The United States hosts the largest and most active retail proprietary trading market in the world. Estimates indicate that nearly 62% of global prop firms operate a significant base in the US. For American traders, this means access to more opportunities than almost anywhere else — but more choices also make selecting the right firm more complicated. With fierce competition for clients, prop firms often adjust their challenge formats, payout models, and marketing to appeal specifically to US traders. On the surface, many offers may look alike, but the details can make a big difference to your trading results.
This guide reviews nine prop firms open to US residents, comparing their evaluation processes, profit splits, payout terms, and trading rules. By examining each firm’s conditions, you can quickly determine which aligns best with your trading style and financial goals.
- OneFunded – Best overall for flexibility and easy to follow trading rules.
- TopStep – Best for futures traders and structured education.
- The5ers – Best for high scaling and flexible CFD programs.
- FTMO – Best for global recognition and multiple platform options.
- City Traders Imperium (CTI) – Best for long-term career growth and VIP programs.
- FXIFY – Best for customization and fast access to funding.
- BrightFunded – Best for loyalty rewards and volume-based perks.
- Apex Trader Funding (ATF) – Best for US-based futures trading.
How to Choose the Best Prop Firm
US Trader Eligibility
This must be the first filter. It is crucial because some firms may advertise themselves as accepting US clients but the terms say otherwise. Others do not publish a country list at all, which means you are buying a challenge before you know whether you can receive a payout. So, before you enter any payment details, locate the firm’s Terms and Conditions and search for “United States,” “US residents,” or “restricted countries.” If that language does not exist on the site, contact support and ask in writing.
Evaluation Model
You have learned that different firms have different challenge structures. And that the structure determines how hard you have to work before you see a payout, as well as how much money you spend getting there.
So, the question you ask yourself and ensure you find answers is this: how many phases do I need to complete to get to the funded account, and what does each phase cost?
As a general rule, single phase challenges are faster but typically carry a tighter profit target or a higher fee. And two phase challenges spread the evaluation across two stages and generally allow more room for drawdown. These considerations, and others like whether the firm charges a one-time fee or subscription, should help you get a clearer picture of what firm to select.
Profit Split and What the Base Rate Actually Means
The tax regime in the US is different from many places, and this affects net profitability regardless of the headline split percentage. For example, futures prop firms typically generate Section 1256 contract tax treatment, which adds 60% long-term capital gains rates regardless of holding period. On the other hand, forex/CFD firms generally produce ordinary income taxed at marginal rates up to 37%. So, when comparing an 80% split from a futures firm against a 90% split from a forex firm, calculate the after-tax yield based on your federal bracket.
Rules That Affect Your Specific Strategy
If you are partial to automation, especially expert advisors, you must know their compatibility with US-accessible platforms. For instance, MetaTrader, both 4 and 5, dominates algorithmic trading globally, but most firms do not offer it to their US clients because of CFTC restrictions. So, if your strategy relies on MT5 Expert Advisors, confirm whether the firm offers MT5 specifically to US clients or whether you must rebuild logic for DXtrade, cTrader, or Tradovate.
The Payout Withdrawal Methods
The way the US banking system works creates friction points for prop firm payouts. For example, if a firm offers only international wire transfers, or SWIFT, the transaction may incur $25-$50 intermediary bank fees and multi-day clearing delays. And you’ll find that those using Rise or domestic ACH networks provide faster, lower-cost access to USD.
Cryptocurrency offers an alternative, but this method creates taxable events upon conversion to fiat. This may trigger exchange reporting obligations that complicate year-end tax preparation. So, prioritize firms that offer USD-denominated payouts to US bank accounts without currency conversion fees, particularly if you are not maintaining offshore crypto holdings.
Best Prop Firms We Recommend
1. OneFunded – Best Overall Prop Firm in the USA
OneFunded is the best overall prop firm in 2026 because it puts traders first, is very flexible, and uses a modern way to give funding. The firm lets traders use pretend money accounts to trade in real markets, with sizes from $2,000 to $200,000. This lets new and expert traders grow without using their own money. Its clear rules, different types of tests, and pro-level tools make it better than most other firms.
