Futures Prop Firms
Specialized directory of futures-focused proprietary trading firms. Evaluations on CME Group contracts such as ES, NQ, CL and GC, with account sizes typically between $25K and $150K (a few plans go higher).
Last reviewed on October 4, 2026
Leading Futures Prop Firms
Last reviewed on October 4, 2026| Firm | Plans / account sizes | Profit split | Drawdown model | Platforms (as listed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topstep | Trading Combine: $50K, $100K, $150K | Up to 90% (per Topstep) | Trailing Maximum Loss Limit: $2,000 / $3,000 / $4,500; locks at the starting balance in the Combine | Check firm site |
| Apex Trader Funding | One-step evaluations, $25K–$150K, EOD or intraday versions | Stated as 100% on payouts; check current tiers | EOD or intraday trailing (e.g. $25K EOD: $1,000 drawdown, $500 daily loss, $1,500 target) | Check firm site |
| My Funded Futures | Builder, Rapid, Rapid EOD, Pro — up to $150K | 80/20 or 90/10 depending on plan | EOD trailing (Builder, Pro, Rapid EOD) or intraday trailing (Rapid) | Tradovate, Quantower, DeepChart, Hyperprop |
| Tradeify | Growth, Select, Lightning (instant) — $25K–$150K tiers | 90% | EOD trailing | Tradovate, WealthCharts, Rithmic (Tradesea) |
| Top One Futures | Elite Daily, Elite Access, Instant/Ignite — up to $150K | 90% | EOD or intraday trailing depending on plan | Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView, BlackArrow |
| Earn2Trade | Trader Career Path (up to $400K), Gauntlet Mini ($50K–$200K) | Not verified | Not verified — read the plan rulebook | Tradovate, NinjaTrader, TradingView, BlackArrow, Rithmic |
| UProfit | $50K, $100K, $150K | Not verified | Max drawdown $2,000 / $3,000 / $4,500; 50% consistency rule | TradingView, Tradovate |
| Leeloo Trading | Monthly-subscription evaluations up to $300K | Not verified | Trailing max drawdown that also follows open (unrealised) profit | NinjaTrader and other Rithmic-based platforms |
Checked against each firm's own site and help centre on October 4, 2026. "Not verified" means the figure could not be confirmed from an official page on that date. Futures prop rules change often — FundedSeat, for example, announced its closure on September 29, 2026 — so confirm every number in the firm's current rulebook before paying. Use the drawdown calculator to see how a trailing limit behaves.
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/CFD prop firms, prices are referenced to regulated exchanges with centralized clearing — although most evaluation and funded accounts are simulated rather than live.
Key Advantages of Futures Prop Trading:
- Prices come from regulated exchanges with centralised clearing, so fills can be checked against public market data — even though most evaluation and funded accounts are simulated
- Costs are explicit: per-contract commissions and exchange fees instead of spreads and swaps
- Micro contracts (MES, MNQ, MCL, MGC) allow fine-grained position sizing
- No swap fees; most firms require positions to be flat before the daily close, so weekend risk is usually not an issue
- Note on taxes: payouts from a futures prop firm are generally treated as self-employment income, not Section 1256 (60/40) gains — see taxes for funded traders
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. The full mechanics — including balance vs. equity, intraday vs. EOD, and worked numerical examples — are covered on the drawdown rules reference page.
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). At many firms that is also where trailing stops: once the floor reaches the starting balance it locks there. Until then, every new high raises the floor, so open profit you give back still counts against you. Model it with the drawdown calculator.
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