Best Prop Firms for Scalping | Futures Scalping Prop Firms 2025
Scalping futures requires prop firms with specific features: no minimum trade duration, end-of-day drawdown rules (not real-time daily limits), low commission structures, and fast execution platforms. The wrong firm can kill your scalping strategy before you even start.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll compare the best prop firms for scalping futures in 2025, analyze commission structures, break down drawdown rules, and provide actionable tips for passing evaluations as a scalper.
What Makes a Prop Firm Good for Scalping?
Not all prop firms are created equal when it comes to scalping. Here are the critical features scalpers need:
1. No Minimum Trade Duration
Some firms require positions to be held for a minimum time (30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.) to prevent "tick scalping" or latency arbitrage. For legitimate scalpers, you need firms with zero minimum hold time.
2. End-of-Day Drawdown vs Real-Time Daily Loss Limits
This is the most important distinction for scalpers:
- End-of-Day (EOD) Drawdown: Calculated when the trading day closes. You can be down significantly intraday as long as you recover before market close. ✓ BEST FOR SCALPERS
- Real-Time Daily Loss Limit: If you hit the limit at any moment during the day, you immediately fail. ✗ BAD FOR SCALPERS
💡 Why EOD Drawdown Matters for Scalpers
Scalpers take many small trades. Even with a 60% win rate, you'll have losing streaks. EOD drawdown gives you breathing room to recover from a bad morning with a profitable afternoon. Real-time daily limits can knock you out before you have a chance to adapt.
3. Low Commission Structure
When you're taking 20-50 trades per day, commissions matter more than profit splits:
- ES Futures: $3.98-$5.00 per round trip
- MES (Micro ES): $1.02-$1.42 per round trip
- NQ Futures: $4.00-$5.00 per round trip
Example: 30 ES trades/day at $4/round trip = $120/day = $2,400/month in commissions. Choose firms with competitive commission structures.
4. News Trading Allowed
Many scalpers target volatility around news events (FOMC, NFP, CPI). Ensure your prop firm allows news trading without restrictions.
5. Fast Payout Processing
Active scalpers want quick access to profits. Look for firms with daily or on-demand payout options rather than monthly cycles.
Best Prop Firms for Scalping (Ranked)
🥇 #1: Apex Trader Funding - Best for Aggressive Scalpers
Why it's #1 for scalping: Apex has no daily loss limit - only end-of-day drawdown rules. This is the ultimate flexibility for scalpers.
Key Features:
- Drawdown Structure: No daily loss limit (only total trailing drawdown)
- Commission: ES $3.98/RT, MES $1.02-$1.04/RT (platform-dependent)
- Profit Split: 100% first $25,000, then 90%
- Pricing: $167-$377/month (recurring subscription model)
- Platform: Rithmic or Tradovate
- News Trading: Allowed
- Minimum Trade Duration: None
✅ Pros for Scalpers
- No daily loss limit = full intraday flexibility
- Low commissions on Tradovate platform
- 100% profit on first $25K extremely valuable
- Allows hedging and news trading
- Futures-only focus (no distractions)
⚠️ Cons
- Recurring monthly cost (not one-time fee)
- Some reports of "aggressive scalping" denials
- Trailing drawdown can be strict
- No evaluation - instant funding means smaller starting accounts
Best For: Aggressive scalpers who take 30+ trades per day and need maximum intraday flexibility. Ideal for those who can handle monthly recurring costs in exchange for no evaluation pressure.
🥈 #2: My Funded Futures - Best EOD Drawdown Structure
Why it's great for scalping: End-of-day drawdown with $0 daily loss limits during evaluation gives scalpers the flexibility they need.
Key Features:
- Drawdown Structure: End-of-day max loss ($1,250 EOD on $50K account)
- Commission: ES $4.26/RT, MES $1.42/RT, NQ $4.26/RT
- Profit Split: 80-90% (scales with performance)
- Pricing: $77 for $50K account (one-time evaluation fee)
- Platform: Tradovate, Rithmic
- Payout Speed: Instant approval, 6-12 hour manual review
- Minimum Trade Duration: None
✅ Pros for Scalpers
- End-of-day drawdown = recover from bad mornings
- Affordable one-time evaluation fee
- Fast payout processing (instant to 12 hours)
- Straightforward rules, no gimmicks
- Allows scalping, day trading, swing trading
⚠️ Cons
- Slightly higher commissions than Apex
- EOD limits still require daily discipline
- 80% base split (must scale to 90%)
- Prohibits fully automated trading
Best For: Disciplined scalpers who want affordable entry, fast payouts, and end-of-day flexibility without the pressure of real-time daily loss limits.
