This article examines the leading 5 futures prop firms in 2024. These companies give traders the capital and tools they need to trade and then split the gains with the trader. Working with a prop firm entails completing an assessment, going through an application procedure, and, once funded, futures traders follow rules in exchange for a cut of the profits they produce. You will gain from the firm’s assistance and continuous education chances along the way.
We selected these firms based on a number of factors, including their track record, the trading environment they provide, their ease of entry for novice traders, and the caliber of their customer service. The leading prop firms in the futures market are as follows:
Topstep: Designed for more seasoned traders, Topstep provides funding to individuals who pass the firm’s two-step assessment. Position sizes range from 5 to 15 contracts, and a large number of contracts are available.
Apex Trader Funding: Up to 35 contracts are allowed in a flexible environment for futures trading of indices and commodities. operates on a subscription model that pays for market data costs as well as platform access.
Earn2Trade: This beginner-friendly platform charges a one-time fee for its trading challenges and training courses. It offers first-rate training materials and supports a large number of futures contracts.
The Trading Pit: Access commodities, indexes, and financial instruments through the tiered challenge of this futures prop firm. Trading professionals keep between 60% and 70% of their income after a one-time evaluation charge.
Leeloo: This firm provides access to a variety of futures markets with a cap of 300 micro contracts. The assessment procedure is part of the monthly subscription that allows for later possibilities to raise trading limits.
This section examines the top five futures prop trading firms in the market and identifies the distinctive qualities of each. It will assist you in comprehending the workings of these companies and the possible benefits of doing business with them.
Topstep finds skilled futures traders who can turn a profit on a regular basis and provides them with funding. The firm offers a wide range of futures contracts, encompassing equities, bonds, commodities, and indexes. There are 5 to 15 contracts that you can trade, depending on the account level you choose. Their two-step review procedure is fast—it usually takes two days—and requires you to meet both your predetermined profit objective and several strict risk management guidelines. Popular trading platforms including TSTrader, NinjaTrader, and TradingView are all compatible with Topstep.
With Topstep’s simple price structure, you can concentrate on improving your trading abilities without having to worry about hidden costs. You will pay a monthly membership fee throughout the Trading Combine, and upon passing, you will get a funded account with a minimum of $50,000 in initial capital. Currently, there is a $149 one-time activation charge; further fees for market data may be incurred.
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Account Size |
Account balance varies from $50,000 to $150,000, with profit requirements changing based on the starting capital. |
|
Costs |
Activation fee and data fees. |
|
Assets Available |
Forex, indices, commodities, and stock. |
|
Maximum Position Size |
15 contracts. |
|
Customer Support |
Email, live chat, Discord server, and help center. |
|
Trading Platforms |
TSTrader, Ninja Trader, TradingView, Bookmap X-ray, CTS, DayTradr, InvestorRT, MotiveWave, MultiCharts, R|Trader Pro, Trade Navigator, Volfix.net. |
Futures traders seeking some diversity and flexibility in their trading alternatives should choose Apex Trader Funding. With a variety of contract types available, the firm facilitates trading in a range of futures markets, including financial indices, currencies, and commodities like gold and oil. The large contract limitations offered by Apex are also noteworthy. You may manage up to 35 contracts each trade, which is ideal for rapid and aggressive growth.
Additionally, Apex provides you with real-time market data, which is essential for tracking market patterns and, ultimately, for taking advantage of opportunities as they arise. To help you trade effectively, the data has been thoughtfully included into Apex’s trading platforms, such as NinjaTrader, which has powerful analytical capabilities.
Due to Apex’s subscription strategy, access to all of their trading platforms will be covered by a monthly price. The price is determined by the contract size and account type you select; market data may incur extra fees.
|
Feature |
Details |
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Account balance varies from $25,000 to $300,000, with profit requirements changing based on the starting capital. |
|
|
Costs |
The monthly fee varies depending on the challenge |
|
Assets Available |
Futures, CFD, indices, commodities, and stock. |
|
Maximum Position Size |
35 contracts. |
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Customer Support |
Email, phone number, live chat support. |
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Trading Platforms |
Ninja Trader, R Trader, Rithmic, Tradovate, TradingView. |
Earn2Trade places a strong focus on education to assist traders who have little or no prior trading experience in understanding the futures markets. Following a comprehensive training program called the Trader Career Path, you take part in a challenge that, if successful, opens up to 16 contracts for you to choose from.
Real-time trading simulations and comprehensive training are two of Earn2Trade’s most intriguing features. These are meant to assist you in developing the abilities you’ll need to be successful as a futures trader. The platform is an excellent learning tool because it also maintains an extensive blog that covers a wide range of trading subjects. Additionally, Earn2Trade offers a wide range of futures contracts, so you may use a number of trading tactics.
