Introduction
Updated April 2026
Finding the best prop firm can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available for futures traders. Each firm has its own rules, payouts, and platform preferences, which can make it hard to know which one fits your trading style. In this guide, we’ll compare Alpha Futures, Topstep, and My Funded Futures so you can choose the best prop firm for your goals with confidence.
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Alpha Futures
Alpha Futures: Account Types and Rules Explained (Standard vs. Advanced)
Introduction
Alpha Futures offers traders a range of account types and sizes to fit different trading styles and goals. With both Standard and Advanced plans, you can choose the evaluation structure and rules that best match your approach. This guide breaks down the rules, fees, payout policies, and supported platforms for all six Alpha Futures plans.
Standard Accounts: Rules and Fees
The Standard accounts are designed for traders who prefer a straightforward evaluation with scaling and accessible monthly costs. After passing evaluation, a one-time activation fee of $149 per account applies.
$50,000 Standard Account — $79/month
$100,000 Standard Account — $159/month
$150,000 Standard Account — $239/month
Standard Accounts: Payout Policy
- Profit split is tiered: Payouts 1–2 at 70%, 3–4 at 80%, 5+ at 90%.
• Minimum payout request: $200
• Can request payout every 14 days if 40% consistency rule is met.
• Payouts processed within 48 hours.
• Withdrawals reduce account balance, which counts against MLL.
• Over-withdrawing to MLL closes account.
Advanced Accounts: Rules and Fees
The Advanced accounts are for experienced traders who want higher profit splits, stricter rules, and no scaling plans. After passing evaluation, a one-time activation fee of $149 per account applies.
$50,000 Advanced Account — $139/month
$100,000 Advanced Account — $279/month
$150,000 Advanced Account — $419/month
Advanced Accounts: Payout Policy
- Profit split is fixed at 90%.
• Minimum payout request: $1,000
• Can request payout after 5 winning $200+ days (not consecutive).
• Initially may withdraw up to 50% of profits.
• After 30 winning days, may withdraw up to 100% of profits.
• Maximum per-request withdrawal: $15,000.
• Over-withdrawing to MLL closes account.
Supported Platforms
Alpha Futures traders can choose from:
• AlphaTicks — Developed by ProjectX
• Quantower — Via ProjectX connection
• Tradovate — Web-based; shares credentials with NinjaTrader
• NinjaTrader — Desktop; shares credentials with Tradovate
• TradingView — Integrated via Tradovate add-on
Note: Platform choice cannot be changed after funded account activation.
How to Choose the Right Plan
For newer traders, the Standard accounts offer more forgiving rules and a clear path to scaling up. Advanced accounts are best suited for experienced traders who can handle tighter limits and want higher payouts. Always choose a size that matches your risk tolerance and trading consistency.
Final Thoughts
Alpha Futures provides flexible options for traders at all levels. Take your time to choose the plan that aligns with your strategy, risk management, and goals.
Topstep
Topstep: Account Types and Rules Explained
Introduction
Topstep is one of the most well-known prop trading firms for futures traders, offering a streamlined evaluation process and funded accounts for consistent, disciplined traders. This guide explains Topstep’s account sizes, rules, payout policy, and platform so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Account Sizes and Fees
Topstep offers a single account type with three different buying power levels. All account sizes have the same rules and objectives, with increasing targets and limits as the account size grows. A one-time $149 activation fee applies upon passing the evaluation and qualifying for funding.
Evaluation Rules (Trading Combine)
- Reach and maintain the profit target
• Best day must not exceed 50% of total profits (Consistency Target)
• Do not hit or exceed the Daily Loss Limit
• Do not hit or exceed the Maximum Loss Limit
Express Funded Account Rules
- Achieve 5 winning days of $200+ each per payout cycle
• Follow the Scaling Plan
• Do not hit or exceed the Daily Loss Limit
• Do not hit or exceed the Maximum Loss Limit
Payout Policy
- Request up to $5,000 or 50% of account balance after 5 winning days ($200+ each)
• Winning days do not need to be consecutive
• After each payout, you must complete another 5 winning days before requesting again
Trading Platform
TopstepX™ is Topstep’s proprietary trading platform designed for futures traders earning funding. It offers:
• Fully integrated TradingView® charts
• The Tilt™ real-time bias indicator
• Dedicated CME data feed
TopstepX™ also removes the Daily Loss Limit restriction, while other platforms like NinjaTrader, Quantower, Tradovate, and TradingView still enforce it.
How to Choose an Account Size
If you’re just getting started, it’s recommended to begin with the $50,000 evaluation. It allows you to get familiar with the rules and platform without risking larger targets and limits. Once you build consistency, you can move up to the $100K or $150K accounts.
Final Thoughts
Topstep provides a beginner-friendly and affordable way to prove your trading skills and earn a funded account. Focus on consistency and discipline to meet their rules, and choose the account size that best matches your comfort level and trading style.
