Best Prop Firms for US Traders in 2026 — CFTC Compliant
US-based traders face unique restrictions when choosing prop firms due to CFTC regulations and brokerage requirements. Not all prop firms accept US clients, and those that do often have different rules for American traders. Apex Trader Funding is fully US-based and CFTC compliant. Topstep operates from Chicago with full US regulatory compliance. The5ers accepts US traders with specific account structures. Earn2Trade partners with US-regulated brokers for their funded accounts. City Traders Imperium accepts US traders with modified leverage. We verified each firm's current US acceptance policy and any specific restrictions that apply to American traders. Regulatory compliance matters — trading with a non-compliant firm as a US resident can create legal and tax complications that outweigh any profit splits.
| # | Tool | Rating | Price | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apex Trader Funding Editor's Pick | ★★★★☆ 4.3/5 | $147/mo | futures traders | Review → |
| 2 | Topstep | ★★★★☆ 4.2/5 | $165/mo | futures traders | Review → |
| 3 | The5ers | ★★★★☆ 4.2/5 | $95/mo | forex traders | Review → |
| 4 | City Traders Imperium | ★★★★☆ 3.9/5 | $97/mo | developing forex traders seeking mentorship and capital | Review → |
Apex Trader Funding
Top PickPopular futures-focused prop firm with one-step evaluation, generous rules, and funded accounts from $25K to $300K with 100% of first $25K profit.
Pros
- ✓ One-step evaluation — simpler than multi-phase firms
- ✓ 100% of first $25K in profits
- ✓ No daily drawdown limit
Cons
- ✗ Futures only — no forex, stocks, or crypto
- ✗ Trailing threshold can be confusing for beginners
- ✗ Monthly evaluation fees add up if you reset multiple times
Topstep
Veteran futures prop firm with a structured Trading Combine evaluation, risk management coaching, and funded accounts up to $150K.
Pros
- ✓ One of the most established and trusted prop firms
- ✓ Strong emphasis on risk management and trader development
- ✓ 100% profit split on first $5,000
Cons
- ✗ Futures only — no forex or equities
- ✗ Evaluation rules can be restrictive (consistency requirement)
- ✗ Monthly fees accumulate during evaluation period
The5ers
Forex-focused prop firm with scaling up to $4M, multiple program types, and profit splits up to 100%.
Pros
- ✓ Scaling up to $4M is industry-leading
- ✓ Profit splits can reach 100%
- ✓ Multiple program types for different styles
Cons
- ✗ Primarily forex-focused
- ✗ Scaling takes significant time and consistency
- ✗ Rules can be complex for newer traders
City Traders Imperium
South African prop firm offering funded forex and indices accounts up to $200K through evaluation or direct funding, with profit splits up to 80%.
Pros
- ✓ Integrated trading academy with courses and mentorship sets it apart from most prop firms
- ✓ Flexible pathways to funding including direct funding and evaluation options
- ✓ Profit splits up to 80% are competitive within the industry
Cons
- ✗ Smaller and less established than top-tier prop firms like FTMO or Topstep
- ✗ Primarily focused on forex and indices with limited market diversity
- ✗ No proprietary trading platform or performance dashboard tools