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Many proprietary trading firms now offer perpetual contracts, allowing traders to access significant capital for speculating on cryptocurrency futures without an expiry date. The top prop firms with perps include Ryze Funding, Funded Next, Apex Trader Funding, and Topstep. These firms provide funded accounts, high leverage, and generous profit splits after traders pass a specific evaluation or challenge, making them an attractive option for skilled crypto derivatives traders.
Table of Contents
- What Are Perpetual Contracts in Prop Trading?
- Why Should You Trade Perpetuals with a Prop Firm?
- Top Prop Firms That Offer Perpetual Contracts
- How to Choose the Right Prop Firm for Trading Perpetuals
- What Are the Risks of Trading Perpetuals with a Prop Firm?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Prop Firms and Perpetuals
What Are Perpetual Contracts in Prop Trading?
Perpetual contracts, commonly known as “perps,” are a type of derivative instrument that has become extremely popular in the cryptocurrency market. Unlike traditional futures contracts, they do not have an expiration or settlement date. This means a trader can hold a position—either long or short—for as long as they wish, provided they maintain sufficient margin to cover the position.
The key mechanism that keeps the price of a perpetual contract tethered to the underlying asset’s spot price is the funding rate. Depending on the market sentiment and the difference between the perp price and the spot price, traders who are long will periodically pay a small fee to traders who are short, or vice versa. This incentivizes traders to take positions that push the contract price back toward the spot price, ensuring price convergence without the need for an expiry date.
For prop firm traders, perps offer a streamlined way to speculate on crypto price movements. They allow for the use of leverage to amplify potential gains and the ability to profit from both rising (long) and falling (short) markets. The straightforward nature of perps makes them a preferred tool for day traders and swing traders operating within the structured environment of a funded account.
Why Should You Trade Perpetuals with a Prop Firm?
Trading perpetuals through a proprietary trading firm presents a unique set of advantages that are difficult to achieve when trading with personal capital. These benefits empower talented traders to maximize their potential without bearing the full financial risk.
The most significant benefit is access to substantial trading capital. Prop firms provide traders with funded accounts ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. This allows you to control much larger position sizes than you could with your own money, amplifying the potential profits from small price movements in the crypto markets. This is particularly effective when trading leveraged instruments like perpetual contracts.
Furthermore, trading with a firm means you are not risking your personal savings. After paying an initial evaluation fee, all trading losses on the funded account are absorbed by the firm. This separation of personal and trading capital can reduce psychological pressure, allowing for more objective and disciplined decision-making. Firms also offer structured scaling plans, where consistently profitable traders can have their account size increased, providing a clear path for professional growth.
Top Prop Firms That Offer Perpetual Contracts
Identifying the right firm is crucial for success. Different firms offer unique rules, platforms, and funding models. Below are some of the leading prop firms with perps that cater to crypto futures traders.
Ryze Funding
Ryze Funding has quickly established itself as a go-to firm for serious crypto traders. They are known for their straightforward one-step evaluation and a strong focus on crypto derivatives. Ryze allows trading on a wide range of crypto perpetuals with competitive conditions.
The evaluation process is simple: meet the profit target without hitting the drawdown limit. There are no minimum trading day requirements, giving traders the flexibility to pass at their own pace. Their clear rules and crypto-native approach make them a top contender for those specializing in digital assets.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Funding | Up to $200,000 (with scaling to $1,000,000) |
| Profit Split | Up to 90% |
| Leverage | 10x |
| Evaluation Model | 1-Step Challenge |
| Tradable Assets | Crypto Perpetuals |
Funded Next
Funded Next is a highly reputable and popular prop firm that offers a diverse range of funding models, including options for crypto traders. While not exclusively a crypto firm, their offerings for perpetuals are robust, making them a versatile choice for traders who may also be interested in other asset classes like forex.
One of Funded Next’s standout features is the 15% profit share from the evaluation phase for certain account types, rewarding traders even before they become fully funded. They offer multiple challenge models, including two-step, one-step, and even a no-challenge “Express” model, providing flexibility to suit different trading styles and risk appetites.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Funding | Up to $200,000 (with scaling to $4,000,000) |
| Profit Split | Up to 90% |
| Leverage | Varies by account type |
| Evaluation Model | 1-Step, 2-Step, Express |
| Tradable Assets | Crypto, Forex, Indices |
Apex Trader Funding
Apex Trader Funding is a powerhouse in the futures trading space. They are renowned for their simple, one-step evaluation process and lenient rules. While they cater to all futures markets, their inclusion of crypto futures (like BTC and ETH) makes them a solid choice for traders who prefer established platforms like Rithmic or Tradovate.
Apex’s primary appeal is its straightforwardness: pass one evaluation with no daily drawdown limits (only a trailing threshold) and trade with a funded account. They also frequently offer significant discounts on their evaluation fees, making them one of the most accessible options for getting started. Payouts are processed twice a month, ensuring traders can regularly access their profits.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Funding | Up to $300,000 |
| Profit Split | 90% |
| Leverage | Dependent on account size and instrument |
| Evaluation Model | 1-Step Evaluation |
| Tradable Assets | Futures (including Crypto), Options |
Topstep
Topstep is one of the oldest and most respected names in the prop trading industry. They pioneered the “Trader Combine,” a two-step evaluation process designed to identify and fund disciplined traders. Topstep supports trading on major futures exchanges, which includes popular crypto futures products.
