Trading Rules
The rules you must follow to keep your account
Minimum Trading Days
- Typical: 1-5 minimum days
- Purpose: Prevent you from passing with a single lucky day
- A day counts if: You open at least one position (even if you close it right away)
Some firms have no minimum days. If you're in a hurry, look for these options in our comparison tool.
Consistency Rule
- Example: Maximum 30% of your total profit in a single day
- Calculation: If your target is $3,000, no single day can exceed $900
- If you violate it: You must keep trading until the percentages balance out
Not all firms have a consistency rule. If you prefer making big trades, look for firms without this rule.
News Trading
| Policy | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Allowed | You can trade during news events | No restrictions |
| Restricted | You can hold positions but not open new ones | No opening 2-5 min before/after |
| Prohibited | You cannot hold positions during news | Close everything before the event |
Check the economic calendar before trading. High-impact news events include: FOMC, NFP, CPI, crude oil inventories.
Contract Limits
- $50K Account: Typically 5-10 minis or the equivalent in micros
- $150K Account: Typically 15-20 minis
- Scaling: Some firms increase your limit as you earn profits
Exceeding the contract limit can blow your account immediately.
Inactivity Days
- Typical: 20-30 maximum inactivity days
- Solution: Open a small position every few weeks
- Some firms: Have no inactivity limit
Other Common Rules
- Trading hours: Some only allow regular trading hours (RTH)
- Overnight: Some prohibit holding positions overnight
- Weekends: Nearly all prohibit open positions over the weekend
- Specific news: Some block FOMC but allow other news events
Key Points
- Minimum days: 1-5 trading days typically required
- Consistency: Some firms cap maximum daily profit (30-40%)
- News: Check whether you can trade during economic events
- Contracts: Don't exceed your account's limit
- Inactivity: Trade at least once every 20-30 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I accidentally break a rule?
Most violations result in immediate account closure. Some firms give warnings for minor violations, but don't count on it. Know the rules BEFORE you trade.
Can I trade any day of the week?
Futures trade from Sunday 6pm to Friday 5pm ET. You can trade any day during those hours, but the best days tend to be Tuesday through Thursday due to higher volume.
Do the rules change between evaluation and funded account?
Generally they're the same, but some firms relax certain rules on the funded account (like minimum days). Always check the specific rules for each phase.
Where can I see each firm's exact rules?
Our detailed reviews for each firm include all the rules. You can also use the comparison tool to filter by specific rules.
Knowledge Check
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What can happen if you exceed your account's contract limit?
What does the consistency rule do?
What does a 'Restricted' news trading policy mean?
What are 'minimum trading days'?
Drawdown Explained
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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.