What Is a Funded Trading Account & How to Get One

A funded trading account is provided by a proprietary trading firm that lets you trade with the firm's capital instead of your own money. After passing an evaluation or challenge, traders receive access to accounts ranging from $5,000 to $400,000 and keep a share of the profits they generate.

What Is a Funded Trading Account?

A funded trading account is provided by a proprietary trading firm that gives you access to the firm's capital to trade financial markets. Instead of risking your own money, you trade with the firm's funds and keep a share of the profits you generate — typically between 80% and 95%.

Funded accounts are available for both forex/CFD markets and futures markets, with account sizes ranging from $5,000 to $400,000 depending on the firm and program you choose.

How to Get a Funded Account

There are two main paths to getting a funded trading account:

Evaluation / Challenge

Pass a 1-step or 2-step evaluation by hitting a profit target while staying within drawdown limits. This is the most common and affordable path. Fees range from $25 to $1,080.

Instant Funding

Skip the challenge entirely and start trading immediately. Higher fees but no risk of failing an evaluation. Available from firms like Instant Funding, GFT, and FunderPro.

Key Things to Know

You don't own the capital — You trade with the firm's money and share profits.
Rules must be followed — Drawdown limits, trading hours, and instrument restrictions apply.
Profit splits vary — Most firms offer 80%–95%, with some offering 100% on initial earnings.
Payouts are regular — Most firms pay bi-weekly or monthly, with minimums from $50–$500.
Scaling is possible — Many firms increase your account size as you demonstrate consistent profitability.

Tips for Succeeding with a Funded Account

Start with a smaller account size until you are consistently profitable
Prioritize risk management over profit targets
Study the specific rules of your firm thoroughly before trading
Develop a clear trading plan and strategy
Keep a trading journal to track your performance
Do not overtrade — quality over quantity

Recommended Prop Trading Firms

#	Firm	Profit Split	Max Account	Starting From	Markets	Rating	Visit
1	Apex Trader Funding	100% first $25K, then 90%	$300,000	$147/mo	Futures	9.2/10	Visit
2	FTMO	80%–90%	$200,000	€155	Forex, Indices, Commodities	9/10	Visit
3	Instant Funding	80%–90%	$200,000	$75	Forex, Indices, Commodities	8.8/10	Visit
4	The Trading Pit	50%–80%	$250,000	$99	Forex, Futures, Indices	8.7/10	Visit
5	TopStep	100% first $10K, then 90%	$150,000	$49/mo	Futures	8.6/10	Visit
6	SabioTrade	80%–90%	$200,000	$119	Forex, Indices, Commodities	8.5/10	Visit
7	Earn2Trade	80%	$400,000	$150/mo	Futures	8.5/10	Visit
8	UProfit	80%–90%	$200,000	$149/mo	Futures	8.4/10	Visit
9	FundedNext	80%–95%	$200,000	$59	Forex, Indices, Commodities	8.4/10	Visit
10	The5%ers	80%–100%	$250,000	$39	Forex, Indices, Commodities	8.4/10	Visit
11	Leeloo Trading	80%–90%	$300,000	$150/mo	Futures	8.3/10	Visit
12	Blueberry Funded	80%–85%	$200,000	$97	Forex, Indices, Commodities	8.3/10	Visit
13	Alpha Futures	80%	$150,000	$129/mo	Futures	8.3/10	Visit
14	E8 Markets	80%	$250,000	$228	Forex, Indices, Commodities	8.2/10	Visit
15	Funding Pips	80%–90%	$100,000	$36	Forex, Indices, Commodities	8.2/10	Visit
16	FXIFY	80%–90%	$400,000	$59	Forex, Indices, Commodities	8.2/10	Visit
17	Maven Trading	80%	$100,000	$25	Forex, Stocks, Indices	8.1/10	Visit
18	Goat Funded Trader	75%–95%	$400,000	$36	Forex, Indices, Commodities	8.1/10	Visit
19	The Funded Trader	80%–90%	$400,000	$49	Forex, Stocks, Indices	8/10	Visit
20	My Funded Futures	80%–90%	$150,000	$150/mo	Futures	8/10	Visit
21	FunderPro	80%–90%	$200,000	$59	Forex, Stocks, Indices	7.9/10	Visit

Trading Styles

Execution Model

Platform & Asset

Spreads & Costs

Features & Safety

What Is a Funded Trading Account & How to Get One