For traders based in the United States, finding a prop firm (proprietary trading firm) that accepts US clients can be a daunting task. Prop firms provide traders with the opportunity to trade with firm capital, taking a share of the profits in return. These firms often have stringent criteria for selecting traders, but they can offer an ideal platform for those who want to leverage their trading skills without risking their own capital. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the top prop firms that accept US clients, providing a detailed look at their offerings, benefits, and how you can get started.
What is a Prop Firm and How Does It Work?
A proprietary trading firm is a financial institution that allows traders to use its capital for trading in various markets, such as stocks, futures, forex, and options. In return for access to the firm’s funds, traders typically share a percentage of the profits they generate. These firms usually provide extensive training, tools, and support to help traders succeed.
For US-based traders, participating in a prop firm offers several benefits:
- Access to capital without needing to use personal funds
- Profit-sharing models that reward traders based on their performance
- The opportunity to trade various asset classes with real money
- Risk management that helps traders stay protected from excessive losses
Types of Prop Firms for US Traders
There are two main types of prop firms that accept US clients:
- Remote Prop Firms – These firms allow traders to work from anywhere, including from home, and they typically operate entirely online.
- In-House Prop Firms – These firms offer traders the opportunity to work from their offices, providing a more traditional setting with mentorship and direct support.
Each type of firm has its own set of requirements and advantages, and the right choice depends on your personal trading goals and preferences.
Top Prop Firms That Accept US Clients
When it comes to choosing the right prop firm, it’s essential to look for reputable firms that not only offer competitive profit splits but also support traders in a way that enhances their overall trading success. Here are some of the leading prop firms that accept US clients.
1. Topstep
Topstep is one of the most well-known prop firms in the trading industry, especially popular among US traders. Topstep provides a unique evaluation process, where traders go through a simulated environment to prove their skills before being given access to a funded trading account.
- Evaluation Process: Traders start by entering the Trading Combine, a two-step evaluation process where they demonstrate their ability to trade within risk limits and meet profit targets.
- Profit Split: Once funded, traders keep up to 90% of their profits, making it one of the most attractive offers in the industry.
- Account Types: Topstep offers both futures and forex trading, with various account sizes based on your skill level and trading style.
- Risk Management: Topstep emphasizes risk management through strict daily loss limits and maximum drawdown rules, ensuring that traders are protected.
Topstep is an excellent option for US traders who want to test their skills in a risk-free simulated environment before moving on to a real funded account.
2. FTMO
FTMO is another leading prop firm that accepts US clients, offering a globally recognized trading challenge. It has a strong reputation for its transparency, robust evaluation process, and flexible trading rules.
- Evaluation Process: FTMO’s process consists of two stages: the FTMO Challenge and the Verification Phase. Traders need to meet profit targets while adhering to their risk management rules.
- Profit Split: FTMO offers an attractive profit-sharing model, where traders can keep up to 90% of the profits they generate, with a 10% fee for the firm.
- Account Sizes: FTMO offers various account sizes ranging from $10,000 to $200,000, allowing traders to scale up their trading as they progress.
- Trading Instruments: FTMO allows trading in forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, giving traders access to a wide variety of markets.
FTMO’s clear rules, transparency, and high-profit potential make it a solid choice for US traders.
3. OneUp Trader
OneUp Trader is an established US-based prop firm that offers a straightforward evaluation process, making it a great choice for US traders who want to get funded quickly.
- Evaluation Process: OneUp Trader’s Trader Evaluation Program is designed to assess the trader’s ability to follow risk management rules and hit performance targets.
- Profit Split: After passing the evaluation and becoming funded, traders can keep up to 80% of their profits.
- Account Types: OneUp Trader offers a wide range of account sizes, from $25,000 to $250,000, making it an excellent choice for traders of all experience levels.
- Trading Instruments: The firm focuses primarily on futures trading, which can be ideal for traders interested in this market.
- Platform: OneUp Trader provides traders with access to popular trading platforms like NinjaTrader and TradeStation.
With an easy-to-understand evaluation process and low fees, OneUp Trader is an appealing choice for aspiring US traders.
4. Earn2Trade
Earn2Trade is a US-based prop firm that offers both an evaluation and a funding program, giving traders the opportunity to trade live capital after meeting specific criteria.
- Evaluation Process: Earn2Trade’s Gauntlet Mini program is a cost-effective and simple way for traders to prove their skills and secure a funded account. The evaluation is done using simulated capital with real-time market conditions.
- Profit Split: After passing the evaluation, traders receive an attractive profit split, typically around 80% to 90%, depending on the account type.
- Account Types: Earn2Trade provides traders with several account options, ranging from $25,000 to $500,000, with futures contracts being the primary asset class for trading.
- Platform: Earn2Trade offers access to TradeStation and NinjaTrader, two of the most popular trading platforms in the futures market.
Earn2Trade is a reliable option for US traders who want to test their skills and scale their trading business without risking personal capital.
5. The Trading Pit
The Trading Pit offers traders the opportunity to earn a funded account by completing an evaluation process that mirrors real trading conditions. The firm is relatively new but has quickly gained popularity due to its competitive offers.
- Evaluation Process: The Trading Pit offers an evaluation program called The Pit. Traders are required to meet profit targets and adhere to strict risk management guidelines before being granted a funded account.
- Profit Split: Once traders pass the evaluation, they receive a 70% profit split, with the potential to increase this share based on performance.
- Account Sizes: The Trading Pit offers accounts ranging from $25,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the trader’s skills and performance.
- Assets Traded: Traders can access a wide range of assets, including futures, commodities, stocks, and forex, giving them a high degree of flexibility.
The Trading Pit’s competitive profit split and high account size options make it an attractive choice for US traders.
Why Choose a Prop Firm? Key Advantages for US Traders
For US traders, there are several reasons why joining a prop firm is an excellent decision:
- No Initial Capital Required – Prop firms provide traders with capital to trade, so there is no need to risk personal savings.
- Access to Professional Resources – Many prop firms offer valuable training, tools, and mentorship to help traders sharpen their skills.
- Profit Potential – With profit-sharing models that reward successful traders, prop firms give traders the opportunity to earn a substantial income.
- Risk Management – Prop firms typically have robust risk management systems in place, which help traders avoid catastrophic losses and trade more effectively.
- Exposure to Multiple Markets – Many prop firms allow traders to participate in multiple asset classes, from stocks and forex to futures and cryptocurrencies, providing ample opportunities.
Conclusion
For US traders looking to make a career in trading, prop firms offer an exceptional way to access capital and gain real-world experience without the need for significant personal investment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trader, platforms like Topstep, FTMO, OneUp Trader, Earn2Trade, and The Trading Pit offer flexible, well-structured opportunities to help you grow your trading skills and generate profits. By selecting a reputable prop firm that aligns with your trading style and goals, you can maximize your chances of success in the competitive world of finance.
For further details on the best prop firms for US traders, check out this link.