How to get money from forex? A 7-step guide you need in 2025

In 2025, more people are turning to forex trading to grow their income, whether as a side hustle or full-time career. So, the main thing they care about is how to get money from forex. In this guide, I’ll share 7 simple but powerful steps that have helped me, and many others, make real money from forex. Whether you’re brand new or looking to level up, you’ll find clear, practical tips to help you start trading smarter and more confidently.

1. What is forex trading? How to get money from forex trading by understanding how it works?

To make money from forex, you first need to understand what it is.

Forex (short for foreign exchange) is the process of trading currencies, like buying euros and selling US dollars, based on how their values change. With daily transactions exceeding $7 trillion, the forex market is the most liquid and expansive financial arena globally.

So, how does forex trading work?

Let’s say you think the euro will go up in value compared to the dollar. You can buy the EUR/USD pair. If you're right and the euro strengthens, you sell it later for a profit. This is called “going long.” If you think the euro will fall, you “go short,” which means selling first and buying back later when the price drops.

That’s the basic idea behind how to get money from forex trading, buy low, sell high (or vice versa).

1.1. How traders really make money

Profitable forex traders rely on strategy, not gut feelings. They follow a system. Most of the time, they look for small but steady gains. For example, they might aim to earn 20–50 pips (price points) per trade and avoid high-risk moves. Others use “carry trades” to earn interest from differences between currencies, like buying one with a high interest rate and selling one with a low rate.

From my own journey, I’ve found that having a solid plan and staying disciplined makes all the difference. It’s sticking to what works and improving step by step.

2. Why is the forex market a major investment opportunity for investors?

Many people ask, “Is forex really worth getting into?” After years of experience, my answer is simple: yes, if you know what you’re doing.

The foreign exchange market isn’t just the biggest financial market in the world, it’s also one of the most accessible. Whether you're starting with $100 or $10,000, there’s room to grow. But like any investment, it comes with both upsides and risks.

Let’s look at the pros and cons:

2.1. Understanding why the potential rewards often justify the inherent risks involved

In my experience, the benefits of forex trading are huge, especially if you learn how to manage the risks. The market's 24/5 schedule means you can trade before or after work. High liquidity allows for fast and efficient trade execution. And because forex doesn’t require a large account to start, it's perfect for newer investors who want to learn while earning how to get money from forex.

Sure, leverage can hurt if used wrong. But it also gives you the potential to scale faster than most markets. That’s why smart traders focus on risk management, not just profits.

2.2. What makes forex so attractive right now?

In 2025, inflation, interest rate changes, and geopolitical events are causing major moves in currencies. This volatility creates more opportunities for those who are prepared. Forex rewards informed traders who follow the news, build strategies, and practice discipline. With so many tools available today, demo accounts, mobile trading apps, and free education, there’s never been a better time to start.

3. How to get money from forex? A 7-step guide every trader must know

Whether you're a curious beginner or someone who's flirted with forex trading before, the question is always the same: "How do I actually make money from forex?". This guide breaks down how to get money from forex in 7 actionable steps, helping you avoid costly mistakes and focus on what truly works.

Step 1: Learn about forex trading, especially forex terminology

Back when I started, I underestimated how much forex is like learning a new language. It’s not just about “buy low, sell high.” You must understand how forex trading works, the players involved, and the terms they use.

Foreign exchange, or forex, is the most expansive trading market worldwide. Currencies are traded in pairs (e.g., EUR/USD), and profits come from the fluctuations in exchange rates. But if you don’t speak the language, you’ll always be a step behind. Let's look at one of the most important concepts:

Bid-Ask Spread: A key pricing concept every investor should understand

Every forex quote has two prices: the bid and the ask.

• The bid price represents what the market is willing to pay for your base currency.
• The ask price is what you must pay to purchase the base currency.
• The gap between the bid and ask prices is known as the spread.

Think of it as your broker’s fee baked into every trade. For example, on the EUR/USD, if the bid is 1.1050 and the ask is 1.1052, the 0.0002 difference is the spread. It may look small, but when trading large volumes, spreads can eat into profits fast. To get your money from forex, mastering how spreads affect your entries and exits is crucial.

Step 2: Identify a forex trading strategy that suits you and create a plan

I once made the mistake of copying someone else’s strategy without considering my risk appetite. Don’t do that.

