Best prop trading firms for futures traders in 2026
Proprietary Futures Trading Firms: Overview and Comparison
Selecting a prop firm for futures trading involves evaluating challenge fees, drawdown limits, and the profit split offered to successful traders. This comparison focuses on three firms: FTMO, The5ers, and Atlas Funded. Each firm provides access to futures markets with leverage up to 1:100, but they differ in fee structures, evaluation processes, payout methods, and account scaling options. This analysis is based on official pricing pages, public rule documents, and firm websites, verified as of July 2026.
FTMO, established in 2015, has received industry recognition, including the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in 2022 and various awards in 2023 and 2024. The firm claims to have distributed over $18.9 million to traders to date. The5ers, also founded in 2015, focuses on customer support and trust. Atlas Funded, launched in 2024, stands out with instant funding options that bypass traditional evaluation phases. Each firm caters to different trader profiles, from risk-conscious traders to those seeking immediate access to capital.
Quick Answer
Best overall for futures: FTMO
FTMO is ideal for traders prioritizing a proven history, structured scaling plans, and transparent rule sets.
Best for diverse account sizes: Atlas Funded
Instant Funded Accounts range from $5,000 to $400,000, offering flexible entry points without challenge evaluation.
Best for lower upfront costs: The5ers
The Summer Plan and High Stakes programs start at $19 for $2,500 accounts, with lower fees than competitors.
Best for fastest payouts: The5ers
On-demand payouts are available on select High Stakes programs, with a verified payout of $22,158 USD processed on June 26, 2025.
Last verified: July 2026
How We Ranked These Firms
Firms were evaluated based on eight criteria:
- Rules transparency: Clarity of profit targets, drawdown limits, and challenge conditions
- Payout reliability: Documented payout methods, frequency, and verified recent payouts
- Challenge cost: Upfront fees relative to account size
- Account size range: Flexibility in starting capital
- Drawdown flexibility: Maximum and daily drawdown limits
- Platform support: Available trading platforms and asset classes, including futures
- Restrictions: Countries excluded from trading
- Source confidence: Reliance on official firm documentation and independently verifiable claims
Quick Comparison Table
| Firm | Established | Challenge Cost Range | Account Sizes | Max Drawdown | Daily Drawdown | Profit Split | Payout Methods | Futures Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | 2015 | $79–$1,080 | $10K–$200K | 10% | 5% | 90% | 8+ methods (crypto, bank, cards) | Yes |
| The5ers | 2015 | $19–$249 | $2.5K–$100K | 6–10% | 3–5% | 50–100% | 7 methods (crypto, bank, Rise) | Yes |
| Atlas Funded | 2024 | $34–$1,074 | $5K–$400K | 7–10% | Varies | 80–100% | Varies by platform | Yes |
Overview
FTMO
FTMO employs a two-tier challenge system to assess trader proficiency before account funding. It offers both 1-Step and 2-Step Challenge programs with uniform profit targets and drawdown rules applicable across five account sizes.
1-Step Challenge
- $10,000: $79 fee | 10% profit target | 10% max drawdown | 5% daily drawdown | 90% profit split
- $25,000: $199 fee
- $50,000: $319 fee
- $100,000: $499 fee
- $200,000: $999 fee
2-Step Challenge
- $10,000: $89 fee | 10% profit target | 10% max drawdown | 5% daily drawdown | 90% profit split
- $25,000: $250 fee
- $50,000: $345 fee
- $100,000: $540 fee
- $200,000: $1,080 fee
The5ers
The5ers presents various challenge structures, including cost-effective High Stakes programs and higher-capital Summer Plan options. Profit splits and drawdown rules are tailored by program to accommodate different trader needs.
Featured Programs
- High Stakes $2.5K: $19 fee | 10% target | 10% max drawdown | 5% daily drawdown | 100% profit split | on-demand payouts
- Summer Plan $100K: $249 fee | 10% target | 6% max drawdown | 3% daily drawdown | 75% profit split
- $100K 2-Step Summer Plan: $179 fee | 10% target | 6% max drawdown | 3% daily drawdown | 50% profit split
Atlas Funded
Atlas Funded’s Instant Funded Accounts skip the evaluation phase, allowing traders to start live trading immediately. Profit targets, drawdown limits, and profit splits vary by account tier, with both on-demand and weekly payouts offered.
Instant Funded Accounts (TradeLocker)
- $5,000: $34 fee
- $10,000: $59 fee
- $25,000: $334 fee
- $50,000: $508 fee
- $100,000: $678 fee
- $200,000: $554 fee
- $300,000: $799 fee
- $400,000: $1,074 fee
Profit targets typically range from 4% to 6%, with maximum drawdowns from 7% to 10%, profit splits at 80% or 100%, and payout frequencies varying by account type.
