Copy Trading: What it is and How to Get Started. What they don't tell you

June 30, 2026

Would you like to invest but have less time? Discover what Copy Trading is and how it can help you grow your finances. Thanks to the advancements in the internet and increased accessibility, trading is a much more widespread activity today.

Nueva llamada a la acción

While trading was an attractive option for many, not everyone managed to profit from this investment through financial speculation.

And the reason for this has to do with how complicated it is to master the principles of technical analysis. However, options like Social Trading or Copy Trading make the process easier, opening the door to a range of possibilities.

Discover how to do Copy Trading and what benefits this method offers, especially for those with less experience in the investment world.

What is copy trading?

Broadly speaking, it's a trading style that involves copying or replicating the operations of a professional trader. These operations are also known as "positions."

To make money with trading it's necessary to have theoretical and practical knowledge. And while this is achievable, it can take some time.

Whereas, with this style, you can start your operations even if you have less experience. In fact, thanks to the development of innovative algorithms, it's possible to do automatic Copy Trading.

How does it work?

Given the basic definition of what this style is, it's easy to think that it's a very simple modality that involves fewer responsibilities. But this isn't entirely true.

As an investor, you still need to pay attention to certain aspects, especially when choosing the trader whose operations you will copy or replicate.

Today, many professional traders implement highly successful strategies based on chart analysis and certain indicators.

This doesn't mean it's a risk-free method, but it helps you progress when you lack experience in the trading world. An important characteristic of this style is that operations are usually managed automatically.

It's not recommended to start with this method without considering key terms, such as ROI (Return on Investment). This is what will help you select a trader whose performance is more advanced and, therefore, safer.

How to get started step-by-step?

If you've made it this far, you're probably interested in learning how to start your operations in this trading method. There are a series of steps you need to follow to invest in it.

While some steps may vary depending on the trading platform you choose, these instructions generally apply to getting started with Copy Trading.

Nueva llamada a la acción

Choosing a copy trading platform

Currently, there's a wide variety of online platforms or brokers for Copy Trading. It's important to choose an option that aligns with your interests.

To do this, it's important to inform yourself about some key aspects, such as commission rates. Just like with investments, there's a certain amount of money we need to allocate to the platform.

Likewise, the option to replicate the strategies of a professional trader is also usually subject to a cost. It's important to consider other users' opinions about the platform, as well as the site's certification.

Create an account

Once you've found the best platform for Copy Trading, it's time to create your account. To do this, you'll need to create a user with your login details and follow the instructions provided by the broker.

An important tip if you want to get started with this type of investment is to watch specific tutorials for the platform you choose. While opening an account is usually very straightforward, it's also advisable to use an intuitive broker.

Choosing a trader to follow

Typically, trading platforms have a feature that helps connect users with a professional trader.

In this step, the most important thing is to set certain goals; it's time to reflect on what you want to achieve with your trades.

Do you want to prioritize security over the level of return? Or do you prefer

to take more risks if it means potentially higher profits? Depending on the trader's style, you can achieve one objective or the other.

Setting up your account

It's necessary to configure certain aspects of your account, such as the capital allocated for your financial operations.

If you have a bit more experience in the trading world, you can look into options available for diversifying your investments, or the existence of a demo account for practice sessions.

It's also advisable to assess whether trades are managed with leverage and to set criteria that prioritize security to avoid misusing your capital.

Copying Trades

For this step, you can choose between two options. Some platforms allow you to copy trades manually. The benefit of this alternative is that it helps you get familiar with the platform faster, and it's ideal for learning more about trading.

However, if your time is much more limited you can choose to copy trades automatically. To do this, you need to set a series of preferences, such as the maximum capital per position or the loss limit per trade.

Maintain Constant Monitoring

There's no doubt that Copy Trading is a great ally for anyone who wants to invest but has less experience or available time.

However, one of the main mistakes is believing that it's a 100% simple method or that it allows you to make a fortune overnight. The best thing you can do is keep track of your trades.

You should assess whether the performance or style of the trader you are copying has indeed reflected the expected results. Remember that you can make any adjustments you deem appropriate.

How profitable is copy trading?

Copy trading can be a profitable strategy, but its success depends on several factors. Here's a detailed analysis of its profitability:

Advantages of Copy Trading

  1. Access to Expert Strategies: Allows investors to replicate the trades of experienced and successful traders.
  2. Practical Learning: Investors can learn by observing the strategies and decisions of expert traders.
  3. Diversification: It facilitates portfolio diversification by following multiple traders with different approaches and strategies.
  4. Time Saving: Ideal for investors who don't have time to analyze the market or actively trade.

Factors Affecting Profitability

  1. Trader Selection: Profitability largely depends on the skill and performance of the trader you choose to copy. It's crucial to research and select traders with a consistent track record and strategies suitable for your risk profile.
  2. Market and Economic Conditions: Returns can vary depending on market conditions and the global economy. Market volatility can significantly impact results.
  3. Commissions and Costs: Some platforms charge commissions or fees for copy trading services, which can reduce profits.
  4. Trader Risk: Not all traders have the same risk tolerance. It's important to understand the level of risk the trader is taking and ensure it aligns with your investment goals.

Potential Profitability

  • Success Stories: There are numerous examples of investors who have achieved significant returns through copy trading. By following successful traders, some investors have made considerable gains.
  • Potential Losses: Like any form of investment, copy trading also carries risks. Copied traders may experience periods of losses, which can negatively impact the investor's profitability.

