Futures Prop Firms
Specialized directory of futures-focused proprietary trading firms. Trade CME Group contracts including ES, NQ, CL, GC with funded accounts ranging from $25K to $300K.
Leading Futures Prop Firms
Updated February 2026| Firm | Max Account | Profit Split | Evaluation | Contracts | Drawdown Type | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topstep | $150,000 | 100% first $10K, then 90% | 1-step (Trading Combine) | Micro Mini | Fixed (Trailing Stop) | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, TSTrader |
| Apex Trader Funding | $300,000 | 100% first $25K, then 90% | 1-step (7+ days) | Micro Mini Full | Trailing (EOD calculation) | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, Quantower, more |
| My Funded Futures | $150,000 | 90% profit split | 1-step evaluation | Micro Mini | Fixed drawdown | NinjaTrader, Tradovate, R|Trader |
| Tradeify | $200,000 | 80-90% profit split | 1-step (10 days) | Micro Mini | Trailing drawdown | NinjaTrader, Tradovate |
| Top One Futures | $100,000 | 85% profit split | 2-step evaluation | Micro Mini | Fixed drawdown | NinjaTrader, Tradovate |
| Earn2Trade | $200,000 | 80% profit split | The Gauntlet (15 days) | Mini Full | Trailing drawdown | NinjaTrader, Finamark |
| UProfit | $250,000 | 80% profit split | 1-step (14 days) | Micro Mini | EOD trailing | R|Trader Pro, Tradovate |
| Leeloo Trading | $250,000 | 90% profit split | Performance Account | Micro Mini | Fixed drawdown | NinjaTrader, R|Trader |
Understanding Futures Prop Trading
Futures prop trading firms specialize in exchange-traded derivatives, offering traders access to leveraged positions in indices, commodities, currencies, and interest rates. Unlike forex prop firms, futures trading occurs on regulated exchanges with transparent pricing and centralized clearing.
Key Advantages of Futures Prop Trading:
- Regulated exchange trading with transparent pricing
- Direct market access without dealing desk intervention
- Lower margin requirements compared to retail accounts
- Tax advantages in many jurisdictions (60/40 rule in US)
- Ability to trade micro contracts for precise risk management
- No overnight swap fees or weekend holding restrictions
Popular Futures Contracts:
Trailing vs Fixed Drawdown in Futures
Understanding drawdown types is crucial for futures traders as it directly impacts your trading strategy and risk management approach.
Fixed Drawdown:
Your maximum loss limit remains constant from your starting balance. For example, with a $50,000 account and $2,000 max drawdown, you can never go below $48,000, regardless of profits earned. This provides predictable risk parameters but doesn't protect your gains.
Trailing Drawdown:
The drawdown limit moves up with your profits but never moves down. If you grow a $50,000 account to $52,000, your new drawdown floor becomes $50,000 (assuming $2,000 trailing). This protects profits but requires more careful trade management as your stop level continuously adjusts.
EOD (End of Day) Trailing:
A hybrid approach where the trailing calculation only updates at market close. This prevents intraday profit spikes from immediately raising your drawdown limit, giving you more room to manage positions throughout the trading day.
Futures Trading Platforms
Choosing the right platform is essential for futures trading success. Each platform offers unique features, order types, and analytical tools.
NinjaTrader:
- Industry-leading charting and technical analysis
- Advanced order types including ATM strategies
- Extensive third-party indicator ecosystem
- C# strategy development for automated trading
Tradovate:
- Cloud-based platform accessible from any device
- No software installation required
- Integrated trading from charts
- Mobile app for on-the-go trading
Quantower:
- Multi-asset platform with advanced features
- Volume analysis and order flow tools
- DOM (Depth of Market) trading
- Strategy builder for automated systems
Tips for Passing Futures Evaluations
1. Start with Micro Contracts
Begin your evaluation with micro contracts (MES, MNQ) to minimize risk while learning the firm's rules. Each micro contract is 1/10th the size of a mini contract, allowing for precise position sizing.
2. Focus on High-Probability Setups
Futures markets offer clear technical patterns. Focus on major support/resistance levels, opening range breakouts, and VWAP deviations for consistent profits.
3. Manage the Daily Loss Limit
Most futures firms have daily loss limits. Set a personal daily stop at 50% of the limit to ensure you have multiple trading days to reach your profit target.
4. Trade During Liquid Hours
Focus on RTH (Regular Trading Hours) for major contracts. ES and NQ are most liquid from 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET. Avoid overnight sessions during evaluation unless you're experienced with lower liquidity.
5. Understand Contract Specifications
Know your tick values: ES = $12.50/tick, NQ = $5/tick, CL = $10/tick. Calculate position sizes based on your risk tolerance and the firm's drawdown limits.
Futures Exchanges & Products
Futures prop firms typically provide access to major CME Group exchanges:
Contract Multipliers:
- Micro E-mini S&P 500 (MES): $5 x index value
- E-mini S&P 500 (ES): $50 x index value
- Micro E-mini Nasdaq (MNQ): $2 x index value
- E-mini Nasdaq (NQ): $20 x index value
- Micro Gold (MGC): 10 troy ounces
- Micro Crude Oil (MCL): 100 barrels