Gain access to some of the top trading platforms on the market, including NinjaTrader, R Trader Pro, Finamark, MT4, MT5, and cTrader, by partnering with Earn2Trade. These include sophisticated analytical tools and features that you may personalize to fit your workflow.
Earn2Trade’s trading challenge and training course are available through a monthly subscription model. After completing the challenge, you will be qualified for a funded account. With the exception of obtaining market data, there are no additional costs.
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Account Size |
Account balance varies from $50,000 to $200,000, with profit requirements changing based on the starting capital. |
|
Costs |
Challenge fee. |
|
Assets Available |
Forex, CFD, indices, commodities, and stock. |
|
Maximum Position Size |
16 Contracts. |
|
Customer Support |
Email and live chat support. |
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Trading Platforms |
Ninja Trader, R Trader Pro, Finamark, MT4, MT5, cTrader. |
There are tiers to the Trading Pit tasks, each with a time limit of 30 days and designated goal ranges. A large range of futures markets, including those for commodities, financial instruments, and indexes, are available to traders. Lite traders may handle up to 10 micro contracts, while VIP traders can manage up to 10 standard contracts. The trading restrictions vary based on the challenge category.
In addition to having access to cutting-edge trading tools and data to help you make decisions, you will earn a profit share of between sixty and seventy percent. The platform offers a plethora of training resources and assistance, and it is compatible with Quantower, ATAS, MetaTrader 5, and Rithmic.
The Trading Pit offers straightforward pricing, when you meet the requirements, there are no more monthly fees; instead, you pay a one-time cost to access a funded account. However, for some scaling plans, there can be a market data price.
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Feature |
Details |
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Account Size |
Account balance ranges from $20,000 to $250,000. |
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Costs |
Challenge fee and market data monthly fees. |
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Assets Available |
Forex, futures, CFDs, indices, commodities, stock, and crypto. |
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Maximum Position Size |
10 contracts. |
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Customer Support |
Email, phone number, live chat support. |
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Trading Platforms |
ATAS, Rithmic, Quantower, MT4, MT5. |
With a focus on ease of use, accessibility, and excellent customer support, Leeloo provides quick access to a variety of futures markets. With contract limitations appropriate for both novices and seasoned experts, the prop firm facilitates trading in marketplaces ranging from financial indices to commodities. Trading up to 300 micro contracts is possible, depending on the type of account you have.
The platforms from Leeloo, such as TradeStation and Sierra Chart, are equipped with cutting-edge technology and are well-regarded for their real-time data, clear user interfaces, and strong analytical capabilities—all essential components for effectively implementing your trading plans.
During the assessment stage, Leeloo’s pricing structure consists of a monthly charge. You will be able to obtain lower-cost contracts with bigger limitations if you meet the requirements.
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Account Size |
Account balance varies from $25,000 to $250,000, with profit requirements changing based on the starting capital. |
|
Costs |
Challenge fee and data fees |
|
Assets Available |
Futures, indices, commodities, stocks, and crypto. |
|
Maximum Position Size |
300 micros. |
|
Customer Support |
Email, live chat support. |
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Trading Platforms |
NinjaTrader 7, NinjaTrader 8, Rithmic Pro, EdgeProX, Motive Wave, ATAS, OptimusFlow, VolFix. |
When trading futures with a prop trading firm, there’s a very conventional set of steps you have to follow:
Application and Evaluation: To become a trader, one must first submit an application and then go through an assessment procedure that usually consists of a trading challenge or a set of exams. In order to ensure that only competent traders who are up to the task are allowed to trade using the firm’s capital, these evaluations are intended to gauge how well you manage risk and if you regularly earn profits.
Funding and Account Activation: Upon passing the assessment, you will be granted access to a funded trading account. The amount of your initial money will vary based on your performance in the evaluation and the specific programs offered by each business.
Trading and Regulations: A number of regulations, including daily loss caps, allowed instruments, and risk tolerance, will be in place at your prop firm. It is your responsibility to abide by these guidelines in order to maintain your account and access to money.
Profit Sharing: The firm will have told you in advance of the portion of the earnings you will receive, and they will retain a tiny portion in return. This approach is intended to encourage you to maximize profits while exercising prudent risk management. Should you exhibit exceptional performance, you may receive a larger profit split as compensation.
Education and Support: The top prop firms will provide you the guidance and support you need to advance your abilities, employ more potent tactics, and stay current with market trends.
Aside from funding, one of the primary benefits of collaborating with a prop firm is the ability to utilize advanced trading platforms designed specifically to support futures market trading. Platforms are chosen by prop firms based on factors including usability, speed, and analytical power. A quality platform should possess the following attributes:
Advanced Trading Tools: These include charting and technical indicator tools, along with the option to personalize features to suit your needs. These kinds of tools are essential for quickly and intelligently analyzing market movements and making judgments.