🥉 #3: TopStep - Best for Established Reputation
Why scalpers choose TopStep: 13-year track record, $200M+ paid to traders, and lenient scalping policies with proper risk management.
Key Features:
- Drawdown Structure: Daily loss limit (but calculated end-of-day on Express accounts)
- Commission: ES ~$4-5/RT, MES ~$1-2/RT (simulates live fees)
- Profit Split: 100% first $10,000, then 90%
- Pricing: $49-$375/month (account size dependent)
- Platform: Multiple (NinjaTrader, Tradovate, etc.)
- Payout Frequency: Daily (once you hit minimum)
- News Trading: Allowed with guidelines
✅ Pros for Scalpers
- 13-year reputation = trustworthy payouts
- 100% on first $10K is significant
- Daily payout frequency
- No restrictions on trade frequency
- Allows scalping with discipline
⚠️ Cons
- Two-phase evaluation can be slower
- Stricter risk rules than competitors
- Higher pricing for larger accounts
- Some accounts have real-time daily limits
Best For: Conservative scalpers who value firm reputation and want the security of an established company with proven payout history.
#4: BluSky Trading - Best for Low Transaction Fees
Why scalpers like BluSky: Low transaction fees and quick payout processing make it ideal for high-frequency traders watching costs.
Key Features:
- Commission Structure: Lower than industry average
- Payout Processing: Fast (specific times vary)
- Trading Style: Intraday focus, scalper-friendly
- Platform: Multiple options available
Best For: Cost-conscious scalpers who prioritize low fees over brand recognition.
#5: FundingTicks - Best for Fast Evaluations
Why scalpers consider FundingTicks: Quick evaluation process and same-day payouts for active traders.
Key Features:
- Evaluation Speed: Quick challenge completion
- Profit Split: 80-90%
- Payout Speed: Same-day available
- Growth: Rapidly growing into premier futures firm
Best For: Scalpers who want to get funded quickly and access capital fast.
Scalping Commission Comparison
For active scalpers, commissions can significantly impact profitability. Here's a detailed breakdown:
| Prop Firm | ES (Round Trip) | MES (Round Trip) | 30 ES Trades/Day Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apex (Tradovate) | $3.98 LOWEST | $1.04 | $119.40/day |
| Apex (Rithmic) | $3.98 | $1.02 LOWEST | $119.40/day |
| My Funded Futures | $4.26 | $1.42 | $127.80/day |
| TopStep | ~$4.50 | ~$1.50 | $135.00/day |
💡 Commission Cost Analysis
30 trades/day for 20 trading days = 600 trades/month
- Apex: 600 × $3.98 = $2,388/month
- My Funded Futures: 600 × $4.26 = $2,556/month
- TopStep: 600 × $4.50 = $2,700/month
Difference over a year: Apex saves $312/year vs My Funded Futures, $312/year vs TopStep. For high-frequency scalpers doing 50+ trades/day, the savings are even more significant.
EOD Drawdown vs Real-Time Daily Loss: The Critical Difference
Understanding this distinction is crucial for scalping success:
End-of-Day (EOD) Drawdown Example
My Funded Futures $50K Account: $1,250 EOD max loss
- 9:30 AM: Start trading, account at $50,000
- 11:00 AM: Hit a rough patch, down -$2,000 (account at $48,000)
- Status: ✓ STILL TRADING - because EOD limit isn't calculated until market close
- 2:00 PM: Profitable afternoon session, recover to -$800 (account at $49,200)
- 4:00 PM: End of day at -$800
- Result: ✓ PASS - within the $1,250 EOD limit
Real-Time Daily Loss Limit Example
FTMO $50K Account: $2,500 daily loss limit (real-time)
- 9:30 AM: Start trading, account at $50,000
- 11:00 AM: Hit a rough patch, down -$2,600 (account at $47,400)
- Status: ✗ FAILED - you hit the daily loss limit
- Result: Account closed immediately, even though you could have recovered by end of day
⚠️ Critical for Scalpers
Real-time daily loss limits are account killers for scalpers. One bad streak in the morning and you're done, even if your strategy would have recovered by afternoon. Always choose EOD drawdown or no daily limit for scalping.
