When will you actually get paid from your prop firm? Payout timing varies dramatically - from FundedNext's 24-hour processing to firms taking 7+ days. Understanding payout frequencies (daily, bi-weekly, on-demand), payment methods (wire, PayPal, crypto), KYC requirements, and processing times is critical for managing your trading income. This complete guide breaks down how long prop firm payouts take, which firms pay fastest, and exactly what you need to do to withdraw your profits.
Quick Answer: Prop Firm Payout Times
- Fastest: FundedNext (24 hours), My Funded Futures (instant-12 hours), Tradeify (24 hours)
- Fast: TopStep (1-2 days), Apex (1-2 days), FTMO (1-3 days)
- Standard: Funding Traders (up to 3 days), most firms (3-5 days)
- Industry Average: 8 hours processing, all payouts within 48 hours maximum
How Long Does It Take to Get Paid from a Prop Firm?
Prop firm payout times consist of two components:
- Firm Processing Time: How long the firm takes to approve and process your withdrawal request (1-3 days typically)
- Payment Method Delivery: How long your chosen payment method takes to deliver funds (0-5 days)
Total Time = Processing (1-3 days) + Delivery (0-5 days) = 1-8 days end-to-end
Industry Standard Processing Times
| Prop Firm | Processing Time | Payout Frequency | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| FundedNext FASTEST | 24 hours | Bi-weekly or on-demand | Wire, PayPal, Crypto (USDT) |
| My Funded Futures | Instant (or 6-12 hrs manual review) | On-demand | Wire, Crypto, Direct Deposit |
| Tradeify | 24 hours after approval | Daily processing | Wire, PayPal, Crypto |
| TopStep | 24-48 hours (1-2 days) | Daily after criteria met | Wire, Check, Direct Deposit |
| Apex Trader Funding | 1-2 business days | On-demand (anytime) | Wire, PayPal, Crypto (USDT) |
| FTMO | 1-3 business days | Bi-weekly (every 14 days) | Wire, PayPal, Skrill, Crypto |
| Funding Traders | Less than 3 business days | Bi-weekly | Wire, PayPal |
| FunderPro | 8 hours average | On-demand | Wire, Crypto |
Understanding Payout Frequencies
Payout frequency determines when you can request withdrawals, separate from how long processing takes.
1. Daily Payouts
TopStep, Tradeify
How it works: Request a payout any business day, and it's processed the next business day. Meet profit criteria (typically $50-$100 minimum), submit request by cutoff time (usually 4 PM ET), receive funds 24-48 hours later.
Pros: Fastest access to profits, maximum flexibility, great for traders needing frequent cash flow
Cons: May have minimum profit requirements or consistency rules (TopStep doesn't allow withdrawals after 3 losing days)
2. On-Demand Payouts
Apex, My Funded Futures, FunderPro
How it works: Request withdrawal whenever you want, no scheduled cycles. Must meet minimum ($50-$100), and processing begins immediately. Receive funds in 1-3 business days depending on payment method.
Pros: Complete flexibility, no waiting for payout cycles, withdraw after every profitable day if desired
Cons: Still requires 1-3 day processing, may have minimum holding periods (5-30 days after funding)
3. Bi-Weekly Payouts
FTMO, FundedNext, Funding Traders
How it works: Scheduled payouts every 14 days (e.g., 1st and 15th of month). Submit request during cycle, receive payment on payout date + processing time (1-3 days).
Pros: Predictable schedule, encourages accumulating larger payouts (saving on fees), structured approach
Cons: Must wait up to 14 days even if profits are ready, less flexible than daily/on-demand
4. Weekly Payouts
Various Mid-Tier Firms
How it works: Payouts processed every 7 days (typically Friday or Monday). Submit by Wednesday for Friday processing.
Pros: More frequent than bi-weekly, still structured enough to accumulate meaningful amounts
Cons: Less common, still requires waiting up to 7 days
5. Monthly Payouts
Some Budget Firms
How it works: Payouts once per month on a specific date. Least flexible option.
Pros: Accumulates larger amounts, minimizes transaction fees
Cons: Poor cash flow management, can wait 30+ days, red flag if this is the ONLY option (may indicate cashflow issues)
Payment Methods: Speed and Cost Comparison
Your payment method significantly affects how quickly you receive funds.
| Payment Method | Delivery Time | Fees | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cryptocurrency (USDT) FASTEST | Same day to 24 hours | $0-$5 (minimal) | Fastest delivery, lowest fees, growing popularity | Requires crypto wallet, price volatility (convert to USD quickly), less familiar to some |
| PayPal | 1-3 business days | $0-$10 | Convenient, familiar, quick delivery | Not all firms offer it, PayPal fees on large amounts, limited to some countries |
| Bank Wire Transfer | 2-5 business days | $15-$40 | Most secure, best for large amounts ($1K+), traditional method | Slowest delivery, highest fees, requires bank account verification |
| Direct Deposit/ACH | 2-3 business days | $0 (usually) | No fees, reliable, automated | US-based firms only, slower than PayPal/crypto |
| Skrill/Neteller | 1-3 business days | $0-$10 | Fast, works internationally, e-wallet convenience | Common with European firms, less so in US, requires account setup |
| Check | 5-10 business days | $0 | No fees, no account needed | Slowest method, becoming rare, mail delivery risks |
💡 Pro Tip: Use Crypto for Speed, Wire for Security
For payouts under $1,000, use cryptocurrency (USDT) for same-day delivery and minimal fees. For payouts over $5,000, use bank wire for maximum security despite higher fees and slower delivery. PayPal works well for the $500-$2,000 range as a middle ground.