My Funded Futures
My Funded Futures: Account Types and Rules Explained
Introduction
My Funded Futures (MFF) offers futures traders two evaluation paths — Starter Plus and Expert — designed to fit both beginners and experienced traders. This guide explains the account sizes, rules, payout policies, and platforms so you can choose the best option for your trading style.
Starter Plus Accounts
The Starter Plus accounts are designed for traders looking for a guided, low-pressure entry point with affordable costs.
You can choose from three account sizes:
– $50K account: $127/month, $3,000 profit target, maximum of 3 contracts, $2,000 trailing drawdown, End of Day (EOD) trailing, no activation fee.
– $100K account: $267/month, $6,000 profit target, maximum of 6 contracts, $3,000 trailing drawdown, EOD trailing, no activation fee.
– $150K account: $377/month, $9,000 profit target, maximum of 9 contracts, $4,500 trailing drawdown, EOD trailing, no activation fee.
These accounts include no daily loss limit and no activation fee upon passing.
Expert Accounts
The Expert accounts are for experienced traders who want higher limits, fewer restrictions, and more flexibility.
You can choose from three account sizes:
– $50K account: $227/month, $4,000 profit target, maximum of 5 contracts, $2,000 trailing drawdown, EOD trailing, no activation fee.
– $100K account: $344/month, $8,000 profit target, maximum of 10 contracts, $3,000 trailing drawdown, EOD trailing, no activation fee.
– $150K account: $477/month, $12,000 profit target, maximum of 15 contracts, $4,500 trailing drawdown, EOD trailing, no activation fee.
These accounts also have no daily loss limit and no activation fee.
Starter Evaluation: Ideal for New Traders
The Starter Evaluation is beginner-friendly, with low profit targets and a supportive setup.
It offers:
– Flexible terms, including extra drawdown on the $50K account.
– No activation fees and affordable upfront monthly costs.
– Quick payouts every 5 profitable days.
Best for: New traders or those seeking a low-pressure evaluation.
Expert Evaluation: Built for Experienced Traders
The Expert Evaluation is designed for seasoned traders who want maximum flexibility and faster access to profits.
It offers:
– No scaling requirements or activation fees.
– No consistency rule in either the challenge or funded stage.
– No daily drawdown limit.
– Bi-weekly payouts every 14 calendar days, no minimum trading days.
Best for: Confident traders looking for greater freedom and faster payouts.
Payout Policy
– You keep 100% of your first $10,000 in profits.
– After that, profits are split 90/10 in your favor.
Starter Plus:
– Payouts can be requested every 5 winning days.
– Minimum withdrawal: $100, $200, or $300 depending on account size.
Withdrawal Limits During First 30 Winning Days or 5 Payouts:
– $50K: up to $1,200 per payout.
– $100K: up to $2,400 per payout.
– $150K: up to $3,600 per payout.
Expert Plan:
– Payouts can be requested every 14 days once above the buffer.
– Minimum withdrawal: $1,000.
– Buffer zones for Expert accounts:
– $50K: buffer target $52,100.
– $100K: buffer target $103,100.
– $150K: buffer target $154,600.
– You may withdraw up to 60% of profits while in the buffer; any withdrawal resets the buffer.
After reaching 30 winning days or 5 payouts, the maximum loss limit on your account is adjusted upward.
Supported Platforms
MFF supports several popular trading platforms:
– TradingView
– Volumetric Trading
– VolSys
– NinjaTrader
– Quantower
– Tradovate
You can choose the platform that best suits your needs.
How to Choose an Account Size
For beginners, the Starter Plus $50K account is recommended to get familiar with the rules and platform.
Experienced traders may prefer the Expert accounts for higher limits, fewer restrictions, and bi-weekly payouts.
Final Thoughts
My Funded Futures provides flexible funded trading opportunities for both beginners and advanced traders. By choosing the right plan and maintaining consistency, you can build a path to steady payouts and trading success.
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What Do Traders Often Misunderstand About This?
Many traders assume that the “best prop firm” is simply the one with the highest profit split or lowest monthly fee. In reality, rule structure usually has a much larger impact on long-term success than pricing or advertised payouts. Features such as trailing drawdowns, consistency rules, withdrawal limits, and scaling plans can significantly affect how a strategy performs inside a funded account.
Another common misunderstanding is assuming account sizes are directly comparable between firms. A $50K account at one firm may allow very different risk levels than a $50K account at another due to differences in maximum loss limits or trailing drawdown calculations. This can change position sizing and stop placement more than most traders expect.
Traders also often overlook payout mechanics. Fast payouts or high percentages sound attractive, but withdrawal rules and buffer requirements often determine how easily profits can actually be taken. Understanding the full structure is usually more important than focusing on any single feature.