Best American Prop Firms 2026: Top US Proprietary Trading Companies - Complete Guide
Finding the best American prop firms for US traders can be challenging because most forex prop firms restrict US clients. However, futures prop firms offer excellent opportunities for American traders. This comprehensive guide covers the top US prop firms, why most firms restrict US traders, and how to find the best options for American traders in 2026.
American prop firms provide funded trading opportunities for US traders through futures markets. Source: Unsplash
Best American Prop Firms for US Traders
American prop firms are proprietary trading companies that accept US traders and provide funded trading accounts. However, there's an important distinction: most forex prop firms restrict US clients due to regulatory concerns, while futures prop firms actively accept American traders because futures markets are regulated by the CFTC.
The best American prop firms are primarily futures-focused companies like TopStep (NFA registered, educational), Apex Trader Funding (no daily drawdown, $300K+), My Funded Futures (flexible rules), and Take Profit Trader (US-friendly). These firms are specifically designed for American traders.
Leading American prop firms include futures-focused companies that accept US clients, offer competitive funding amounts ($25K-$300K+), provide flexible trading rules, and have transparent profit splits (80-90%). Compare all options using our prop firm comparison tool or explore prop firms for US traders for more details.
Top Best American Prop Firms 2026
1. TopStep
TopStep is the premier American prop firm, being NFA (National Futures Association) registered for futures trading. This makes TopStep one of the few prop firms with actual regulatory oversight, providing additional legitimacy and security for US traders.
TopStep has been operating since 2012 and has established itself as a leader in futures prop trading with educational resources, trader development programs, and a proven track record of paying American traders. They offer accounts up to $150,000 with 90% profit splits and accept US traders without restrictions.
Key advantages for American traders: NFA registration provides regulatory oversight, educational resources help traders develop, proven track record with US traders, and transparent operations. TopStep's platform is designed specifically for futures trading and integrates well with popular futures platforms.
2. Apex Trader Funding
Apex Trader Funding is an excellent American prop firm offering accounts up to $300,000+ with 90% profit splits. They accept US traders and provide flexible trading rules including no daily drawdown limits on most accounts, making them ideal for American traders.
Apex offers Evaluation accounts (two-phase), PA accounts (one-phase), and instant funding options. Their rules are trader-friendly: no consistency rules, weekend holding allowed, news trading permitted. They support NinjaTrader, TradingView, and other popular futures platforms.
3. My Funded Futures
My Funded Futures is a futures-focused American prop firm with accounts up to $300,000. They offer flexible rules, excellent support, and are US-friendly, making them a popular choice for American traders.
My Funded Futures provides competitive profit splits (90%), flexible trading rules, and support for popular futures platforms. Their US-friendly approach and transparent operations make them attractive to American traders seeking funded accounts.
4. Take Profit Trader
Take Profit Trader is a futures prop firm with accounts up to $150,000. They're US-friendly with flexible rules and no daily drawdown on some accounts, making them attractive to American traders.
Take Profit Trader offers competitive profit splits (90%), flexible trading rules, and excellent support for US traders. Their approach is designed to accommodate American trading styles and preferences.
5. Alpha Futures
Alpha Futures is a futures prop firm offering accounts up to $200,000. They're known for competitive profit splits (85%), trader support, and US-friendly operations.
Alpha Futures provides good funding amounts, competitive profit splits, and support for US traders. Their transparent operations and trader-focused approach make them a solid option for American traders.
Why Most Prop Firms Restrict US Traders
Most forex prop firms restrict US traders due to regulatory concerns. US forex regulations (CFTC/NFA) require strict compliance, and many prop firms choose to avoid the complexity and costs of US regulation. However, this doesn't mean US traders can't access prop trading—futures prop firms offer excellent alternatives.