Strategies to Maximize Profitability:

  1. Research and Analysis: Research traders before copying them. Observe their history, strategy, risk level, and long-term performance.
  2. Diversification: Don't put all your funds into a single trader. Diversify by copying multiple traders with different strategies and approaches.
  3. Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor the performance of the traders you are copying and adjust your portfolio as needed.
  4. Set Limits: Use risk management tools like stop-loss to limit potential losses.

Copy trading can be profitable, but it is not without risks. Profitability depends on the choice of trader, market conditions, and risk management. It is essential to conduct thorough research, diversify investments, and continuously monitor performance to maximize the chances of success.

Platforms for copy trading

One of the fundamental steps to getting started as a Copy trader (which is the name given to those who invest in this modality) is to select a platform for investing.

Although there are many brokers for trading, it is appropriate to look for the safest, most accessible, and most functional option. Take a look at the following recommendations.

eToro

For many, this is the best platform for Copy trading; in fact, this style first emerged on this broker. Part of the platform's success is due to the facilities it offers for managing this modality.

In addition to allowing users to copy the strategies of the best traders, it facilitates interaction among users. This enables sharing tips and knowledge. Today, this broker has over 6 million active users.

ZuluTrade

If you're looking for variety when choosing a professional trader for Copy Trading, then this is a good option. It features more than 100,000 signal providers.

One of the benefits of this tool is its features that allow you to select traders based on their performance and exposure. They are also categorized by the minimum capital required to copy their trades.

Darwinex

This broker simplifies building an investment portfolio thanks to its wide range of features. While its commission rates aren't the lowest, they're not the highest either.

One of Darwinex's benefits for Copy Trading is the ability to use a demo account for practice.

NAGA Trader

The platform supports Social Trading strategies with financial assets like cryptocurrencies. Learn how to make money with cryptocurrencies.

In addition to being a regulated and highly transparent broker, it offers a wide range of features, which are particularly useful for beginners.

Tradeo

This is a regulated broker that provides access to a wide range of assets. For example, it allows investing in CFDs or cryptocurrencies. Although it is an

intuitive and very advanced platform, it is currently more limited regarding accepting new users.

Diversify Your Investments with Domoblock

Would you like to grow your finances securely? Without a doubt, Domoblock is the best platform for this, as it not only specializes in real estate crowdfunding and real estate tokenization. it also makes it easy to invest from as little as 200 euros, guaranteeing a 10% annual return.

One of investors' main concerns is the delay in getting a return. But with this platform, the recovery of your investment happens in less than 8 months.

If you're interested in knowing what other investments exist and where you could invest some of your money to obtain profitable passive income, visit the platform's blog; you'll find articles discussing investing in startups, types of real estate investments, best investments in times of crisis and more.

Is Copy Trading worth investing in?

Absolutely! While it's not a risk-free investment method, it offers significant benefits for those starting out as traders.

It's an option that offers a high level of customization and reveals many features to leverage operations according to each investor's preference, for example, with automated investing.

What is the minimum amount for copy trading?

The minimum amount required for copy trading varies depending on the platform you choose and the specific policies of each service. Here's a breakdown of the minimum requirements on some of the most popular copy trading platforms:

eToro

  • Minimum deposit: On eToro, the initial minimum deposit varies depending on the user's country of residence, but generally ranges from $50 to $200.
  • Minimum amount to copy a trader: The minimum amount to copy a specific trader is $200.

ZuluTrade

  • Minimum deposit: The minimum deposit on ZuluTrade depends on the associated broker you choose, but it is usually around $300 to $500.
  • Minimum amount to copy a trader: ZuluTrade does not have a specific minimum amount to copy a trader, but it recommends having at least $500 to $1,000 to diversify properly.

Covesting (on PrimeXBT)

  • Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit on PrimeXBT is generally low, around $0.001 BTC.
  • Minimum amount to copy a trader: On Covesting, the minimum amount to copy a trader is approximately $10.

MetaTrader (via various brokers)

  • Minimum Deposit: Minimum deposit requirements depend on the broker you use with MetaTrader, but generally start at around $100.
  • Minimum amount to copy a trader: Similar to ZuluTrade, there is no fixed minimum amount, but having an adequate amount to diversify is recommended.

Recommendations:

  1. Research each platform: Before you start, check the specific requirements of the platform you're interested in, as these can change.
  2. Diversification: Although the minimum amount may be low, consider investing more to diversify by copying multiple traders.
  3. Start with minimum capital: If you're new to copy trading, start with the minimum necessary to familiarize yourself with the platform and the strategy of the trader you're copying.

The minimum amount for copy trading varies between platforms, but generally ranges from $50 to $500. It's crucial to research the policies of your chosen platform and consider starting with a modest amount while you familiarize yourself with the process and the strategies of the traders you plan to copy.

Sergio Navarro

Expert in blockchain, investments, and personal finance

Share on your social media

Do you like what you're reading?

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Do you like what you're reading?

Subscribe to our newsletter!

En curso

Villareal | Castellón

Josep Ramón Batalla, 54

DOMO-CS-2
Flipping building

Funded

100%

647.323,06 €

Target

647.323,06 €

Rentabilidad estimada:
12,64%
Duración estimada:
12 meses
Chat with other investors and ask your questions in our Telegram group

Related articles