Best Futures Prop Trading Firms 2023

Jeremy Biberdorf Image
Updated
Oct 04, 2023
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Investing in futures can be an exhilarating endeavor. Futures contracts, agreements to buy or sell a particular asset at a predetermined price at a specific time in the future, offer a wide range of potential profits. They're utilized by traders as a speculation tool or a hedge against market volatility. However, trading futures requires extensive knowledge, skill, and a significant amount of capital, often making it inaccessible to individual traders.

That's where futures prop trading firms come into play. Proprietary trading firms, or "prop firms," allow traders to trade with the firm's capital, eliminating the need for substantial personal investment. In return, the trader shares a portion of their profits with the firm.

This article aims to guide you through the world of futures prop trading firms, providing you with a detailed review of the best options available today. We'll cover TopStep, Earn2Trade, Elite Trader Funding, Bulenox, and Take Profit Trader. For each firm, we'll discuss the benefits they offer, give an overview of the company, and touch on some essential details that may be pivotal for your decision.

Quick Breakdown

Best Future Prop Firms


  • Best overall, especially for experienced traders seeking a rewarding trading environment.

  • Best for traders looking for a straightforward path to becoming a funded trader.

  • Best for beginners due to its comprehensive educational resources and trader support.

  • Best for traders seeking comprehensive educational resources alongside prop trading.

  • Best for traders who prioritize a higher profit split and a flexible trading environment.

The Best Futures Proprietary Trading Firms in 2023

Tradeable Assets Futures and Forex
Profit Split Up to 80%
Evaluation Yes
Best For Best overall
Benefits
Overview
Company
  • Competitive yet rewarding trading environment
  • No restriction on trading style
  • 24/7 trading availability
  • Futures and forex trading options
  • Profit split of up to 80%
  • Monthly trading combines
  • Real-time, simulated trading evaluations
  • Funded accounts for successful combine participants
  • Promo: Save 20% via our link today

TopStep is renowned for its competitive yet rewarding trading environment. With no restriction on the trading style and round-the-clock trading allowed, TopStep caters to traders of all levels and trading habits. It also provides an opportunity to trade both futures and forex, broadening the possibilities for its traders.

TopStep offers a profit split of up to 80%, a lucrative proposition for successful traders. Furthermore, it conducts monthly trading combines, which are essentially real-time, simulated trading evaluations. Those who pass these combines are eligible for funded accounts, further promoting a competitive trading atmosphere.

TopStep is based in Chicago, a city known for its vibrant trading scene. It provides a virtual platform for traders worldwide to participate in trading combines and get a chance to be a part of the funded trader roster.

It prioritizes transparency, detailing its fee structure, trading rules, and evaluation criteria upfront. It also values its community, providing a platform for traders to interact, learn from each other, and grow together. The supportive community, coupled with its commitment to providing opportunities to talented traders, makes TopStep a compelling choice for futures traders.

Tradeable Assets Futures
Profit Split 80%
Evaluation No
Best For Clear path to funding
Benefits
Overview
Company
  • Straightforward path to funded trading
  • No evaluation or challenge requirement
  • Immediate trading post-registration
  • 80% profit split
  • Ideal for experienced traders
  • Bypassing demo trading period
  • Comparable to top prop firms
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Elite Trader Funding offers an alternative for those who prefer to jump straight into live trading without going through an evaluation period. Their approach is simple: register, receive a funded account, and start trading.

While the firm skips the evaluation step, it has a robust risk management system in place to protect its capital. Traders are required to adhere to strict risk management rules, and failure to comply results in account termination.

Elite Trader Funding, while not as widely known as some other prop firms, provides an opportunity for traders who believe in their trading abilities and prefer to start trading right away. The firm emphasizes risk management and expects its traders to trade responsibly with the company's capital.

Despite the firm's simplicity, traders are not left without support. Elite Trader Funding provides educational resources and customer support to help its traders succeed in the futures market.

Tradeable Assets Forex Futures
Profit Split 80%
Evaluation Yes
Best For Beginners
Benefits
Overview
Company
  • Generous terms among futures prop firms
  • Outstanding profit split of up to 90%
  • Ideal for confident, skilled traders
  • Potential for substantial earnings
  • More relaxed risk parameters
  • Beneficial for aggressive trading styles
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Take Profit Trader seeks to attract skilled traders with its impressive profit split and favorable trading conditions. The firm's mission is to provide traders with the maximum earning potential while ensuring a balanced approach to risk management.

The firm's profit split and trading conditions are a testament to its commitment to the success of its traders. While the risk parameters are relaxed, the firm still enforces strict risk management rules to ensure the responsible use of its capital.

Take Profit Trader is a prop trading firm that prioritizes the profitability of its traders. The firm's approach is designed to encourage skilled traders to maximize their earning potential, knowing that they'll retain a significant portion of their profits.

Although the firm offers generous terms, it doesn't compromise on trader support. Take Profit Trader provides its traders with ample educational resources and excellent customer support, fostering an environment conducive to trading success.

