Prop Trading Guides & Rules Overview
Up-to-date rule summaries for top proprietary trading firms. Use this guide to quickly compare evaluation models, drawdown limits, profit targets, and payout policies before selecting a firm.
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FTMO
- Profit Target (Phase 1): 10%
- Profit Target (Phase 2): 5%
- Daily Loss Limit: 5% of initial balance (resets daily)
- Max Loss: 10% total drawdown
- Payouts: On-demand (same-day possible)
- Trading Style: News trading allowed with limits
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The5ers
- Model: Scaling-based evaluation (no strict challenge target)
- Drawdown: Dynamic DLL (Daily Loss Limit recalculated by equity)
- Profit Target: Milestone-based progression
- Payouts: 7–14 days
- Trading Style: Good for swing traders (overnight allowed)
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Alpha Capital Group
- Profit Targets: 8% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)
- Daily Drawdown: 5%
- Max Drawdown: 10%
- Payouts: 24–48 hours
- Trading Style: Indices-friendly; news trading allowed with conditions
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E8 Markets
- Profit Targets: 8% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)
- Daily Drawdown: 5%
- Max Drawdown: 8%
- Payouts: Weekly or on-demand
- Extras: Popular discount codes & flexible rules
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Funding Pips
- Profit Targets: 8% / 5%
- Daily Drawdown: 5%
- Max Drawdown: 10%
- Payouts: 24–48 hours
- Trading Style: Tight spreads; scalping allowed
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QT Funded
- Profit Targets: 8% / 5%
- Daily Drawdown: 4–5%
- Max Drawdown: 8–10%
- Payouts: Same-day available
- Trading Style: Broad rule freedom; indices encouraged
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FundedNext
- Profit Targets: 10% / 5%
- Daily Drawdown: 5%
- Max Drawdown: 10%
- Payouts: Bi-weekly
- Evaluation Type: 2-step or Express model
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Blueberry Funded
- Profit Targets: 8% / 5%
- Daily Drawdown: 5%
- Max Drawdown: 10%
- Payouts: Weekly
- Evaluation Type: 2-step
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BrightFunded
- Profit Targets: 10% / 5%
- Daily Drawdown: 4–5%
- Max Drawdown: 8–10%
- Payouts: 7 days
- Trading Style: All strategies allowed
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Top One Trader
- Profit Targets: 8% / 5%
- Daily Drawdown: 4%
- Max Drawdown: 8%
- Payouts: After 14 days
- Evaluation Type: 2-step
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Blue Guardian
- Profit Targets: 8% / 5%
- Daily Drawdown: 5%
- Max Drawdown: 10%
- Payouts: Weekly
- Trading Style: Swing trading allowed
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Goat Funded Trader
- Profit Targets: 8% / 5%
- Daily Drawdown: 5%
- Max Drawdown: 10%
- Payouts: 7 days
- Trading Style: No restrictions
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OANDA Prop Trader
- Profit Targets: 8% / 5%
- Daily Drawdown: 4%
- Max Drawdown: 8%
- Payouts: Bi-weekly
- Platform: MT5
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Breakout Prop
- Profit Targets: 10% / 5%
- Daily Drawdown: 4%
- Max Drawdown: 8%
- Payouts: 14 days
- Trading Style: All strategies allowed
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Fintokei
- Profit Targets: 8% / 5%
- Daily Drawdown: 5%
- Max Drawdown: 10%
- Payouts: 14 days
- Trading Style: Robots allowed
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Funding Traders
- Profit Targets: 8% / 5%
- Daily Drawdown: 5%
- Max Drawdown: 10%
- Payouts: Weekly
- Evaluation Type: 2-step
About Prop Trading Rules & Evaluation Models
Prop trading firms use a variety of evaluation models designed to assess trader consistency, risk management, and overall profitability. Most firms follow a structured approach involving profit targets, daily loss limits, and maximum drawdown thresholds. Understanding these rules is essential for traders who want to choose the right funding program and scale accounts responsibly. This guide provides an in-depth comparison across major firms, including two-step challenges, one-step models, instant funding programs, and scaling plans.
Traders looking for the best prop firm should consider several factors: payout speed, trading conditions, leverage, instrument availability, restrictions during news events, and whether expert advisors (EAs) or automated trading systems are allowed. Each firm sets unique parameters, making it crucial to compare rule structures before committing to a challenge fee. Our rule breakdown helps traders navigate the landscape with clarity and confidence.
Helpful Prop Trading Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical profit target for prop firm challenges?
Most two-step challenges require 8–10% in Phase 1 and 5% in Phase 2, although some firms offer lower or milestone-based targets.
How do daily loss limits work?
Daily loss limits usually range between 4–5% and reset each day. Some firms use equity-based dynamic limits.
What payout speeds can traders expect?
Payouts vary from same-day withdrawals to weekly or bi-weekly cycles depending on the firm and funding model.