What Profit Split Do Prop Firms Offer? Detailed Guide & Firm Comparison

Understanding Prop Firm Profit Splits: What Really Matters

Profit splits are the cornerstone of every prop trading deal. They determine how much of your trading profits you actually keep versus what the firm takes as their share. But the headline number—"90/10 split!"—is just the beginning. The structure, scaling rules, and hidden conditions can change your real take-home dramatically.

Prop Firm Profit Splits at a Glance

How Profit Splits Work: Not Just a Percentage

Most prop firms advertise an "80/20" or "90/10" split—meaning you keep 80% or 90% of profits, the firm takes the rest. But the real-world payout depends on:

• Scaling conditions: Some firms start you at 80/20 and only bump you to 90/10 (or higher) after hitting specific milestones. For example, FTMO increases to a 90/10 split after 4 months of profitable trading, while FundedNext offers 90/10 after consistent performance.
• Account type: Instant funding or express models often start with a lower split, scaling up over time. The5ers, for example, begins at 50/50 but can scale to 100% over several account doublings.
• Profit "caps" or tiers: Apex Trader Funding pays 100% on your first $25,000 in profits, then reverts to a 90/10 split. Some firms (like FundedNext) pay a portion during the evaluation phase, but with strict conditions.
• Withdrawal minimums and delays: Some firms require a profit buffer or minimum payout before you can withdraw, which can delay your access to earnings.

Who Offers the Highest Prop Firm Profit Splits?

Several firms now advertise splits above 90%, but most have caveats. Here's what you actually get with leading names:

• 100% Split (with catch): The5ers (scales to 100% after multiple milestones), Funded Trading Plus (100% after scaling up), City Traders Imperium (100% possible), Goat Funded Trader (95% standard, 100% with paid add-on), Apex Trader Funding (100% on first $25K only)
• 90/10 Split: FTMO (after scaling), FundedNext (after scaling), TopStep, My Funded Futures, Tradeify, Take Profit Trader, Blue Guardian (after scaling)
• 80/20 Split (industry standard): Most firms start here, including E8 Markets, Lux Trading Firm, Goat Funded Trader, Funded Trading Plus, and many more.
• Lower Splits: The5ers starts at 50/50, which is the lowest among major firms, but can scale up over time.

In practical terms, most traders will earn between 80% and 90% of profits, at least initially. Getting to a 90% or 100% split usually requires proving yourself over several months (and sometimes paying for an upgrade or hitting large profit milestones).

Scaling Up: How Your Split Can Improve

Scaling rules are where the fine print matters. Some firms automatically increase your split after you hit certain profit or time milestones:

• FTMO: Scale up to 90/10 split after 4 months of profitable trading. You must also maintain risk discipline during this period.
• FundedNext: 90/10 after consistent profitability, but the specific conditions (number of payouts, profit targets) are more complex and can change depending on account type.
• Funded Trading Plus: 100% split available on Premium track after scaling, but this involves reaching multiple 10% profit milestones and increasing account size.
• Goat Funded Trader: Up to 95% standard, 100% only with a paid add-on.
• The5ers: Starts at 50/50, but with each scaling milestone (doubling your account), your split can improve, eventually reaching 100%—but only after several cycles.

Hidden Trade-Offs: What the Split Doesn't Tell You

Choosing a firm based solely on the profit split is risky. Here are key hidden trade-offs to watch for:

• Drawdown policies: A higher split might come with tighter risk controls. For example, The5ers' initial 50/50 split comes with just a 6% max drawdown and 3% daily—very restrictive compared to FTMO's 10%/5%.
• Profit targets: Some high-split programs require higher profit targets. FTMO and FundedNext require 10% profit in evaluation, while E8 Markets and MyFundedFX require only 8%.
• Instrument limitations: Futures-only firms (Apex, TopStep, Tradeify) may offer high splits, but if you trade forex or crypto, they're off the table.
• Payout frequency and buffers: Some firms require a minimum profit before withdrawals (e.g., Take Profit Trader’s cushion, FundedNext’s withdrawal minimums), which can slow access to your earnings—even if you’re entitled to a high split.
• Rule complexity: Firms with the highest splits often have the most complex rules or consistency requirements. For example, Goat Funded Trader’s 95% split is only available under certain plan types, and City Traders Imperium requires hitting multiple 10% milestones for a 100% split.
• Challenge fees: Some higher split programs cost significantly more upfront. FTMO’s $200K account is $1,080, while E8 Markets’ equivalent is $988, and MyFundedFX’s $200K account is $999. Consider the cost-to-payout ratio.

Examples: Real Payout Scenarios

Scenario 1: $100K Account at FTMO vs. E8 Markets

• FTMO: $100K account, $1,080 challenge fee, 80/20 split (scaling to 90/10 after 4 months). Profit target: 10% ($10,000). Max daily loss: $5,000.
• E8 Markets: $100K account, $588 challenge fee, 80/20 split, 8% profit target ($8,000). Max daily loss: $5,000.

If you hit the profit target and request payout:

• FTMO: On your first payout, you keep $8,000 (80% of $10,000). After scaling, you keep $9,000 (90%).
• E8 Markets: You keep $6,400 (80% of $8,000). No higher split available.

