5 Best Remote Prop Trading Firms in the USA: High Funding & Profit Splits
In today's prop trading landscape, geography is no longer a barrier. The best remote prop trading firms give U.S. traders access to significant capital and professional trading platforms from anywhere with an internet connection. These firms fund skilled individuals to trade the firm's capital across forex, stocks, futures, and more, splitting profits while limiting personal risk.
In this article, we'll explore five top remote prop trading firms (based in the USA or welcoming U.S. traders) and compare their capital offerings, evaluations, platforms, reputations, and unique perks. Whether you're an aspiring trader or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you discover the best prop trading firms that operate remotely, so you can sharpen your skills and trade professionally without stepping foot in a physical office.
Overview: 5 Best Remote Prop Trading Firms in the USA
| Prop Trading Firm | Maximum Capital | Profit Split | Evaluation Model | Trading Instruments | Platform Support | Ideal For |
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Topstep Chicago, USA Est. 2012 | $500,000 Starting from $50k Scaling available | 80-90% 100% of first $10k Then 80-90% split | Two-Phase "Trading Combine" Demo evaluation No platform fees |
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The Funded Trader USA Est. 2021 | $600,000 (up to $2.5M scale) Scale to $2.5M (Knight Pro program) | Up to 90% Competitive splits Majority to trader | Multiple Types Standard, Rapid, Royal Knight challenges Various rule sets |
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The5%ers Israel (Global) Est. 2016 | $1,000,000 Start ~$24k Scale to 7-figures | Up to 90% Scales with performance Top tier: 90% | Instant Funding 2-Step Option Skip demo or traditional eval |
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SurgeTrader Naples, Florida, USA Fast-Track | $1,000,000+ High capital limits Flexible scaling | 75-90% Default 75% Up to 90% with add-on | One-Step Single phase only No minimum days Fast completion possible |
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City Traders Imperium London, UK Salary Model | $70,000 (salary-based) + Monthly Salary Gradual scaling focus | Up to 80% + Fixed monthly stipend Scales with performance | Two-Phase Direct Funding Traditional or instant options |
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What Are Remote Prop Trading Firms?
Remote proprietary trading firms (or "remote prop firms") are companies that allow traders to trade the firm's money from home, rather than on a traditional trading floor. Traders prove their ability via online evaluation programs or challenges. Once funded, they keep a share of the profits (often 50–90%) while the firm covers losses up to predefined limits.
This model lets individuals leverage large capital without risking their own savings. It also means the firm's interests align with traders' success – both profit when trades go well. Because everything is done through electronic platforms, U.S. traders can join prop firms in any location, and U.S.-based firms can recruit talent nationwide.
The convenience and flexibility of remote prop trading have driven its popularity, but it's no "easy money" route – only disciplined and skilled traders thrive. As Otakar Suffner, CEO of FTMO (a leading prop firm), cautions: "We never say that trading is easy or simple... only about 10% of people that take the [challenge] will pass it. So we tell clients, trading is very difficult."
In short, remote prop firms empower traders with capital and tools, but you must bring the skill and risk management to succeed.
How to Choose the Best Remote Prop Trading Firms
Not all prop firms are created equal. When evaluating the best remote prop trading firms, consider the following key factors:
- Evaluation Model & Difficulty: Understand the firm's challenge or evaluation phase. Look for a fair, transparent process with attainable profit targets and reasonable drawdown limits. For example, some firms have a two-step demo challenge, while others offer instant funding for a higher fee. Choose a model that matches your trading style and be wary of overly harsh rules that set you up to fail.
- Capital and Profit Split: Consider the account sizes on offer and how profits are shared. Top firms provide meaningful capital (from $10,000 up to $500,000+ funded accounts) and let traders keep anywhere from 50% to as much as 90% of profits. Higher profit splits are attractive, but also ensure the capital allocation is sufficient to meet your income goals. A balance of generous profit share and large funding (with scale-up opportunities) is ideal.
- Trading Instruments & Platforms: The best firms support the markets you trade – be it forex, stock indices, commodities, crypto, or futures. Check which trading platforms are available (MetaTrader 4/5, cTrader, TradingView integration, proprietary platforms, etc.). A reliable, advanced platform with low latency execution is crucial for active traders. Ensure the firm's asset offerings and platform technology align with your strategy.
