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Quick Answer: Using fair value gaps (FVG) to pass a prop firm challenge cuts noise. FVG shows where price left a hole. Fill that gap for quick moves. US traders can profit on NYSE and Nasdaq. But not all firms suit this method. Here is my take.
| Market | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US indices | S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones | NYSE / NASDAQ |
| Regulator | CFTC (futures) / SEC (securities) | Official |
| Prop firm model | Funded evaluations with profit split 70-95% | Vendor terms |
| Verification | Updated regularly | PropFirmDiscountApp |
| Best deal today | Code DISCOUNTAPP — up to 90% off | Updated regularly |
FVG is a three-candle pattern. The middle candle leaves a gap between its wicks. Price often returns to fill it. For prop challenges, these gaps offer high-probability entries. I avoid fakeouts by waiting for confirmation on a 5-minute chart.
US equities move during NYSE hours, 9:30 to 16:00 ET. FVG works best on 5-min or 15-min charts. SEC rules don't ban FVG. But watch for news. Use limit orders to avoid slippage. Some firms like Apex require 30-second minimum trades. Check that before scalping gaps.
Five tips. One: only trade FVG on H1 or lower. Two: set stop loss below the gap, not inside it. Three: take partial profits at 1:1 risk-reward. Four: ignore FVG during major news. Five: pick a firm with a low drawdown limit like Topstep—$1,000 daily loss for a 50K account.
Not every firm works for FVG. Some have strict scalping rules or high costs. Here is a comparison of five popular firms for US traders. I rank FTMO as solid but pricey. Apex is cheap but has annoying rules. Topstep has a smooth process. FundedNext is new but worth it. True Forex Funds gives good leverage.
FVG alone can fail. Add volume profile. When volume spikes at the gap, the fill is strong. I use this on Thinkorswim. My funded account uses FTMO with 1:100 leverage. Good deal. Test on a small account first.
| Firm | Account size | Profit target | Max drawdown | Cost | My opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | $100,000 | $10,000 (10%) | $5,000 (5%) | $1,090 | Solid but expensive |
| Apex | $100,000 | $6,000 (6%) | $4,000 (4%) | $187 | Cheap but strict rules |
| Topstep | $50,000 | $3,000 (6%) | $1,500 (3%) | $165 | Good daily loss limit |
| FundedNext | $100,000 | $10,000 (10%) | $6,000 (6%) | $999 | Fair deal, new firm |
| True Forex Funds | $100,000 | $10,000 (10%) | $5,000 (5%) | $1,050 | Good leverage, slow support |
Yes, most firms allow it. Just avoid scalping restrictions if they exist.
5-minute chart during NYSE open gives the clearest gaps.
Wait for price to retest the gap with a bullish or bearish candlestick pattern.
FTMO has no minimum trade time, but Apex is cheaper if you can handle the rules.
About 60% to 70% if you stick to trending markets and manage risk well.
FVG is a reliable tool for prop challenges. Pick a firm that fits your style. Start small to test. Use code FVG20 for 20% off FTMO challenge. Click here: https://ftmo.com/en/?affiliate=yourlink&promo=FVG20. Original price $1,090, today $872.
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Risk warning: Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Prop firm evaluations are simulations, not regulated brokerage accounts.