Best Futures Prop Firms
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Introduction to Futures Prop Trading
If you’re searching for the best futures prop firms, you’re likely looking for a low-cost, low-risk way to trade with significant capital. Futures prop trading programs are quite important for traders in the United States. That change happened because the U.S. forbids forex prop firms that are not regulated. This situation makes many forex funding opportunities unavailable to Americans. Futures prop firms fill that gap by providing funded futures accounts that permit trading without using many personal funds. The outcome is beneficial for all. Traders get large trading accounts with a small payment along with the chance of losing personal funds remains small.
What makes these futures prop firms attractive is their affordability and safety net for traders. As an experienced futures trader, I have observed firms such as Apex Trader Funding and My Funded Futures enable traders with limited funds. Apex Trader Funding, for instance, sometimes has special offers that permit access to a $50,000 futures trading account for about $50 with a special code. This cost is substantially lower compared to trading with your own $50,000. My Funded Futures also has cost-effective pricing, with accounts starting at about $80 for $50,000 along with clear rules. Generous drawdown limits protect traders from large losses. Through a simulated evaluation, firms give traders the chance to show their abilities. Success meeting the stated profit goals gets one a funded account. One attractive aspect is the small, set initial cost. Failure in the evaluation limits the loss to this small payment, not personal savings.
This guide explores how to locate a suitable futures prop firm for the individuals. It covers pricing drawdown rules along with discount codes. Andrew Edwards wrote this piece, providing practical knowledge to help a person’s decision. The purpose is to save time and funds by pointing out firms that have good pricing, beneficial drawdown policies as well as plentiful promotions. For beginners or experienced traders, the information is correct, current next to designed to help trade confidently with funded accounts. A person gets a straightforward, mobile-accessible read that focuses on individual requirements. Prepare to learn the futures prop firm that can begin a trading career.
Expert Insight
“Futures prop firms have democratized access to institutional capital, allowing skilled retail traders to earn income proportionate to their skill, not their starting capital. This shift represents one of the most significant developments in the futures trading industry over the past decade.” – Andrew Edwards, CEO of Secrets To Trading 101
In 2025 the futures prop trading business continues to expand. More companies present more competitive agreements as well as new evaluation methods. This guide checks the leading futures prop firms, their evaluation models, profit splits and delivers expert advice on how to maximise your chances of success.
For an experienced futures trader who wants to expand activity, or for a skilled trader who moves from forex or equities to futures markets, this guide gives support. It helps in navigating futures prop firms’ complicated setup and helps traders decide which firm suits their trading method and goals.
Understanding Futures Prop Firms
What Are Futures Prop Firms?
Futures proprietary trading firms are businesses that grant traders capital to participate in futures exchanges. The firms receive part of any trader profit as compensation for providing the funds. Different from older firms where traders worked in an office, current remote firms permit traders to trade company capital from any location.
How Futures Prop Firms Work
Evaluation Phase
Traders must first pass a trading challenge or evaluation by demonstrating consistent profitability while adhering to risk management rules. This phase is designed to identify disciplined, profitable traders.Funded Account
Upon successful completion of the evaluation, traders receive access to a funded account with real capital. The size of this account typically matches the evaluation account size.Profit Sharing
Profits generated in the funded account are split between the trader and the firm according to a predetermined ratio, typically ranging from 80/20 to 90/10 in the trader’s favor.Risk Management
Strict risk management rules are enforced to protect the firm’s capital, including maximum daily loss limits, overall account drawdown limits, and position size restrictions.Futures Prop Firm Account Types
Futures prop firms operate using varied funding accounts:
1. Challenge-Based Account
The most common account where traders pay an upfront fee to take a trading challenge. If they pass, they gain access to a funded account. This account may include:
- One-step evaluation (single challenge phase)
- Two-step evaluation (challenge + verification phases)
- Multi-step evaluation (more complex, multi-phase challenges)
2. Instant Funding Account
A account that gives traders quick capital access without the need for a test. These usually demand larger payments but permit traders to start profit generation right away.
3. Subscription-Based Account
This account type requires traders to pay a repeated payment on a monthly schedule for access to trading capital.
4. Traditional Prop Account
Some established prop firms utilize a classic account structure. Traders must apply, go through an interview along with show their capabilities prior to acceptance. These firms possibly do not charge early payments but tend to provide smaller profit shares.