Considerations: FTMO offers higher scaling and a better long-term split, but E8 Markets requires a lower profit target and lower upfront cost.

Scenario 2: Aggressive Split with Tight Risk – The5ers

• $100K account, $875 challenge fee, starts at 50/50 split. Profit target: 6% ($6,000). Max daily loss: $3,000.
• After meeting several scaling milestones and doubling your account, you can reach 100% split—meaning you keep all profits.

But: The tight 6% max drawdown (just $6,000) means you have little room for error. Most traders will never reach the 100% split unless they are exceptionally consistent—and patient.

Scenario 3: Futures-Only, High Split – Apex Trader Funding

• $100K account, $167 challenge fee (often discounted), 100% split on first $25K profit, then 90/10. Max drawdown: $6,000 (trailing).
• No daily loss limit, but trailing drawdown can be tricky—if your balance ever drops more than $6,000 from peak, the account is closed.

Practical effect: If you make $30,000, you keep $25,000 + $4,500 (90% of $5,000) = $29,500. But if you hit the trailing drawdown, you lose the account regardless of split.

Profit Split vs. Other Factors: What Should You Prioritize?

It's tempting to chase the biggest number, but here's what experienced traders actually look at:

• Risk tolerance: Tighter drawdown rules (like 4-6%) mean your odds of losing the account are higher, even if the split is generous.
• Profit target: Hitting a 10% target on a $100K account ($10,000) is harder than 6%. Lower targets (like Tradeify’s 6%) can mean more frequent payouts—even if the split is a bit lower.
• Instrument access: If you need to trade forex, crypto, or metals, futures-only firms are irrelevant, regardless of split.
• Withdrawal speed and minimums: How fast can you get paid? Can you withdraw small profits, or do you need to hit a threshold?
• Scaling and long-term potential: Is the split sustainable as your account grows? Can you scale to $4M+ (FundedNext, The5ers, Blue Guardian), or are you capped at $150K (Tradeify, TopStep)?

Firm-by-Firm Profit Split Analysis: Pros and Cons

FTMO

• 80/20 split, scaling to 90/10 after four months of profitable trading
• Generous scaling (up to $2M), industry leader in reliability
• Strict 10% profit target, higher challenge fees ($155 - $1,080)

Best for: Experienced traders who can handle strict evaluations and want long-term scaling with a reputable firm.

FundedNext

• 80/20 split, up to 90/10 (with consistent profitability)
• Earn 15% profit share during the challenge (rare, but with conditions)
• Scaling up to $4M, multiple challenge models

Best for: Traders seeking high scaling potential and interim profit share, but willing to navigate complex rules and withdrawal minimums.

MyFundedFX

• 80/20 split, up to 92.75% on select plans
• Low minimum trading days (3), unlimited trading period
• Rules and splits vary by plan, scaling capped at $600K

Best for: Flexible traders seeking high splits quickly, but who can manage plan-specific rules and moderate scaling limits.

The5ers

• Starts at 50/50, scales to 100% over time
• Very tight risk limits (6% max, 3% daily drawdown)
• Instant funding option, profit targets just 6%

Best for: Ultra-consistent, low-risk traders who can build up to 100% split over many scaling cycles.

Futures-Only Firms (Apex, TopStep, My Funded Futures, Tradeify, Take Profit Trader)

• Splits range from 80/20 to 100% (Apex: 100% first $25K, 90/10 after; TopStep: 90/10; My Funded Futures: 90/10; Tradeify: 90/10)
• Profit targets generally 6%
• Drawdown rules and trailing logic are often more complex

Best for: Traders specializing in US futures, who can manage trailing drawdowns and want fast payout cycles.

Blue Guardian

• 85/15 split, scaling to 90/10
• 24-hour payout guarantee, Guardian Shield risk system
• Scaling up to $4M, but strict risk tool can close trades automatically

Best for: Risk-averse traders who want rapid payouts and are comfortable with automated risk management tools.

City Traders Imperium & Funded Trading Plus

• Both offer up to 100% split, but require hitting multiple scaling milestones
• Lower leverage (1:30), strict rules, and in some cases, slow KYC or limited country access

Best for: Methodical traders willing to grow accounts slowly to maximize split over time.

Bottom Line: What Profit Split Do Prop Firms Offer—and What Should You Choose?

Profit splits at prop firms range from 50/50 to 100%, but the vast majority of traders will start at 80/20 or 85/15. Only after consistent, profitable trading—or by paying for special programs—do you reach 90% or higher. The highest splits (95-100%) almost always come with stricter rules, higher profit targets, or additional requirements.

For most traders, the "best" split is the one that aligns with your risk tolerance, trading instrument, and ability to meet the firm's evaluation targets. Consider:

• If you want maximum split, fast scaling, and low profit targets: Look at MyFundedFX, Blue Guardian, or Funded Trading Plus.
• If you value firm reputation and reliability: FTMO and TopStep are industry leaders, but splits top out at 90%.
• If you are futures-focused: Apex Trader Funding’s 100% on first $25K is unmatched, but only on futures contracts.
• If you trade low drawdown, low profit target strategies: The5ers can work, but the path to 100% split is long and requires exceptional consistency.