- Transparency of Rules: Clear, fair trading rules are a hallmark of a reputable prop firm. All fees, profit split conditions, drawdown limits, and prohibited strategies should be fully disclosed. Avoid firms with hidden penalties or unclear payout policies. Look for features like no restrictions on trading styles (e.g. allowing news trading or overnight holds if those matter to you) and a straightforward path from evaluation to withdrawal.
- Support & Reputation: Finally, research the firm's reputation and support structure. Top remote prop firms often provide educational resources, mentorship, or community forums to help traders grow. Responsive customer support is vital, especially when you're trading remotely and may need quick help with a platform or payout question. Consider how long the firm has been in business and read reviews from other traders for red flags. A firm with a strong track record and a focus on trader development will enhance your chances of success.
By weighing these factors, you can identify which prop trading firm best fits your needs and goals. Now, let's dive into the 5 best remote prop trading firms in the USA and see how they stack up.
5 Best Remote Prop Trading Firms in the USA (Fully Remote Access)
To highlight the strengths of each firm, the comparison table below summarizes key features at a glance:
| Prop Firm | Max Capital | Profit Split | Evaluation Model | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topstep (Chicago, US) | $500,000 | 80% (up to 90%); 100% of first $10k | Two-phase "Trading Combine" | Specializes in futures; extensive coaching |
| The Funded Trader (US) | $600,000 (up to $2.5M scale) | Up to 90% | Multiple challenge types | Variety of account types; gamer-themed community competitions |
| The5%ers (Global, IL) | $1,000,000 | Up to 90% | Instant funding or 2-step | Low-risk approach; direct funding option for proven traders |
| SurgeTrader (Naples, US) | $1,000,000+ | Up to 90% | One-step evaluation | No minimum trading days; simple rules and no monthly fees |
| City Traders Imperium (UK) | $70,000 (salary-based) | Up to 80% | Two-phase or direct funding | Pays base salary + profits; focuses on consistency |
Now, let's look at each of these top prop trading firms in detail:
1. Topstep – Pioneer in Remote Futures Prop Trading
Topstep, founded in Chicago in 2012, is one of the most established prop trading firms for futures traders. It operates a renowned two-step evaluation called the Trading Combine, where traders demonstrate consistent profits and risk management on a simulated account to earn funding. Topstep's funded account sizes range from $50,000 up to $500,000, with scaling available for high performers. The profit split starts at 80/20 (trader/firm) and can increase to 90% in the trader's favor. Notably, futures traders keep 100% of their first $10,000 in profits before the split kicks in, which is a generous perk to jump-start earnings.
Topstep enforces disciplined risk controls (such as daily loss limits and trailing drawdowns) to instill good habits. They also charge no recurring platform fees during the evaluation.
Topstep stands out for its focus on trader development and support. It offers extensive educational resources, including free coaching through TopstepTV, a community Discord, and even 1-on-1 mentorship from experienced industry veterans. This emphasis on education and feedback reflects Topstep's mission of "building better traders" rather than just evaluating. Founder Michael Patak (a former floor trader) has built Topstep on the philosophy of gradual skill development – he often says "If you can't trade small, then you can't trade big," stressing that mastering risk management with small size is a prerequisite to handling large capital. Topstep's decade-plus reputation, prompt payouts, and professional futures trading environment (with access to CME data and popular futures platforms) make it a top choice for U.S. traders, especially those focused on futures or those who value coaching and community.
2. The Funded Trader (TFT) – High Capital Offers with Gamer Spirit
Launched in 2021 and quickly growing to industry prominence, The Funded Trader (TFT) is an innovative U.S.-based prop firm known for its large account sizes and creative "gamified" challenges. TFT caters primarily to forex and CFD traders. It offers multiple challenge types – Standard, Rapid, Royal, Knight, etc. – each with different rules to suit various trading styles. Traders can qualify for funding up to $600,000 in starting capital (and even scale to $2.5 million under the Knight Pro program), which is among the highest in the market.
Profit splits are competitive, up to 90%, allowing successful traders to keep the majority of profits. TFT also provides a wide selection of trading platforms: in addition to the usual MetaTrader, they support cTrader and TradingView integration, giving tech-savvy traders an edge with advanced tools.
One of TFT's unique selling points is its strong community and branding. The firm runs frequent trading competitions (with prize pools) and has a vibrant online community of traders who share progress on social media. This creates a fun, supportive atmosphere that helps with motivation and learning. Despite the playful theme (challenges are "kingdom" or video game–themed), TFT maintains serious trading conditions: reasonable drawdowns, no time limits on some account types, and a straightforward, rule-based approach. U.S. traders are welcome (TFT positions itself as an "industry-leading prop firm accepting US traders") and benefit from comprehensive support, including educational content and responsive customer service catered to American time zones. If you're looking for large funding and a modern, community-driven prop firm, The Funded Trader is a top contender that combines scale with a bit of fun.
