What Are Funded Prop Firms?
Funded prop firms are proprietary trading companies that provide traders with funded trading accounts—real capital to trade with—after they successfully pass an evaluation challenge. Instead of risking your own money, you trade with the firm's capital and keep a percentage of the profits (typically 70-90%). This model has revolutionized trading by allowing skilled traders to access substantial capital without personal financial risk.
The funded prop trading industry has exploded since 2020, with hundreds of firms now operating globally. These firms offer funded accounts ranging from $10,000 to over $400,000, making it possible for traders worldwide to scale their trading operations significantly. The process typically involves paying a challenge fee, passing an evaluation, and then receiving a funded account where you can trade and earn profits.
Funded prop firms have become the primary way for retail traders to access professional-level capital. Unlike traditional prop trading (where you work at a firm's office), funded prop firms allow you to trade from anywhere, on your own schedule, while still accessing the firm's capital. This flexibility, combined with the potential for substantial funding, has made funded prop trading one of the most popular trading opportunities available today.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about funded prop firms: how to get funded, which firms offer the best opportunities, what to expect from the process, and how to maximize your chances of success.
How to Get a Funded Trading Account
Choose a Firm
Research and select a funded prop firm that matches your trading style, location, and preferences.
- • Compare funding amounts
- • Check profit splits
- • Review trading rules
- • Verify payout reliability
Pay Challenge Fee
Pay the evaluation/challenge fee (typically $50-$200) to receive a demo account for the challenge.
- • Fees vary by account size
- • Look for discount codes
- • Some firms offer free trials
- • Retakes often discounted
Pass Evaluation
Meet profit targets and stay within drawdown limits during the evaluation period (usually 30-60 days).
- • Profit target: 6-10%
- • Drawdown limit: 5-10%
- • Minimum trading days
- • Follow all rules
Get Funded
Receive your funded account and start trading with real capital. Keep 70-90% of profits.
- • Real capital account
- • Weekly/monthly payouts
- • Scaling opportunities
- • Keep most profits
The Funded Account Process
Evaluation Phase
- •Trade on a demo account with firm's rules
- •Meet profit target (typically 6-10%)
- •Stay within drawdown limits
- •Trade minimum number of days
- •Follow all trading rules
Funded Account Phase
- ✓Trade with real firm capital
- ✓Keep 70-90% of profits
- ✓Regular payouts (weekly/monthly)
- ✓Scaling programs available
- ✓Continue following rules
Best Funded Prop Firms 2026
Here are the top funded prop firms that offer the best combination of funding amounts, profit splits, and reliable payouts:
FTMO
Industry Leader | Most Reputable | $200K Funding
FTMO is the most reputable funded prop firm, established in 2015 with a proven track record of reliable payouts. They've paid out over $100 million to traders and maintain a 4.8/5 rating on Trustpilot. FTMO offers funded accounts up to $200,000 with a 90% profit split.
Their two-phase evaluation is well-established, and they're known for transparent operations, reliable payouts, and excellent customer service. FTMO accepts traders worldwide (except restricted countries) and offers forex, indices, commodities, and crypto trading.
Apex Trader Funding
Futures Focused | $300K Funding | US Traders
Apex Trader Funding is the most popular funded prop firm for futures traders, especially US traders. They offer funded accounts up to $300,000 with a unique 100% profit split on the first $25,000, then 90% thereafter. Their one-step evaluation and flexible rules make them extremely attractive.
Apex specializes exclusively in futures trading (ES, NQ, Gold, Oil, etc.) and uses Rithmic and NinjaTrader platforms. They've quickly built a strong reputation through reliable payouts and trader-friendly rules like no daily drawdown.
FundedNext
High Profit Splits | $300K Funding | Express Model
FundedNext offers some of the highest profit splits in the industry, up to 95% on funded accounts. They provide funded accounts up to $300,000 and offer both traditional and Express evaluation models. Their Express model allows faster access to funded accounts.
FundedNext has built a strong reputation through reliable payouts, high profit splits, and innovative features. They support both forex and futures trading and have become one of the most popular funded prop firms.
TopStep
CFTC-Regulated | Most Established | US Traders
TopStep is one of the oldest funded prop firms, established in 2012. They're properly registered with the CFTC and NFA, making them ideal for US traders who value regulatory compliance. TopStep offers funded accounts up to $150,000 with a 90% profit split.
Their reputation is built on regulatory compliance, educational resources, and consistent operations. TopStep offers both futures and forex trading and has maintained the same core business model for over 13 years.
Funded Prop Firms Comparison
| Funded Prop Firm | Max Funding | Profit Split | Evaluation | Markets | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | $200,000 | 90% | 2-Phase | Forex, Indices, Crypto | Most Traders |
| Apex Trader Funding | $300,000 | 100% first $25K, then 90% | 1-Phase | Futures | Futures Traders |
| FundedNext | $300,000 | Up to 95% | 1/2-Phase | Forex, Futures | High Profit Splits |
| TopStep | $150,000 | 90% | 2-Phase | Futures, Forex | US Traders |
Benefits of Funded Trading Accounts
No Personal Risk
Trade with firm capital instead of your own money. If you lose, you only lose the challenge fee, not your personal savings.
Scale Your Trading
Access $10K to $400K+ in trading capital, allowing you to scale your trading operations significantly beyond personal capital limits.
Keep Most Profits
Keep 70-90% of all profits you generate. Some firms even offer 100% on first profits or scaling bonuses.
Trade From Anywhere
Unlike traditional prop trading, funded prop firms allow you to trade from home on your own schedule.
Scaling Programs
Many funded prop firms offer scaling programs that increase your account size based on consistent profitability.
Fast Payouts
Receive regular payouts (weekly or monthly) directly to your bank account. No waiting for quarterly distributions.
How to Get Funded with Prop Firms
Learn how to get funded and start trading with prop firm capital
Frequently Asked Questions
What are funded prop firms?
Funded prop firms are proprietary trading companies that provide traders with funded trading accounts after they pass an evaluation challenge. Instead of trading with your own capital, you trade with the firm's money and keep 70-90% of the profits. Popular funded prop firms include FTMO, Apex Trader Funding, FundedNext, TopStep, and many others.
How do I get a funded trading account?
To get a funded trading account, you typically need to: (1) Choose a prop firm, (2) Pay a challenge/evaluation fee, (3) Pass the evaluation by meeting profit targets and staying within drawdown limits, (4) Receive your funded account, (5) Start trading and keep 70-90% of profits. The evaluation process usually takes 30-60 days.
What are the best funded prop firms?
The best funded prop firms include FTMO (industry leader, $200K max), Apex Trader Funding (futures, $300K max), FundedNext (up to 95% profit split), TopStep (CFTC-regulated), and MyFundedFX (flexible rules). The best firm depends on your trading style, location, and preferences for funding amounts, profit splits, and trading rules.
How much capital do funded prop firms provide?
Funded prop firms typically provide accounts ranging from $10,000 to $400,000+, with most firms offering $25,000 to $300,000. Entry-level accounts usually start at $10K-$25K, mid-tier at $50K-$100K, and high-tier at $200K-$400K. Some firms offer scaling programs that can increase your account size based on performance.
How long does it take to get funded?
The time to get funded varies by firm and your trading performance. Most evaluations take 30-60 days, but you can pass faster if you meet the profit target quickly. Some firms offer Express models that allow faster access to funded accounts. Once you pass, you typically receive your funded account within 1-3 business days.