Technology continues to bring us new options to make money all of the time, and one of the most recent additions is the ability to join a prop trading firm and get a funded trading account with up to $2 million from your couch!
Of course, there are a ton of different prop firms out there and you need to know the very best options before you choose which one you’re going to use.
So, let me help you find a quality firm that offers all of the best benefits and security for your needs. I’ve been trading for over 10 years now, utilizing prop trading for the past few years, and have had experience with most of these firms.
But before we dive into the nitty gritty of each one of the “big 12”, here’s a quick brief of the 5 absolute best prop trading firms.
5 Best Prop Trading Firms – Quick Brief
| Prop Firm | Funding | Profit Split | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TopStep Trader | $50,000-$500,000 | 80%-100% | $165-$275 (Monthly) | Open |
| Fidelcrest | $5,000-$400,000 | 70%-80% | $112-$1,689 (One Time) | Open |
| The5%ers | $24,000-$1,280,000 | 50% | $265-$840 (One Time) | Open |
| City Traders Imperium | $2,500-$2,000,000 | 50%-70% | $131-$782 (One Time) | Open |
| FTMO | $25,00-$2,000,000 | 80%-90% | $270-$1,217 (One Time) | Open |
Topstep Trader
Topstep is a great firm based out of Chicago. They are considered to be highly trusted and their profit split is well laid out.
You get to keep 100% of your profits on the first $5,000 and give them a fairly minimal split after that.
They’ve been operating since 2012. The rules are simple and they even offer coaching from professional traders. With Topstep, you also pay a small monthly fee for a number of funding and platform options.
Topstep Trader Programs
| Type | Funding Amount | Monthly Fee | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Futures | $50,000 | $165 | 80% |
| Futures | $100,000 | $325 | 80% |
| Futures | $150,000 | $375 | 80% |
| Forex | $200,000 | $125 | 80% |
| Forex | $300,000 | $165 | 80% |
| Forex | $500,000 | $275 | 80% |
As mentioned, the first $5,000 of profit has no split and it’s a steady 80% split after that no matter the tier or platform you are a part of.
Their Pros
- You get to keep the first $5,000 in profits
- 2-step evaluation process
- 1:100 leverage design
- Digital coaching available
- The fee versus the buying power is reasonable
- You can get up to $500,000 in buying power on any platform
Their Cons
- Most people prefer scaling for profit returns
- The firm does not allow weekend holding
- The rules are on the strict side, in order to ensure inquiries are serious and reliable
Fidelcrest
Fidelcrest has a 1-step challenge to get in. If you pass and make it in, you can get up to $400,000 in funding and potentially keep up to 80% of your profits as well.
This company has been around since 2018 in the proprietary trading world, so, fairly new.
Fidelcrest offers a variety of MicroFX normal accounts as well as Micro Aggressive. When you are a new trader, you can get a lower funding option, which is nice.
This company has a lot of the details that people look for, like 1:100 leverage, low funding options, decent profit turnaround, and high funding limits.
Fidelcrest Programs
Fidelcrest programs are priced in Euros but we’ve put the approximate USD equivalent.
We also want to point out that the fee here is just for the one-time evaluation fee and not a monthly fee. The costs are related to your profit return portion primarily.
| Type | Funding Amount | One Time Fee | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| MicroFX Normal | $5,000 | $112 | 70% |
| MicroFX Normal | $10,000 | $168 | 70% |
| MicroFX Normal | $20,000 | $225 | 70% |
| MicroFX Aggressive | $5,000 | $112 | 80% |
| MicroFX Aggressive | $10,000 | $168 | 80% |
| MicroFX Aggressive | $20,000 | $225 | 80% |
| ProFX Normal | $50,000 | $395 | 70% |
| ProFX Normal | $100,000 | $619 | 70% |
| ProFX Normal | $200,000 | $957 | 70% |
| ProFX Normal | $400,000 | $1,689 | 70% |
| ProFX Aggressive | $50,000 | $619 | 80% |
| ProFX Aggressive | $100,000 | $900 | 80% |
| ProFX Aggressive | $200,000 | $1,576 | 80% |
Their Pros
- Smaller account size options available
- No monthly fee, just the evaluation fee
- 1-step evaluation process to get approved
- 1:100 leverage options
- Funding options up to $400,000
- Up to an 80% profit split
Their Cons
- Their reputation isn’t stellar
- They offer little to no educational resources
- The profits during verification are only about half of the typical profit share
The 5%ers
The 5%ers are known for funding the top 5% of traders, which means they have the very best on their platform. This is one of the most respected prop firms out there and you can tell that by their reputation and what they have to offer.
The 5ers conduct business with a straight 50% profit share and have exceptionally high funding limits of up to $1,280,000. With each milestone you hit, you can double your account funding.