Firms to Avoid for Scalping
Not every prop firm is scalper-friendly. Avoid these if you're a futures scalper:
- Take Profit Trader: Explicitly prohibits scalping, high-frequency trading, and use of bots/AI
- Firms with minimum trade duration: Any firm requiring positions to be held for 30+ seconds
- Firms with real-time daily loss limits: Unless you're an extremely disciplined scalper with tight risk management
- Firms prohibiting news trading: If you scalp volatility around economic releases
Tips for Passing Prop Firm Evaluations as a Scalper
1. Reduce Position Size During Evaluation
Trade smaller than you normally would. If you typically trade 3 ES contracts, drop to 1-2 during evaluation. The goal is to pass, not maximize profits.
2. Use Micro Contracts (MES, MNQ) for Testing
Micro E-mini contracts are 1/10th the size of standard contracts:
- MES: $5/point vs ES $50/point
- MNQ: $2/point vs NQ $20/point
Perfect for scalping evaluations with lower risk exposure and significantly lower commissions.
3. Track Your Intraday Drawdown
Even with EOD limits, monitor your largest intraday drawdown. If you're regularly hitting -$3,000 intraday on a $1,250 EOD limit, you're one bad session away from failing. Aim for max intraday drawdown of 2x your EOD limit.
4. Avoid Overleveraging During News
News events create volatility that scalpers love, but they also create risk:
- Before NFP, CPI, FOMC: Reduce position size by 50%
- During news release: Use wider stops (expect 10-20 point swings)
- After news: Wait 5-10 minutes for volatility to normalize before resuming normal size
5. Take Breaks After Losing Streaks
Scalpers are prone to revenge trading after losses:
- After 3 consecutive losses: Take a 15-minute break
- After hitting 50% of EOD limit: Consider stopping for the day
- After emotional trade: Immediate 30-minute break
6. Focus on High-Probability Setups During Evaluation
Don't scalp every tick movement during evaluation. Wait for:
- Clear support/resistance levels
- Volume confirmation
- Trend alignment on higher timeframes (5-min, 15-min)
7. Use Demo Mode to Test EOD Drawdown Management
Before attempting evaluation, practice on demo with EOD limits:
- Set a self-imposed EOD max loss (e.g., $1,250)
- Track your max intraday drawdown
- See if you can consistently stay within EOD limits for 2 weeks
Platform Recommendations for Scalpers
Best Platforms for Execution Speed
1. Rithmic
- Fastest execution in the industry
- Direct market access
- Preferred by professional scalpers
- Available with Apex, My Funded Futures, TopStep
2. Tradovate
- Cloud-based, no installation required
- Competitive execution speed
- Lower commissions than Rithmic at some firms
- Built-in charting and analysis
3. NinjaTrader
- Advanced charting capabilities
- Supports automated strategies
- Good for semi-automated scalping
- Available with TopStep
💡 Pro Tip for Platform Choice
For pure manual scalping, choose Rithmic for fastest fills. For charting + execution in one platform, choose Tradovate. For automated/semi-automated scalping, choose NinjaTrader (if allowed by your prop firm).
Common Scalping Mistakes That Fail Prop Evaluations
Mistake #1: Overtrading Low-Probability Setups
The Problem: Scalping every 2-tick move without clear edge leads to death by a thousand cuts + commission costs.
The Solution: Define specific entry criteria. Example: "Only scalp when price bounces off VWAP with volume spike above 500 contracts."
Mistake #2: Not Accounting for Commissions
The Problem: Making $50 on a trade but paying $8 in commissions (2 contracts × $4) = net $42. After 50 trades, commissions eat $400.
The Solution: Target profit must be 3x commission cost minimum. For ES at $4 commission, target minimum $12/contract profit per trade.
Mistake #3: Scaling Up Too Fast After Wins
The Problem: Win 5 trades in a row scalping 1 ES contract, feel confident, jump to 4 contracts, lose next 2 trades, blow through EOD limit.