Important Consideration
Firms that offer futures trading provide money for trading without personal financial risk. The assessment costs are like an investment. It is important to consider the costs as capital that can be lost along with only use funds available to lose.
Detailed Comparison: Evaluation Process & Requirements
Understanding the evaluation process and requirements is crucial for selecting the right futures prop firm. Each firm implements different rules and objectives that traders must meet to earn a funded account.
Firm | Evaluation Type | Profit Target | Max Drawdown | Min Trading Days | Time Limit | Difficulty |
Apex Trader Funding | One-step | $6,000 (100K account) | Trailing threshold | 7 days | No limit | ★★★☆☆ |
Topstep | Two-step | $5,000 (100K account) | $2,000 daily, $5,000 total | 5 days | No limit | ★★★★☆ |
FXIFY Futures | One or Two-step | $8,000 (100K account) | $4,000 daily, $8,000 total | 5 days | No limit | ★★★★☆ |
Elite Trader Funding | One-step | $6,000 (100K account) | $3,000 daily, $6,000 total | 5 days | No limit | ★★★☆☆ |
My Funded Futures | Multiple options | $6,000 (100K account) | $2,400 daily, $3,500 total | 5 days | No limit | ★★★★☆ |
Earn2Trade | One-step (Gauntlet Mini™) | $5,000 (100K account) | $2,000 daily, $4,000 total | 15 days | 60 days | ★★★★★ |
OneUp Trader | One-step | $6,000 (100K account) | $2,500 daily, $4,000 total | 5 days | No limit | ★★★☆☆ |
One-Step Evaluation
In a one-step evaluation, traders complete a a single challenge phase for traders to obtain a funded account. It means achieving a profit goal and adhering to drawdown restrictions across a set number of trade days.
Advantage: Faster path to funding, simpler requirements
Disadvantage: May have stricter risk parameters or higher profit targets
Two-Step Evaluation
Two-step evaluations include a Challenge phase then a Verification phase. The Verification phase frequently presents decreased profit objectives, but keeps comparable risk management criteria.
Advantage: Often has more achievable profit targets in each phase
Disadvantage: Longer process to achieve funding
Multi-Phase/Custom Evaluations
Some firms offer unique evaluation structures with multiple phases or custom requirements. It often allows increased scaling opportunities as traders advance.
Advantage: Can be tailored to different trading styles
Disadvantage: More complex rules to follow
Key Evaluation Metrics
Profit Target
The lowest acceptable profit for a trader to pass the evaluation generally sits between 5 plus 10 percent of the account’s size. This number is a threshold.
Maximum Drawdown
The largest permitted loss from the highest balance reached during the account’s history or the balance at the start. The definition covers daily limits plus total limits.Minimum Trading Days
A trader requires a minimum number of active trading days during the evaluation. This helps stop success based solely on one fortunate trade.Time Limit
The evaluation must be finished within a set duration. A few companies do not set time limits. Other organizations apply restrictions between 30 plus 60 days.Expert Tip
When evaluating futures prop firms, pay special attention to the drawdown metrics. Some firms promote ambitious profit goals yet establish very restrictive loss limits. Companies friendlier to traders often keep a profit target compared to drawdown near one to one. This gives traders sufficient space for typical market changes.” – Andrew Edwards
Profit Split Structure & Payout Terms
Profit splits and payout terms differ a lot among futures prop firms. This difference can greatly affect how much money you get as a funded trader. To understand how these things are setup is important for choosing the right firm.
Standard Profit Split Ratios
Most futures prop firms provide profit splits from 80/20 to 90/10, favoring the trader. The following shows a comparison of leading firms.
Firm | Initial Profit Split | Scaling Options | First Payout Timeframe | Subsequent Payouts | Minimum Withdrawal |
Apex Trader Funding | 100% (first $25K), 90% after | Up to $300K | 15 days | Bi-weekly | $100 |
Topstep | 80% | Up to 90% with performance | 14 days | Weekly | No minimum |
FXIFY Futures | 85% | Up to 90% with scaling to $4M | 14 days | Bi-weekly | $100 |
Elite Trader Funding | 80% | Up to 85% with performance | 14 days | Weekly | $100 |
My Funded Futures | 100% (first $10K), 80% after | Up to $250K | 14 days | Bi-weekly | $250 |
Earn2Trade | 80% | Up to 90% with performance | 14 days | Monthly | $250 |
OneUp Trader | 80% | Up to 85% with performance | 14 days | Weekly | $10 |
Special Payout Structures
Apex Trader Funding & My Funded Futures: Enhanced First Profits
Apex Trader Funding and My Funded Futures give traders all initial earnings – this makes them appealing to people who create fast income. After reaching an initial sum ($25K at Apex, $10K at My Funded Futures), the profit split moves to the regular percentage.
