⏱ Read Time: 3 minutes
Using an Expert Advisor (EA) in a prop firm challenge sounds like a cheat code, right? Plug it in, sit back, and watch it trade. But hold up—many traders still fail using bots. Here’s why:
❌ 1. Not Checking Prop Firm Rules
Some prop firms ban news trading, hedging, or martingale strategies—and your EA might be doing all three.
Tip: Always read the firm’s rulebook before running any bot.
❌ 2. Running It 24/7 Without Supervision
Yes, it’s automated. No, it’s not autopilot.
Markets change, and your EA might not adapt. Leaving it unchecked could blow your account overnight.
❌ 3. Using Over-Optimized EAs
That EA with 99% win rate in backtests? Probably overfitted to old data.
It might crash and burn in live conditions.
Tip: Test on forward data or demo challenges first.
❌ 4. Ignoring Risk Settings
Many bots go wild with lot sizes or lack proper stop-loss levels.
This breaks firm rules fast—and you’re out.
Always set risk to fit the firm’s daily/overall drawdown limits.
❌ 5. Using EAs You Don’t Understand
If you don’t know how it trades, you can’t fix it when things go wrong.
Don’t just download a free EA and pray—it’s your account on the line.
EAs can be a trader’s best friend—if used right. Understand your bot, respect the rules, and manage risk. That’s how you pass challenges (and stay funded).
