Best Funded Trading Programs

Proprietary trading, also known as prop trading, has gained popularity in recent years. Prop traders use their own funds or provided company funds to buy and sell financial instruments. Using this approach, financial institutions earn profits from the financial markets rather than relying on client commissions. Funded traders may retain a share of the profit and don’t have to risk their own capital.

Finding the funded trading program that meets your needs is sometimes challenging. Benzinga has reviewed some of the best-funded trading programs to help you make the an informed decision. 

Quick Look: Best Funded Trading Programs

• Best for Beginner Future Traders: Apex Trader Funding
• Best for Experienced Traders: FXIFY
• Best for Experienced Forex Traders: The5ers
• Best for Stock Traders: Trade the Pool
• Best for Seasoned and Undercapitalized Traders: Top One Trader
• Best for Futures Trading: OneUp Trader

Best Funded Trading Accounts

The best-funded trading programs offer prop traders a range of financial instruments and a reasonable profit share. Fees and leverage are also essential considerations in choosing the most appropriate funded program. 

Best for Beginner Futures Traders: Apex Trader Funding

Apex Trader Funding allows you to get started fast and access the futures market with limited risk to their personal capital. Generally, traders can get approved in as little as 7 days, and they can seek somewhere between $400,000 and $4 million for their trading. You can connect with Rithmic or Tradovate, trade on holidays and much more.

Why We Picked It: With Apex Trader Funding you get to keep the first $25,000 you make and profit splits remain at 90% for the biggest accounts. There are no daily drawdowns, you can open up to 20 accounts and they often run promotion where you can get 80% off accounts, making them one of the cheapest funded trading accounts.

Profit Split:

• 100% of the first $25,000 and 90% thereafter

What You Can Trade:

• Futures

Best for Experienced Traders: FXIFY

FXIFY helps you get into prop trading right now and is a top option for forex traders. This platform allows you to take a one or two-phase assessment depending on how comfortable you are with trading. Plus, you can work at your own pace so that you can build confidence and earn more.

Why We Picked It: FXIFY offers prop traders an array of benefits, including profit splits up to 90%, funding up to $4 million, and MT4 and MT5 functionality. Traders can enjoy customizable leverage, tighter spreads than the competition, and no trading restrictions. The platform provides instant payouts, has no consistency rules, and allows unlimited trading days. Additionally, traders receive a 125% refund on their assessment fee after their first payout.

Profit Split:

• Up to 90%

What You Can Trade:

• Forex, indices, commodities, stocks and cryptocurrency

Best for Experienced Forex Traders: The 5ers

Offering trades in forex, indices, metals and securities, the 5ers provides some of the most generous profit shares in the industry. The company allows up to 100% split and even salary offers for top traders. Traders can access the platform immediately after passing the evaluation, the price of which starts at $95 and there are no subscription fees. 

Why We Picked It: Users gain access via MT5 and the standard leverage is 1:10 but can move upward to as much as 1:30. Capital funding ranges from $6,000 to $4 million with easy scaling options and the freedom to develop your trading strategy. They also are currently running a promo for a 10% discount on the $10K Hyper Growth Account.

Profit Split:

• Up to 100%

What You Can Trade:

• Forex, indices and metals

Best for Stock Traders: Trade the Pool

Offering access to over 12,000 stocks and ETFs, Trade the Pool, launched in 2022, is a newcomer to prop trading. An offshoot of 5ers, Trade the Pool has four funded trading programs starting at $20,000 up to $260,000 with an unlimited scale-up plan. Single-phase evaluation ensures that traders can quickly get to work.

Why We Picked It: Trade the Pool is a great option for beginners who are mainly versed in stock trading and one of the top stock prop firms available. Active traders keep 80% of their profits. Funded accounts start at $20,000 and up to $260,000. Traders can test the system using the 14-day free trial. 

Profit Split:

• Up to 80%

What You Can Trade:

• Stocks

Best for Seasoned and Undercapitalized Traders: Top One Trader

Top One Trader has become a favored host for those who need the backing that a prop trading firm can provide. They offer a 1 and a 2-step evaluation that allows you to get started with at least $200,000, but you can scale your account up to $5 million if you perform well. The evaluation is simple and easy to manage, there are no minimum or maximum trading days and you can even try weekend or news trading. 

Why We Picked It: You can even use EAs and trading tools like the Economic Calendar to track details from the markets at-large and make better decisions. Payout splits rise as high as 90%, you get a refund of your evaluation fee with your first payout and you can reach out to the customer service team any time for help.

Profit Split:

Up to 90%

What You Can Trade:

• Forex, indices, commodities and cryptocurrency

Best for Futures Trading: OneUp Trader

The OneUp Trader business model is somewhat different from the other Prop Trading businesses. OneUp Trader partners with several prop trading firms that provide trading capital. Traders must complete an evaluation to access funds. There are several accounts, ranging in value from $25,000 to $250,000, each with its own risk restrictions.

Why We Picked It: OneUp Trader doesn’t limit profit withdrawals and charges no data fees. Users receive a free license to NinjaTrader and can try the program free for seven days. Funded traders can withdraw 100% of their first $10,000 in net profit and then enjoy an impressive 90% profit split on subsequent earnings.

Profit Split:

• 100% of your first $10,000 and 90% thereafter

What You Can Trade:

•  Currencies, commodities and stock indices

How Does a Funded Trading Program Work?

Funded trading programs follow a similar process.

• Application: Traders apply for funding, providing the trading firm with information about their experience, trading style and performance.
• Evaluation: If the trading firm accepts the application, the trader must pass a trading evaluation process to demonstrate their trading skills.
• Training: Many trading firms provide funded traders with training and education to improve their trading skills. Training may include access to educational resources, trading courses and coaching from experienced traders.
• Funding: When the trader has completed the evaluation and training process, the trading firm funds the account.
• Trading: Funded traders use the funds to trade financial instruments. They keep a portion of the profits. The trading firm receives a percentage for funding the trade.
• Risk management: Trading firms often have strict risk management rules to protect the trader and the firm's capital. These rules may include maximum position sizes and stop-loss orders.

How to Make the Most of a Funded Trading Account

You can make the most of your funded trading journey by following some simple guidelines. 

• Trade as though you were using your funds: This means following your trading plan, managing your risk and sticking to your trading strategy.
• Follow the rules: Trading firms have rules and risk management guidelines you must follow. Make sure you understand these rules and follow them closely.
• Stay disciplined: Stick to your trading plan and strategy and avoid emotional decision-making.
• Keep a trading journal: Track your progress, identify patterns and learn from your mistakes with a trading journal.
• Keep learning and improving: The markets perpetually evolve. Successful traders constantly learn and adapt. Keep up with market news and trends, stay informed about new trading strategies and tools and continue to hone your skills.
• Be patient and realistic: Funded trading programs usually have profit targets and timeframes that you must meet to keep the funding. Don't rush to make a profit or take unnecessary risks to meet your targets. Instead, focus on sticking to your trading plan and building your skills.

Compare Funded Trading Programs

Benzinga offers insights and reviews of the most prominent financial service providers. These include prop trading firms or funded trading programs. Compare the firms on this list and more below.

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