One of the biggest advantages of becoming a funded trader is the opportunity to earn consistent payouts without risking personal capital. However, not all prop trading firms operate the same way when it comes to profit withdrawals, payout structures, and trader earnings.
In this article, we’ll uncover the truth about payouts in prop trading, including how they work, common payout policies, and strategies to maximize your earnings as a funded trader.
1. How Do Payouts Work in Prop Trading?
Once a trader receives a funded account, they are entitled to a percentage of the profits they generate. This is known as the profit split—the percentage of earnings a trader keeps while the prop firm retains a portion.
✅ Common Profit Splits in Prop Firms:
- 80/20 Split → Trader keeps 80%, firm keeps 20% (most common)
- 90/10 Split → Trader keeps 90%, firm keeps 10% (premium firms)
- 100% Split → Trader keeps 100% (some firms offer this for an initial period)
💡 Tip: Always check the payout conditions before choosing a prop firm—some firms offer high splits but have hidden restrictions.
2. How Often Can You Withdraw Profits?
Payout schedules vary by firm, but the most common payout cycles include:
📌 Bi-Weekly Payouts → Profits can be withdrawn every two weeks
📌 Monthly Payouts → Traders receive payments once per month
📌 Instant or Weekly Payouts → Some firms allow on-demand withdrawals
🚨 Red Flags to Watch For:
❌ Delayed or denied payouts without valid reasons
❌ Minimum profit thresholds before withdrawals (e.g., $5,000 minimum before you can withdraw)
❌ Unclear or frequently changing payout policies
💡 Tip: A good prop firm has transparent and reliable payout schedules. Always verify real trader reviews before committing.
3. Common Withdrawal Methods & Fees
Different firms offer different withdrawal options, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your needs.
✅ Typical Payout Methods in Prop Trading:
- Bank Transfer (Most reliable but may take 1-5 business days)
- Cryptocurrency (BTC, USDT, ETH, etc.) (Fastest option, usually within 24 hours)
- PayPal, Skrill, or Wise (Convenient for international traders)
🚨 Things to Watch Out For:
❌ High withdrawal fees—Some firms charge excessive fees for bank or crypto withdrawals
❌ Delays in processing payouts—Legit firms should process withdrawals within 48 hours
❌ Limited payout options—A good firm provides multiple withdrawal choices
💡 Tip: Crypto payouts are often faster and cheaper compared to bank transfers.
4. How to Maximize Your Payouts as a Funded Trader
To make the most out of your funded account, you need to focus on consistent profits and smart withdrawal strategies.
✅ 1. Use a Consistent Trading Strategy
A steady income from trading comes from low-risk, high-probability trades rather than taking excessive risks.
✔ Stick to a proven trading plan
✔ Use 1-2% risk per trade to stay within drawdown limits
✔ Avoid overtrading or revenge trading
✅ 2. Scale Up with Multiple Funded Accounts
Many prop firms allow traders to hold multiple accounts or use account merging to increase payout potential.
💡 Example:
- If a firm offers a max $200,000 funded account and allows multiple accounts, you can manage up to $1M
- This significantly increases profit potential while keeping risk low
🚨 Check firm rules before scaling—some firms prohibit account stacking.
✅ 3. Withdraw Profits Smartly (Don’t Over-Leverage)
To maintain long-term success, follow a strategic withdrawal plan:
✔ Withdraw a portion of profits while reinvesting in your trading growth
✔ Keep a buffer in your account to avoid excessive drawdown
✔ Avoid withdrawing 100% of profits too soon, as some firms may terminate inactive accounts
💡 Tip: A good approach is to withdraw 50% of profits and leave the rest for scaling.
✅ 4. Choose a Firm with a High Profit Split
Some prop firms offer better profit splits than others.
📌 Example Payout Comparison:
| Firm | Profit Split | $10,000 Monthly Profit | Trader’s Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firm A | 80/20 | $8,000 | ✅ Best choice |
| Firm B | 70/30 | $7,000 | ❌ Less payout |
| Firm C | 60/40 | $6,000 | ❌ Lower earnings |
💡 Tip: Choose a firm with an 80/20 or better payout structure.
5. Common Payout Issues & How to Avoid Them
Even with legit firms, traders sometimes face payout issues. Here’s how to handle them:
🚨 Common Payout Problems:
❌ Account Violations – Exceeding max drawdown limits can cancel payouts
❌ Trading During Restricted Times – Some firms disqualify traders for trading news events
❌ KYC Verification Delays – Incomplete identity verification can slow withdrawals
✅ How to Avoid These Issues:
✔ Read all firm rules before trading
✔ Keep records of your trades & withdrawals
✔ Avoid violating drawdown limits or risky trading behavior
💡 Tip: If a firm suddenly changes payout rules or denies payments without reason, consider switching to a more transparent provider.
Final Thoughts: Get the Most Out of Your Funded Account
The goal of funded trading is not just to pass an evaluation but to consistently earn payouts while managing risk.
✅ Choose a firm with a high profit split (80-100%)
✅ Withdraw profits strategically to grow your trading capital
✅ Use multiple funded accounts to increase earning potential
✅ Follow all prop firm rules to avoid disqualification
✅ Select a firm with reliable payouts & transparent policies