The 5%ers Programs
Understanding the program options with the 5%ers is super easy. You can compare low-risk and aggressive programs all at the same time to make an informed decision.
| Type | Funding Amount | One Time Fee | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | $24,000 | $265 | 50% |
| Low Risk | $40,000 | $434 | 50% |
| Low Risk | $80,000 | $840 | 50% |
| Aggressive | $24,000 | $265 | 50% |
| Aggressive | $40,000 | $434 | 50% |
| Aggressive | $80,000 | $840 | 50% |
Their Pros
- You can get up to $1.2 million in funding
- Your funding can double each time you meet milestones
- The company supports the top 5% of traders
- Phenomenal reputation behind the company
- Plenty of choices available
- Understanding profits and terms is simple
Their Cons
- 50% is a fairly low profit split against competitors
- Considering their reputation, the educational resources could be improved
City Traders Imperium
City Traders Imperium is a prop firm that is based out of London.
You can start small as a forex trader with options as low as $20K but you also have the ability to move up to $2 million on the platform.
This company is also often referred to as CTI, so if you hear that name, they are one and the same.
City Traders Imperium Programs
City Traders plans are all scaling plans so the number you see here is the beginning number. Each plan starts at 50% profit and moves up to 70% profit.
However, almost all levels are 60% profit. The breakdown is 50% during evaluation, 70% at the $2 million tier, and 60% everywhere in between.
| Type | Funding Amount | One Time Fee | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scaling | $2,500 | £98 ($131) | 50%-70% |
| Scaling | $5,000 | £180 ($240) | 50%-70% |
| Scaling | $10,000 | £341 ($456) | 50%-70% |
| Scaling | $12,500 | £405 ($541) | 50%-70% |
| Scaling | $17,500 | £585 ($782) | 50%-70% |
Their Pros
- All plans are scaling plans
- Up to $2 million in funding on the scaling chart
- Top notch educational resources
- The rules are simple but strict enough for security
- You have a full year to pass the evaluation phase
- Instant funding is available
Their Cons
- 50% split during evaluation period and only 60% profit split unless you reach that $2 million mark
- Not as many platform choices as some competitors
FTMO
FTMO is based out of the Czech Republic and is designed for serious traders. They have up to a 90% profit split, which is the highest you are going to find out there.
The company uses a 2-step evaluation process and offers a fast track program as well. They are highly-rated and known to offer traders optimal support.
Also, similar to CTI, these are scaling plans that can reach up to $2 million in funding.
FTMO Programs
| Type | Funding Amount | One Time Fee | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scaling | $25,000 | $270 | 80% |
| Scaling | $50,000 | $390 | 80% |
| Scaling | $100,000 | $609 | 80% |
| Scaling | $200,000 | $1,217 | 90% |
Their Pros
- Up to 90% profit split, with 80% being the lowest
- Stellar reputation across the board
- Premium support to traders
- Once funded, you have 0 risk
- 2-step evaluation process
- Designed for serious traders
Their Cons
- They don’t clearly define their programs on their site
- Somewhat strict evaluation requirements
Leeloo
Leeloo is yet another of the most highly-rated prop trading firms out there. You can use your own strategy to trade as you like with no daily drawdown, no scaling, and a free Ninja license key to help you out.
You get 100% of the first $8,000 in profit and then 80% for a year and 90% the year after that.
Leeloo Programs
Leeloo offers 3 basic program tiers and all of them fall under the above scenario for profits.
| Type | Funding Amount | Monthly Fee | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspire | $25,000 | $68 | 100% - 80% - 90% |
| Launch | $50,000 | $81 | 100% - 80% - 90% |
| Leeloo Express | $100,000 | $154 | 100% - 80% - 90% |
Their Pros
- 100% of profits for first 8K and then no less than 80% split
- Trade with your own strategy
- Offered a free Ninja license key
- No scaling for profits or balances
- You can operate multiple accounts on one login
- Operating since 2008 with a good reputation
Their Cons
- They’ve been around since 2008 but it’s a challenge to find customer reviews
- They have a limited ceiling of $200K
DT4x Trader
DT4x is perhaps so popular because they don’t require a challenge or a verification and yet still offer a decent 60% share with 1:10 leverage.
The accounts are affordable and you can get instant funding and scalable options and verified customers really seem to love the flexibility and return.
DT4x Trader Programs
Choose from 3 simple programs, with scaling available on all of them, reaching up to $1.24 million.
| Type | Funding Amount | One Time Fee | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $10,000 | $345 | 60% |
| Advanced | $25,000 | $465 | 60% |
| Pro | $50,000 | $645 | 60% |
Their Pros
- No verification or evaluation required
- Scalable options up to $1.2 million
- The accounts are extremely affordable
- 60% profit share with easy access
- Instant funding is available
- 3 simple program choices
Their Cons
- The 60% profit share really could be better
- The rules might not be strict enough for some preferences
Lux Trading
Lux trading has no time limit to meet profit targets so it’s not as much of a challenge to meet requirements for scaling.
