Best Forex Prop Trading Firms

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Contributor, Benzinga
May 30, 2024

Forex trading can be a difficult task, and retail trading can be a lonely road. Many forex retail traders lose money, and much of it can come down to inexperience, a lack of skill or a lack of sufficient funding. Each trader's experience may be unique, but everyone's aims are consistent profits.

A prop firm provides its traders with access to capital in return for a portion of the profits generated. 

A proprietary trading firm hires and sometimes teaches traders to trade. It provides them with capital. While the firm benefits by taking a cut of the profits, this model can also be helpful for traders as they do not need to risk their own funds. Here are some of the best prop trading firms.

Quick Look: Best Forex Prop Trading Firms

Best Proprietary Trading Firms for Forex

Traders join forex prop trading firms to boost their profits by benefiting from the potential funding these companies offer. However, it is crucial to know that some prop firms aren’t regulated. If it is also operating as a broker-dealer, a prop trading firm must register with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a registered national securities association such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA); however, some firms (including a few listed below) are not broker-dealer and may not be regulated. Therefore, it is essential to conduct due diligence.

1. Best for Beginner Futures Traders: Apex Trader Funding

Apex Trader Funding makes it possible for you to get qualified in as little as 7 days, keep the first $25,000 you earn and scale up to a 90% profit split, if you like. You can connect with Rithmic or Tradovate, choose from around 20 account types and avoid daily drawdowns all on this platform.

There are no caps on your payouts, and you can work as your own pace as you grow as a trader and build your portfolio.

Pros

  • Because you get to keep your first $25,000, you have the chance to establish yourself as a trader early on
  • Streamlined one-step evaluation
  • Excellent profit split or payout
  • Two payouts per month
  • No total cap on the maximum payout
  • Relaxed trading rules

Cons

  • Recurring monthly fees
  • Doesn’t support cross session trading

2. Best for All Experience Levels: Axi

  • Axi Funded Trader
    Best For:
    Forex Traders
    securely through Axi Funded Trader's website

    Over-the-counter derivatives are leveraged products that carry a high level of risk to your capital. Trading is not suitable for everyone and may result in you losing substantially more than your initial investment. You do not own, or have any rights to, the underlying assets. You should only trade with money you can afford to lose.

Axi Select stands out as a unique capital allocation program tailored to support professional traders in achieving success. Axi Select has a generous initiative that aims to empower traders by providing funding up to $1 million USD within a well-structured framework. Aspiring traders are encouraged to enhance their skills, deepen market knowledge and embark on a transformative trading journey through Axi Select.

An aspect worth noting is the program's commitment to inclusivity, as it offers a free membership without any registration fees. Traders of diverse abilities and strategies can progress through six stages, seizing profit-sharing opportunities of up to 90%. Axi Select recognizes the challenges traders face in finding a suitable capital allocation program and aims to address this by maintaining an inclusive, fair, and transparent process.

To improve the likelihood of achieving ambitious goals, participants gain access to advanced trading tools, technical expertise, market analysis, live educational content, and a community network of experienced traders. 

Pros

  • No registration or monthly fees
  • Profit sharing up to 90%
  • Access to advanced trading tools, technical expertise and analysis

Cons

  • Standard trading fees still apply
  • Not available for AU, NZ, EU and UK residents

3. Best for Experienced Traders: FXIFY

FXIFY is a proprietary trading firm that offers access to up to $400,000 for those who pass the site’s assessment. With profit shares as high as 90%, you can scale your account up to $4 million. 

You have the option to complete the One-Phase or Two-Phase assessment. Review the terms and conditions of each assessment before beginning so that you know you’re taking the right path. 

Trading is available on MT4 or MT5 and assorted trading platforms through the firm’s partnership with FXPIG. FXIFY is a great place to start with commission-free forex trading. This allows you to access the FX market along with stock indices, precious metals and more. There are relatively tight spreads, no trading restrictions, customizable leverage and excellent trading tools. Plus, you can use expert advisors or other automated strategies to get the best results. 

With instant payouts, no consistency rules, unlimited trading days and a 125% refund on your assessment fee with your first payout, FXIFY is an attractive option for those looking to break into prop trading.

Pros

  • MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5
  • Forex offerings come through a trusted partner
  • The massive refund on your assessment helps you invest further and save money
  • Instant payouts on demand
  • No consistency rules or trading restrictions
  • Unlimited trading days
  • Expert Advisors (EAs) allowed
  • Up to 90% profit share

Cons

  • Minimum assessment fee of $175, which might be high for newer traders

4. Best for Undercapitalized Futures Traders: MyFundedFutures

MyFundedFutures is a prop firm that offers the capital and software you need to enter the market and succeed. MFFU provides access to capital, trading resources and risk management tools. They offer expert guidance to help navigate the futures market and improve returns. MFFU has a simple evaluation process, transparent fees, high payout ratios, fast withdrawals, and reliable customer support.

You can trade on a range of platforms and earn the ability to manage up to $600,000 in capital at a time. The first $10,000 in profits you get to keep and there’s a 90% split after that. You can use Tradovate, NinjaTrader and TradingView, access the CME, CBOT, COMEX and NYMEX and avoid scaling or consistency rules with an Expert account. 

