What is a Prop Firm?
Understand the business model and why it's your best option to start
How Does a Prop Firm Work?
- You bring: Your skill, discipline, and time
- They bring: Accounts with loss limits from $1,500 to $6,000+ (depending on account size)
- The result: You keep 70% to 100% of the profits
Names like '$25K' or '$150K' are account sizes, not money you can lose. Your real risk is the loss limit (drawdown), which is usually between 3% and 6% of the account size.
Why Do Prop Firms Exist?
The best prop firms make more money from profitable traders than from evaluations. That's why they look for traders who truly know how to trade.
Prop Firm vs Trading with Your Own Capital
| Aspect | Own Capital | Prop Firm |
|---|---|---|
| Initial capital needed | $10,000 - $50,000+ | $100 - $500 (evaluation) |
| Maximum risk | All your capital | Only the evaluation cost |
| Profit potential | Limited by your capital | Access to $50K - $300K+ |
| Psychological pressure | Very high (it's YOUR money) | Lower (it's not your money) |
| Trading rules | Whatever you want | Must follow their rules |
Who Are Prop Firms For?
- You have trading skills but lack sufficient capital
- You want to try trading without risking your savings
- You seek discipline (the rules force you to be consistent)
- You already trade on demo and want to move to real accounts
Prop firms are NOT for: people looking for easy money, traders without basic training, or those who can't follow strict rules.
The Futures Prop Firm Ecosystem
- Regulated market: You trade on official exchanges (CME, CBOT)
- High liquidity: You can enter and exit positions easily
- Extended hours: Trade nearly 24 hours, 5 days a week
- Transparency: Public prices, no broker manipulation
Key Points
- A prop firm gives you capital to trade without risking your own money
- You pay an evaluation (~$100-500) instead of needing $10,000+
- You keep 70-100% of the profits depending on the firm
- You must follow strict rules (drawdown, minimum days, etc.)
- It's ideal for traders with skill but without capital
Frequently Asked Questions
Are prop firms legitimate or a scam?
Serious prop firms are completely legitimate. They are registered companies that have been operating for years. The key is to choose firms with a good reputation, verified Trustpilot reviews, and transparency in their rules. On this website we only list verified firms.
How much money do I need to get started?
You can start with $100-200 for an evaluation. Accounts are named by their 'size' ($25K, $50K, $150K...), but what you actually risk is the allowed loss limit (drawdown), which ranges from $1,500 to $6,000+ depending on the account. Many firms regularly offer 50-80% discounts.
What percentage of traders pass the evaluation?
Statistics vary, but generally between 5-15% of traders pass the evaluation. Most fail by not respecting the drawdown or by overtrading. With discipline and a solid strategy, the odds increase significantly.
Can I make a living trading with a prop firm?
Yes, many traders make a living exclusively by trading with prop firms. With a $100K account and a 5% monthly return, you could generate $4,000-$4,500/month (after profit split). Some traders manage multiple accounts to increase their income.
Knowledge Check
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How do prop firms make money?
What percentage of profits does the trader usually keep?
What market do the prop firms in this guide specialize in?
How much of your own capital do you need to start with a prop firm?
Futures 101: What They Are and How They Work
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Risk Warning
Futures trading carries a high risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or investment recommendations. Past results do not guarantee future performance. Only trade with capital you can afford to lose.