If you are planning to trade with a funded account, one common question traders ask is: can you trade futures on prop firms? Many people associate prop firms mainly with forex and CFDs, but futures trading is now becoming a major part of the funded trading industry.
Futures markets offer transparent pricing, regulated exchanges, and fast execution, making them attractive to serious traders. However, futures prop firms operate differently from traditional forex prop firms, and not every firm supports futures contracts. In this guide, you’ll learn whether futures trading is allowed on prop firms, how futures prop firms work, and whether futures funding is the right option for you.
Can You Trade Futures on Prop Firms?
Yes, you can trade futures on prop firms, but only with firms that specialize in futures funding. Most popular forex prop firms like FTMO, The Funded Trader, and E8 Funding do not offer exchange-traded futures. Instead, futures prop firms allow traders to trade real futures contracts such as ES (S&P 500), NQ (Nasdaq), CL (Crude Oil), and GC (Gold).
These firms operate on professional platforms like NinjaTrader, Tradovate, and Rithmic, giving traders access to real market depth, fair pricing, and fast execution. Unlike CFDs, futures prices come directly from regulated exchanges, which reduces slippage manipulation and spread widening.
Futures prop firms still require traders to pass an evaluation phase. During this stage, traders must hit a profit target while staying within strict drawdown and risk rules. Once passed, traders move to a funded account and can start earning payouts based on performance.
Many traders prefer futures prop firms because they offer:
- Transparent exchange pricing
- No broker interference
- Faster order execution
- Regulated market structure
So, if your strategy works best in liquid and regulated markets, futures prop firms can be an excellent choice.
How Futures Prop Firms Work
Futures prop firms operate differently from forex prop firms in both structure and pricing. Instead of paying a one-time challenge fee, traders usually pay a monthly subscription fee until they pass the evaluation.
Here’s how most futures prop firms work:
- Choose an account size
- Trade under strict risk rules
- Reach the profit target
- Get funded
- Start withdrawing profits
Most futures firms apply trailing drawdown limits, daily loss caps, and contract size restrictions. This means your drawdown level moves up as your account grows, encouraging consistent trading and strong risk management. Some firms also restrict overnight or weekend positions due to exchange margin requirements.
Popular futures prop firms include:
- Topstep
- Apex Trader Funding
- Earn2Trade
These firms are known for reliable payouts, structured evaluations, and access to real futures markets.
Compared to forex prop firms, futures firms usually allow fewer instruments but offer better transparency and market integrity. However, futures trading requires understanding tick values, contract sizing, and volatility behavior, making education and discipline very important.
Is Trading Futures on Prop Firms Worth It?
Yes, trading futures on prop firms is worth it for traders who want regulated markets, tight pricing, and reliable execution. Futures markets tend to move cleanly, especially on instruments like ES and NQ, making them ideal for structured strategies such as scalping, breakout trading, and trend following.
However, futures trading is not easy. The leverage is powerful, and small price movements can result in significant gains or losses. This means strong risk management, emotional control, and discipline are essential.
For traders who struggle to pass evaluations, professional assistance can significantly improve success rates. Many traders fail challenges not because of bad strategies, but due to overtrading, revenge trading, or poor risk control.
Want to Pass Your Prop Firm Challenge Without Stress?
At Prop FirmLive Signals, we offer a professional Prop Firm Challenge Pass Service, where expert traders handle your evaluation and get you funded safely for both futures and forex prop firms.
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FAQs
Can beginners trade futures on prop firms?
Yes. Many futures prop firms are beginner-friendly, but traders must understand contract sizing, tick values, and volatility. Beginners should start small and focus on risk management.
Do futures prop firms use real money accounts?
Most firms begin with simulated accounts, but payouts are based on real market conditions and performance models tied closely to live trading behavior.
Which futures contract is best for prop firm challenges?
ES (S&P 500 E-mini) and NQ (Nasdaq E-mini) are the most popular due to high liquidity, smooth price action, and tight spreads.