What really makes OneFunded different in 2026 is its many types of tests for different trading styles. Traders can pick from a classic two-step test, an easier one-step test, or a special premium test. All tests have no time limit and clear risk rules. This choice takes away stress and lets traders focus on their trades.
Key Features
- Profit Split: 80% default to the trader, upgradable to 90% via paid addon
- Account Sizes: $2,000 to $200,000 across four distinct evaluation tracks
- Platforms: TradeLocker is available for US traders;
- News Trading: Permitted across evaluation and funded phases, but must respect a five-minute “News Volatility Period” restriction around scheduled high-impact releases.
- Automation: Expert Advisors (EAs) permitted only if pre-approved; latency arbitrage, data feed exploitation, and high-frequency algorithmic strategies prohibited.
- Payout Frequency: Bi-weekly cycle; weekly payouts available via addon purchase
- Minimum Payout: $100
- Scaling: Available across all challenge tracks
- Holding Periods: Overnight and weekend positions permitted, though swap fees may apply.
- Markets: Forex, cryptocurrencies, global indices, metals, and US and EU stocks
Challenge Types and Details
OneFunded offers four challenges: Value, Core, Flex, and Flash. Each track is designed to solve a different problem for a different type of trader, says the firm on its website. See the table below for details:
| Flash | Core (2-Step) | Value (2-Step) | Flex (2-Step) | |
| Account sizes | $2K – $200K | $5K – $200K | $2K – $50K | $5K – $200K |
| Entry fee range | $29 – $715 | $45 – $650 | $16 – $137 | $54 – $780 |
| Phases | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Profit target | 10% | 8%/5% | 6%/6% | 7%/4% |
| Minimum trading days | 5 | 3 per phase | 4 per phase | 3 per phase |
| Maximum daily loss | 4% | 5% | 4% | 4% |
| Maximum overall loss | 6% | 10% | 8% | 10% |
| Consistency cap | 50% | 50% | 40% | Off |
| Trading period | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Inactivity limit | 60 days | 60 days | 60 days | 60 days |
One rule that applies uniformly across all four tracks and deserves emphasis is that there are no time limits. We should say that this is not a standard feature. Many prop firms impose 30- or 60-day evaluation windows that force traders to either rush their setups or abandon carefully planned strategies.
So, OneFunded’s unlimited trading period shows that a trader who eventually hits the target consistently is more valuable than one who scrambles to hit it by a fixed deadline. This is useful especially for US traders navigating sessions across different time zones. Also, those who trade part-time get an important lift from the absence of pressure.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unlimited evaluation timeframes
- Transparent, plain-language documentation of trading rules
- Rewards Center that creates compounding value for active traders
- Fee refundability on Core and Flash tracks
- Entry fees start as low as $16
- News trading permitted across both evaluation and funded phases
Cons
- The 90% profit split and weekly payouts are not defaults, available with the add-ons
- EA use requires pre-approval
2. The5ers
The5ers, operated by Five Percent Online Ltd., is an Israeli prop firm that launched in 2016 and quickly expanded its reach to traders worldwide, including a strong presence in the US. According to the company, it has funded over 260,000 traders globally and holds a 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot from more than 20,000 reviews.
The firm uses a simulated trading model and offers three main CFD programs: Hyper Growth, High Stakes, and Bootcamp, each designed to suit different trading styles and goals. Additionally, The5ers provides a dedicated Futures track for traders focusing on futures markets. All CFD accounts run on MT5 Hedge, accessible via desktop, web, and mobile platforms, giving traders flexible options to manage their strategies anywhere.
Key Features
- Profit split: 50% to the trader at entry levels on Hyper Growth, which scales to 80% and up to 100% at higher tiers; 80% to 100% on High Stakes; and up to 100% on Bootcamp.
- Account sizes: $5K-$20K on Hyper Growth; $2.5K-$100K on High Stakes; $20K, $100K, and $250K on Bootcamp.
