.
- Multiple Accounts: Manage multiple Maven accounts simultaneously.
Prohibited Activities
- High-Frequency Trading: HFT strategies that execute hundreds of trades per second.
- Latency Arbitrage: Exploiting price feed delays between brokers.
- Gap Trading: Strategies that deliberately exploit weekend or news gaps.
- Copy Trading: Copying trades from other accounts or signal services.
- Martingale: Progressive position sizing after losses.
- Grid Trading: Opening multiple pending orders at fixed intervals.
- Account Sharing: Letting others trade your account or managing third-party accounts.
Maven Trading Payout Process
Getting paid is what matters most. Here's exactly how Maven's payout process works from request to receipt:
Submit Payout Request
Log into your Maven dashboard, navigate to the withdrawal section, and submit your payout request. Specify the amount and preferred payment method.
Compliance Review (1-3 Business Days)
Maven's team reviews your trading activity to verify rule compliance. This includes checking for prohibited strategies, proper risk management, and account integrity.
Payment Processing
Once approved, choose your payment method: bank wire transfer (3-5 days), cryptocurrency (BTC/USDT - same day), or other available options depending on your region.
Receive Funds
Depending on your payment method, funds arrive within 1-5 business days. Crypto withdrawals are typically fastest, often processed within hours.
MLS Score™ – Maven Trading Rating
Our proprietary rating based on real trader data and performance metrics
5 unique challenge types - best in industry
Starting at $15 - lowest barrier to entry
80% split - competitive but not industry-leading
Flexible rules, no time limit, news trading allowed
Bi-weekly payouts - consistent and reliable
Trustpilot 4.6/5, $60M+ paid out
Methodology: MLS Score™ evaluates prop firms across 6 key categories based on verified trader feedback, payout data, and rule analysis. Updated quarterly.
Our Verdict: Is Maven Trading Worth It in 2025?
Maven Trading earns a solid 4.5/5 MLS Score, placing it among the top-tier forex prop firms we've reviewed. The combination of five unique challenge types, the industry's lowest entry price ($15), and no time limits creates exceptional value for traders of all experience levels.
The 80% profit split is competitive but not market-leading—if maximizing your cut is the priority, firms like Apex (90%) or Lucid Trading (90%) offer better terms. However, Maven's strength lies in its unmatched flexibility and accessibility. Whether you want instant funding, prefer gradual 3-step evaluations with minimal targets, or want to start small with $15 Mini accounts, there's a program perfectly suited to your needs.
For forex and CFD traders specifically, Maven Trading represents one of the best value propositions in 2025. The lack of time pressure, combined with flexible trading rules (news trading, weekend holding, EAs allowed), makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced traders looking for a reliable, well-established prop firm.
Ideal For:
- Forex & CFD traders
- Beginners with limited capital
- Traders wanting multiple challenge options
- Those who need no time pressure
- Swing traders holding overnight
Not Ideal For:
- Futures traders (use Apex instead)
- Those wanting 90%+ profit splits
- HFT or arbitrage traders
- Traders preferring established 10+ year firms
Maven Trading Trustpilot Reviews
What Traders Say About Maven Trading
"Best value prop firm I've tried. $15 to start and no time limit is perfect for learning."
- Verified Trader
"5 different challenge types means I found the perfect fit for my trading style."
- Verified Trader
"Fast payouts and great support. Only wish they had 90% profit split."
- Verified Trader
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the profit split at Maven Trading?
Maven Trading offers 80% profit split for 1-Step, 2-Step, and 3-Step challenges—you keep 80% of all profits generated. Instant Funding accounts have a 70% split due to skipping evaluation, while Mini accounts offer 75%. There is currently no scaling program to increase your profit share over time.
How much does Maven Trading cost?
Prices start at just $15 for a 3-Step Mini $2K account—the lowest in the industry. Standard challenge prices range from $20-$495 depending on account size ($2K to $100K) and challenge type (1-Step costs more than 3-Step for the same account size). Instant Funding accounts range from $35 to $540.
Is there a time limit at Maven Trading?
No, Maven Trading has absolutely no time limit on any challenge type. Take days, weeks, or even months to reach your profit target. This is one of Maven's biggest advantages over competitors like FTMO (30-day limit) or TopStep (40-day limit). You only need to meet the minimum trading days requirement (3 days for most, 2 for Mini).
What platforms does Maven Trading support?
Maven Trading supports MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), both of which are industry-standard platforms with extensive charting capabilities, technical indicators, and Expert Advisor (EA) support. Most forex brokers and prop firms use these platforms, so you're likely already familiar with them.
How often can I get paid at Maven Trading?
Maven Trading offers bi-weekly payouts (every 2 weeks). The minimum withdrawal is $50 with no maximum limit. Payment options include bank wire transfer (3-5 business days), cryptocurrency like BTC or USDT (often same-day), and other regional options. Processing typically takes 1-3 business days after requesting.
Is Maven Trading legit and trustworthy?
Yes, Maven Trading is a legitimate prop firm with over $60 million paid to traders and a 4.6/5 rating on Trustpilot with 1,250+ verified reviews. They're headquartered in the UK and have been operating since 2022 without major controversies or payout issues. While they're newer than established firms like FTMO, their track record is solid.
Can I use Expert Advisors (EAs) at Maven Trading?
Yes, Maven Trading allows EAs and automated trading systems, but with some restrictions. High-frequency trading (HFT), latency arbitrage, and strategies that exploit technical glitches are prohibited. Standard algorithmic strategies based on technical analysis, trend following, or mean reversion are allowed. If you're unsure about a specific EA, contact Maven support before using it.
How does Maven Trading compare to FTMO?
Maven offers more challenge variety (5 types vs FTMO's 2), lower starting prices ($15 vs $155), and no time limits (vs FTMO's 30 days). FTMO has a longer track record (2015 vs 2022) and a refundable fee policy. Profit splits are similar at 80%. Maven is better for budget-conscious traders or those wanting flexibility; FTMO is better for those prioritizing established reputation.
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