Many traders aim to swiftly pass challenges and secure funded accounts. A common hurdle is the "minimum trading days" rule, potentially delaying progress. This article by H2T Funding delves into prop firms with the lowest minimum trading days, offering an analysis to help you identify options that could save valuable time. Our goal is to provide neutral, comprehensive information for your funding journey.
1. 5+ Prop Firms with the Lowest Minimum trading days - Newest updated
The following list features proprietary trading firms selected primarily based on their low minimum trading day requirements, a key factor for traders looking to expedite their challenge phase, potentially.
For a more direct comparison of some of the proprietary trading firms known for their lower minimum trading day requirements, the table below summarizes key features. Please remember that these details, especially fees, can vary based on account size and specific program chosen, and are subject to change. Always refer to the official prop firm websites for the most current information.
| Prop Firm Name | Min. Trading Days (MTDs) | Profit Target (Phase 1) | Max Overall Drawdown | Challenge Fee (Popular Tier Example) |
| FORFX (Peak Scalp) | 0 Days | 10% | 10% | $5,000 |
| FunderPro | 0 Days | 10% | 10% | $549 |
| FTMO | 4 Days | 10% | 10% | €155 |
| FundedNext
(Stellar 1-Step) |
5 Days | 10% | 10% | Depend |
| AquaFunded
(2 Step Pro) |
5 Days | 10% | 8% | From $155 |
| Funding Pips | 3 Days | 8% | 6% | $529 |
This table is for quick comparison based on generally available information at the time of writing and popular program tiers. Fees and specific parameters vary significantly by account size and program. Always verify current details on the official prop firm websites.
1.1. FundedNext (Stellar/Evaluation Programs)
FundedNext is a popular prop firm offering a variety of challenge models designed to suit diverse trading styles and preferences.
- Prop Firm Name: FundedNext
- Minimum Trading Days: 5 Trading Days
- Key Challenge Parameters:
- Profit Target: FundedNext offers various challenges with different profit target requirements:
- The Stellar 1-Step Challenge: 10%
- The Stellar 2-Step Challenge: 8% in Phase 1 and 5% in Phase 2
- The Evaluation Challenge: 10% in Phase 1 and 5% in Phase 2
- For the Futures Challenge Account, the profit target is a predefined amount needed to complete the challenge.
- Max Overall Drawdown:
- 10% for Standard and Dragon challenges
- 10% for Rapid and Royal challenges
- 8% for Knight challenges
- Max Daily Drawdown:
- 5% for Standard, Dragon, and Royal
- 3% for Knight
- Challenge Phases: Two-phase evaluation
- Profit Target: FundedNext offers various challenges with different profit target requirements:
FundedNext aims to provide flexibility with multiple program options and features like profit sharing from the challenge phase (on certain accounts).
- Notable Advantages:
- A 5-day minimum trading day requirement is competitive.
- Multiple program choices, potentially offering a profit share from the evaluation phase.
- Drawbacks or Points to Note: Rules can seem complex due to the variety of programs offered.
You can find more detailed information and the most current terms on the official FundedNext website at https://fundednext.com/.
1.2. AquaFunded (2 Step Pro Model)
AquaFunded is an emerging prop firm that provides challenge programs with clear objectives and rules designed to support trader development.
- Prop Firm Name: AquaFunded
- Minimum Trading Days: 5 Trading Days
- Key Challenge Parameters:
- Profit Target: 10% for Phase 1 and 5% for Phase 2
- Max Overall Drawdown: 6% to 8%
- Max Daily Drawdown: from 5%
- Challenge Fee: from $155 (depending on the account size)
- Challenge Phases:
- One-step
- Two-step
- Two-step pro
- Three-step challenges
AquaFunded focuses on offering a transparent challenge process and aims to foster trader growth through its programs.
- Notable Advantages: A 5-day minimum trading day requirement is quite favorable.
- Drawbacks or Points to Note: As a newer firm, it needs more time to build a strong, long-standing reputation within the trading community.
You can find more detailed information and the most current terms on the official AquaFunded website at https://www.aquafunded.com.
1.3. FTMO (Evaluation Process)
FTMO is one of the most established and reputable prop firms in the industry, known for its rigorous yet fair evaluation process.
- Prop Firm Name: FTMO
- Minimum Trading Days: 4 Trading Days (For both FTMO Challenge and Verification stages).
