What Are Futures Prop Firms?
Futures prop firms are proprietary trading companies that provide capital to traders specifically for trading futures contracts. Unlike forex or stock prop firms, futures prop firms focus exclusively on futures markets like E-mini S&P 500 (ES), E-mini NASDAQ (NQ), Gold, Crude Oil, and other commodity and index futures. These firms have become increasingly popular, especially among US traders, because futures trading has clearer regulatory pathways than forex.
The futures prop trading industry has exploded since 2020, with firms like Apex Trader Funding leading the way. Futures prop firms typically offer accounts ranging from $25,000 to $300,000+, with profit splits of 70-90%. They use specialized platforms like NinjaTrader, Rithmic, and Tradovate, which are designed specifically for futures trading and offer professional-grade tools like DOM (Depth of Market), advanced order types, and sophisticated charting.
One of the key advantages of futures prop firms is their accessibility to US traders. While many forex prop firms restrict US access due to CFTC regulations, futures prop firms can operate more freely because futures markets have established regulatory frameworks. This has made futures prop trading one of the most accessible funded trading opportunities for American traders.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about futures prop firms: how they work, which firms are the best, what platforms they use, how to choose the right firm, and what to expect from the evaluation and funded account process.
How Futures Prop Firms Work
Evaluation Challenge
Pay a challenge fee (typically $50-$200) and receive a demo account. Meet profit targets and stay within drawdown limits to pass.
- • Profit target: 6-10%
- • Drawdown limit: 5-10%
- • Time limit: 30-60 days
- • Trading days: 5-10 minimum
Funded Account
After passing, receive a funded account with the firm's capital. Start trading with real money and keep 70-90% of profits.
- • Account sizes: $25K-$300K
- • Profit split: 70-90%
- • Scaling programs available
- • Regular payouts
Profit Sharing
Keep the majority of profits you generate. Most firms offer 80-90% profit splits, with some offering 100% on first profits.
- • Weekly/monthly payouts
- • Bank transfer/ACH
- • Tax reporting provided
- • Scaling opportunities
Key Differences from Forex Prop Firms
Futures Prop Firms
- ✓US traders welcome (most firms)
- ✓NinjaTrader, Rithmic platforms
- ✓ES, NQ, Gold, Oil contracts
- ✓Often no daily drawdown
- ✓Weekend holding often allowed
Forex Prop Firms
- ✗Many restrict US traders
- ✗MT4, MT5, cTrader platforms
- ✗Forex pairs (EUR/USD, etc.)
- ✗Often have daily drawdown
- ✗Weekend holding restrictions
Best Futures Prop Firms 2026
After extensive research and analysis of hundreds of futures prop firms, here are the top firms that offer the best combination of funding, rules, profit splits, and trader support:
Apex Trader Funding
#1 Most Popular Futures Prop Firm
Apex Trader Funding is the most popular futures prop firm, especially among US traders. They specialize exclusively in futures trading (ES, NQ, Gold, Oil, etc.) and have built their entire business model around serving futures traders. Their one-step evaluation, lack of daily drawdown limits, and 100% profit split on the first $25,000 make them extremely attractive.
Apex uses Rithmic and NinjaTrader platforms, both of which are industry-standard for futures trading. They offer accounts from $25,000 to $300,000, with scaling programs available. The firm frequently runs promotions with discount codes, making challenge fees more affordable. Their trailing drawdown system (no daily drawdown) gives traders flexibility to recover from temporary losses.
TopStep
CFTC-Regulated | Most Established
TopStep is one of the oldest and most established futures prop firms, founded in 2012. They're properly registered with the CFTC and NFA, giving US traders confidence in their regulatory compliance. TopStep offers both futures and forex trading, though futures is their primary focus.
Their evaluation process is more traditional (two-phase), but they offer excellent educational resources, a supportive community, and reliable payouts. TopStep is ideal for traders who want the security of working with a fully regulated, established firm. They use NinjaTrader and their own proprietary platform.
My Funded Futures
Flexible Rules | Weekend Holding
My Funded Futures offers some of the most flexible rules for futures traders. They allow weekend holding, have no daily drawdown limits (only overall), and use static drawdown. This makes them ideal for swing traders who want to hold positions over weekends. They focus exclusively on futures trading.
Take Profit Trader
Simple Rules | Fast Growing
Take Profit Trader is a newer futures prop firm that has quickly gained popularity. They offer a simple one-phase evaluation, competitive profit splits, and focus exclusively on futures trading. Their rules are straightforward and trader-friendly, making them a great option for traders who want simplicity.
Futures Prop Firms Comparison
| Prop Firm | Max Funding | Profit Split | Evaluation | Platform | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Trader Funding | $300,000 | 100% first $25K, then 90% | 1-Phase | Rithmic, NinjaTrader | Most Traders |
| TopStep | $150,000 | 90% | 2-Phase | NinjaTrader, Proprietary | Regulated Security |
| My Funded Futures | $200,000 | 80% | 1/2-Phase | Rithmic, NinjaTrader | Swing Traders |
| Take Profit Trader | $150,000 | 90% | 1-Phase | Rithmic, NinjaTrader | Simple Rules |
Futures Trading Platforms Used by Prop Firms
Futures prop firms use specialized platforms designed specifically for futures trading. These platforms offer professional-grade tools that forex platforms don't have:
NinjaTrader - Industry Standard
NinjaTrader is the most popular platform for futures prop trading. It offers advanced features specifically designed for futures traders.