- Platform: MT5 Hedge
- Instruments: Forex, metals, indices, crypto, and oil
- News trading: Permitted on Hyper Growth and Bootcamp; restricted on High Stakes
- Automation: EAs permitted provided the trader owns the source code
- Overnight and weekend holding: Allowed across all programs
- Payout frequency: Bi-weekly
- Scaling ceiling: $4 million on Hyper Growth and Bootcamp; $500,000 on High Stakes
- Educational tools: The5ers Academy, webinars, live events, economic calendar, news sentiment tool, and downloadable indicators
Challenge Types and Details
| Hyper Growth | High Stakes | Bootcamp | |
| Evaluation Steps | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Account Sizes | $5K, $10K, $20K | $2.5K, $5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K | $20K, $100K, $250K |
| Phase 1 Profit Target | 10% | 8% | 6% |
| Phase 2 Profit Target | — | 5% | 6% |
| Phase 3 Profit Target | — | — | 6% |
| Max Daily Loss | 3% pause (no hard stop) | 5% per phase | N/A (3% pause on funded) |
| Max Overall Loss | 6% | 10% per phase | 5% per phase |
| Min. Profitable Days | None | 3 per phase | None |
| Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Leverage | 1:30 | 1:100 | 1:30 |
| News Trading | Allowed | Restricted | Allowed |
| Scaling Ceiling | $4,000,000 | $500,000 | $4,000,000 |
| Profit Share | Up to 100% | Phase 1: $2 reward;Phase 2: Refund | N/A (Up to 100% in funded) |
| Entry Fee (smallest size) | $260 ($5K) | $22 ($2.5K) | $22 ($20K) |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The $4 million scaling ceiling is the highest of any firm on this list
- Three distinct CFD programs plus a Futures track offers more structural variety than most competitors.
- No time limits across all programs; accounts remain active as long as there is trading activity within any 30-day window.
- 100% profit split is achievable on Hyper Growth and Bootcamp at higher balance tiers.
Cons
- High Stakes prohibits news trading entirely within a two-minute window
- All payout methods carry a processing fee of 2%-3%, except hub credits, which cannot be withdrawn.
- EA use requires source code ownership
3. TopStep
TopStep is a US-based proprietary trading firm that was founded in 2012 as TopstepTrader and rebranded in 2020. Unlike many prop firms that focus solely on funding, TopStep emphasizes education and skill development, offering a futures-only trading environment. The company supports traders with 13 in-house performance coaches and a wide range of digital learning tools, including TopStepTV and the automated Coach T system, designed to help traders improve their strategies and performance while progressing toward a funded account.
Key Features
- Profit split: 90% to the trader across both Express Funded and Live Funded accounts.
- Account sizes: $50K, $100K, and $150K
- Trading platform: TopStepX, NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Quantower, ATAS, and additional Rithmic-compatible options (16 total, five free in funded accounts traders).
- Asset class: Futures only
- News trading: Permitted
- Automation: EAs and automated systems are permitted, but subject to the firm’s Prohibited Conduct policy around exploiting the simulated environment.
- Payout frequency: Weekly (Wednesdays) during Express Funded phase; daily withdrawals available after 30 qualifying days in Live Funded accounts.
- Payout cap per request: Up to $5,000 per payout under the Standard path; up to $6,000 under the Consistency XFA path.
- Performance bonuses: Live Funded traders can earn over $250,000 in cumulative performance bonuses, stacked across monthly milestones.
- Back2Funded: A reactivation mechanism that allows traders who lose their Express Funded Account before a first payout to reactivate it up to two times, without restarting the Trading Combine.
Challenge Types and Details
TopStep, like ATF before it, runs a single-phase evaluation, which it calls the Trading Combine. Once you pass the Combine you move to an Express Funded Account (XFA). The table below summarizes the available account sizes and their key features:
| $50K Combine | $100K Combine | $150K Combine | |
| Monthly Fee (Standard path) | $49 | $99 | $149 |
| Monthly fee (No activation fee path) | $109 | $159 | $209 |
| Profit Target | $3,000 | $6,000 | $9,000 |
| Max Position Size | 5 contracts | 10 contracts | 15 contracts |
| Max Loss Limit | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 |
| Daily Loss Limit | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Activation Fee (Express Funded) | $149 | $149 | $149 |
It’s important to note that the TopStep XFA (Express Funded Account) begins at a $0 balance rather than the full Combine size. The maximum loss limit is calculated based on the Combine you passed (for example, $2,000 for a $50K Combine), and your account balance can temporarily go below zero to accommodate trades within that limit. If the account reaches the loss limit floor, it is closed. The Daily Loss Limit applies to all supported platforms except TopStepX, which uses built-in risk management tools to handle it differently.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Established operational history since 2012
- TopStepX, a proprietary trading platform purpose-built for the firm’s risk structure
- Comprehensive educational infrastructure
- Payouts can be requested within three to five days of earning funding
- No time limit on the Trading Combine
- Back2Funded provides a buffer against losing a funded account before a first payout
- Performance bonuses in the Live Funded Account can add over $250,000 in cumulative earnings on top of standard payouts
Cons
- Futures-only
- Monthly subscription model
- Three account sizes only
4. FTMO
FTMO is a Prague-based prop firm that has earned a strong reputation in the trading world since its founding in 2015. The company operates on a simulated trading model, where traders pay a one-time evaluation fee and complete a structured challenge. Once the challenge is successfully passed, they gain access to a funded account, known as an FTMO Account, with real capital to trade.
