Traders don’t usually fail challenges due to poor trading skills. They fail because they picked the wrong prop firm. This truth became crystal clear to me while researching the world’s best prop firms, their payouts, rules, and fees.
The right prop firm should help you succeed – not by making things easy, but by staying fair, transparent, and matching your goals. Many prop firms worldwide promise attractive profit splits between 80-90%, but you need to look closely at their actual payout frequency and timing. Some top firms process payouts within 24 hours of approval. Others offer bi-weekly payments with profit splits reaching 90%.
The world’s top prop firms come in all shapes and sizes, and their numbers keep growing. Some firms have built impressive communities with over 60,000 traders from more than 130 countries. These firms have paid out more than $7 million in less than a year. Today’s traders can access substantial capital with entry fees starting at just $17. They can potentially grow their account size up to $2M through scaling plans.
This piece will take a closer look at the best prop firms based on their payouts, evaluation rules, and fee structures. You’ll learn how to avoid common pitfalls that can derail your trading career.
GFunded
GFunded started as a university project in 2015 and has become one of the most respected prop firms in the trading industry. The core team started a mission to find successful traders and give them tools, education, and the right environment to trade for a living. GFunded now serves over 3.5 million customers worldwide and has paid more than $500 million in rewards.
GFunded Key Features
GFunded stands out with several features that traders of all experience levels find appealing:
- Scaling Plan: Successful traders can increase their account size up to $2 million through GFunded’s scaling program
- Reimbursed Fees: The first reward withdrawal includes a full refund of the Challenge fee
- No Hidden Costs: The GFunded Challenge fee is your only expense – no recurring or extra charges
- Free Trials: You can practice unlimited times with the Free Trial account before starting a paid challenge
- Global Accessibility: Services reach over 140 countries with support in 20 languages
GFunded also provides learning resources and analytical tools. These include the GFunded Academy, Psychology Course, Account MetriX, Economic Calendar, and Trading Journal. Traders use these tools to enhance their skills and track their performance.
GFunded Payout Rules
GFunded traders earn real money rewards even though they trade with simulated capital. Here’s how you get paid:
- Profit Split: You get an 80% profit share to start, with a chance to reach 90% through the Scaling Plan
- Payout Schedule: Rewards take just 8 hours to process and happen every two weeks
- Minimum Trading Period: You can request rewards after trading for at least 14 days
- Withdrawal Methods: Choose from bank wire, instant transfer via Visa Direct/Mastercard Send (up to $20,000), Skrill, and cryptocurrencies – all without extra fees
- Minimum Withdrawal: Bank wire needs at least $20 in closed profit, while crypto withdrawals require $50
Your GFunded Account must show positive profit without open positions or pending orders to request a payout. The “Claim Reward” button shows up in your Account MetriX after the minimum trading period.
GFunded Evaluation Rules
Traders must pass a two-phase evaluation to get their GFunded Account:
Phase 1: GFunded Challenge
- Time Frame: Take your time, but trade for at least 4 days
- Profit Target: 10% of your starting balance
- Maximum Daily Loss: 5% of your starting balance
- Maximum Total Loss: 10% of your starting balance
Phase 2: Verification
- Time Frame: No rush, but minimum 4 trading days required
- Profit Target: 5% of your starting balance – half of the Challenge target
- Maximum Daily Loss: Stays at 5% of your starting balance
- Maximum Total Loss: Remains at 10% of your starting balance
Traders get their GFunded Account after completing both phases and verifying their identity. This process helps GFunded assess your skills and discipline before giving you access to larger capital.
GFunded Trading Platforms
You can choose from four popular trading platforms:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Most forex traders’ go-to platform, known for its speed and simplicity
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5): MT4’s advanced successor with market depth display, 6 types of pending orders, and multi-threading tester
- cTrader: Modern platform featuring advanced charts and quick execution. Supports copy trading and automated strategies through cTrader Automate
- DXtrade: A 2020-launched web platform needs no installation. You get a customizable interface, traditional chart editing, and over 90 indicators
GFunded runs all simulated trading on their infrastructure using these external platforms. You can use VPN/VPS services, except for MetaTrader and cTrader accounts from U.S. locations.
