If you’ve ever wondered how much money you can actually make with a prop firm, you’re not alone.
When I first got into prop trading, I was confused. I saw people talking about “$10K payouts” and “90% splits,” but no one really broke down what that meant—or how realistic it was.
So I dug deep, talked to funded traders, and lived the experience myself.
In this guide, I’ll explain in plain English how prop firm payouts actually work, what affects them, and how much you can realistically expect to earn.
Let’s dive in 👇
What Are Prop Firm Payouts?
When you trade with a prop firm, you’re essentially using their money. In exchange, they give you a percentage of the profits you make—usually between 80% and 90%.
📊 Example:
If you make $5,000 in profit on a funded account and your split is 80%, you take home $4,000.
The prop firm keeps the rest as their share. That’s the “payout” — the money you get.
🔁 When Do You Get Paid?
- FTMO: Every 30 days
- MyFundedFX & E8 Funding: Every 2 weeks
- FundedNext: Bi-weekly + bonuses
- Most others: Vary between bi-weekly and monthly
They pay through crypto (like USDT), Wise, PayPal, or direct bank transfers. Easy and global.
Realistic Earning Potential: What Can You Actually Make?
Let’s keep it 100% real.
You won’t earn $20,000 a month overnight. But if you follow the rules and trade with discipline, here’s what’s possible.
💼 Earnings by Account Size
| Account Size | Monthly Return (10%) | Your Take (80%) |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $1,000 | $800 |
| $25,000 | $2,500 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 | $4,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 | $8,000 |
Most traders aim for 5–10% returns per month. Anything more is risky or unsustainable long-term.
If you’re consistently profitable, some firms even scale you up to $200K or $400K accounts.
Imagine 10% returns on a $400K account. That’s $40,000 profit, with a $32,000 payout. Now we’re talking serious money.
Rules That Affect Your Payout (Read This Twice)
Before you start dreaming of Lambos, let’s talk about what can block or void your payout.
❗ Drawdown Violations
This is the #1 killer of payouts.
Every firm has a daily and total drawdown limit (usually 5% and 10%). If you break it, your account is gone—and so is your money.
⌛ Minimum Trading Days
Some firms require at least 5 to 10 trading days before a payout. This prevents gamblers from flipping accounts with one lucky trade.
🔍 Consistency Rules
A few firms require you to trade consistently—not just one big win. This rule is fading, but it’s still worth checking your firm’s policy.
Quick Comparison: Prop Firm Payout Cycles & Splits
| Prop Firm | Payout Split | Payout Cycle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | Up to 90% | Monthly (30d) | 10 trading day minimum |
| MyFundedFX | Up to 90% | Bi-weekly | No min. trading days |
| FundedNext | 90% + 15% bonus | Bi-weekly | Loyalty bonuses available |
| The Funded Trader | Up to 90% | Monthly | Has competitions + scaling |
| E8 Funding | 80–90% | Bi-weekly | Fastest processing |
💡 Tips to Maximize Your Prop Firm Payouts
1. Focus on Risk Management
Don’t chase big profits and blow your account. Protect capital. That’s the game.
“Trade to stay in the game first. Profit second.”
2. Track Your Performance Like a Business
Use a spreadsheet or tool to track:
- Daily profit/loss
- Drawdown %
- Winning setups
- Account health
3. Trade When It Makes Sense
Don’t trade just to meet the 10-day rule. Wait for good setups. A few quality trades beat 20 random ones.
Real-Life Trader Payout Examples
👨💻 Trader A – $2K/Month from a $50K Account
- 5% monthly return
- Withdraws bi-weekly via Wise
- Consistent, low-risk scalping strategy
Trader B – Scaled from $25K → $100K in 3 Months
- Passed two challenges
- Now earns ~$5,000/month
- Trades 3 days/week
Trader C – Lost Payout by Breaking Drawdown
- Tried to flip the account fast
- Lost 6% in 1 day → account breached
- Lesson: Patience pays
FAQs on Prop Firm Payouts
Q: Can I get paid during the challenge phase?
A: No. You must pass the challenge and verification to qualify for payouts.
Q: Do all firms offer scaling?
A: Not all, but many do. FTMO, MyFundedFX, TFT, and FundedNext are known for solid scaling plans.
Q: Are payouts guaranteed?
A: Only if you follow the firm’s rules and don’t violate drawdown or trading guidelines.
Payouts Are Possible—If You Play the Long Game
Making money with prop firms is very real, but it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme.
If you stay disciplined, trade smart, and understand your firm’s rules, you could turn trading into a reliable monthly income stream.
Remember:
The real flex isn’t passing a challenge.
It’s getting paid again and again.
📚 Keep Learning
- 🔗 How to Pass a Prop Firm Challenge on Your First Try
- 🔗 Best Forex Strategies for Funded Traders
- 🔗 Top 5 Prop Firms Compared: Pros & Cons
Have questions about payouts or want to share your own story? Drop a comment below. I respond to every single one. 👇