Copytrading — Scam or Legitimate Opportunity to Make Money?

Published: 17 February 2026 20:52
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What is copy trading and how it works

Copy trading is an automated trading strategy where a user copies the trades of more experienced traders.
The principle of copy trading is quite simple: an investor chooses a successful trader, configures copying parameters, and connects to their trading strategy. All trades that the lead trader opens and closes are automatically duplicated in the subscriber's account proportionally to the allocated amount.

Key stages of copy trading:

  1. Analysis and selection of the trader — studying performance statistics, drawdowns, trading style
  2. Parameter setup — determining the investment amount, risk limits
  3. Automatic copying — the system duplicates all actions of the selected trader
  4. Monitoring results — tracking profits and adjusting the strategy if necessary

Copy trading performance statistics

According to a Bitget exchange study, among copy traders 93% of participants in futures trading and 82% of spot traders achieve profitability. The combined profit of users exceeded 74 million USDT, indicating the potential effectiveness of the strategy.

Main statistical data:

MetricValueSource/Comment
Average return of copy traders10–15% per monthAverage across exchanges
Minimum amount to start50 USDTBybit, BingX
Typical trader fee8–15% of profitsAccording to exchanges
Time saved on trading23%Estimated by Bitget
Share of profitable copy traders (futures)93%Bitget study
Share of profitable copy traders (spot)82%Bitget study
Total users' profit74M USDTAccording to Bitget

However, it is important to note that copy trading reduces the time spent on the exchange by 23%, making it attractive for busy investors.

The dark side of copy trading: risks and pitfalls

Despite attractive statistics, copy trading carries significant risks. A study conducted on the Binance platform analyzing 300,000 trades showed discouraging results.

Main problems of copy trading

  1. High risks and drawdowns. To achieve impressive returns many traders use extreme leverage up to 50x. This leads to situations where, when a trader's ROI is +6491%, more than 90% of their subscribers lose money.
  2. Lack of predictability. Analysis of the Sharpe ratio showed that past successes do not guarantee future results. A trader with a Sharpe ratio of 10 and one with -10 have equal chances of success in a new trade.
  3. Dependence on market conditions. Most traders are profitable only in a rising market and lose money during a downturn. This indicates a lack of universal strategies.

How copy trading works on Bybit

Bybit offers one of the most developed platforms for copy trading with flexible settings and a user-friendly interface.

Features of copy trading on Bybit

  1. Minimum amount: 50 USDT.
  2. Fee: 10% of profits.
  3. Copying modes: smart copying and advanced mode.
  4. Instruments: futures and spot trading.

Register on the Bybit crypto exchange

Security settings on Bybit

  1. Limit leverage.
  2. Choose margin mode (cross or isolated).
  3. Set stop-loss.
  4. Limit trading pairs.

Users note that the service is convenient and understandable even for beginners. However, it is important to carefully choose the trader to copy.

Copy trading on BingX: features and advantages

BingX offers an alternative approach to copy trading with some unique features:

Key characteristics of BingX:

  1. Minimum amount: 50 USDT.
  2. Fee: 8% of profits (lower than Bybit).
  3. Copy mode: fixed margin for each trade.

Register on the BingX crypto exchange

Comparison of Bybit and BingX

ParameterBybitBingX
Minimum amount50 USDT50 USDT
Trader fee10% of profits8% of profits
Supported instrumentsFutures, spotFutures, spot
Copying modesSmart, advancedFixed margin
Risk settingsStop-loss, limitsPair restrictions
Mobile appYesYes
VerificationKYC requiredKYC required
Language supportRussianRussian

Practical tips for beginner copy traders

Choosing a reliable trader

  1. Analyze long-term statistics — avoid traders with extreme returns.
  2. Study maximum drawdown — preferably no more than 20–30%.
  3. Check account age — traders with at least 6 months of history are preferred.
  4. Evaluate the number of followers — more followers = more trust.

Risk management

  1. Diversification — spread capital among 3–5 traders.
  2. Limits — use stop-losses and investment caps.
  3. No more than 30% of capital — do not invest all funds in copy trading.
  4. Monitoring — check performance weekly.

Psychological aspects

Copy trading may create a false sense of security. Even the most successful traders incur losses. Be prepared for temporary drawdowns and do not rely on "miracle returns."

Alternatives to copy trading

If you have doubts about the effectiveness of copy trading, consider other strategies:

  1. Algo trading — trading bots based on programmable strategies
  2. Self-directed trading — learning technical analysis and market logic
  3. Managed accounts — regulated investment companies with transparent reporting

Conclusion: scam or opportunity?

Copy trading cannot be categorically labeled a scam or a panacea. It is a tool with high return potential, but also corresponding risks.

Copy trading is suitable if:

  1. You understand the risks.
  2. You are willing to spend time selecting a trader.
  3. It is only part of your portfolio.
  4. You invest for the long term.

Copy trading is not suitable if:

  1. You expect guaranteed profit.
  2. You have no time for monitoring.
  3. You are not ready for losses.
  4. It is your primary source of income.

Statistics show: with a competent approach, copy trading can be effective. But remember — there is no easy money in investing. Profit is always associated with risks.