The Complete Withdrawal Process: Step-by-Step
Here's exactly what happens when you request a payout from a prop firm:
1 Meet Minimum Requirements
Ensure you've met: Minimum payout amount ($50-$100), Minimum trading days (5-10 days), Minimum funded period (some firms require 30 days), Account in good standing (no rule violations), KYC verification completed
2 Submit Withdrawal Request
Log into your trader dashboard, navigate to "Payouts" or "Withdrawals" section, enter amount you want to withdraw (leave enough to maintain minimum balance if required), select payment method, confirm banking/payment details are correct
3 Firm Review and Approval
Automated Approval (Instant-24 hours): Most established firms use automated systems checking: No open trades, Account balance sufficient, No recent rule violations, KYC completed. Manual Review (1-3 days): First payout, Large amounts ($5K+), Account flagged for review, Documentation issues
4 Payment Processing
Once approved, firm initiates payment through chosen method: Crypto: 0-24 hours, PayPal: 1-3 days, Wire: 2-5 days, Check: 5-10 days
5 Receive Funds
Funds appear in your account. Check confirmation email, verify amount matches request, convert crypto to fiat if needed, report for tax purposes
Total Timeline Example (FTMO Bi-Weekly):
- Day 1: You earn $500 profit
- Day 5: Bi-weekly payout date arrives, submit request
- Day 6: FTMO approves withdrawal (1-day processing)
- Day 9: Funds arrive via PayPal (3-day delivery)
- Total: 8 days from earning profit to receiving money
Total Timeline Example (Apex On-Demand):
- Day 1: You earn $500 profit
- Day 1 (evening): Request withdrawal immediately
- Day 2: Apex approves (1-day processing)
- Day 3: Funds arrive via crypto USDT (1-day delivery)
- Total: 2 days from earning to receiving
KYC Verification Requirements
All legitimate prop firms require Know Your Customer (KYC) verification before your first payout. This is mandated by financial regulations and anti-money laundering laws.
Standard KYC Documents Required:
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Passport, driver's license, or national ID card (must be valid/not expired)
- Proof of Address (within 90 days): Utility bill (electric, gas, water), bank statement, government correspondence, rental agreement
- Selfie Verification: Photo of you holding your ID next to your face (prevents identity theft)
- Payment Method Verification: Bank statement showing account number for wire transfers, Crypto wallet address screenshot, PayPal account email confirmation
- Tax Forms (for US traders or large amounts): W-9 form (US citizens), W-8BEN form (non-US citizens), Tax ID or SSN
KYC Processing Times:
- Automated Systems: 1-4 hours during business hours
- Manual Review: 24-72 hours
- Issues/Resubmission: 3-7 days
⚠️ Complete KYC BEFORE Requesting First Payout
Don't wait until you're ready to withdraw to start KYC verification. Complete it immediately after getting funded to avoid delays. First payouts take 3-7 days including KYC, but subsequent payouts only take 1-3 days once you're verified.
Minimum Payout Requirements by Firm
| Prop Firm | Minimum Payout | First Payout After | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | No minimum | Immediate (bi-weekly cycle) | Can withdraw any profit amount |
| Apex | $50 | Immediate (on-demand) | $50 minimum per withdrawal |
| TopStep | $50 | After meeting profit criteria | Daily payouts available |
| FundedNext | $100 | Immediate (bi-weekly) | $100 minimum, 24-hour processing |
| My Funded Futures | $50 | Immediate | Instant approval in most cases |
| Budget Firms | $50-$100 | 30 days after funding | Often require minimum holding period |
Common Payout Delays and How to Avoid Them
1. Incomplete KYC Verification
Cause: Missing documents, expired ID, address proof older than 90 days
Solution: Complete KYC immediately after funding, use recent utility bills, ensure all documents are clear and legible
Delay Time: 3-7 additional days
2. Open Trades During Withdrawal Request
Cause: Some firms require all positions closed before processing payouts
Solution: Close all trades before submitting withdrawal request, check firm-specific requirements
Delay Time: 1-2 days until trades are closed
3. Incorrect Banking Information
Cause: Wrong account number, invalid SWIFT code, crypto wallet address typo
Solution: Double-check all payment details, use copy-paste for crypto addresses (never type manually), verify with small test transaction if available
Delay Time: 5-10 days for correction and reprocessing
4. Requesting Payout Too Soon
Cause: Some firms require 5-30 day waiting period after funding before first withdrawal
Solution: Read payout terms before joining, plan for minimum funded period
Delay Time: Up to 30 days
5. Weekend/Holiday Requests
Cause: Requests submitted Friday evening or during holidays sit until next business day
Solution: Submit requests Monday-Thursday morning for fastest processing
Delay Time: 2-3 extra days over weekends
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get paid from a prop firm?