- ✓DOM (Depth of Market): See order flow and market depth in real-time
- ✓Advanced Charting: Professional-grade charts with 100+ indicators
- ✓Strategy Development: C# programming for custom automated strategies
- ✓Market Replay: Practice with historical data
- ✓Order Management: Advanced order types and execution
Rithmic - Professional Grade
Rithmic is another popular platform used by many futures prop firms. It's known for its speed and reliability.
- ✓Ultra-Low Latency: Fastest execution speeds
- ✓Professional Tools: Advanced order management
- ✓Multiple Interfaces: RTrader, Rithmic API
- ✓Reliable Data: Direct exchange connections
- ✓Scalping Friendly: Optimized for fast trading
Tradovate - Modern Interface
Tradovate offers a modern, user-friendly interface that's great for both beginners and experienced traders.
- ✓Modern UI: Clean, intuitive interface
- ✓Mobile App: Trade from anywhere
- ✓Built-in Analytics: Performance tracking tools
- ✓Cloud-Based: Access from any device
Quantower - Free Alternative
Quantower is a free platform that some futures prop firms offer as an alternative to paid platforms.
- ✓Free Platform: No subscription fees
- ✓Advanced Features: Professional tools included
- ✓Multi-Asset: Futures, forex, stocks
- ✓Customizable: Highly configurable interface
Why Choose Futures Prop Firms?
US Traders Welcome
Unlike many forex prop firms, most futures prop firms accept US traders. Futures trading has clearer regulatory pathways, making it more accessible for American traders.
Professional Platforms
Futures prop firms use professional-grade platforms like NinjaTrader and Rithmic, which offer advanced tools like DOM, sophisticated order types, and professional charting.
Flexible Rules
Many futures prop firms offer flexible rules like no daily drawdown, weekend holding allowed, and static drawdown, making them ideal for various trading styles.
High Funding
Futures prop firms offer substantial funding, with some firms providing up to $300,000 or more. Scaling programs allow you to grow your account based on performance.
Liquid Markets
Futures markets like ES and NQ are extremely liquid, with tight spreads and high volume. This makes them ideal for both scalping and swing trading strategies.
24-Hour Trading
Many futures contracts trade nearly 24 hours a day, giving you flexibility to trade during your preferred hours, including Asian and European sessions.
Popular Futures Contracts Traded
Index Futures
- •E-mini S&P 500 (ES): Most popular futures contract, tracks S&P 500 index. High liquidity, tight spreads, ideal for day and swing trading.
- •E-mini NASDAQ (NQ): Tracks NASDAQ-100, more volatile than ES. Popular with day traders and scalpers.
- •E-mini Dow (YM): Tracks Dow Jones Industrial Average. Lower volatility, good for swing trading.
- •E-mini Russell 2000 (RTY): Tracks small-cap stocks. Higher volatility, good for experienced traders.
Commodity Futures
- •Gold (GC): Most popular commodity. Trades nearly 24 hours, good for swing trading and hedging.
- •Crude Oil (CL): High volatility, good for day trading. Trades during US hours primarily.
- •Natural Gas (NG): Very volatile, weather-dependent. Best for experienced traders.
- •Silver (SI): Similar to gold but more volatile. Good for day and swing trading.
Futures Prop Trading Explained
Learn about futures prop trading and how to get started with futures prop firms
Frequently Asked Questions
What are futures prop firms?
Futures prop firms are proprietary trading firms that provide capital to traders specifically for futures trading. These firms allow traders to trade futures contracts (like ES, NQ, Gold, Oil) using the firm's capital instead of their own, sharing profits with the trader. Popular futures prop firms include Apex Trader Funding, TopStep, My Funded Futures, and Take Profit Trader.
How do futures prop firms work?
Futures prop firms work by providing traders with funded accounts after they pass an evaluation challenge. Traders pay a fee to take the challenge, meet profit targets and drawdown limits, and upon passing, receive a funded account. Traders then keep 70-90% of profits while the firm keeps the remainder. Most futures prop firms use platforms like NinjaTrader, Rithmic, or Tradovate.
What are the best futures prop firms?
The best futures prop firms include Apex Trader Funding (most popular, $300K max, no daily drawdown), TopStep (CFTC-regulated, established), My Funded Futures (weekend holding allowed), and Take Profit Trader (simple rules). The best firm depends on your trading style, location, and preferences for drawdown rules and profit splits.
What platforms do futures prop firms use?
Futures prop firms primarily use NinjaTrader (most popular), Rithmic, Tradovate, and Quantower. These platforms are specifically designed for futures trading and offer advanced features like DOM (Depth of Market), advanced order types, and professional-grade charting. Some firms allow multiple platform options.
Do futures prop firms accept US traders?
Yes, many futures prop firms accept US traders, including Apex Trader Funding, TopStep, My Funded Futures, and Take Profit Trader. Futures trading has clearer regulatory pathways than forex for US traders, making futures prop firms more accessible to American traders. Some firms are even CFTC-registered.
What futures contracts can I trade?
Most futures prop firms allow trading of major futures contracts including E-mini S&P 500 (ES), E-mini NASDAQ (NQ), Gold (GC), Crude Oil (CL), and other commodity and index futures. Some firms may restrict certain contracts or have specific rules about which contracts you can trade. Always check the firm's contract list.