Instead, explore the three main types of strategies:

• Technical Analysis: Using price charts, patterns, and indicators.
• Fundamental Analysis: Studying economic news, interest rates, GDP.
• News Trading: Profiting from short-term volatility post-announcements.

Pick a strategy that matches your personality and decision-making style. Are you patient or impulsive? Do you love numbers or news? Based on this, design a trading plan that outlines: Entry/exit criteria, risk management (e.g., 1–2% per trade), and weekly trading hours; all of which are essential steps in how to get money from forex effectively.

Learn how to use tools and indicators

Once you pick a strategy, the next step is visualization.

• Line Charts: Best for spotting long-term trends. Simple, clean.
• Bar Charts: Show open, high, low, and close prices. Great for intraday traders.
• Candlestick Charts: My favorite. They reveal not just prices, but trader psychology.

For example, you spot a “hammer” pattern (a bullish reversal sign) at a support level. You combine this with an RSI indicator below 30 (oversold), and you now have a high-probability trade setup. 

Step 3: Connect with a reliable forex broker to set up your account

You can have the best strategy in the world, but if your broker is shady, you’ll never see your profits. Here’s a quick checklist to evaluate brokers:

• Regulation: In the U.S., make sure they’re CFTC-regulated.
• Platform: User-friendly platforms like MetaTrader 4 or cTrader.
• Customer Support: Test their response before depositing money.
• Fees: Low spreads, no hidden charges.

A good broker is like a business partner, you need transparency, trust, and tools to succeed.

Step 4: Start practicing and applying what you've learned using a demo account

Before risking a single dollar, open a demo account. It’s free money (on paper), but it trains you to master:

• Order types (market, limit, stop).
• Position sizing.
• Managing emotions.

I practiced for 3 months before going live. I treated each demo trade like real money, which made my transition smoother.

Choose the currency pair

Each currency pair behaves differently and carries unique risk profiles.

• Begin with major pairs such as EUR/USD or USD/JPY for better stability and tighter spreads. They’re liquid, stable, and have tighter spreads.
• Avoid exotic pairs like USD/ZAR (South African Rand) unless you understand the risks.

Focusing on 1–2 pairs at the start helps you master their behavior and avoid overwhelm. It’s a smart way to begin learning how to get money from forex without taking unnecessary risks.

Step 5: Begin your profit journey with small investment steps

Now, it’s time to go live, but don’t rush. Start with micro-lots or the smallest trade size your broker allows. The goal isn’t to get rich overnight, but to stay alive long enough to learn.

I started with $200 and made only $3 in my first month. But I didn’t lose. That was a win in itself. You don’t need a big win to feel progress; what you need is consistency.

Step 6: Monitor your holdings

Checking your positions daily is protection. Use tools like:

• Stop-Loss Orders: To automatically close losing trades.
• Take-Profit Orders: To secure profits without emotional interference.
• Trade Alerts: To stay updated with price levels and news.

Also, maintain enough margin in your account. If your balance drops too low, your broker may auto-close your positions. 

Step 7: Track your trading journal and improve continuously

Finally, document everything. Keep a trading journal that includes:

• Date and time of trade.
• Entry/exit price and reason.
• What worked, what didn’t.

Once a week, review your trades. Look for patterns, not just in the market, but in your own behavior. This is how professional traders think. They chase consistency instead of profits.

See more related articles:

• How big is the foreign exchange market? Inside a global financial giant
• What is currency converter historical rates? Historical exchange rates of 7 major currency pairs
• What time does the forex market open? Track the 24-hour cycle across the 4 major trading sessions

4. Key factors investors must consider to avoid mistakes when practicing how to get money from forex

Before you start dreaming about turning $500 into five figures, let’s pause. One thing I’ve learned after years in the forex market is this: understanding what can go wrong is just as important as knowing what can go right. If you want to truly master how to get money from forex trading, you need to see the traps before you fall into them.

Let’s walk through the five critical challenges every trader should understand before making their first dollar, or losing it.

4.1. Market volatility speed

Forex markets move fast, blazingly fast. I still remember January 2015, when the Swiss National Bank removed its euro peg. Within minutes, the Swiss franc soared nearly 30%, wiping out accounts of even seasoned traders. More recently, between 2022 and 2024, the Japanese yen experienced wild swings triggered by government interventions.