3. The5%ers – Low-Risk Growth and Instant Funding Path
The5%ers (based in Israel, but serving U.S. and global traders remotely) has built a strong reputation since 2016 as a prop firm for conservative, long-term minded traders. As the name implies, The5%ers initially focused on low-risk trading (aiming for steady 5% monthly gains), and it remains known for its strict risk management rules. The firm offers account funding starting around $24,000 and provides a growth program to scale up to $1 million in capital for consistent performers.
Profit splits start at 50% and can go up to 90% for top-tier funded traders. Uniquely, The5%ers has an instant funding model alongside traditional evaluations: skilled traders can opt to skip the demo challenge and get a funded account directly (with tighter risk limits), proving themselves on a live account from day one. This appeals to experienced traders who want to avoid demo trading and start earning right away.
The5%ers supports primarily Forex and indices trading, using MetaTrader 4/5 platforms. They differentiate themselves with a heavy emphasis on education and coaching. Traders receive access to webinars, coaching sessions, and a community forum. The firm's approach is very transparent – all rules (like max risk per trade, drawdown limits, etc.) are clearly stated, and they encourage traders to take it slow and focus on consistency over quick gains. This ethos aligns with their funding approach that rewards consistent, low-risk trading with aggressive account scaling. For example, hitting a 10% profit target can double your account size, and repeated success can eventually lead to managing seven-figure capital. The5%ers is an excellent choice for traders who favor a steady growth prop firm with strong risk management culture. It's also a gateway for relatively beginner prop traders, thanks to its supportive mentorship and the option to start with smaller accounts to learn the ropes without a time-limited challenge pressure.
4. SurgeTrader – Fast-Track Funding with Simple One-Step Challenge
SurgeTrader is a U.S.-based remote prop firm (headquartered in Florida) that has gained popularity for its speedy funding process and straightforward rules. If you dislike multi-phase evaluations or rigid trading requirements, SurgeTrader is designed with you in mind. Traders need to pass just a single-phase challenge (a profit target with a max drawdown rule) to earn a funded account. There are no minimum trading days, meaning you could theoretically complete the evaluation in just a few days if you hit the profit target, a flexibility many traders appreciate.
Account sizes range up to $1,000,000, giving ample room for those aiming high. SurgeTrader's default profit split is 75%, but with an add-on fee you can secure profit splits up to 90%. Importantly, there are no monthly fees or recurring costs for holding an account – you pay a one-time evaluation fee and nothing more, which contrasts with some firms that charge subscriptions.
Another advantage is that all trading styles are welcome: SurgeTrader allows news trading, scalping, swing trading, and even crypto trading over weekends, with very few restrictions beyond risk limits. They support MetaTrader 4/5 and offer a free 30-day access to an education hub for new sign-ups (useful for less experienced traders to sharpen skills). Traders often praise SurgeTrader's responsive customer service and fast payouts. The simplicity does come with risk rules – e.g. a 5% daily loss limit and 8% overall drawdown limit – so you must still trade responsibly to keep the account. Overall, SurgeTrader provides a quick and flexible path to funding for U.S. traders. Its "no frills" approach (no aggressive rules on consistency or trading days) and high potential profit share make it a top remote prop firm, particularly for confident traders who can perform under a straightforward set of risk parameters.
5. City Traders Imperium (CTI) – Salary + Profit for Steadier Income
City Traders Imperium, based in London but accessible to U.S. traders online, takes a novel approach that blends prop trading with a traditional job element. CTI offers a salary-based proprietary trading program: successful applicants receive a fixed monthly salary (stipend) in addition to profit splits from trading. This model provides a sense of financial stability – traders earn a base pay regardless of monthly performance, and still receive up to 80% of trading profits on top.
The profit split starts lower for some programs but increases as traders prove themselves. For example, as traders advance through CTI's scaling plan, profit share can rise (and there are even programs with up to 90% profit split for high performers, similar to other firms). Account sizes are smaller initially (often $20k–$70k starting capital), but CTI's focus is on consistency and longevity – they scale traders gradually and even have an instant funding option called the Direct Funding Program to manage live capital without a demo challenge.