The firm fully accepts US traders and offers access to a wide range of instruments familiar to them, including major and minor forex pairs, global indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. FTMO’s rules and guidelines are written in clear, plain English, ensuring transparency and reducing confusion for traders at every stage of the evaluation and funding process. This combination of global accessibility, straightforward requirements, and diverse trading options has helped FTMO become a trusted choice for traders aiming to grow their capital without risking personal funds.
Key Features
- Profit split: 80% allocation to the trader, and is upgradable to 90% through the Scaling Plan.
- Account sizes: $10,000 to $200,000 across both 2-Step and 1-Step challenge tracks.
- Platforms: MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, and DXtrade
- News trading: Permitted, but positions opened or closed within two minutes of a high-impact news release are restricted.
- Automation: EAs permitted, but subject to a server request cap of 2,000 per day
- Payout frequency: Bi-weekly; average processing time is 8 hours
- Fee refund: On the 2-Step challenge, your entry fee is refunded in full with your first reward withdrawal. The 1-Step fee is not refundable.
- Free Trial: Unlimited free trial accounts available before committing to a paid challenge.
- Scaling: Account balances can be scaled up to $2 million
- Tools: FTMO Academy, Account MetriX, Economic Calendar, Trading Journal, Equity Simulator, and a News Indicator are included with every FTMO Account
Challenge Types and Details
FTMO recently added a 1-Step track to the standard 2-Step route. Both run on unlimited timeframes with no trading-day deadlines. The table below shows the details:
| 2-Step | 1-Step | |
| Account Sizes | $10K-$200K | $10K-$200K |
| Phase 1 Target | 10% | 10% |
| Phase 2 Target | 5% | N/A |
| Maximum Daily Loss | 5% | 3% |
| Maximum Loss | 10% | 10% |
| Minimum Trading Days | 4 per phase | 5 |
| Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Fee Refund | Yes (on first payout) | No |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Over a decade of operational history
- Four trading platform options that provide more flexibility than most competitors
- Fee fully refunded on first 2-Step payout
- Scaling Plan takes accounts up to $2,000,000
- Extensive built-in tools
Cons
- All fees are in euros
- The 1-Step fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome
- The minimum four trading days per phase in the 2-Step track creates friction for traders who achieve targets quickly but must continue trading to satisfy the requirement.
5. City Traders Imperium
City Traders Imperium is the business name for CTI FZCO, a Dubai, UAE-registered company. The firm is widely known as CTI and has been funding traders since 2018. It is also one of the few prop firms in this list that bring together the traditional challenge-based evaluation system and instant funding pathways under one roof. CTI also offers a comprehensive trader development academy and a tiered VIP program. The firm states on its website that it targets traders who want a long-term career. That explains the VIP Gold tier that offers a fixed 12-month salary independent of trading performance.
Key Features
- Profit Split: Up to 100% profit share, which increases through the VIP tier system
- Account Sizes: $2,500 to $100,000 for challenges; $2,500 to $80,000 for instant funding.
- Platforms: MetaTrader 5 for non-US traders, Match-Trader for US traders
- Asset Classes: Forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies
- News Trading: Fully permitted across all programs including high-impact events
- Automation: EAs and algorithmic strategies permitted; copy trading allowed with disclosure.