The Solution: Lock position size during evaluation. No increases until you pass and are funded.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Session Characteristics
The Problem: Trying to scalp during low-volume Asian session (6 PM - 12 AM ET) leads to poor fills and increased slippage.
The Solution: Focus on high-volume sessions:
- 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM ET: NYSE open (highest volume)
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET: Power hour
- 8:30 AM ET: Economic news releases
Mistake #5: Holding Losing Scalps
The Problem: Enter scalp for 4-tick profit target, hits -3 ticks, "let me give it more room," becomes -10 tick loss.
The Solution: Scalps are defined by quick exits. Max hold time 2-5 minutes. If trade thesis breaks, exit immediately.
Final Recommendation: Which Firm Should You Choose?
Choose based on your scalping style:
| Your Scalping Style | Best Firm | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Aggressive (50+ trades/day) | Apex Trader Funding | No daily loss limit, lowest commissions, max flexibility |
| Moderate (20-30 trades/day) | My Funded Futures | EOD drawdown, affordable entry, fast payouts |
| Conservative (10-15 trades/day) | TopStep | Established reputation, disciplined approach, 100% first $10K |
| Cost-Conscious | BluSky Trading | Lowest transaction fees for high-frequency trading |
| Quick Access | FundingTicks | Fast evaluation, same-day payouts |
💡 Pro Scalper's Recommendation
If you're serious about scalping futures with prop firm capital, start with My Funded Futures for affordable evaluation with EOD flexibility. Once funded and profitable, consider adding an Apex account for maximum flexibility and 100% profit on first $25K. This two-firm strategy gives you both affordable entry and ultimate scalping freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scalping Prop Firms
Apex Trader Funding is best for aggressive scalpers with its no daily loss limit policy, allowing unlimited intraday drawdown as long as you end the day within total drawdown limits.
My Funded Futures is best for disciplined scalpers who prefer end-of-day drawdown rules ($1,250-$5,000 EOD limits) that allow full intraday flexibility.
BluSky Trading is best for cost-conscious scalpers with low transaction fees and fast payout processing.
Yes, most futures prop firms allow scalping, but with varying restrictions:
- Apex, My Funded Futures, TopStep, BluSky Trading all permit scalping with no minimum trade duration
- Take Profit Trader prohibits scalping and high-frequency trading
- Some firms have faced issues with "aggressive scalping" that resembles latency arbitrage or tick scalping with excessive frequency
Always verify a firm's scalping policy before purchasing an evaluation.
End-of-day (EOD) drawdown is calculated when the trading day closes, giving you full intraday flexibility.
Example: My Funded Futures $50K account has $1,250 EOD max loss - you can be down $2,000 intraday but must recover to -$1,250 or better by market close.
Daily loss limit is calculated in real-time throughout the day.
Example: FTMO $50K account has $2,500 daily loss limit - if you hit -$2,500 at any point during the day, you immediately fail, even if you could have recovered.
EOD drawdown is significantly better for scalpers because it allows recovery from large intraday drawdowns.
Commission fees for futures scalping vary by firm and product:
- My Funded Futures: ES $4.26/round trip, MES $1.42/round trip, NQ $4.26/round trip
- Apex Trader Funding: ES $3.98/round trip, MES $1.02-$1.04/round trip (varies by platform)
- TopStep: Similar to live fees, approximately $4-5/round trip for ES, $1-2 for MES
For active scalpers taking 20-50 trades per day, commission costs add up quickly:
At $4/round trip, 30 ES trades per day = $120/day = $2,400/month in commissions.
Consider commission costs when calculating profitability - a 90% profit split with low commissions may be better than 100% split with high commissions.
Most prop firms allow news trading, but with caution:
- TopStep: Allows news trading but discourages overleveraging during volatile events. Traders must still follow drawdown rules.
- Apex: Permits news trading and holiday trading. No daily drawdown restrictions make it ideal for news scalpers.
- My Funded Futures: Allows news trading. The EOD drawdown structure gives you flexibility to manage news volatility.
- Take Profit Trader: Prohibits news scalping and has specific restricted trading windows.
Best practice for news scalpers:
- Reduce position size during high-impact news (NFP, CPI, FOMC)
- Use wider stops to avoid getting stopped out by volatility spikes
- Ensure you have significant drawdown buffer before major news events
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