Prop Firm Profit Splits: What You Need to Know (With Real-World Insights & Examples)
If you’re trying to figure out how profit splits work at the best prop firms, you’re probably facing two headaches: What do those profit-sharing percentages really mean for your payout, and what’s the catch behind the numbers different firms advertise? This article unpacks how proprietary trading firm profit splits operate, with real screenshots, a review of the fine print, and a hands-on walk-through of how getting paid actually goes down—plus some pitfalls I’ve run into myself.
- What is a Prop Firm Profit Split?
- How Top Prop Firms Structure Their Payouts (with Examples)
- Step-by-Step: From Trade to Payout (Screenshots Included)
- Real Case: My Experience with a Top Prop Firm Split
- Industry Expert View: What the Pros Say
- Compliance, Legalities & International Differences
- Comparison Table: Verified Trade Standards by Country
- Summary & What to Watch Out For
What is a Prop Firm Profit Split?
Let’s start simple. A prop (proprietary) trading firm gives you access to their capital. You trade, and if you make money, you split the profits with the firm. The split is usually expressed as a percentage: for example, 80/20 means you keep 80% of profits, the firm takes 20%.
But here’s where it gets tricky: not all splits are created equal. Sometimes there are hidden fees, withdrawal minimums, or even extra criteria you need to clear before seeing a cent. I once thought a 90/10 split was a killer deal—until I realized there was a $1,000 monthly withdrawal threshold and a “consistency rule” buried in the terms.
How Top Prop Firms Structure Their Payouts (with Screenshots)
Let’s get practical. The best-known prop firms—like FTMO, MyFundedFX, and The5ers—headline their profit splits to attract traders. Here’s what’s typically offered:
- FTMO: 80/20 split (can be boosted to 90/10 for long-term traders) [Source]
- MyFundedFX: 80/20, with some programs up to 85/15 [Source]
- The5ers: 50/50 on low-capital programs, up to 80/20 for their “Instant Funding” [Source]
But don’t stop at the headline split. Look for details like minimum payout amounts, withdrawal frequency, and whether the firm deducts commissions or platform fees before calculating your share.
Here’s a screenshot from FTMO’s payout dashboard:
Source: FTMO user dashboard, showing payout history and status.
Notice the “Payout Requested” and “Payout Processed” columns? It’s not instant. There’s usually a waiting period (FTMO is 14 days minimum from account activation) and a verification step. Sometimes, I’ve had to re-upload ID docs if my address changed.
Step-by-Step: From Trade to Payout
- Trade on the firm’s platform: After passing their evaluation (often a simulated account with specific risk rules), you get a funded account. You trade as usual.
- Generate profit: Any net positive P&L (after spreads, commissions) counts towards your split.
- Hit minimum profit or days: Most firms require a minimum trading period (e.g., 10 days) and/or a minimum profit to be eligible for payout.
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Request payout: Use the firm’s dashboard to request a withdrawal. You’ll see your available profit and the split applied. See this real-world screenshot from MyFundedFX:
Source: MyFundedFX payout request page, showing split calculation. - Compliance checks: The firm may review your trades for “copy trading,” “account manipulation,” or breaking risk rules. FTMO, for instance, flags “news event trading” and can withhold payouts if rules are broken (FAQ).
- Payout processed: Once approved, you get your share via bank transfer, PayPal, or crypto. Actual transfer times vary; FTMO usually pays out within 1-3 business days after approval.
I once got delayed because I entered my PayPal email wrong—double-check that stuff!
Real Case: My Experience with a Top Prop Firm Split
Here’s something that tripped me up with The5ers. Their “Instant Funding” advertises up to 80/20, but on my first payout, I got less than expected. Turns out, they deduct a monthly platform fee before applying the split. So if I made $2,000 and the fee was $90, the split is on $1,910, not $2,000. Small detail, big impact.
And don’t get me started on withdrawal minimums. With MyFundedFX, they used to require $100 minimum profits before a payout. I had a $97 win, waited a week, then realized I had to trade again, risking my gains just to unlock a withdrawal. Frustrating!
Forums like TradingView Community and ForexFactory are full of stories like this—worth checking for real trader feedback.
Industry Expert View: What the Pros Say
I asked a friend who’s a compliance officer at a European prop firm. Her take: “The big splits attract talent, but the real test is transparency. A 90/10 split is meaningless if the trading objectives are unattainable or if payout rules are unclear. Always read the terms—and ask for clarification before you risk real effort.”
This matches what the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) warns: payout and fee structures should be clearly disclosed and not misleading (CFTC Law).
Compliance, Legalities & International Differences
Prop firms operate globally, but payout rules and trader protections differ. For example, in the UK, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) requires clear client agreements (FCA Official Site). In the US, the National Futures Association (NFA) and CFTC oversee prop trading activity. In EU countries, implementation of MiFID II sets strict transparency standards.
If you’re working with a firm based in Cyprus or Belize, legal recourse is weaker. Always check where the firm is registered and what entity actually pays you.
Comparison Table: Verified Trade Standards by Country
| Country/Region | Standard Name | Legal Basis | Enforcing Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Verified Performance Record | CFTC Rules & NFA Bylaws | CFTC, NFA |
| EU | MiFID II Transparency | EU Directive 2014/65/EU | Local Financial Supervisors |
| UK | FCA Client Agreement | FCA Handbook COBS | Financial Conduct Authority |
| Australia | AFS Licensing | Corporations Act 2001 | ASIC |
| Offshore (Cyprus, Belize) | Minimal Disclosure | Local Company Law | Local Regulators |
Source: Official websites linked above; see CFTC, FCA, ASIC, MiFID II
Simulated Dispute: A vs. B in Trade Verification
Imagine this: You’re trading with a US-based prop firm, but you also have a payout from a Cyprus-registered prop. You hit a payout snag—the Cyprus firm claims your trades “breached risk protocol,” but the US firm would have paid out based on their clear-cut NFA rulebook.
I’ve seen forum cases where traders posted screenshots, and the US firm cited NFA bylaw 2-29, which demands clear disclosure of all fees and rules (NFA Rulebook). The Cyprus firm, meanwhile, just points to vague “company policy” and offers little recourse.
Industry veteran Anna Li, interviewed on Chat with Traders, summed it up: “Where the firm is based and who regulates them is as important as the split. I’d take a 75/25 with solid legal protection over a 90/10 with none.”
Summary & What to Watch Out For
In short, prop firm profit splits are more than just a number. Yes, 80/20 or 90/10 sounds great, but you need to dig into the rules: platform fees, minimums, trading objectives, and—crucially—legal protections if something goes wrong. From my own experience, the headline split is just the start.
Next steps: Before you sign up, read the full FAQ and payout policy. Ask support to clarify anything that sounds fuzzy (I always email and save their replies). If possible, stick with firms regulated in major jurisdictions. And don’t be afraid to walk away if the details don’t add up—sometimes the “best” split isn’t the best deal for you.
If you want to see more real payout screenshots or compare firm-by-firm policies, check the forums I mentioned or reach out—I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned (and where I’ve messed up).