Tradeable Assets Futures
Profit Split 80%
Evaluation Yes
Best For Comprehensive Education
Benefits
Overview
Company
  • Learning-centric platform
  • Comprehensive educational program
  • Ideal for new or enhancing futures traders
  • Unique evaluation process - "The Gauntlet"
  • Funded accounts for successful Gauntlet participants
  • Capital protection approach
  • Skill-building evaluations for long-term success
  • Promo: Coupon Code modestmoney for 20% off

Earn2Trade is a relatively new entrant in the prop trading space but has quickly garnered the respect of many traders. The firm stands out due to its focus on trader education and robust evaluation of trading skills. The end goal is not just to provide traders with capital but to ensure they possess the skills to trade it effectively and profitably.

Earn2Trade's extensive education program is designed to help traders understand and navigate the futures market. From webinars and trading simulators to one-on-one mentoring, Earn2Trade provides numerous learning opportunities to its traders.

Earn2Trade is a U.S. based prop trading firm that offers its services to traders worldwide. The firm is renowned for its strong emphasis on transparency, professionalism, and excellent customer support.

Moreover, Earn2Trade values its traders' success, as reflected in their 80% profit split, one of the most generous in the industry. The firm's commitment to cultivating skilled and disciplined traders, coupled with its competitive compensation, makes it an attractive option for aspiring futures traders.

Tradeable Assets Forex and Futures
Profit Split Up to 90%
Evaluation Yes
Refundable Registration Fee Higher profit split
Benefits
Overview
Company
  • Unique cryptocurrency prop trading
  • Ideal for volatile, lucrative crypto market traders
  • Approachable minimum deposit
  • Relaxed drawdown rules
  • Forgiving trading conditions
  • Advantageous for strategy-refining traders
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  • Claim Bulenox Discount
Bulenox may not be a conventional prop trading firm, but it has certainly carved a niche for itself by offering prop trading services in the cryptocurrency market. The firm provides traders access to a variety of crypto pairs alongside other financial instruments.

Traders on Bulenox can appreciate its low barrier to entry and less stringent risk management rules. These features can provide more room for maneuvering, especially for those employing high-risk high-reward strategies.

Bulenox is a global prop trading firm that offers a different approach to proprietary trading. The firm embraces the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the crypto market and invites traders to take part in this unique trading opportunity.

Despite its unorthodox approach, Bulenox provides ample support to its traders. From comprehensive educational resources to an experienced customer support team, Bulenox aims to equip its traders with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the crypto trading arena.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is proprietary trading legal?

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Yes, proprietary trading is legal and plays a critical role in the financial markets. Proprietary trading firms, such as those mentioned in this article, use their capital to trade financial instruments in pursuit of profit. These firms often employ traders or provide funding to independent traders, sharing profits from successful trades.

Which prop firm is better than FTMO?

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The choice of a prop firm over FTMO depends on the individual trader's needs and circumstances. For example, a trader interested in trading cryptocurrencies may find Bulenox more appealing than FTMO. Or, for traders seeking the highest possible profit split, Take Profit Trader may be a better choice. It's important to research and consider multiple firms before making a decision.

Are prop trading firms worth it?

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For many traders, prop trading firms offer an invaluable opportunity. They provide access to significant capital, enabling traders to trade larger volumes and potentially earn substantial profits. However, the effectiveness of prop trading depends largely on the trader's skills, discipline, and risk management.

Do prop traders make money?

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Yes, successful prop traders can make money. The amount varies depending on the trader's skill level, the firm's profit split agreement, and the trading strategy used. While profitable trading isn't guaranteed, many traders benefit from the capital provided by prop firms to enhance their earning potential.

How do I choose a prop trading firm?

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Choosing a prop trading firm is a crucial decision that should take into account several factors. You'll want to consider the firm's profit split, its risk parameters, the evaluation process, and any additional benefits such as education resources or customer support. It's also wise to read reviews and testimonials from other traders to get an idea of the firm's reputation.

Can beginners succeed with prop trading firms?

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Yes, beginners can succeed with prop trading firms, but it requires dedication, discipline, and continual learning. Many prop trading firms offer comprehensive educational resources to help beginners understand trading strategies and risk management. Some firms, such as Earn2Trade, even offer educational programs designed specifically for beginners.

What is the evaluation process for prop trading firms?

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The evaluation process varies among prop trading firms, but generally, it involves a trial period where traders use a demo account to prove their trading skills and risk management abilities. The firms will evaluate the traders' performance during this period. If they meet the firm's criteria, they are offered a funded account to trade.

Is the registration fee refundable for prop trading firms?

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This depends on the individual firm's policies. Some firms, such as TopStep and Earn2Trade, offer refundable registration fees under specific conditions. It's important to check the firm's terms and conditions or reach out to their customer support for accurate information.

What are the main risks associated with prop trading?

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The main risks associated with prop trading include financial loss and breach of the firm's risk parameters. Since traders use the firm's capital, poor trading decisions can lead to significant losses. Additionally, if a trader breaches the firm's risk parameters, they may lose their trading account. Proper risk management and discipline are key to mitigating these risks.

Are there restrictions on trading styles with prop trading firms?

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Different prop trading firms have different restrictions on trading styles. Some firms might limit scalping or high-frequency trading, while others may not. It's important to thoroughly read the firm's rules and regulations before starting the trading evaluation process.
Jeremy Biberdorf

About the Author:

Jeremy Biberdorf is the founder of Modest Money. After working many years in the website marketing industry, he decided to take on blogging full time and also get his finances headed in the right direction. Also check out his contributions to Equities.com and Benzinga.