Programs
FTMO Programs
FTMO offers a structured evaluation in two phases. In the 1-Step Challenge, traders must meet a 10% profit target within a 10% maximum drawdown and a 5% daily drawdown limit. Successful traders proceed directly to a funded account with a 90% profit split. The 2-Step Challenge adds an additional phase: traders who pass Step 1 must achieve another 10% profit target under the same drawdown constraints before receiving funding.
The5ers Programs
The5ers promotes flexibility in program selection. The High Stakes program allows rapid evaluation at a minimal cost—$19 grants access to a $2,500 account with a 100% profit split. The program includes a strict 10% profit target and a 5% daily drawdown. The Summer Plan, targeted at those with greater capital, offers a $100,000 account for $249 but has tighter drawdown rules and a lower profit split.
Atlas Funded Programs
Atlas Funded’s Instant Funded model permits traders to bypass challenge evaluation. Accounts range from $5,000 to $400,000, and profit targets are typically lower than those of traditional challenge firms.
Platforms and Rules
Trading Platforms
All three firms support MetaTrader 5 for futures trading. FTMO additionally offers MetaTrader 4 and cTrader. The5ers provides cTrader and Mt5 Hedge alongside MT5. Atlas Funded operates primarily on TradeLocker for Instant Funded Accounts. Traders should verify platform compatibility with their trading strategies before enrollment.
Leverage and Assets
All firms allow leverage up to 1:100. Futures contracts are available on all platforms. FTMO's asset offerings include Forex, Crypto, Indices, Commodities, Metals, Equities CFD, and Exotics. The5ers lists Forex, Commodities, Indices, Crypto, Metals, and Futures among its asset classes. Atlas Funded’s asset list varies by platform but includes futures access.
Automated Trading Rules
- FTMO: EA (Expert Advisor) permission is not specified in official documentation.
- The5ers: EAs are permitted on cTrader and Mt5 Hedge platforms. Copy trading is also allowed.
- Atlas Funded: EA permission is not specified in available documentation.
Traders using algorithmic strategies should directly consult firms for clarification.
Drawdown and Daily Loss Limits
FTMO maintains a 10% maximum drawdown and 5% daily drawdown across challenges. The5ers' limits vary: High Stakes programs impose a 10% max and 5% daily, while Summer Plans have tighter limits (6% max and 3% daily). Atlas Funded ranges from 7% to 10% maximum drawdown, with limits varying by account tier. Lower daily limits require disciplined position sizing and constrain loss recovery.
Offers
FTMO Special Offers
FTMO promotes a "Free Trial" and states that traders may take "as many Free Trials as you need." There is no time limit on challenges, allowing traders to pursue profit targets without deadlines. Also featured is a "$200,000 account" offer.
The5ers Special Offers
The5ers promotes a "Summer Plan: $100K For $149" discount (down from $249). Additional bonuses include "Pass Step 1: Get 10% Hub Credit" and "Pass Step 2: Get 20% Hub Credit," which can reduce future challenge costs. A "70% refund" is available at the funded stage under unspecified conditions. Additionally, The5ers is hosting a "Trading World Championship 2026" with cash and account prizes.
Atlas Funded Special Offers
As of July 2026, no specific time-limited offers were noted in the available documentation for Atlas Funded.
Payout Methods and Processing
FTMO Payouts
FTMO supports eight payout methods: Crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDC), E-Wallet, Bank Transfer, and card networks (Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Diners Club). Payment methods for challenges include the same options plus PayPal and Revolut Pay. Payout processing timelines were not explicitly documented.
The5ers Payouts
The5ers offers seven payout methods: Rise, Crypto, Bank Transfer, Hub Credits, E-Wallet, Payoneer, and Wise. High Stakes programs allow for on-demand payouts. A verified payout of $22,158 USD was processed on June 26, 2025, confirming active payment processing. Challenge payments are accepted via Crypto and Bank Transfer only, but standard payout details were not provided.
Atlas Funded Payouts
Payout methods and frequencies vary by platform and account type. On-demand or weekly payouts are available depending on the account tier. Specific payout methods were not detailed in the research provided.
Restrictions
Country Restrictions
FTMO restricted countries: Venezuela, Cuba, Sudan, Ukraine, Australia, Pakistan, Iran, Syria, North Korea.
The5ers restricted countries: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burundi, Central African Republic, Cuba, Eritrea, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, New Hebrides, Venezuela, Yemen, Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burma, Palestine.
Atlas Funded restricted countries: Not specified in the available documentation.
Traders should verify their country eligibility before depositing fees or opening accounts.
Data Gaps
Complete SLA (service-level agreement) payout processing times are not explicitly documented by any firm. FTMO's claim of distributing over $18.9 million has not been independently verified. Further, details on scaling funded accounts beyond the initial sizes are not fully outlined. Traders requiring proof of reserves or rapid withdrawals should contact firms directly prior to any financial commitments.