GFunded Pricing
GFunded’s account sizes come with one-time fees covering both Challenge and Verification:
| Account Size | One-time Fee | Maximum Daily Loss | Maximum Loss | Profit Target (Challenge) | Profit Target (Verification) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | Varies | $500 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $500 |
| $25,000 | Varies | $1,250 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $1,250 |
| $50,000 | Varies | $2,500 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $2,500 |
| $100,000 | Varies | $5,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 |
| $200,000 | Varies | $10,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 |
Your first reward withdrawal includes a refund of these fees. GFunded runs special deals on certain account sizes, like the $100,000 GFunded Challenge.
GFunded Best For
GFunded works best for:
- Disciplined Traders: They track trading consistency through a “Discipline Score”
- Growth-Oriented Traders: The Scaling Plan lets you grow your account by 25% every 4 months up to $2 million
- Educational Focus: Perfect if you value learning resources alongside capital access
- Long-term Professionals: Consistent performance matters more than quick profits
- Risk-Conscious Traders: The platform promotes responsible risk management and sustainable trading
GFunded doesn’t set universal limits on account balance risk per trade or reward-to-risk ratios, unlike other firms. They focus on watching for behavior that goes against professionalism and long-term success.
Top performers can join the Premium Program to access accounts up to $1 million, earn up to 90% profit share, and get one free GFunded Challenge.
FundedNext
FundedNext has earned its place among the world’s leading prop firms. Their “get rewarded in 24 hours or receive $1000 extra” guarantee shows their steadfast dedication to quick payouts. Since 2022, this UAE-registered proprietary trading firm has become an innovator. They stand out because of their trader-friendly policies and diverse challenge options.
FundedNext Key Features
FundedNext brings several unique benefits that traders love:
- 24-Hour Payout Guarantee: You get rewards within 24 hours or $1000 compensation for delays
- Challenge Phase Rewards: You earn 15% from Challenge Phase profit (not available for US clients)
- Refundable Fees: Your full subscription fee comes back as a Passing Reward with your first or third withdrawal based on account type
- No Time Limits: Take your time with challenges – there are no strict deadlines
- Scaling Opportunities: Your account can grow up to $4 million through well-laid-out scaling plans
- 24/7 Support: The core team helps you through multiple channels around the clock
- Transparent Rules: Clear documentation of trading conditions and requirements without hidden clauses
FundedNext has distributed over $150 million to more than 43,000 traders. These numbers show their significant role in prop trading.
FundedNext Payout Rules
Your profit splits at FundedNext change based on account type:
- Profit Splits: Start at 80% and climb to 90% through Scale-Up program. Top traders can reach 95%
- Payout Schedule: Different schedules apply:
- Stellar 1-Step: Every 5 business days
- Stellar 2-Step and Stellar Lite: First payout after 21 days, then every 14 days
- Futures accounts: First payout after 10 days
You need specific achievements to withdraw funds. Your account must show profit first. Stellar accounts need minimum trading days (5 for most accounts). Futures accounts (Legacy Challenge) require 5 Benchmark Days. You must hit daily profit targets ($100 for $25K accounts, $200 for $50K and $100K accounts).
Some accounts follow the 40% rule – no single trading day should make up more than 40% of total profit. This rule promotes balanced trading instead of risky moves.
FundedNext Evaluation Rules
You can choose from several challenge models:
Stellar 2-Step Challenge:
- Profit Targets: Phase 1: 8%, Phase 2: 5%
- Maximum Daily Loss: 5% of account balance
- Maximum Total Loss: 10% of account balance
- Minimum Trading Days: 5 days
Stellar 1-Step Challenge:
- Profit Target: 10%
- Maximum Daily Loss: 3% of account balance
- Maximum Total Loss: 6% of account balance
- Minimum Trading Days: 2 days
Stellar Lite Challenge:
- Profit Targets: Phase 1: 8%, Phase 2: 4%
- Maximum Daily Loss: 4% of account balance
- Maximum Total Loss: 8% of account balance
- Minimum Trading Days: 5 days
Futures Challenges (Rapid and Legacy models):
- Rapid Challenge profit targets: $1,500 (25K), $3,000 (50K), $5,000 (100K)
- Legacy Challenge profit targets: $1,250 (25K), $2,500 (50K), $6,000 (100K)
- Maximum Loss Limits based on highest recorded End-of-day Balance
You can take your time with FundedNext challenges. This freedom lets you develop strategies without pressure.