Pros

  • 1-step evaluation
  • Transparent and affordable fees
  • Competitive payout ratios
  • Fast withdrawals
  • Quality customer services

Cons

  • This platform is designed expressly for futures investors

5. Best for Instant Funding: Instant Funding

Instant Funding offers a flexible and easy-to-manage platform that allows you to access a funded account and get in with simpler rules and more room for growth. When you use this platform, you benefit from:

  • Flexible evaluation options
  • No minimum trading days
  • Weekly profit payouts
  • Up to 90% profit splits
  • Automated dashboard functionality

Designed for undercapitalized, you can get up to $200,00 in funding (or you can scale up to $1.6 million). You don’t have to deal with time limits or daily drawdowns. Leverage is available up to 100:1, there are educational tools for everyone and the customer support is responsive and knowledgeable.

Asset classes include: Forex, indices, commodities and cryptocurrency

Pros

  • Try one of several evaluations
  • Intuitive dashboard
  • Simple leverage and scaling options

Cons

  • Restrictions on some types of trading could hamper your efforts
  • No copy trading or EA use is allowed

6. Best for Beginner Forex Traders: The 5%ers

The 5%ers is a prop trading firm that makes it easy to access the prop trading market and affordable to get started. On the platform, you can trade forex, metals and indices, pay as little as $95 for a demo account and get several benefits, including:

To make the most of The5ers, you should have a trading strategy in place. The platform allows skilled traders to showcase their abilities without having to pay a subscription fee. Before paying the participation fee, make sure to understand the trade restrictions so you can trade profitably within the platform's limits.

Pros

  • Instant trading access after passing the evaluation
  • Freedom to develop your own trading strategy
  • No subscription fees
  • MT5 trading
  • Profit splits up to 100%
  • Exclusive resources
  • Salary offers on some of the higher-stakes programs
  • Easy scaling options

Cons

  • No MT4
  • No access to stock or ETF markets

7. Best for Seasoned and Undercapitalized Traders: Top One Trader

When you use Top One Trader, you can try either the 1 or 2-step trading evaluation that will allow you to get from $200,000 to $5 million in funding. You even get a full refund on your challenge fee with your first payout. Profit splits rise up to 90% and there are bi-weekly payouts.

There are no minimum or maximum trading days, and the platform supports weekend and news trading and expert advisors (EA). With tools like the Economic Calendar, you can track economic events and indicators that impact the financial markets, enabling you to make a more informed trading decision.

Pros

  • Generous payout ratio of up to 90%
  • Fast and seamless bi-weekly payouts 
  • 100% refundable challenge fees at the first payout
  • Fast funding access of up to $200,000 ($5 million via scaling)
  • Competitive leverage of up to 50:1 for forex trading

Cons

  • Copy trading is not allowed, even though you may use EAs

8. Best for Investors Using cTrader: PipFarm

PipFarm is a cTrader trading platform that supports undercapitalized traders with funding and resources. It helps traders succeed with advanced technology, clear evaluation process, competitive payouts and fast scaling potential. The evaluation process is simple, offering up to $100,000 in funding and up to 90% profit share. You can increase your funding to $300,000 by hitting profit targets.

PipFarm offers trading in various asset classes such as forex, metals, energy, indices and crypto. It has competitive leverage and tight spreads. Traders can use automated trading, news trading and hold weekend and overnight positions. However, there are no educational resources available, and the profit target is high.

Pros

  • Bi-weekly payouts
  • Diverse range of assets
  • Multiple account sizes and styles
  • No consistency rules
  • Flexible funding of options ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 and up to $300,000 via a scaling plan and more funding every 30 days

Cons

  • Limited choice of trading platform — trade execution is via cTrader
  • Does not support high-frequency trading (HFT), copy trading or swap-free accounts

9. Best for a Multi-Asset Platform: The Trading Pit

At The Trading Pit, you can entire the funded trading space with help from up to $5M in funding and up to an 80% profit share. The process is simple, and you can start trading CFDs as soon as you get your account set up.

Plus, you can choose from multiple account styles, including:

  • Lite—3 days of trading minimum, 90 day challenge periods, $1,000 profit target
  • Standard—3 days of trading minimum, 90 day challenge periods, $2,000 profit target
  • Executive—3 days of trading minimum, 90 day challenge periods, $5,000 profit target
  • VIP—3 days of trading minimum, 90 day challenge periods, $8,000 profit target

All you need to do is pass the challenge for your account type, and when you do, you will become a funded partner with $5 million in funding where you will keep 80% of your profits. With simple rules, easy setup, real learning tools and quick payouts, you can start prop trading on your timeline.

Pros

  • Scalable funding plans
  • No monthly, hidden or recurring fees
  • One-step evaluation process
  • Excellent customer service
  • Diverse tradable financial instruments
  • Highly intuitive and user-friendly trading portals

Cons

  • Profit splits could turn out to be lower than some other platforms

10. Best for Beginner Retail Traders: Tradiac

Tradiac helps experienced forex traders (and beginners alike) to get the funding they need so that they can trade as a career. There are no roadblocks, no add-ons, a single-phase evaluation and maximum drawdowns as you trade. The funds are provided by hedge funds in London that offer the best risk management support.