4.2. The speed of the market doesn’t wait for your emotions to catch up. Even a few seconds of hesitation can lead to steep losses. So if you're trying to figure out how to get your money from forex trading, realize first that staying informed, disciplined, and responsive to breaking news is not optional, it's survival.

4.2. Using leverage in trading

Forex brokers often promote leverage like it’s a gift, “Control $50,000 with just $1,000!” It sounds exciting until you realize that leverage magnifies both wins and losses.

Let’s break it down: a 2% market move against a 50:1 leveraged trade can wipe out your entire position. When learning how to get money from forex after a loss, most traders discover it wasn’t the strategy, it was over-leverage.

If you’re just starting out, keep leverage low. Focus on staying in the game, not trying to win it overnight.

4.3. Various factors affecting the forex market

Unlike stocks, forex isn’t moved by earnings reports, it dances to a global rhythm. That rhythm includes:

• Central bank policies.
• Inflation data.
• Employment figures.
• Geopolitical shifts.
• Global trade trends.
• Market sentiment.

If you're serious about how to get money from forex, understand that this market rewards those who continuously learn. Read global news, follow interest rate policies, and interpret what these mean in real time.

4.4. Psychological challenges

The biggest enemy in forex trading is often the person staring back at you in the mirror. Emotions, especially fear and greed, can derail even the best trading plan.

Emotional pitfalls like:

• Revenge trading after a loss are common and costly.
• Holding losers too long.
• Cutting winners too short.
• Ignoring your plan in moments of panic.

Add to that the 24-hour nature of the forex market, and you’ve got the perfect storm for burnout. When I started, I used to watch the charts all night. It didn’t make me money, it made me tired, impulsive, and mistake-prone.

To make money from forex sustainably, you must build emotional discipline. Use stop-loss orders. Automate exits. And most importantly, take breaks. Clear mind, better trades.

4.5. Transaction costs

This one surprised me the most when I was a beginner: even tiny costs add up. Every time you place a trade, you're paying the spread, the difference between the bid and ask price.

It seems small, maybe a few pips. But over hundreds of trades, that’s real money out of your pocket before any profit lands in it.

If you’re a frequent trader, choosing a broker with low spreads is critical. Also, avoid overtrading. Sometimes, doing nothing is more profitable than chasing every market blip.

6. Types of forex markets investors should consider when learning how to get money from forex

Understanding the different forex markets is like learning which tools to use for the job. Here’s what you need to know:

7. FAQs: Common questions when searching for how to get money from forex

7. 1. How much money do I need to start forex trading?

You can start with as little as $100, but success depends on risk management and strategy, not just capital size. Focus on learning first.

7.2. What is the safest way to use leverage in forex?

Keep leverage low (like 10:1 or less) when starting out. High leverage can wipe out your account quickly, so prioritize staying in the game.

7.3. Is forex trading really profitable for beginners?

Yes, but only with discipline and a solid plan. Beginners should start small, practice with demo accounts, and avoid chasing big wins early.

7.4. How long does it typically take to start making consistent money from forex?

It varies, but most traders see consistent profits after 6-12 months of dedicated learning, practicing, and refining their strategies.

7.5. How do I avoid emotional mistakes in forex trading?

Keep a trading journal, use automated stop-losses, and take regular breaks. Emotional discipline is key to consistent profits in forex.

8. Conclusion: Learn how to get money from forex step by step – A top opportunity for investors

By reading this guide, you’ve already stepped ahead of most new traders. You now understand how to get money back from forex isn’t about blind luck, it’s about informed action. You’ve learned:

• 7 steps for beginners to learn “how to get your money from forex step by step”.
• The five major pitfalls to avoid.
• The core market types and how to approach them.
• Success in forex demands mental resilience, structured planning, and consistent strategy.

Forex is a long game that rewards preparation, discipline, and adaptability. But the opportunity is real. With daily trading volumes over $7 trillion and the growing accessibility of platforms and education in 2025, there’s never been a better time to get started.

To take the next step in your how to get money from forex trading journey, explore our “Forex Basics” and downloadable planning resources on the H2T Finance platform. Success in forex starts with the right knowledge, and now you have the foundation to build on it.