- Scaling to $4 million: 50% balance increase on Challenge; 100% balance doubling at every 10% profit milestone on Instant Funding.
- Payout Frequency: Monthly for challenge-funded accounts; bi-weekly for instant funding; weekly at VIP Bronze; on-demand at VIP Silver and Gold.
- CTI VIP Program: Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers that unlock progressively better terms as traders perform consistently
- Fee Refund: Evaluation fees refunded upon first successful payout for challenge programs.
- Overnight/Weekend Holding: Permitted across all programs without restriction.
Challenge Types and Details
| 1-Step Challenge | 2-Step Challenge | Instant Funding | Instant Funding Pro | |
| Account Sizes | $2.5K-$100K | $2.5-$100K | $2.5K-$80K | $5K-$80K |
| Fully Funded Balance | As purchased | As purchased | 2x starting balance | 2x starting balance |
| Profit Target to Scale | 10% | 10%/5% | 10% | 10% |
| Max Daily Drawdown | None | 5% per phase | None | None |
| Max Drawdown | 5% (balance-based) | 10% per phase | 6% (static) | 6% (static) |
| Min Profitable Days | 3 | 3 per phase | N/A | N/A |
| Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Profit Share | 80%-100% | 80%-100% | 50% to 100% (by level) | 50% to 100% (by level) |
| News Trading | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Weekend Holding | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| EAs | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Scaling Cap | $4,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $4,000,000 |
| Entry Price (from) | $27 | $34 | $62 | $263 |
CTI VIP Program
This program operates in a tiered system, where it rewards traders who are consistent over time. It improves account conditions without requiring any additional purchases in the following ways:
- Bronze: Weekly payouts, 90% profit share, VIP support, 1-on-1 coaching, 30% discount on future purchases.
- Silver: On-demand payouts, 100% profit share, all Bronze benefits, free CTI merchandise.
- Gold: Monthly salary for one year, institutional trading conditions, custom funding terms, all Silver benefits.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exclusive VIP Gold tier that offers one year salary
- Unlimited time constraints across all evaluation phases
- Extensive educational resources, including the CTI Academy
- News trading permitted without restriction across all programs including high-impact economic releases.
- Expert Advisors, copy trading, and martingale strategies permitted with disclosure
- Scaling to $4 million is among the highest caps available anywhere in the industry
Cons:
- Instant Funding profit share starts at just 50% on the first level
- 1-Step Challenge requires 3 minimum profitable days, which introduces a consistency element even without a daily drawdown rule.
- US traders restricted to Match-Trader
6. FXIFY
FXIFY is a forex-focused proprietary trading firm registered in Labuan, Malaysia, and operated by FXIFY Solutions Limited, based in London, UK. Functioning as a broker-backed firm, FXIFY leverages FXPIG for execution, giving it direct control over liquidity, spreads, and overall trading conditions.
The firm emphasizes customization and fast access to funding rather than a one-size-fits-all evaluation approach. Traders can choose from five distinct program pathways, ranging from traditional multi-phase assessments to instant funding accounts, allowing flexibility based on experience and trading style.
For US-based traders, FXIFY supports DXtrade as the primary platform, since MetaTrader 4 and 5 are restricted by regulations. DXtrade also integrates TradingView, providing a modern, intuitive interface that simplifies charting and trade management for both beginner and advanced traders.
Key Features
- Profit Split: 80% base allocation, upgradable to 90% via add-on.
- Account Sizes: $1,000 to $400,000 for forex/CFD evaluations; up to $450,000 for futures programs.
- Platforms: DXtrade for US traders; MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 for non-US clients.
- Asset Classes: Forex, indices, commodities, metals, cryptocurrencies, and stocks.
- News Trading: Permitted on One Phase, Two Phase, and Three Phase programs; restricted to 10-minute windows on Instant Funding and Lightning accounts.
- Automation: EAs permitted on MT4, MT5 and DXtrade for evaluation accounts; prohibited on Instant Funding and Lightning.
- Payout Frequency: On-demand for first payout; bi-weekly or monthly thereafter; bi-weekly is available via addon.
- Fee Refund: 100% of evaluation fee refunded upon first payout. This is applicable to 1-Step, 2-Step, and 3-Step programs.
- Overnight/Weekend Holding: Permitted on evaluation programs and most funded accounts; restricted on Instant Funding.