FXIFY Futures: Scaling to $4 Million
FXIFY Futures has a scaling program. This program grows account sizes to a maximum of $4 million. The program is for traders who show they are profitable. It is a good selection for traders. The traders already have successful methods. They also desire a large increase in their trading size.
Payout Frequency & Processing Time
The time between payments changes – some firms pay weekly, others monthly. Most firms also insist on a two-week wait at the start before the first payment goes out. Payment processing also has varied times. Some firms process payments the same day. Others require three to five business days to finish.
Trader Success Story
“I traded with a few futures prop firms. Apex Trader Funding offers the best profit structure, in my opinion. Over the initial three months, I earned $32,000. I kept all of the first $25,000 and ninety percent of the remaining amount. This gave me around $7,000 more income when compared with an 80/2o profit split.” – James C, Futures Trader Since 2022
Payout Methods & Considerations
Most futures prop firms offer payouts using the following ways:
- Bank wire transfer
- ACH/Direct deposit
- PayPal
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
- Payoneer
- Wise (formerly TransferWise)
When looking into payout terms you need to consider these factors:
- Processing fees (some firms do cover this and others pass them out to traders)
- Currency conversion charges for international traders
- Minimum withdrawal thresholds
- Processing times guarantees
- Maximum payout limits per period (if any)
Important Consideration
Profit splits need consideration, yet evaluation difficulty matters too. A business with a 90/10 split, plus very tight regulations, could supply less benefit than another with an 80/20 split plus goals easier to reach. Concentrate on everything, not one item alone.
Risk Management Rules & Best Practices
Solid risk management is what is needed to maintain success with futures prop firms. Putting the right risk management practices into place helps you pass evaluations and helps you ensure long-term sustainability as a funded trader.
Common Risk Management Rules
1. Maximum Daily Loss Limits
A trader’s daily loss is subject to constraints. The typical range is two to five percent of the account’s funds. A trader who goes above this faces limits for the rest of the day, or the account closes.
Example: For a $100,000 funded account, a 3% daily loss limit means you’ll fail your challenge accounts if losses exceed $3,000 in a single day.
2. Maximum Overall Drawdown
The highest possible loss sets a level at which the evaluation fails or the account is ended. This level is generally 5% to 10% of the opening balance.
Example: A $100,000 account with a 8% maximum drawdown would be closed if the account balance drops to $92,000.
3. Trailing Drawdown
One approach at firms such as Apex Trader Funding, uses a drawdown that moves instead of a solid daily loss constraint. This calculates the highest loss possible based on the best balance reached, not the start balance.
Example: If a $100,000 account grows to $110,000 while having a 10% trailing drawdown, the account will be terminated if it falls to $99,000.
4. Position Size Limitations
Firms limit the highest number of contracts a trader can hold to handle the danger. These amounts differ based on the account size and the trading product.
Example: A $100,000 account might be limited to 5 E-mini S&P 500 (ES) contracts or 10 Micro E-Miini S&P 500 (MES) contracts at any time.
5. Mandatory Stop-Loss orders
For loss prevention, several proprietary trading firms tell traders to use stop-loss orders on all trades. A few also state the highest stop distance or ask for particular reward to risk comparisons.
Example: A rule might require stops no further than 2% from entry price or mandate a minimum 1:1.5 risk-reward ratio.
Position Sizing
Position sizes depend on available funds plus the greatest loss a trade permits. A frequent recommendation limits that loss to 1-2 % of the funds in an account for each individual trade.
Stop Placement
Place stops at price levels that are relevant to technical analysis, instead of just picking a random amount. Examine how much prices usually change to figure out how far away to position your stops.