Regulatory Reasons:
- CFTC/NFA Compliance: US forex regulations require strict compliance with CFTC and NFA rules, which can be complex and costly for prop firms
- Registration Requirements: Firms accepting US forex traders may need to register with the NFA, which involves significant costs and ongoing compliance
- Capital Requirements: US regulations may require higher capital reserves for firms accepting US clients
- Reporting Obligations: Firms accepting US traders may have additional reporting and disclosure requirements
- Legal Complexity: US financial regulations are complex, and many prop firms choose to avoid this complexity
Why Futures Prop Firms Accept US Traders:
- Different Regulation: Futures markets are regulated by the CFTC, which has different rules than forex regulations
- Established Framework: Futures prop firms can operate within established regulatory frameworks that accommodate US traders
- NFA Registration: Some futures prop firms (like TopStep) are NFA registered, providing regulatory oversight
- Legal Clarity: Futures prop trading has clearer legal status for US traders compared to forex prop trading
- Market Structure: Futures markets have a well-established structure that accommodates prop trading for US clients
Bottom Line: While most forex prop firms restrict US traders, futures prop firms actively accept American traders because futures markets are regulated differently and provide clearer legal pathways for US prop trading. This makes futures prop firms the best option for American traders seeking funded accounts.
Can US Traders Use Prop Firms?
Yes, Through Futures Prop Firms
US traders can absolutely use prop firms, but primarily through futures prop firms. Futures markets are regulated by the CFTC, making futures prop firms legal and accessible to American traders without the same restrictions that affect forex prop firms.
Top futures prop firms like TopStep, Apex Trader Funding, My Funded Futures, and Take Profit Trader actively accept US traders and provide funded accounts ranging from $25,000 to $300,000+ with competitive profit splits (80-90%).
Forex Prop Firms Typically Restrict US
Most forex prop firms (FTMO, FundedNext, The5ers, etc.) explicitly restrict US traders due to regulatory concerns. US forex regulations require strict compliance, and most prop firms choose to avoid this complexity.
Very few forex prop firms accept US traders, and those that do are typically smaller or newer firms. For reliable, established options, American traders should focus on futures prop firms.
What Makes a Prop Firm Good for American Traders?
1. US Trader Acceptance
The most important factor is that the prop firm explicitly accepts US traders. Most futures prop firms do, but always verify before committing funds. Check the firm's terms of service and contact support if needed.
Top futures prop firms like TopStep, Apex Trader Funding, My Funded Futures, and Take Profit Trader all explicitly accept US traders and have clear policies for American clients.
2. Competitive Funding Amounts
Good American prop firms offer competitive funding amounts ranging from $25,000 to $300,000+. Consider your trading goals and choose a firm that offers sufficient capital for your needs.
TopStep offers up to $150K, Apex Trader Funding offers up to $300K+, My Funded Futures offers up to $300K, and Take Profit Trader offers up to $150K. Choose based on your capital requirements.
3. Flexible Trading Rules
Good American prop firms offer flexible trading rules that accommodate various trading styles. Look for firms with no daily drawdown (like Apex Trader Funding), weekend holding allowed, and news trading permitted.
Flexible rules allow American traders to use various strategies without worrying about strict rule violations. This is particularly important for traders who prefer swing trading or news-based strategies.
4. Platform Support
Good American prop firms support popular futures trading platforms like NinjaTrader, TradingView, Quantower, and other industry-standard futures trading software.
Ensure the firm supports your preferred platform before committing. Most futures prop firms support multiple platforms, but always verify compatibility.
5. Transparent Profit Splits
Good American prop firms offer transparent profit splits (typically 80-90%) with clear terms. Higher profit splits mean more money in your pocket, so compare options carefully.
Most futures prop firms offer 80-90% profit splits, with some offering higher splits for larger accounts or consistent performance. Always review profit split terms carefully.
6. Track Record with US Traders
Good American prop firms have a track record of paying US traders consistently. Look for firms with verified payout history, positive community feedback, and transparent operations.
TopStep has been operating since 2012 with a proven track record. Apex Trader Funding, My Funded Futures, and Take Profit Trader all have established reputations for paying US traders.
Futures vs Forex Prop Firms for US Traders
| Aspect | Forex Prop Firms | Futures Prop Firms |
|---|---|---|
| US Trader Acceptance | Most Restrict | Most Accept |
| Regulation | CFTC/NFA (Complex) | CFTC (Clearer) |
| Max Funding | $10K - $400K | $25K - $300K+ |
| Profit Split | 70-90% | 80-90% |
| Trading Rules | Varies | Often More Flexible |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader | NinjaTrader, TradingView |
| Best For US Traders | Limited Options | Primary Option |
Key Takeaway: Futures prop firms are the primary option for American traders because they actively accept US clients, operate within clear regulatory frameworks, and offer competitive funding amounts and profit splits. While forex prop firms typically restrict US traders, futures prop firms provide excellent alternatives.
