Most investors begin by understanding how stocks work and getting comfortable with trading tools.
But knowledge alone doesn’t always make putting money on the line feel any less daunting.
That’s why many turn to paper trading — a practical way to gain experience before investing real funds.
What is Paper Trading (Demo Account)?
Paper trading, also known as demo or virtual trading, allows you to place trades using virtual funds in real market conditions.
With a demo account, you can:
Buy and sell stocks
Monitor price movements in real time
Access market data and charting tools
In essence, it’s a way to practise trading without using real money. It helps you get comfortable with the platform, experiment with different strategies, and understand how the market works before committing real capital. This makes it useful not only for beginners learning the ropes, but also for more experienced investors looking to test more complex strategies.
How to Access the Tiger Brokers Demo Account
You can access the demo account directly within the Tiger Trade app.
Here’s how to get started:
Log in or register for an account
Tap on Demo Account on the homepage to activate your access.
Alternatively, head to Profile tab, and tap on Demo Account
Start paper trading with US$1,000,000 in virtual funds
Tap on the Portfolio tab to track your performance
The demo account is free to use, and you do not need to open or fund your account to get started.
How to Practise Trading with a Demo Account
When using a demo account, the goal isn’t just to place as many trades as possible — it’s to build good habits and understand how the market works.
Here’s how to make the most of it
Start with a simple plan
Before you begin, define what you want to achieve. Set a basic plan that outlines your goals, risk tolerance, and when you would enter or exit a trade.
If you’re unsure where to start, refer to our article on financial goals to better understand what aligns with your objectives.
Get familiar with the platform
Spend time understanding how everything works:
How to place trades and use different order types
How to read charts and use indicators or alerts
How to track your portfolio and positions
How to access market data
This builds confidence and makes trading more intuitive over time.
Trade based on real market movements
Even though you’re using virtual funds, the market data is real. Pay attention to price movements and how markets react to specific news events and market data.
Test and refine different strategies
Use the demo account to explore different approaches. Focus on one strategy at a time and practise under different market conditions to improve your adaptability.
Practise risk management
This is the best time to build habits that matter in the long run:
Set stop-loss orders
Manage position sizes
Control overall portfolio risk
Review your trades
Track your trades and portfolio performance. Reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and where you can improve. Use your data to learn and refine your approach.
Repeat and improve
Consistency is key. Keep practising, review your progress, and adjust your plan along the way. Over time, this builds both confidence and competence.
Final Note
While a demo account may not fully replicate the emotions of investing with real money, it provides a practical way to build experience and confidence. A demo account provides you the space to learn, make mistakes, and improve. For many investors, it’s a valuable first step in moving from understanding the markets to investing with greater clarity and confidence.
When you feel ready to take the next step, explore our Where’s Your Next Step campaign page for more ways to get started, along with our welcome promotions that offer additional perks when you open and fund your account.
Disclaimer: Investing involves risks. This content does not constitute financial advice. It should not be interpreted as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial products. Any related discussions, comments, or posts by the author or other users should not be seen as such. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not take into account your individual investment goals, financial circumstances, or needs. Tiger Brokers makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information. Investors are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult a professional advisor before making any investment decisions. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.