- Key Challenge Parameters:
- Profit Target: 10% for the Challenge stage and 5% for Verification
- Max Overall Drawdown: 10% of your initial account balance
- Max Daily Drawdown: 5% of the initial account balance
- Challenge Fee:
- €155 for a €10,000 account
- €250 for a €25,000 account
- €345 for a €50,000 account
- Challenge Phases: The FTMO Challenge consists of two main stages
- Phase 1: The FTMO Challenge
- Phase 2: Verification
FTMO sets high standards but offers robust support and a stable trading environment for disciplined traders.
- Notable Advantages:
-
- A low 4-day minimum trading day requirement is competitive given the firm's high reputation and quality.
- Strong industry reputation and transparent payout processes.
- Excellent customer support and provides traders with analytical tools.
- Drawbacks or Points to Note:
- Daily drawdown rules are quite strict.
- The challenge still demands a high level of trading skill and discipline.
You can find more detailed information and the most current terms on the official FTMO website at https://ftmo.com/.
1.4. Funding Pips
Funding Pips is a prop firm known to many traders for its straightforward challenge rules and relatively quick funding process.
- Prop Firm Name: Funding Pips
- Minimum Trading Days: 3 Trading Days
- Key Challenge Parameters:
- Profit Target: 8% for Phase 1 and 5% for Phase 2
- Max Overall Drawdown: 6% for the one-step evaluation
- Max Daily Drawdown: 4% for the one-step evaluation
- Challenge Fee: $529 for an account size of 100k
- Challenge Phases: Multiple phases
Funding Pips offers a popular challenge structure with what are generally considered reasonable targets and rules.
- Notable Advantages:
- Low (if 5 days) or flexible minimum trading days.
- Often has clear rules with fewer complex restrictions on trading styles (e.g., news trading, holding over the weekend – verify current policies).
You can find more detailed information and the most current terms on the official Funding Pips website at https://fundingpips.com/.
1.5. FORFX (Peak Scalp Account)
FORFX is a proprietary trading firm offering various account types, with its Peak Scalp program standing out for potentially having no minimum trading day requirement, catering to traders who aim to pass challenges swiftly.
- Prop Firm Name: FORFX
- Minimum Trading Days: 0 Days (for the Peak Scalp account)
- Key Challenge Parameters (Peak Scalp Account)
- Profit Target: 10% for Phase 1 and 5% for Phase 2
- Max Overall Drawdown: 10% of your initial account balance
- Max Daily Drawdown: 5% of the initial account balance
- Challenge Fee: from $5,000
- Challenge Phases: Two-phase challenge
- Challenge Phase
- Verification Phase
FORFX aims to provide flexible trading conditions, especially for scalpers or traders confident in reaching targets quickly.
- Notable Advantages: The primary advantage is the potential absence of minimum trading days for the Peak Scalp account, allowing for challenge completion as soon as targets are met.
- Drawbacks or Points to Note: Rules for the Peak Scalp account might be stricter in other areas to compensate for no MTDs.
You can find more detailed information and the most current terms on the official FORFX website at https://www.forfx.com/.
1.6. FunderPro
FunderPro is a relatively newer entrant in the prop firm space, drawing attention with its claim of offering rewards or challenge completion without minimum trading days.
- Prop Firm Name: FunderPro
- Minimum Trading Days: 0 Days
- Key Challenge Parameters (Illustrative, research-specific details):
- Profit Target: 10% for Phase 1 and 8% for Phase 2
- Max Overall Drawdown: 10% of your initial account balance
- Max Daily Drawdown: 5% of the initial account balance
- Challenge Fee: $549 (Refundable Fee)
- Challenge Phases: FunderPro's Funded Account Challenges offer three types of phases:
- One-Phase
- Regular (Two-Phase)
- Swing (Two-Phase)
FunderPro focuses on providing a rapid funding pathway with clear rules, appealing to traders seeking quick progression.
- Notable Advantages: Potential for no minimum trading days, enabling skilled traders to get funded quickly.
- Drawbacks or Points to Note: As a newer firm, its long-term reputation and track record are still being established.
You can find more detailed information and the most current terms on the official FunderPro website at https://funderpro.com/.
It's important to note that all information presented here has been gathered from the official websites of these companies at the time of writing and is subject to change. We strongly encourage readers to verify all details directly with the prop firms before making any decisions. H2T Funding provides this information for comparative purposes only and does not endorse, promote, or receive compensation from any specific prop firm mentioned. The choice to engage with any firm rests solely with the reader.
2. Why are Minimum Trading Days important for Traders?
In the context of proprietary trading firm challenges, "Minimum Trading Days" (MTDs) refer to the fewest number of days a trader must actively place at least one trade to be eligible to pass an evaluation phase, even if profit targets and other criteria are met sooner. This rule is a common component of many prop firm evaluations.