Prop firm payout times vary by firm and payment method: Fastest firms process in 24 hours (FundedNext, My Funded Futures with instant approval, Tradeify), Standard processing is 1-3 business days (TopStep 24-48 hours, FTMO 1-3 days, Apex 1-2 days), Slower firms take 3-7 business days (Funding Traders up to 3 days, some budget firms 5-7 days). Average industry processing time is 8 hours according to FunderPro, with all payouts typically completed within 48 hours maximum. Payment method affects speed: Cryptocurrency (USDT) is fastest (same day to 24 hours), PayPal processes in 1-3 days, Wire transfers take 2-5 business days, Checks take 5-10 business days. Total time = Firm processing (1-3 days) + Payment method delivery (0-5 days).
Which prop firm has the fastest payouts?
The fastest payout prop firms are: (1) FundedNext - 24-hour processing from payout request, offers crypto (USDT), PayPal, wire transfer; (2) My Funded Futures - Instant approval in most cases, manual review takes 6-12 hours on weekdays if needed; (3) Tradeify - Daily processing, payments issued within 24 hours of approval; (4) FunderPro - 8-hour average processing time; (5) TopStep - 24-48 hour processing, daily payout frequency. Winner: FundedNext for consistent 24-hour turnaround combined with multiple fast payment methods. For comparison, FTMO processes bi-weekly (every 14 days) in 1-3 business days, Apex offers on-demand payouts in 1-2 business days, and Funding Traders takes up to 3 business days.
What payment methods do prop firms offer?
Common prop firm payment methods include: (1) Cryptocurrency (USDT/Tether) - Most popular method, transferred to personal crypto wallets, fastest delivery (same day to 24 hours), lower fees than wire transfers; (2) Bank Wire Transfer - Traditional method, takes 2-5 business days, higher fees ($15-$40), most secure for large amounts; (3) PayPal - Fast delivery (1-3 days), convenient for smaller payouts, not all firms offer it; (4) Skrill/Neteller - E-wallet options, 1-3 day delivery, common with European firms; (5) Direct Deposit/ACH - US-based firms only, 2-3 business days, no fees; (6) Check - Slowest option (5-10 days), becoming rare. Firm-specific: FTMO offers wire, PayPal, Skrill, crypto; FundedNext offers wire, crypto, PayPal; TopStep offers wire, check, direct deposit; Apex offers wire, crypto, PayPal. Crypto (USDT) is now the most common method due to speed and lower fees.
What are prop firm withdrawal requirements?
Standard prop firm withdrawal requirements include: (1) KYC Verification - Must complete Know Your Customer verification with government-issued ID, proof of address (utility bill, bank statement within 90 days), sometimes selfie holding ID; processing takes 24-72 hours. (2) Minimum Payout Amount - Typically $50-$100 minimum (FTMO has no minimum, TopStep $50, Apex $50, FundedNext $100). (3) Minimum Trading Period - Some firms require 5-10 trading days or 30 days funded before first withdrawal. (4) Account Compliance - Must not have violated any rules, no open positions during payout request at some firms, account in good standing. (5) Consistency Requirements - Some firms (TopStep) don't allow withdrawals if last 3 days were losses, others have no such restriction. (6) Documentation - May need to provide tax forms (W-9 for US, W-8BEN for international), bank account verification, crypto wallet address. First payout typically takes longer (3-7 days including KYC) than subsequent payouts (1-3 days).
Can I withdraw profits anytime from a prop firm?
Withdrawal timing depends on the firm's payout policy: (1) On-Demand Payouts - Firms like Apex Trader Funding and Take Profit Trader allow withdrawals anytime you want, processed in 1-2 business days with no scheduled cycles. (2) Daily Payouts - TopStep and Tradeify process payouts daily after meeting profit criteria, request by cutoff time and receive next business day. (3) Bi-Weekly Payouts - FTMO processes every 14 days on scheduled dates, must wait for next payout cycle even if profits are ready. (4) Weekly Payouts - Some firms offer weekly processing (every Friday or Monday). (5) Restricted Timing - Budget firms may only allow monthly withdrawals. Best for flexibility: Apex (request anytime) or TopStep (daily processing). Most restrictive: Monthly payout cycles. Important: Even on-demand firms require 1-3 business days for processing and payment delivery, so 'anytime' means you can REQUEST anytime, not receive instantly.
Understand Payout Times Before You Join
Choose firms with payout structures matching your cash flow needs: FundedNext/TopStep for speed, Apex for flexibility, FTMO for predictable bi-weekly cycles.
Disclaimer: Payout times are estimates based on firm policies and may vary. Always complete KYC verification immediately after funding to avoid delays. This guide is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.