CTI primarily allows forex and index trading and supports MetaTrader platforms. They charge an evaluation fee for challenge programs, like others, but the inclusion of a salary sets them apart. This can reduce the psychological pressure on traders, as there's a guaranteed income while they build their track record – a unique value proposition for those who want to make trading a more stable career. Education is another cornerstone of CTI: they provide access to courses, webinars, and a community of traders. In fact, CTI started as an educational company, so they emphasize training and mentorship heavily. This, combined with the safety net of a salary, makes CTI attractive to traders who prefer a supportive, professional environment that feels closer to an employer-employee relationship (versus the purely performance-based model of other prop firms). For disciplined traders seeking remote prop trading with a bit more security, CTI is definitely one of the best remote prop trading firms to consider.
Conclusion – Choosing Your Prop Trading Partner
The remote prop trading firms highlighted above each offer something unique – from Topstep's futures-focused coaching environment to The Funded Trader's high-capital challenges, The5%ers' risk-managed scaling, SurgeTrader's fast-track simplicity, and CTI's salary-plus model. The "best" prop firm for you will depend on your trading specialty, personality, and career goals. Take the time to reflect on what you value most: Is it the maximum funding available? The highest profit split? Perhaps flexible rules and quick payouts? Or robust mentorship and support? Prioritize those factors as you decide.
Remember, even with the best prop trading firms backing you, success ultimately comes down to your skill, discipline, and strategy. Treat an evaluation or funded account like a professional endeavor – follow a trading plan, manage risk diligently, and take advantage of any training or community resources provided. As you gain consistency and confidence, these firms can significantly amplify your earnings and accelerate your growth as a trader.
In the end, remote prop trading is a two-way street: the firm supplies opportunity and capital, you supply the talent and control. With the right match and proper mindset, a remote prop trading firm can be the ideal partner in your trading journey, empowering you to trade bigger and reach new heights – all from the comfort of your own home.
FAQ
What is a remote prop trading firm?
A remote proprietary trading firm is a company that funds traders with its own capital, allowing them to trade from anywhere via online platforms. Unlike a traditional broker, a prop firm splits profits with the trader rather than charging commissions on client money. The trader typically must pass an evaluation (demo trading test) to prove their skills. Once funded, they trade the firm's account and keep an agreed percentage of any profits (for example 70–90%), while the firm covers the losses. The entire process – from the evaluation to day-to-day trading – is done remotely, meaning you can trade from home on your computer. These firms provide access to large capital and professional trading tools, effectively acting as a "trading partner" that absorbs your risk in exchange for sharing profits.
How do prop trading firms make money? Are they legit?
Prop trading firms make money when their traders make money – they take a cut of profitable trades. For instance, if a profit split is 80/20, the trader keeps 80% of gains and the firm earns 20%. This creates an incentive for the firm to find and fund skilled traders who will be consistently profitable. Many firms also charge an evaluation fee (a one-time cost to try the trading challenge) or small monthly fees, which help cover their operating expenses and risk. Reputable prop firms are transparent about these fees and profit splits up front. Yes, legitimate remote prop firms exist and have paid out millions to traders; however, you should do your due diligence. Check how long the firm has been operating, read reviews, and ensure their rules and payout processes are clear. Avoid any firm that promises "guaranteed profits" or lacks transparency. The prop trading model is a real and regulated part of the trading industry (for example, firms must comply with financial regulations in their home country), but as with any financial venture, it's important to choose established, well-reviewed firms. All the firms listed in our article have strong reputations in the trader community.
Can beginners join a remote prop trading firm?
Yes, many remote prop firms are open to beginners – you don't necessarily need professional trading experience or licenses to apply. Anyone can join in the sense that if you can pass the firm's evaluation criteria, you'll be accepted as a funded trader. In practice, a beginner should be prepared to learn and practice extensively before attempting a prop firm challenge. Some firms offer educational programs, free trial accounts, or demo challenges to help newcomers build skills. It's a good idea to take advantage of those resources. Keep in mind that prop trading tests can be challenging (with only a minority passing on the first try), so new traders might need multiple attempts. The key is to approach it as a learning process – start with smaller account challenges, refine your strategy and risk management, and gradually work your way up. Importantly, no formal financial license or college degree is required for these online prop firms (unlike joining a traditional Wall Street firm). A strong work ethic, knowledge of the markets, and a disciplined approach to trading are the main prerequisites. Over time, a dedicated beginner can absolutely grow into a successful prop trader by leveraging the education and practice opportunities these firms provide.