FundedNext Trading Platforms
You can trade on various platforms:
- CFD Trading Platforms:
- MetaTrader 4 (MT4): Popular choice for forex and futures trading
- MetaTrader 5 (MT5): Enhanced version with more features
- cTrader: Modern platform with clean interface and advanced charting
- Match-Trader: Award-winning platform built for performance
- Futures Trading Platforms:
- Tradovate: Easy-to-use platform with modern interface
- NinjaTrader: Advanced platform with powerful charting
- TradingView: Popular web-based charting and trading platform
US clients can only use cTrader and Match-Trader. All platforms work smoothly across devices, so you can manage trades anywhere.
FundedNext Pricing
Here are the account sizes and one-time fees:
| Account Size | Fee (Stellar 2-Step) | Max Daily Loss | Max Total Loss | Phase 1 Target | Phase 2 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,000 | $49.99 | 5% ($300) | 10% ($600) | 8% ($480) | 5% ($300) |
| $15,000 | $109.99 | 5% ($750) | 10% ($1,500) | 8% ($1,200) | 5% ($750) |
| $25,000 | $189.99 | 5% ($1,250) | 10% ($2,500) | 8% ($2,000) | 5% ($1,250) |
| $50,000 | $269.99 | 5% ($2,500) | 10% ($5,000) | 8% ($4,000) | 5% ($2,500) |
| $100,000 | $529.99 | 5% ($5,000) | 10% ($10,000) | 8% ($8,000) | 5% ($5,000) |
| $200,000 | $1,049.99 | 5% ($10,000) | 10% ($20,000) | 8% ($16,000) | 5% ($10,000) |
Source:
Futures trading offers three account sizes: $25K ($109.99), $50K ($199.99), and $100K ($279.99). You get your fees back after passing the challenge.
FundedNext Best For
FundedNext works great for:
- Speed-Focused Traders: You get payouts within 24 hours, usually in just 5 hours
- Patient Strategists: Trade at your own pace with no time limits
- Platform-Flexible Traders: Choose from many CFD and Futures platforms
- Scaling-Oriented Traders: Grow your account up to $4 million with good performance
- High Profit-Share Seekers: Top traders can earn up to 95% profit splits
- Novice Traders: Start small with $6,000 accounts from $49.99
- News Traders: Trade during economic news events freely
FundedNext gives traders a complete package with fair conditions, clear rules, and quick profit access. Their mix of flexible challenges, multiple platforms, and guaranteed fast payouts makes them one of the best prop firm globally for traders who want to grow their capital quickly.
The 5%ers
The 5%ers, a 7-year old prop firm based in Israel, stands out as one of the most trader-friendly companies in the market. Their unique three-track evaluation system and profit splits up to 100% have made them a revolutionary force in prop trading worldwide.
The 5%ers Key Features
The 5%ers stands apart with these notable benefits:
- Impressive Scaling Options: Traders can scale their portfolios all the way up to $4 million
- Generous Profit Sharing: Profit splits range from 80% to 100%
- Three Evaluation Paths: Instant funding, two-step evaluation, and three-step Bootcamp challenge
- Performance Rewards: Hub credit awarded to traders who advance to new levels
- Flexible Trading Conditions: You can hold positions overnight, over weekends, and during economic news releases
- No Time Limits: You’ll reach profit targets without strict deadlines
- Low Entry Costs: Entry fees are among the lowest in the industry
The company identifies profitable traders through simulated environment testing before providing funded accounts. This helps them manage risk and find consistent performers.
The 5%ers Payout Rules
Here’s how The 5%ers structures their payouts:
- Payout Frequency: Funded traders can withdraw profits every two weeks
- Minimum Withdrawal: You need $150 to process payouts
- Multiple Withdrawal Methods: Choose from Rise, Bank Transfers, and cryptocurrency payments
- Commission Structure: Rise and Cryptocurrencies (2%), Bank Transfers (3%), Hub Credits (no commission)
- Profit Retention Option: Keep profits in your account to increase maximum drawdown allowance
- Scaling Benefits: Withdrawals don’t affect your progress toward scaling targets
- Reset Cycle: Each account scaling resets the payout cycle
You can process payouts only after reaching funded status. The trader’s dashboard has a “Withdrawal” button to manage profit withdrawals.