Opting for a prop firm with low or no MTDs offers several distinct advantages for traders:
- Time Efficiency: The most significant benefit is the potential to save considerable time. If you achieve the profit target and adhere to drawdown rules quickly, low MTDs allow you to advance to the next stage or a funded account much faster.
- Reduced Psychological Pressure: A high MTD requirement can create psychological pressure to take unnecessary trades simply to meet the day count, potentially leading to suboptimal decisions. Lower MTDs alleviate this, allowing traders to stick to their strategy.
- Greater Flexibility: Traders employing short-term strategies or those capable of hitting targets rapidly benefit greatly. Low MTDs accommodate their ability to capitalize on market conditions without being artificially held back.
However, it's worth noting a potential consideration: some firms with very low or no MTDs might occasionally have other specific rules or slightly different conditions in their programs, so a comprehensive review of all terms is always essential.
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3. What's the difference between "No Time Limit" and "No Minimum Trading Days"?
When evaluating prop firm challenges, traders often encounter terms like "no time limit" and "no minimum trading days." While both sound appealingly flexible, they address different aspects of the evaluation process, and it's crucial to understand their distinct meanings:
- No Minimum Trading Days (MTDs): As discussed previously, this means there's no requirement to trade for a specific number of days. If you meet all other objectives (e.g., profit target, drawdown rules) on your first or second day of trading, you could theoretically pass that phase immediately. The focus is on performance efficiency over a short period, if achieved.
- No Time Limit (or Unlimited Trading Period): This refers to the overall duration you have to complete a challenge phase. If a challenge has "no time limit," it means you are not restricted to, for example, 30 or 60 days to reach your profit target. You can take as many weeks or months as necessary, provided you don't violate other rules like drawdown limits. The focus here is on reducing pressure related to a deadline.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | No Minimum Trading Days (MTDs) | No Time Limit (Unlimited Trading Period) |
| Primary Focus | The speed of achieving targets is a skill | Flexibility in how long it takes to achieve targets |
| Impact on Challenge Pace | Allows for very rapid completion | Allows for a slower, more paced approach |
| Key Benefit | Get funded faster if targets are met quickly | Reduced pressure from a fixed deadline |
| If You Hit Target Early | Can pass the phase (if no MTDs) | Still need to adhere to any MTDs, if applicable |
Essentially, "no minimum trading days" allows for rapid completion if targets are hit quickly. "No time limit" allows for a more paced approach without the stress of a ticking clock. A prop firm might offer one, both, or neither of these conditions. Understanding this difference is key to selecting a challenge that aligns with your trading style and timeline expectations.
4. Criteria for Highlighting Prop Firms in this article
To provide you with a focused and useful comparison, the proprietary trading firms highlighted in this article were primarily selected and reviewed based on their minimum trading day (MTD) requirements. However, recognizing that MTDs are just one piece of the puzzle, we also consider and present information on several other key factors to offer a more holistic view.
Our evaluation and the information presented for each firm encompass:
- Minimum Trading Days: The central criterion for inclusion in this specific list.
- Profit Target: The percentage gain required to pass the evaluation phases.
- Maximum Drawdown: Both overall and daily drawdown limits.
- Leverage: The amount of leverage offered.
- Tradable Assets: The range of instruments available (e.g., Forex, indices, crypto).
- Challenge Fees: The cost of participating in the evaluation.
- Funding Process/Speed: General expectations for receiving a funded account post-challenge.
- Reputation & Community Feedback: Where objective information is available, this is considered.
H2T Funding is committed to objectivity. The aim is to provide comprehensive data points, allowing you, the trader, to conduct your own thorough due diligence and make informed decisions. This article focuses on firms with low MTDs but encourages a broader assessment before committing to any prop firm.
5. Important Considerations When Choosing Based on Minimum Trading Days
While the allure of prop firms with the lowest minimum trading days is understandable, it's crucial to approach this specific criterion with a balanced perspective and caution. Simply chasing the lowest MTD count without considering other vital factors can lead to unfavorable outcomes.
Keep these key points in mind:
- Don't Sacrifice Core Quality for Speed: A prop firm offering zero or very few MTDs might seem ideal for quick funding. However, if this comes at the cost of overly restrictive rules elsewhere, poor trading conditions, an unreliable reputation, or opaque payout processes, it's unlikely to be a sustainable choice.