How to Choose the Best American Prop Firm
Step 1: Verify US Trader Acceptance
Always verify that the prop firm explicitly accepts US traders. Check their terms of service, contact support if needed, and ensure there are no restrictions for American clients. Most futures prop firms do accept US traders, but always confirm.
TopStep, Apex Trader Funding, My Funded Futures, and Take Profit Trader all explicitly accept US traders. Check our guide to prop firms for US traders for more details.
Step 2: Compare Funding Amounts
Compare funding amounts across different American prop firms. Consider your trading goals and choose a firm that offers sufficient capital. Some firms start at $25K while others offer up to $300K+.
TopStep offers up to $150K, Apex Trader Funding offers up to $300K+, My Funded Futures offers up to $300K, and Take Profit Trader offers up to $150K. Choose based on your capital requirements.
Step 3: Review Trading Rules
Examine trading rules carefully, especially drawdown limits, profit targets, and any restrictions on trading strategies. Look for firms with no daily drawdown if you prefer flexibility.
Apex Trader Funding offers no daily drawdown on most accounts, while other firms may have 5% daily drawdown limits. Choose based on your trading style and risk management preferences.
Step 4: Verify Platform Support
Ensure the prop firm supports your preferred trading platform. Most futures prop firms support NinjaTrader, TradingView, and Quantower, but verify compatibility before committing.
TopStep has its own platform, while Apex Trader Funding supports multiple platforms including NinjaTrader and TradingView. Always verify platform compatibility before choosing a firm.
Step 5: Check Profit Splits
Compare profit splits across different American prop firms. Most offer 80-90% profit splits, but some may offer higher splits for larger accounts or consistent performance. Higher profit splits mean more money in your pocket.
TopStep offers 90% profit splits, Apex Trader Funding offers 90%, My Funded Futures offers 90%, and Take Profit Trader offers 90%. Alpha Futures offers 85%. Compare all options to find the best fit.
Step 6: Research Track Record
Research the firm's track record with US traders. Look for verified payout history, positive community feedback, and transparent operations. Established firms with long track records are generally safer choices.
TopStep has been operating since 2012 with a proven track record. Apex Trader Funding, My Funded Futures, and Take Profit Trader all have established reputations. Always do your research before committing funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US traders use prop firms?
Yes, US traders can use prop firms, but most forex prop firms restrict US clients due to regulatory concerns. Futures prop firms are the best option for US traders because futures markets are regulated by the CFTC, making futures prop firms legal and accessible to American traders. TopStep, Apex Trader Funding, and other futures prop firms actively accept US traders.
Why do most prop firms restrict US traders?
Most forex prop firms restrict US traders due to regulatory concerns. US forex regulations (CFTC/NFA) require strict compliance, and many prop firms choose to avoid the complexity and costs of US regulation. However, futures markets are regulated differently, making futures prop firms legal and accessible to US traders without the same restrictions.
What is the best prop firm for US traders?
TopStep is considered the best prop firm for US traders because it's NFA registered for futures trading, has a long track record (operating since 2012), offers educational resources, and is specifically designed for American traders. Apex Trader Funding is also excellent with no daily drawdown and accounts up to $300K+. Both are futures-focused, which is ideal for US traders.
Are there any forex prop firms that accept US traders?
Very few forex prop firms accept US traders due to regulatory restrictions. Most major forex prop firms (FTMO, FundedNext, The5ers, etc.) explicitly restrict US clients. However, some smaller or newer firms may accept US traders, but they're rare. Futures prop firms are the reliable, legal option for American traders seeking funded accounts.
What makes a prop firm good for American traders?
A good prop firm for American traders accepts US clients (most futures prop firms do), offers competitive funding amounts ($25K-$300K+), provides flexible trading rules, supports popular platforms (NinjaTrader, TradingView), has transparent profit splits (80-90%), and has a track record of paying US traders. Futures prop firms typically meet all these criteria.
Do American prop firms have different rules?
American prop firms (futures prop firms) typically have similar rules to other prop firms, but they may offer more flexible rules for US traders. Some firms like Apex Trader Funding offer no daily drawdown, which is particularly attractive. Rules vary by firm, so always review terms carefully before committing.