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Prop Firm Account Types: Standard, Aggressive, Royal, And More
Quick Answer: Prop firm account types decide how much risk you can take and how much you can earn. Standard plans suit steady traders. Aggressive and Royal plans fit high-risk players. Here is a breakdown of the main options for US traders, based on real numbers and current rules.
Standard accounts: the safe baseline
Standard accounts are the default for most prop firms. You get a profit split of 80% or 90%, and daily loss limits around 5%. For a $50,000 account, that means a max daily loss of $2,500. FTMO and Topstep offer these terms. They are good for traders who want consistency. The evaluation is two-step, with a 10% profit target. You have unlimited time to hit it. That is a solid deal for part-time traders. But the payout frequency is monthly, which slows cash flow. If you trade full-time, you might want faster payouts.
Aggressive accounts: higher risk, higher reward
Aggressive accounts let you use bigger position sizes. For example, Apex's aggressive plan gives a 100% profit split after the first payout. But the daily loss limit is tighter, often 3% or $1,500 on a $50K account. That means one bad day wipes you out. FundedNext's aggressive model offers a 15% profit target, lower than standard. The trade-off is you need to pass a faster evaluation, often in 5 days. If you scalp news events, this works. But if you swing trade, the risk is not worth it. My take: only choose aggressive if you have a proven edge.
Royal accounts: premium perks for pros
Royal accounts are the top tier. They come with lower fees, higher profit splits, and dedicated support. The5ers Royal plan gives a 100% profit split from the start, but you pay a higher upfront fee, around $500 for a $100K account. E8 Markets Royal has a 6% daily loss limit, which is more forgiving. But you must hit a 12% profit target in 30 days. That is tough for most traders. These accounts are for those who have a track record. If you are new, skip them. The pressure is not worth the extra 10% split.
Specialty accounts: niche options to consider
Some firms offer specialty accounts. True Forex Funds has a 'Starter' account with a 1-step evaluation and a 5% profit target. That is faster but riskier. Topstep has a 'Funded Trader' account with no time limit, but you must pass a combine with a 5% profit target. Apex has a 'Pro' account that allows news trading, which many firms ban. If you trade during high-impact news, that is a big plus. But these accounts often have higher trailing drawdowns. For example, Apex Pro uses a trailing stop, which locks in profits but can stop you out early. Choose based on your style, not the marketing.
How to pick the right account for your style
First, know your win rate and risk per trade. If you win 60% of trades and risk 1% per trade, a standard account works. If you win less but have big winners, an aggressive account might fit. Always check the profit split and payout frequency. A 90% split with monthly payouts is worse than an 80% split with weekly payouts. Also, look at the evaluation rules. Some firms allow weekend holding, others do not. For US traders, FTMO and Apex are reliable. FundedNext has good reviews but check their customer support. Do not pay for a Royal account unless you have a solid month of profits.
Quick Comparison
| Firm | Account Type | Profit Split | Daily Loss Limit | Payout Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | Standard | 80% | 5% | Monthly |
| Apex | Aggressive | 100% (after first payout) | 3% | Weekly |
| FundedNext | Aggressive | 90% | 4% | Bi-weekly |
| The5ers | Royal | 100% | 5% | Weekly |
| E8 Markets | Royal | 90% | 6% | Bi-weekly |
| Topstep | Standard | 80% | 4% | Monthly |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between standard and aggressive prop firm accounts?
Standard accounts have looser loss limits and slower payouts, while aggressive accounts allow bigger position sizes but tighter limits and faster evaluation.
Can US traders use FTMO?
Yes, FTMO accepts US traders, but you must follow their rules and use a broker that supports US clients.
How much does a prop firm account cost?
Fees range from $100 for a $50K standard account to $500 for a $100K Royal account. Always check for refundable fees.
Which prop firm has the best payout frequency?
Apex and The5ers offer weekly payouts, which is best for consistent cash flow. FTMO and Topstep pay monthly.
Can I trade news events with any prop firm?
No, many firms ban news trading. Apex allows it on their Pro account, but others like FTMO restrict it around high-impact news.
Conclusion
Pick an account that matches your risk tolerance and time commitment. Start with a standard plan if you are new. Upgrade to aggressive or Royal only after you prove consistent profits. Research each firm's rules, especially loss limits and payout timing. A good deal is one that lets you trade without fear of losing your account on a single bad day.
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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.