The 5%ers Evaluation Rules
Each evaluation path comes with specific requirements:
Instant Funding Program:
- Profit Target: 10%
- Maximum Daily Loss: 3% of starting balance
- Maximum Overall Loss: 6% from initial balance
- Leverage: 1:30
High-Stakes (Two-Step) Program:
- Profit Targets: 8% (Phase 1) and 5% (Phase 2)
- Maximum Daily Loss: 5% of initial balance
- Maximum Trailing Loss: 10%
- Minimum Trading Requirement: At least three profitable trading days
- Leverage: Up to 1:100
Bootcamp (Three-Step) Program:
- Profit Target: 6% for each of the three stages
- Maximum Trailing Loss: 5%
- Stop-Loss Requirement: Cannot exceed 2% risk of evaluation capital
- Leverage: 1:10
The 5%ers suggests risking no more than 1-2% of account value per trade for sustainable growth.
The 5%ers Trading Platforms
MetaTrader 5 (MT5) is The 5%ers’ main trading platform. Here’s what you get:
- Transparent Pricing: Raw spread trading starts from 0.0 pips
- Commission Structure: $8.00 per 1.0 standard round lot
- Tradable Assets: Forex, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and indices
- Dedicated Programs: A stock trading program is in development
Unlike other firms, The 5%ers gives you MT5 login credentials to test trading conditions before you commit.
The 5%ers Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of The 5%ers’ competitive pricing across three evaluation tracks:
| Evaluation Type | Account Sizes | Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Funding | $10,000 – $40,000 | $260 – $850 |
| Two-Step Evaluation | $5,000 – $100,000 | $39 – $545 |
| Bootcamp | $20,000 – $250,000 | $95 – $350 |
You can start with just $39 for a $5,000 account in the two-step evaluation process. This makes them one of the most affordable prop firms. You won’t pay any additional fees after this one-time payment.
The 5%ers Best For
The 5%ers works great for:
- Budget-Conscious Traders: Start with evaluation fees as low as $39
- High-Leverage Traders: Get up to 1:100 leverage in the High-Stakes program
- Long-Term Growth Seekers: Scale your accounts up to $4 million
- Diverse Trading Styles: Perfect for full-time, part-time, overnight, and weekend traders
- Strategy-Flexible Traders: Trade with any strategy you prefer
- Risk-Averse Traders: Lower profit targets than competitors (8% for Phase 1 of two-step evaluation)
The platform lets you trade 24/5, and you can hold positions overnight, over weekends, and during economic news releases.
The company values quality over quantity. They prefer careful, accurate trades instead of frequent trading. This approach rewards consistent performance with scaling opportunities that can boost your earning potential significantly over time.
Apex Trader Funding
Apex Trader Funding, a 2-year old prop firm based in Austin, has shot up the ranks to become one of the world’s top prop firms. Their one-step evaluation process sets them apart. This newcomer to the prop firm industry has already paid out more than $378 million and built a community that spans over 150 countries.
Apex Trader Funding Key Features
Apex stands out from other top prop firms through these unique features:
- One-Step Evaluation: Pass a single evaluation phase with no time limits to receive funding
- 100% First Profits: Traders keep 100% of the first $25,000 in profits per account before a 90/10 split applies
- Multiple Funded Accounts: Traders can manage up to 20 funded accounts simultaneously
- Flexible Trading Hours: Trade 23 hours a day, 7 days a week including during holidays
- No Daily Drawdown: Only a trailing threshold applies, giving traders more flexibility
- Transparent Rules: Clear guidelines for consistency and risk management
The company started because its founders weren’t happy with existing funding companies. They wanted to shake up the trader payout model with a customer-first approach. Their strategy worked – Apex has become the “800-pound gorilla” of futures prop trading and ranks as the 6th most searched prop firm globally with 2.7 million monthly visitors.
Apex Trader Funding Payout Rules
Apex uses these structured payout guidelines:
- Profit Split: 100% of the first $25,000 per account, then 90/10 (trader/firm) thereafter
- Payout Timing: Reviewed within 2 business days, then processed within 3-4 business days
- Minimum Trading Requirement: 8 trading days since last payout, including at least 5 days with profits of $50 or more
- Safety Net Requirement: Applies to first three payouts only (drawdown limit plus $100)
- 30% Consistency Rule: No single trading day can account for more than 30% of the total profit balance
US traders get their funds through ACH direct deposit. International traders receive payments via Plane, Apex’s global payment partner. Traders can keep trading right after requesting a payout without waiting for approval.