- Leverage (for CFDs): Up to 1:50 via addon, 1:30 is standard
- Maximum Allocation: Up to $4 million combined across multiple accounts.
Challenge Types and Details
FXIFY structures its offerings into five program categories. The table below provides the key details of each account type:
| One Phase | Two Phase | Three Phase | Lightning | Instant Funding | |
| Evaluation Process | 1 step | 2 steps | 3 steps | Single phase (accelerated) | None (immediate funding) |
| Account Sizes | $5K-$400K | $5K-$100K | $5K-$400K | $10K-$100K | $1K-$100K |
| Profit Target | 10% | Phase 1: 5% Phase 2: 10% | 5% per phase | 5% | None |
| Daily Loss Limit | 3% | 4% | 5% | 3% | 8% |
| Maximum Drawdown | 6% trailing | 10% trailing | 5% static | 4% trailing | 8% trailing |
| Minimum Trading Days | 5 | 4 per phase | 5 per phase | 3 | None |
| Maximum Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5 days | N/A |
| News Trading | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | 10-min restriction | 10-min restriction |
| Weekend Holding | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Not allowed |
| EA Usage | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Fee Refund | 100% | N/A | 100% | N/A | No |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide range of challenge structures to suit different trading personalities and risk tolerances.
- First payout on demand
- Fully customizable accounts at checkout
- 100% fee refund on One Phase and Three Phase programs
- EAs, weekend holds, and news trading are all permitted for evaluation without restrictions
- Broker-backed infrastructure
- Clean, modern trading dashboard
Cons:
- Higher entry costs for Instant Funding
- Restrictions on EAs and news trading for Instant Funding and Lightning accounts
- US traders restricted to DXtrade platform
7. BrightFunded
BrightFunded, operating under Bright Global FZCO, is a Dubai-registered prop firm with additional offices in Warsaw, Poland, and Amsterdam, Netherlands. Launched in 2022, the firm has already distributed over $9.5 million in payouts. BrightFunded uses a two-phase evaluation system — comprising a Challenge phase followed by Verification—and emphasizes quick payouts, straightforward trading rules, and a loyalty program that rewards active traders.
Key Features
- Profit Split: 80% default allocation, which can increase to 90% then 100% through the scaling plan.
- Account Sizes: $5,000 to $200,000 initial allocation
- Platforms: cTrader, DXtrade, and MetaTrader 5
- Asset Classes: Forex, indices, commodities, metals, and cryptocurrencies
- News Trading: Fully permitted during evaluation phases; restricted to 10-minute windows around high-impact events on funded “Star” accounts.
- Automation: EAs permitted across all phases, provided they comply with fair trading guidelines
- Payout Frequency: First payout available 30 days after first funded trade; subsequent payouts bi-weekly; weekly option available via addon.
- Fee Refund: 100% of evaluation fee refunded upon first successful payout
- Overnight/Weekend Holding: Permitted across all phases without restriction.
- Leverage: Up to 1:100 (forex), 1:40 (gold/commodities), 1:20 (indices), 1:5 (crypto).
- Trade2Earn Program: Loyalty tokens awarded based on trading volume, redeemable for free evaluation accounts, profit split upgrades, and merchandise.
Challenge Types and Details
| Phase 1 (Challenge) | Phase 2 (Verification) | Funded Star Account | |
| Account Sizes | $5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K | Same as Phase 1 | Same as Phase 1 |
| Profit Target | 8% | 5% | None |
| Maximum Daily Loss | 5% of initial balance | 5% of initial balance | 5% of initial balance |
| Maximum Overall Loss | 10% of initial balance (static) | 10% of initial balance | 10% of initial balance |
| Minimum Trading Days | 5 | 5 | None |
| Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Indefinite |
| Entry Fee | €55, €95, €195, €295, €495, €975 | Free | Free |
| Profit Split | N/A | N/A | 80% then 90% then 100% |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No consistency rules
- Trade2Earn loyalty program rewards volume-based engagement independent of profitability.