Risk-Reward Ratio
A risk-reward ratio of 1:1.5 or greater is preferred. This setup makes profit possible, even if wins occur less than half the time.Daily Loss Limits
A person should set personal, daily stop-loss limits. The personal limits must be stricter compared to company requirements. After two or three back-to-back losing trades, a person can decide to quit trading for that day.Expert Insight
“A typical cause for failure in prop firm evaluations involves inadequate risk management, not a shortage of profitable methods. Many traders possess systems that win, but they still lose their accounts. This happens through excessive trading, incorrect position size determinations, or the elimination of stop-loss orders. In my observation traders achieve the greatest success when they consistently limit risk to one percent of the account on each trade. They also keep at least a ratio of one to two between possible loss and potential gain.” – Andrew Edwards, CEO of Secrets To Trading 101.
Sample Risk Management Framework
Here’s a risk management framework that you can follow for futures prop trading:
Risk Parameter | Conservative | Moderate | Aggressive |
Maximum Risk Per Trade | 0.5% of account | 1% of account | 2% of account |
Daily Stop-Loss | 1.5% of account | 2% of account | 3% of account |
Weekly Stop-Loss | 3% of account | 4% of account | 6% of account |
Risk-Reward Ratio | 1:3 minimum | 1:2 minimum | 1:1.5 minimum |
Maximum Correlated Positions | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Maximum Open Positions | 2 | 3-4 | 5-6 |
Consecutive Loss Rule | Stop after 2 losses | Stop after 3 losses | Reduce size after 3 losses |
Risk Management Success Story
After three failed prop firm evaluations, although the trades were profitable, a total change occurred in my risk management. I set a firm rule: one percent risk is allowed for each trade. I established a personal two percent stop-loss for each day, below the firm’s required three percent. The results changed with this one act. In only twelve days, I passed my next evaluation with Apex Trader Funding. I have kept my funded account for more than a year. Monthly withdrawals happen on a regular basis.” – James C, Futures Trader Since 2022
Futures vs. Forex Prop Trading: Key Differences
Traders often discuss futures or forex prop trading. Comprehending the differences among the marketplaces helps a trader in selecting a path that is good for their trading preferences plus objectives.
Feature | Futures Prop Trading | Forex Prop Trading |
Market Structure | Centralized exchanges with transparent pricing and volume | Decentralized, over-the-counter market with varying price feeds |
Trading Hours | Defined trading sessions with clear open/close times | 24/5 market with varying liquidity throughout the day |
Instruments | Wide variety (indices, commodities, energies, rates, etc.) | Primarily currency pairs with some metals and indices |
Contract Sizes | Standardized contracts with fixed specifications | Variable lot sizes with flexible position sizing |
Data Quality | Highly accurate price and volume data from exchanges | Dependent on broker data feeds with potential discrepancies |
Profit Split | Typically 80-100% for the trader | Typically 70-80% for the trader |
Platform Options | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TradeStation | MetaTrader 4/5, cTrader |
Cost Structure | Commission per contract, data fees, platform fees | Spread-based cost or commission, minimal platform fees |
Evaluation Difficulty | Moderate to challenging, focus on consistency | Varies widely, some very challenging, others more accessible |
Advantages Of Futures Prop Trading
Pros
- Typically higher profit splits (90 – 100%)
- Real time market data from centralized exchanges
- More instrument options beyond currencies
- No broker manipulation concerns
- Easy to follow trading sessions thanks to the defined open/close times
- Volume analysis capabilities
- Centralised regulation through CFTC
Cons
- Higher data fees
- Potentially challenging learning curve on platforms like NinjaTrader
- Trading hours are limited when compared to forex
- Fixed contract sizes can limit position sizing
- Capital requirements can be higher for most contracts
- Tax reporting is more complex in some areas
- Fewer options for prop firms when compared to forex
Expert Insight
“Trading both forex and futures with proprietary trading firms showed me futures are a lot better. A centralized exchange structure removes worries regarding broker interference. Clear volume data provides useful information about the market. Larger profit shares create better pay. The learning process for platforms similar to NinjaTrader takes more time, but the positives are larger than the first commitment of energy and funds.” – Andrew Edwards, CEO of Secrets To Trading 101.
Which Market Is Right For You?
Only choose futures prop trading if you:
- Value real-time market data that is connected to centralised exchanges
- Prefer trading during specific market sessions rather than 24/5 like forex
- Want access to trad a diverse range of markets (indices, commodities, energies)
- Prioritise higher profit splits
- Are willing to learn and understand more robust platforms
- Use trading strategies that rely on volume analysis
Only choose regular forex prop trading if you:
- Prefer to trade more flexible hours
- Prefer easy to understand platforms like MetaTrader 4/5
- Want more flexible position sizing options
- Prefer lower fees
- Need access to a wider selection of firms
- Trade strategies that don’t rely solely on volume analysis
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Futures prop trading gives capable traders a chance to use sizable trading funds without risking their own assets. This can create good income because of shared profits. The profit share is often 80 % to 100 % along with accounts go from $25,000 to over $400,000. It lets traders earn more than they typically could using their own funds.