What sets Topstep apart is its strong emphasis on trader development and support. They provide performance coaching, educational resources, and a vibrant community. While their rules, including a daily loss limit, can be stricter than some competitors, they are designed to instill professional risk management habits. For traders who value structure and support, Topstep is an excellent choice.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Funding | Up to $150,000 |
| Profit Split | 90% |
| Leverage | Varies, up to 1:100 on micros |
| Evaluation Model | 2-Step “Trader Combine” |
| Tradable Assets | Futures (including Crypto) |
FTUK
FTUK brings a unique proposition to the market with its instant funding and rapid scaling programs. While traditionally a forex-focused firm, they have expanded to offer crypto trading, making them a noteworthy option. Their primary model allows traders to start with a live account immediately, albeit with a smaller capital allocation.
The firm’s strength lies in its aggressive scaling plan. Traders who reach profit milestones can have their account doubled in size repeatedly, offering one of the fastest growth paths in the industry. This model is ideal for confident and consistently profitable traders who want to bypass a lengthy evaluation phase and scale their trading capital quickly.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Funding | Starts smaller, but scales up to nearly $7,000,000 |
| Profit Split | Up to 80% |
| Leverage | Up to 1:50 |
| Evaluation Model | Instant Funding & Evaluation |
| Tradable Assets | Forex, Metals, Indices, Crypto |
How to Choose the Right Prop Firm for Trading Perpetuals
Selecting the ideal prop firm requires careful consideration of your trading style, risk tolerance, and goals. Navigating the crowded market can be challenging, which is why resources like Cointracts are so valuable. We provide unbiased reviews and head-to-head comparisons to help you make a well-informed decision. When you are comparing firms, focus on these key areas.
Evaluating the Challenge and Rules
Every firm’s evaluation is different. A one-step challenge requires you to hit a single profit target, while a two-step challenge has two phases with different targets. Consider the profit target percentage, the maximum drawdown allowed (trailing or static), and any daily loss limits. Some firms also have rules against holding positions over the weekend or during major news events. Choose a firm whose rules align with your trading strategy.
Understanding Profit Splits and Payouts
A higher profit split means you keep more of what you earn. While 80-90% is standard, some firms offer a 100% split for the first month or up to a certain amount of profit. Also, investigate the payout schedule. Can you request a payout bi-weekly, monthly, or only after hitting a certain threshold? Fast and reliable payouts are a sign of a trustworthy firm.
Checking Supported Platforms and Assets
Ensure the firm supports the trading platform you are comfortable with, whether it’s MetaTrader (MT4/MT5), a specialized futures platform like Tradovate, or a custom web-based solution. For perpetuals, verify which specific cryptocurrencies are available to trade. A firm may offer “crypto” but only provide access to BTC and ETH, which may not be sufficient if you specialize in altcoins.
Assessing Reputation and Community Feedback
A firm’s reputation is paramount. Look for genuine user reviews and community discussions on platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit, and Discord. Pay attention to feedback regarding the fairness of the rules, the speed of customer support, and the reliability of payouts. A firm with a strong, positive community presence is often a safer bet.
What Are the Risks of Trading Perpetuals with a Prop Firm?
While prop firms offer tremendous opportunity, they are not without risks. The most immediate risk is losing the evaluation fee. These fees are non-refundable, and a majority of traders do not pass the challenge on their first attempt. It’s crucial to view this fee as a cost of opportunity and only risk an amount you are comfortable losing.
Another significant risk lies in the strictness of the trading rules. A single violation of the drawdown limit or another key rule will result in the immediate termination of your account. This is particularly true with trailing drawdowns, which can “lock-in” and reduce your available risk buffer as your account balance grows. You must have a deep understanding of your firm’s specific rules and manage risk with extreme discipline.
Finally, remember that you are not trading on a live exchange account in your name. You are trading on the firm’s demo or live account. This means you are subject to the firm’s liquidity, execution quality, and overall financial stability. It is essential to choose a reputable, well-established firm to mitigate counterparty risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prop Firms and Perpetuals
Which prop firms have the easiest challenge for crypto?
Firms with a one-step evaluation, no minimum trading days, and no daily drawdown limit, such as Ryze Funding or Apex Trader Funding, are often considered to have more straightforward challenges for experienced traders.
Can I use high leverage on perps in a prop firm?
Yes, most prop firms offering crypto perps provide leverage, often around 10x. However, this is typically lower than the 100x or higher leverage available on some retail exchanges. The firm’s leverage is designed to be substantial enough for significant gains while managing the firm’s overall risk.
Are crypto prop firms legitimate?
Yes, many crypto prop firms are legitimate businesses that profit from evaluation fees and, in some models, a share of successful traders’ profits. However, as with any industry, it’s vital to do your due diligence. Stick to well-reviewed and reputable firms like the ones mentioned above.
What’s the difference between a one-step and two-step evaluation?
A one-step evaluation requires a trader to hit a single profit target (e.g., 10%) without breaching the drawdown rule. A two-step evaluation has two phases; the first phase might have a higher profit target (e.g., 8%), and the second phase has a lower one (e.g., 5%), both with their own drawdown rules.
Do I need my own crypto exchange account to trade with a prop firm?
No, you do not. The prop firm provides the trading platform and the capital. You will trade through their provided infrastructure, and you do not need to connect a personal exchange account or wallet.