- Beware of "Too Good to Be True" Offers: Exercise healthy skepticism. If a program's promises, including exceptionally low MTDs combined with very easy targets, seem unrealistic compared to industry standards, investigate thoroughly.
- Low MTDs Aren't Universally Optimal: While beneficial for some, a very low MTD requirement may not suit every trading style. Traders employing longer-term strategies, or those who prefer a more methodical approach, might feel unnecessarily rushed or find that such programs don't align with their natural trading rhythm.
- No Guarantee of Success: Low MTDs don't guarantee you'll pass the challenge. Trading skill, robust risk management, and adherence to all other rules remain paramount.
6. Other Critical Factors to Consider Beyond Minimum Trading Days
While a low minimum trading day (MTD) requirement can be highly attractive for traders aiming for swift funding, it's vital to remember that this is just one component of a much larger picture. Selecting the right proprietary trading firm requires a comprehensive assessment of various elements to ensure it aligns with your trading style, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.
Beyond MTDs, diligently evaluate the following:
- Reputation and Track Record: This is paramount. Investigate the firm's history, operational transparency, and overall standing in the trading community. Look for genuine, unbiased reviews to gauge reliability and avoid potential scams.
- Trading Conditions: Examine the specifics of their trading environment. This includes typical spreads, commissions, slippage during volatile periods, and the trading platforms offered (e.g., MT4, MT5, cTrader, or proprietary).
- Drawdown Rules: Understand the drawdown policies thoroughly. Differentiate between daily drawdown and maximum overall drawdown, and clarify whether they are calculated based on balance or equity. Strict or unclearly defined drawdown rules can easily lead to challenge failure.
- Specific Trading Rules: Check for restrictions on news trading, holding positions overnight or over weekends, and the use of Expert Advisors (EAs) if applicable to your strategy.
- Payout Process and Speed: Research the firm's payout schedule, methods, and reported consistency. Vague or slow payout processes are a significant red flag.
- Customer Support: The quality and responsiveness of customer support can be crucial, especially when issues arise.
- Community Reviews and Feedback: Seek out discussions and reviews from other traders on independent forums and social media to get a broader sense of user experiences.
Crucial Advice: Always take the time to meticulously read and understand the full Terms & Conditions of any prop firm before committing to a challenge. What seems appealing on the surface might have critical details hidden in the fine print.
7. FAQ about Prop Firms and Minimum Trading days
Here are some common questions traders have regarding proprietary trading firms and their minimum trading day requirements:
7.1. Are there prop firms with no minimum trading days at all?
Yes, some firms like FORFX (Peak Scalp account) and FunderPro claim to have zero minimum trading days. Others, such as FTMO (4 days) and FundedNext or AquaFunded (around 5 days), have low MTDs. Always check their official websites for the latest information.
7.2. Can I pass a challenge earlier than the stated minimum trading days?
It depends on the firm. Some require you to meet the full minimum trading days, while others may allow you to proceed once all objectives are met. Always confirm the specific rules with the firm.
7.3. Are prop firms with low MTDs automatically reputable?
No, a low minimum trading day requirement does not guarantee a firm's reputation. Evaluate factors like their track record, payout consistency, trading conditions, and community feedback.
7.4. What should I do if I can't find a prop firm with MTDs that suit me perfectly?
Focus on what matters most for your trading success. Weigh low MTDs against other important factors like drawdown rules and the firm's credibility. Sometimes, a firm with higher MTDs but better overall conditions is the better choice. Adjusting your expectations may also be necessary.
7.5. What is the minimum trading days in a prop firm?
Minimum trading days (MTDs) vary by firm, typically ranging from zero to several days, depending on the specific program and rules set by each prop firm.
7.6. Does FTMO have minimum trading days?
Yes, FTMO requires a minimum of 4 trading days to complete their challenge. Always check their current guidelines for any updates.
8. Conclusion: Finding the Prop Firm That Aligns with Your Needs
Choosing the right proprietary trading firm is a significant decision that can greatly impact your trading journey. While the allure of firms with the lowest minimum trading days is strong for traders seeking to expedite their path to a funded account, it's crucial to view this as just one of many important factors. A holistic assessment, considering everything from the firm's reputation and drawdown rules to trading conditions and payout reliability, is essential.
Ultimately, the "best" prop firm is subjective and depends on your individual trading style, risk tolerance, capital, and long-term aspirations. H2T Funding aims to provide objective information and frameworks like the one in this article to empower you in your research process. We encourage you to diligently evaluate your own needs and conduct thorough due diligence on any firm before committing. Your careful consideration now can pave the way for a more sustainable and potentially rewarding prop trading experience.
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