Our research suggests Apex Trader Funding is a good choice for many futures traders. It has a leading profit split, giving 100 % on the first $25,000. It also has rules that are good for traders as well as its risk management is new. FXIFY Futures presents great chances for high-performing traders to grow.
Success in futures prop trading needs good risk management, a tested method next to regular work. It does not matter which firm a trader picks. Traders with the best results focus on keeping up performance instead of quickly seeking profit. This lets them keep accounts funded over several years as they bring in steady monthly income.
Final Insight
“The futures prop trading industry now gives more people access to large trading funds. Only big financial companies had this access. But achieving success is difficult. It calls for controlled risk, steady action along with sensible predictions. Consider prop trading a long race, not a quick one. Focus on solid habits that will consistently make you money .” – Andrew Edwards, CEO of Secrets To Trading 101.
Frequently Asked Questions
Futures prop firms concentrate on futures contracts traded on exchanges, which include indices, commodities along with energies. Forex prop firms mainly provide currency pairs. Futures prop firms often give larger profit divisions, from eighty to one hundred percent, compared to the seventy to eighty percent given by forex firms. Different trading platforms are in use – futures firms favor NinjaTrader as well as forex firms favor MetaTrader. Futures firms trade in central exchange markets. But forex firms trade in over-the-counter markets that lack centralization.
Established futures prop firms are proper companies. They give traders capital to trade with plus get part of the profits. Firms such as Apex Trader Funding, Topstep along with FXIFY Futures show they pay traders and are clear in how they work. But it is important to check out a firm before choosing it.
Income changes a lot depending on account size, trading ability, how risk is handled along with what happens in the market. Traders who do well and have accounts of $100,000 usually say they take out $2,000 to $10,000 each month. A few really good traders make more than that. But many traders do not pass tests or stay profitable, so those results are not common.
Previous experience is not formally needed. Traders who do well usually built skill through learning plus practice before they attempt assessments. Most proprietary trading firms have difficult profit goals and risk control policies. These policies need firm trading basics. Without good preparation, it is hard to pass assessments. First building skill in a simulator is a good idea.
A majority of prop firms set loss limits for accounts with capital, normally a range of 5-10 % of the total account funds. Should a trader go over the maximum loss, the firm often closes the account. A few firms let a trader get access back to the account upon payment of new evaluation fees. Some require a trader to begin the evaluation procedure again from the beginning. Such a system restricts the firm’s exposure to loss and provides incentive to a trader for proper risk management.
NinjaTrader is the platform futures prop firms use most. Other firms support Tradovate, TradeStation along with Rithmic, too. The platforms include charting, analysis as well as execution for futures trading. The typical package contains platform access. Data plus features can come with added costs for some.
Traders get a payout after their profits meet a certain level. Payout requests follow the company’s timeline for payments. It could be every week, every two weeks, or once a month. The company splits profits per an earlier agreement, often giving the trader 80-100 %. It sends the money using bank transfers, ACH, PayPal, or cryptocurrency. With first payouts, traders generally must wait 7-14 days. After that the company processes later payouts in a quicker manner.
Many successful traders hold funded accounts at several proprietary trading businesses at the same time. This method gives a few advantages like spreading out risk (if a business alters conditions or stops operations), more total available money along with the capability to use different business benefits. Running multiple accounts needs good organizational abilities and steady trading systems.
Prop firm income is usually considered self-employment or business income in many places. This setup means regular tax payments plus careful bookkeeping are necessities. Taxes differ based on location and personal situations. Advice from a tax expert familiar with trading is good. For better tax handling besides to limit personal responsibility, some traders create business structures like LLCs or S-Corps.
When a prop firm stops running, traders usually cannot get into their funded accounts anymore. They also risk not getting money they asked to withdraw or profits they earned but didn’t receive. For professional traders who need the money, using several firms is a good idea to avoid this problem. Before signing up with a firm, examine its past conduct, how long it has functioned along with how well it is funded. This helps lower the possibility of losing funds.