- No monthly fees on funded accounts
- 100% profit split achievable after three scaling milestones
- News trading permitted during evaluation phases without restriction
Cons:
- First payout delayed 30 days from first funded trade
- News trading restrictions on funded accounts
- Higher entry fees at upper tiers
8. Apex Trader Funding
Apex Trader Funding, or ATF, operates from Austin, Texas. This makes it one of the few domestically headquartered prop firms serving US traders. It was founded in 2021 and its infrastructure is built exclusively around futures markets, specifically CME Group products, CBOT Treasury instruments, NYMEX energy contracts, and select EUREX indices.
Key Features
- Profit split: 100% of the first $25,000 earned per funded account; 90% beyond that, with no cap on maximum payout.
- Account sizes: $25K, $50K, $100K, $150K, $250K, and $300K (Full accounts); $100K Static also available
- Platforms: Rithmic (with NinjaTrader license included), Tradovate, and WealthCharts
- Asset class: Futures only
- News trading: Permitted for normal day-to-day strategies; prohibited specifically for “windfall” exploitation.
- Automation: EAs and automated systems permitted
- Payout frequency: Every 8 days
- Multiple accounts: Up to 20 funded, or performance accounts (PAs), simultaneously
Challenge Types and Details
Apex runs a single-step evaluation model across all account tiers. It is, however, important to note that the firm offers two distinct drawdown approaches. That is, there are “Full” accounts with trailing thresholds, and the “Static” account with fixed drawdown limits.
The Full accounts are the standard offering. They use a live trailing threshold, which means the drawdown limit moves upward as your account equity rises. Once you stop making new highs, the threshold stops moving. The Static account is a different structure entirely. It is available only at the $100K level and uses a fixed maximum drawdown of $625 rather than a trailing threshold.
But ATF also organizes its evaluations based on the platform choice. You can choose either the Rithmic, Tradovate, or WealthCharts plan, although all options provide access to the same account and profit targets. They only differ in reset costs, ongoing fees, and tooling.
The table below shows how the account sizes compare:
| $25K Full | $50K Full | $100K Full | $150K Full | $250K Full | $300K Full | $100K Static | |
| Contract Limit | 4 (40 micros) | 10 (100 micros) | 14 (140 micros) | 17 (170 micros) | 27 (270 micros) | 35 (350 micros) | 2 (20 micros) |
| Profit Target | $1,500 | $3,000 | $6,000 | $9,000 | $15,000 | $20,000 | $2,000 |
| Max Loss Mechanism | $1,500 trailing EOD | $2,500 trailing EOD | $3,000 trailing EOD | $5,000 trailing EOD | $6,500 trailing EOD | $7,500 trailing EOD | $625 static |
| Daily Loss Limit | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Minimum Trading Days | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Time Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
And this one compares the plans:
| Platform Tier | Reset Fee | Monthly PA Fee | Key Inclusions | Execution Environment |
| Rithmic | $80 | $85 | NinjaTrader license ($75 value), real-time data ($55 value), Rithmic RTrader Pro | Professional-grade infrastructure; requires software installation; PC-focused |
| Tradovate | $100 | $105 | Tradovate license (browser/mobile/Mac native), TradingView integration, NinjaTrader license, real-time data | Web-based with mobile apps; cloud execution; broad device compatibility |
| WealthCharts | $80 | $85 | Proprietary web-based platform, real-time data ($55 value) | Standalone browser platform; no external platform connections permitted |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- US-domiciled and US-focused
- No daily drawdown rule
- 100% of the first $25,000 earned per funded account goes to the trader
- Payouts every 8 days
- Up to 20 simultaneous funded accounts
Cons
- Futures only
- Monthly subscription model for both evaluation and funded accounts
- The requirement to close all positions by 4:59 PM ET prohibits overnight swing trading.
Conclusion
The US prop trading market offers the widest range of options, but more choices also make selecting the right firm challenging. This guide reviewed nine leading prop firms available to US traders, comparing their evaluation models, account sizes, profit splits, payout terms, and trading rules. Each firm has strengths tailored to different trading styles: OneFunded for flexibility, CTI for career growth, FTMO for global reputation, The5ers for scaling, FXIFY for customization, TopStep for futures education, BrightFunded for loyalty rewards, and ATF for US-based futures accounts. By understanding these differences, traders can match a firm to their strategy, risk tolerance, and financial goals to maximize their chances of long-term success.