Apex Trader Funding Evaluation Rules
Traders must meet these requirements to get an Apex funded account:
- Profit Target: Ranges from $1,500 for $25K accounts to $15,000 for $300K accounts
- Trailing Drawdown: Unlike fixed drawdowns, this threshold follows your peak unrealized balance
- Minimum Trading Days: 7 trading days required (non-consecutive)
- 5:1 Risk-Reward Ratio: Maximum risk-to-reward ratio enforced for responsible trading
- Position Closing Requirement: All trades must be closed by 4:59 PM ET daily
Breaking the trailing drawdown means failing the evaluation. All the same, traders can start over with an $80 reset fee, and there’s no limit on how many times they can try again.
Apex Trader Funding Trading Platforms
Traders can choose from several platforms based on their priorities:
- Rithmic: Professional-grade data feed and execution platform connected through NinjaTrader, favored for low latency and reliability
- Tradovate: Web-based and mobile-friendly platform that works across devices (web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows)
- NinjaTrader: Powerful platform with advanced charting capabilities, included free with funded accounts
- WealthCharts: Proprietary platform exclusive to Apex members with 22 trading scanners and AI-driven market scans
Yes, it is possible to use algorithmic trading solutions supported in NinjaTrader and copy trading software to manage multiple accounts.
Apex Trader Funding Pricing
Apex charges monthly fees that include trading platform and market data costs:
| Account Size | Rithmic Monthly Fee | Tradovate Monthly Fee | Profit Target | Trailing Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25K | $147 | $167 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| $50K | $187 | $207 | $3,000 | $2,500 |
| $100K | $287 | $307 | $6,000 | $5,000 |
| $150K | $387 | $407 | $8,000 | $7,000 |
| $250K | $557 | $577 | $12,500 | $11,000 |
| $300K | $657 | $677 | $15,000 | $13,000 |
| $100K Static | – | $137 | $2,000 | Fixed $625 |
Source:
Apex also offers a $100K static account option with a fixed drawdown. This works better for traders who want predictability over the trailing model.
Apex Trader Funding Best For
Apex Trader Funding works best for:
- Scalpers and Day Traders: Who close all positions daily and don’t need overnight holding
- Disciplined Traders: Who can follow complex rules and maintain consistency
- Capital-Hungry Traders: Seeking maximum funding (up to $300K accounts)
- Profit-Focused Traders: Who benefit from keeping 100% of their first $25K in profits
- Multiple Account Managers: Who want to scale by running several accounts simultaneously
The platform gives traders more freedom with no daily drawdowns. They can trade during holidays and news events, which makes it perfect for traders who need flexible trading hours.
SabioTrade
SabioTrade has created a 360° trading ecosystem with an efficient one-step evaluation in the prop firm world. This Dublin-based firm lets traders access over 250 instruments including forex, metals, cryptocurrencies, and stocks.
SabioTrade Key Features
SabioTrade stands out with these unique offerings:
- Straightforward Assessment: Single-stage evaluation with a 10% profit target without time limits
- Substantial Funding Options: Account sizes ranging from $20,000 to $200,000
- Generous Profit Sharing: Up to 90% profit split on Platinum accounts
- Educational Resources: Complete academy with webinars, trade analysis, and daily signals
- Vibrant Community: Active Discord server where traders can participate and get support
SabioTrade makes use of Quadcode technology (the same powering IQ Option) to provide a reliable trading environment.
SabioTrade Payout Rules
The payout structure follows these clear guidelines:
- Profit split ranges from 80% (Standard accounts) to 90% (Platinum accounts)
- Traders can get their withdrawals within 24 hours
- Weekly payout cycle without minimum withdrawal amounts
- Consistency requirement: 5-7 trades of similar size before withdrawal requests
- No single trade should exceed 40% of total profit
SabioTrade Evaluation Rules
Traders must follow these rules to get funding:
- 10% profit target without time restrictions
- 3% daily loss limit based on previous day’s balance
- 6% maximum trailing drawdown from highest point reached
- One trade minimum every 30 days
- Banned strategies: high-frequency trading, scalping, and hedging
SabioTrade Trading Platforms
The firm provides a proprietary trading solution:
- SabioTraderoom: Powered by QuadCode with an easy-to-use interface
- Platform Formats: Web-based, desktop application (Windows/Mac), and mobile app
- Advanced Features: Over 100 technical indicators, multi-charting capability, calendars, and market sentiment tools
- Dashboard Integration: Quick switching between trading and account analytics
SabioTrade Pricing
| Account Type | Balance | Profit Share | One-Time Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $20,000 | 80% | $119 |
| Premium | $50,000 | 80% | $289 |
| Gold | $100,000 | 80% | $479 |
| Platinum | $200,000 | 90% | $939 |
Traders can get their evaluation fees refunded after their first profit withdrawal.