They allow weekend holding and a scalable platform up to $2.5 million. The profit is a 65% split straight across the board.
Lux Trading has a risk management desk that is very helpful and an awesome resource.
Lux Trading Programs
Remember that Lux is scalable (reaching up to $2.5 million) but you choose your plan and the number of growth stages and they take it from there.
| Type | Funding Amount | One Time Fee | Profit Split | Stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scaling | $5,000 | £299 ($400) | 65% | 7 |
| Scaling | $10,000 | £399 ($533) | 65% | 6 |
| Scaling | $15,000 | £499 ($667) | 65% | 5 |
Their Pros
- Unlimited time to reach profit targets
- Lux trading allows weekend holding
- Their reputation is spectacular
- Scaling allowed up to $2.5 million
- Risk Management Desk tool
Their Cons
- Profit split is a straight 65%, even with scaling
- There are profit targets that can be challenging to hit and no increase in profits for them
My Forex Funds
My Forex Funds is an easy access option with no evaluation required.
They offer assured funding and a 50% profit share. You can also reach the profit target on your own terms, with no time limit.
They offer programs split out based on your experience level and even have a rapid evaluation program.
My Forex Funds Programs
| Type | Funding Amount | One Time Fee | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerated Scaling | $324,000 | $99 | 50% |
| Accelerated Scaling | $405,000 | $245 | 50% |
| Accelerated Scaling | $540,000 | $485 | 50% |
| Accelerated Scaling | $1,080,000 | $970 | 50% |
| Accelerated Scaling | $1,350,000 | $2,450 | 50% |
Their Pros
- No evaluation required to get started
- You have unlimited time to reach profit targets
- Significant assured funding amounts up to 1.35 million
- Initially, they will refund your registration fee
- Evaluations for higher use are scaled based on experience and usage
Their Cons
- Only a 50% profit share
- Some of the higher levels do require evaluations that might be challenging
Traderseed
Traderseed may not look like much at first glance but it is a legitimate prop trading firm.
They offer a 90% profit share, opportunities to partners, and some discounts for challenges as well.
They have a great reputation for those who have used them and you can have unlimited retries on the evaluation process.
Traderseed Programs
| Type | Funding Amount | One Time Fee | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Track | $10,000 | $65 | 80% |
| Partner Fund | $50,000 | $165 | 90% |
| Partner Fund | $100,000 | $260 | 90% |
Their Pros
- Unlimited retries allowed
- Simple funding options
- Highly-rated company
- Up to 90% profit share
- High value for the money
Their Cons
- Getting funded takes a bit longer
- The best profits come as a partner
Maverick Trading
Maverick Trading is a US prop trading firm that has a lot of great reviews but it also is a little bit outdated on some practices when compared to other firms.
They’re still a fairly good find, just be sure you know your expectations and abilities. They have tons of educational resources and have been in the industry for a very long time.
They offer a 70%-80% profit share and over $800,000 in funding. However, their fees, while not clearly stated on their website, are said to be some of the highest.
Maverick Trading Programs
Unfortunately, the details about the programs and scaling with Maverick are not as easy to find. They do have an application process and traders are guaranteed to keep 70-80% of profits.
| Type | Funding Amount | Fees (Exact Is Unknown) | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Trader | $25,000-$40,000 | $5,000-$10,000 | 70%-80% |
| Master Trader | $75,000-$100,000 | $5,000-$10,000 | 70%-80% |
| Elite Trader | $400,000-$800,000+ | $5,000-$10,000 | 70%-80% |
Their Pros
- Advertised scaling program
- Retain 70-80% of profits
- Vast educational resources
- Lasting reputation in the industry
- Unlimited earning potential
Their Cons
- Funding is not fast
- Requires an application process
- Requires a specific training course
Surge Trader
Surge Trade lets you capitalize on your skills and in return, you might get to keep up to 75% of profits.
They have several different options on a 1:10 leverage and 1:2 Crypto scale. There are no minimum trading days and you can pass your audition at your own pace.
Surge Trader Programs
All programs offer up to a 75% profit split.
| Type | Funding Amount | One Time Fee | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $25,000 | $200 | 75% |
| Intermediate | $50,000 | $350 | 75% |
| Seasoned | $100,000 | $700 | 75% |
| Advanced | $250,000 | $1,700 | 75% |
| Expert | $500,000 | $3,500 | 75% |
| Master | $1,000,000 | $6,500 | 75% |
Their Pros
- There are no minimum trading days
- You can pass your audition at your own pace
- Up to 75% profit split
- Several different platform options available
- Based out of Naples, Florida
Their Cons
- Some of the packages are a tad pricy compared to competitors
- There is an application for getting started