Real-time Data and Execution: To reduce slippage in erratic markets and efficiently handle large trade volumes, proficient traders depend on real-time market data and quick transaction execution.
Features of Risk Management: To assist you minimize potential losses and so safeguard the firm’s capital, prop trading firms strongly emphasize risk management. Examples of these features are stop-loss orders, automated risk controls, and real-time profit and loss tracking.
Multi-Market Access: Platforms should also provide you access to a number of different financial marketplaces so you may trade a wide range of assets and take advantage of market movements.
The table below illustrates the different aspects between trading with a prop firm and an independent futures trading account:
|
Aspect |
Proprietary Trading Firm |
Own Futures Account |
|
Capital Requirement |
Lower initial capital needed. |
Higher personal capital required. |
|
Capital Access |
Access to significant trading capital. |
Limited to personal funds. |
|
Risk Exposure |
Firm absorbs some losses. |
Full personal risk for losses. |
|
Trading Tools |
Access to advanced professional tools. |
Choice and cost of tools are personal. |
|
Education and Training |
Structured programs and mentoring are available. |
Self-directed learning and development. |
|
Community and Support |
Built-in community and professional support. |
Independent, possibly isolated trading. |
|
Profit Sharing |
Profits shared with the firm. |
No sharing, retain 100% of profits. |
|
Trading Autonomy |
Some trading decisions are guided by the firm’s rules. |
Complete autonomy in trading decisions. |
|
Market Access |
Limited to assets the prop firm allows to trade |
Access depends on personal account capabilities. |
|
Performance Pressure |
Performance metrics and goals set by the firm. |
Self-set goals and performance metrics. |
Futures prop trading firms provide an excellent way to obtain funds and tools of a higher caliber. It’s crucial to investigate alternative trading choices, though, since they could be a better fit for you.
Programs for Instant Funding: These programs do away with the often protracted review procedure typical of traditional prop firms, giving users instant access to funded accounts after a quick verification process. This strategy could work well for seasoned traders who are already at ease with their trading methods and are looking for faster access to trading funds.
Self-Funding: When you trade futures with your own money, you are in total control of your trading choices and keep all of your gains. It does, however, need a substantial up-front cost.
Retail Brokers: To handle their own deals, a lot of traders choose to use retail brokerage accounts. Because these accounts are regulated, they offer more security and peace of mind when trading by allowing you access to several futures markets.
Trading contests: The top performers in trading contests may receive rewards such as free accounts or greater money.
It’s wise to go beyond conventional futures prop firms since all of these possibilities provide varying degrees of independence, risk, and possible returns. Examine the advantages and disadvantages of each choice in light of your personal requirements and objectives.
Choosing a futures prop firm is a big decision that necessitates carefully analyzing all of a company’s key attributes, profit-sharing plans, client service, and the caliber of trading platforms they provide. Each of the five companies that we believe to be the best thanks to their unique strategy for funding, teaching, and supporting its traders. It’s crucial to consider how each company will satisfy your unique requirements and how they might help you succeed as a futures trader.
What Is a Futures Prop Firm?
Futures prop trading firms lend money to traders in exchange for a cut of the profits they make. In addition, these firms usually provide other resources like advanced trading tools and training. Traders must often complete an evaluation phase—which entails trading in a simulated environment and hitting predetermined profit targets—in order to be eligible for financing.
What Advantages Come with Partnering with a Prop Firm?
One good approach to trade with more capital than you may normally have access to is to partner with a prop firm. Other noteworthy benefits include access to advanced technology, support from like-minded colleagues, and the educational and training materials that companies frequently offer. These may all help you become more skilled and increase your earnings.
What Are the Average Charges for Prop Firms
Usually, you begin by paying an assessment charge, which is frequently set up as a recurring monthly payment. These costs usually end if you pass the review and become funded, at which point you start giving the firm a percentage of your earnings. Nevertheless, other expenses can still be incurred, such as those for other services or market data.
Can I Use a Futures Prop Firm to Trade Any Market?
Although the precise markets that are accessible might change between businesses, futures prop firms often provide access to a wide range of markets, including indices and commodities. Make sure the firm you choose to partner with offers the markets and trading instruments that you enjoy using.
When I Trade with a Prop Firm, What Is My Share of the Profits?
Firms have different profit-sharing policies, but traders usually keep between 50% and 90% of their profits. The precise proportion is dependent on the trader’s success as well as the firm’s policy at times. Therefore, before agreeing to collaborate with a particular firm, it is imperative to evaluate its profit-sharing model.