SabioTrade Best For
SabioTrade works best for:
- Educational-Focused Traders: Rich learning materials and mentorship
- UI-Conscious Users: Those who value integrated dashboard and trading platform
- Flexibility Seekers: No time limits on evaluation completion
- Transparency Supporters: Clear rules and refundable fee structure
- New Traders: Available entry points with complete support system
Conclusion
The right prop firm can make or break a trader’s success. This piece dives into five of the world’s best prop firms, and each one brings something different to the table based on your trading style and goals.
GFunded Best Prop Firms leads the pack with a scaling plan that reaches $2 million and detailed educational resources. FundedNext draws traders with a 24-hour payout guarantee and three distinct challenge models. The 5%ers gives traders an affordable start at just $39 and profit splits that go up to 100%. Apex Trader Funding stands out by using a one-step evaluation, and traders keep 100% of their first $25,000 in profits. SabioTrade built a complete trading ecosystem with its own platform and rich educational materials.
The “best” prop firm comes down to what you need and how you trade. Apex’s higher account sizes might work better for aggressive day traders, while The 5%ers’ flexibility suits part-time traders better. New traders should look at the lowest entry costs, while experienced traders might want better scaling options and profit splits.
Take time to read through each Best Prop Firms evaluation rules, payout structures, and platform offerings. Pick a prop firm that matches your trading style instead of changing how you trade to fit their system.
Most traders don’t fail challenges because they can’t trade well. They pick the wrong prop firm for their style. Now you can pick the right prop firm that fits your trading experience with what you learned here.
Note that you’ll have the best shot at success with a firm that sets clear rules and matches your goals.
Key Takeaways
Selecting the right Best Prop Firms is crucial for trading success – most traders fail not due to poor skills, but because they chose incompatible firms with their trading style.
• GFunded leads in education and scaling: Offers comprehensive learning resources, scaling up to $2M, and 80-90% profit splits with bi-weekly payouts processed in 8 hours average.
• FundedNext guarantees speed: Provides 24-hour payout processing with $1000 compensation if delayed, plus multiple challenge options and scaling to $4M.
• The 5%ers offers affordability: Entry fees start at just $39 for $5K accounts, with profit splits reaching 100% and flexible trading conditions.
• Apex maximizes early profits: Traders keep 100% of first $25K profits per account, then 90/10 split, with one-step evaluation and up to 20 simultaneous accounts.
• Match firm features to your style: Consider your budget, trading frequency, platform preferences, and growth goals when choosing between educational focus, speed, affordability, or profit maximization.
The key to Best Prop Firms success lies in aligning the firm’s rules, payout structure, and evaluation process with your specific trading approach rather than adapting your strategy to fit their requirements.
FAQs
Q1. What are the key differences between top prop trading firms?
The main differences between Best Prop Firms include evaluation processes, profit splits, payout schedules, and trading platforms offered. For example, GFunded has a two-phase evaluation with up to 90% profit splits, while Apex Trader Funding offers a one-step evaluation with 100% profit on the first $25,000. Payout frequencies range from daily to bi-weekly across different firms.
Q2. How do prop firms verify a trader’s performance?
Best Prop Firms typically use evaluation phases to assess trader performance. This may involve meeting profit targets (e.g. 10% for GFunded’s first phase), adhering to maximum loss limits, and demonstrating consistent trading over a minimum number of days. Some firms like FundedNext also have specific rules around trade consistency and profit distribution.
Q3. What are the typical costs associated with joining a prop firm?
Costs vary widely between firms. Entry fees can range from as low as $39 for a $5,000 account with The 5%ers to several hundred dollars for larger account sizes. Some firms like GFunded refund the initial fee after the first profit withdrawal. Many also charge monthly fees for data and platform access once funded.
Q4. Are prop firm trading accounts real or simulated?
Most Best Prop Firms use simulated accounts during the evaluation phase. Some firms like Topstep and Tradeday transfer successful traders to real live brokerage accounts after passing evaluations. However, even “funded” accounts at many firms remain simulated, with real money payouts based on trading performance.
Q5. What happens if a trader breaches the rules set by a prop firm?
Breaching rules typically results in account termination. This could mean failing the evaluation if still in that phase, or losing access to the funded account. Some firms like Apex Trader Funding allow traders to reset failed evaluations for a fee. Specific consequences may vary based on the severity of the rule breach and the individual firm’s policies.