Tradiac offers a new approach to prop trading with unique features. These include high drawdown rules, a single-phase evaluation process, and immediate funding upon qualification. Traders can earn a 90% profit payout without any additional conditions. Plus, there's an option to scale up to $1 million and maintain funding level after a failed attempt.

Pros

  • Up to $100,000 in initial funding
  • Up to a 15% to 30% daily loss limit
  • Instant 90% profit splits
  • Scaling up to $1 million
  • Weekend and overnight positions
  • Optional use of EAs
  • Excellent customer support
  • Up to 20:1 leverage

Cons

  • Yes, you can access quick funding, but you might want to move slower if you’re a newer trader
  • Holding weekend and overnight positions can be quite risky

11. Best for Swing and Day Traders: Traders With Edge

Traders With Edge was founded in 2022, a team of experts manages the platform, planning to fund up to 25,000 traders by 2025. There’s a comprehensive support structure that makes it easier for traders to get the information they need, along with core assistance on their accounts. There are several account sizes to choose from, and up to $3 million of capital could be accessible. 

In an industry where forex trading dominates and profit splits are often average, Traders With Edge stands out in its offering — an 80% profit payout, diverse tradable assets and the cheapest evaluation or challenge accounts starting from $55.

Pros

  • The affordable evaluation
  • The high level of funding
  • Cutting-edge trading platforms — MT4 and MT5
  • Comprehensive challenge and funded account options
  • Single-phase evaluation for the Turtle Challenge
  • Industry-leading 80/20 profit split
  • The cheapest evaluation—challenge accounts starting from $55.

Cons

  • 30 days of inactivity may result in account revocation
  • Copy trading or using the same EA as another trader within the platform may result in an account breach

12. Best for Day Traders: FundedNext

FundedNext is a unique prop trading platform that’s new to the market and allows you to access $300,000 in funding, but also, you can scale up to $4 million when you’re an advanced trader. Even when you get started, you can earn a 15% profit split that you’re earning as you’re learning. Afterwards, you can earn up to a 90% profit split.

For example, the Stellar Challenge account comes with no time limits, a balance-based drawdown and 15% profit splits during the challenge. You may also choose from the Evaluation and Express models, depending on your comfort level.

You can trade on MT4 or MT5, pay low commissions and feel comfortable even if you’re a beginner. That makes this is a good place for underfunded traders, beginners and those who want to turn investing into a career.

Pros

  • The scale-up program allows you to get far more funding than most platforms can offer
  • You can earn while in the evaluation period
  • You can trade from nearly 200 different countries
  • Fast payouts
  • Trusted by organizations worldwide
  • Generous payout ratio of up to 90% and 15% on the challenge phase
  • Flexible account sizes or fund options up to $300,000 (up to $4 million via scaling plan)
  • Raw spread, competitive commission and leverages (1:100 maximum)

Cons

  • Relatively new prop firm
  • Consistency rules on the Express model can be restrictive

How Do Forex Prop Trading Firms Work?

Here are the main points for how forex prop trading firms work.

Capital

Prop firms funds trader accounts. The traders then use those funds to trade financial instruments such as forex. Traders can increase their account size and not have to take risks with their own hard-earned funds.

Profits

Prop trading firms live on the funded traders' profits. If its traders are making a profit, then the company takes a cut. The split is usually in favor of the trader, but for a forex prop firm to be profitable, its traders must be successful, making its selection process all the more vital. Firms also make money by charging fees for the initial audition process.

Training

Not only do prop trading firms provide capital, but many provide education. A team of experienced traders can provide training through support and mentorship, which then helps less experienced traders learn and boost profits — for themselves and the firm.

Benefits of Working With Prop Trading Firms

Let's take a deeper look into the main benefits of working with prop trading firms:

  • Access to capital: The most significant benefit of trading with prop firms is the amount of capital retail traders can use to trade. Traders work with large accounts, allowing them to take larger positions and achieve higher profits, although more considerable losses are a risk.
  • Support and teamwork: Retail trading can be lonely and requires self-discipline. Joining a team of traders and having mentorship can make a difference. Traders can bounce ideas off each other and learn from more experienced individuals.
  • Risk: Risk can be one of the most challenging areas to manage as a trader. Traders may view their risk strategies differently, but no one wants to lose money. Having a risk management team in place at prop firms can benefit new and experienced traders and ensure risk is managed each day effectively.
  • Technology: Prop firms offer rapid access to data, news and advanced technological tools to give traders an extra edge. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Are there any legit prop trading firms?

A

Yes, many legit prop firms exist, and there is nothing inherently bad about the business models of prop firms. SMB Capital is just one of the many legit prop trading firms around for traders to join.

Q

Are prop trading firms legal?

A

Prop trading firms are entirely legal, and many have helped traders achieve significant growth and profits. However, some prop firms attempt to scam people, and others may not need to be regulated, so it is important to do your research before signing up.