Prop Firms for US Traders (2026): Who Accepts US Residents
Which prop firms accept US residents in 2026: futures firms (The5ers Futures, Topstep, Apex, TradeDay) vs CFD firms with US platform limits.
Reviewed by Hà Ngọc Lộc· Senior SEO Editor
US residents have the most options with futures prop firms. The5ers Futures, Topstep, Apex Trader Funding and TradeDay use CME futures, which US traders can access. CFD/forex prop firms are more limited. MetaQuotes services (MT4/MT5) are not offered to US clients at FundedNext. BrightFunded says its MT5 service is not for US residents. FunderPro calls US access "conditional". For a US trader the simplest path is a futures evaluation.
US Access by Firm (checked 2026-10-01)
| Firm | Type | US status |
|---|---|---|
| The5ers Futures | Futures | Accepts US traders (check KYC) |
| Topstep* | Futures | US-based (Chicago) |
| Apex Trader Funding* | Futures | US-based (Austin, TX) |
| TradeDay* | Futures | Accepts US traders |
| FunderPro | CFD | Conditional; check checkout |
| BrightFunded | CFD | MT5 not offered to US residents; futures entity is BrightFunded LLC (Wyoming) |
| FundedNext* | CFD | No MT4/MT5 for US clients; US IP banned on MetaQuotes servers |
*Not an HNL Growth partner.
Why Futures Are Easier for US Residents
US retail forex is limited to CFTC/NFA dealers, with 50:1 leverage on majors and no CFDs (US broker guide). Prop firms that route CFDs through MT5 must keep US users off MetaQuotes servers. Futures firms trade regulated CME contracts, so that conflict does not arise.
What to Compare
- Drawdown: EOD vs intraday trailing (EOD explained)
- Fee model: one-time (The5ers Futures) vs monthly (Topstep)
- Consistency: Topstep 55% in the Combine; Apex 50% at payout; TradeDay 30–45%
- Payout caps: Apex closes a PA after 6 payouts
Example Cost: First Month at a US Futures Firm (50K)
| Topstep Standard Path | TradeDay (promo) | The5ers Futures | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation | $49/month | From $45 (55% off) | One-time fee |
| Activation after passing | $149 | None | Check checkout |
| Platform | TopstepX | Tradovate/Rithmic | NinjaTrader/Tradovate |
Budget for two months of a subscription firm, because few traders pass in the first one.
Related: Topstep vs Apex · Topstep vs TradeDay · Best futures prop firms · Prop firms by country
Official sources: CFTC education center · NFA BASIC · FunderPro Help Center (support.funderpro.com) · The5ers official site (the5ers.com).
Prop Firms for US Traders: Your Questions Answered
Can Americans use forex prop firms?
Some, with limits. Many CFD firms block MT4/MT5 for US residents. Futures prop firms are the main option.
Which prop firms are based in the US?
Topstep (Chicago) and Apex Trader Funding (Austin, Texas) are US-based. BrightFunded's futures services are run by BrightFunded LLC (Wyoming).
Do US traders pay tax on prop payouts?
Usually yes, as self-employment or other income. Firms may issue a 1099. Get tax advice.
Sources checked 2026-10-01: help.fundednext.com USA notice; brightfunded.com legal footer; apextraderfunding.com about section; topstep.com; funderpro-countries guide (2026-07-26).
Related Guides
Sources & verification
- Last checked
- Written by
- HNL Growth Team
- Reviewed by
- Hà Ngọc Lộc
- Length
- 2 min read · 453 words
Rules, prices and payout terms on this page were checked against the official websites, help-centre articles and published terms of the firms mentioned, on the date above. Prop firms and brokers change conditions often — confirm the current version on the official site before you buy or deposit. Read our editorial methodology and affiliate disclosure.
Official sources & documentation verified
- CFTC education center(cftc.gov · Official Regulator)
- NFA BASIC(nfa.futures.org · Official Regulator)
- FunderPro Help Center(support.funderpro.com)
- The5ers official site(the5ers.com)
Explore Related Hubs & Free Trading Tools
Ready to Check The5%ers Programs?
The5%ers has funded traders since 2016 across 5 distinct programs — from low-cost Bootcamp to Instant Funding — with profit splits up to 100% and a scaling path to $4M. Use code 4YBG6L9 at checkout for a discount.
Risk disclaimer: Challenge fees are non-refundable if you breach the rules. Prop trading involves significant financial risk. Past performance in a simulated environment does not guarantee results on a funded account. Only purchase if you understand the rules fully and can afford to lose the fee. Affiliate disclosure: HNL Growth earns a commission when you purchase a The5%ers program through links on this page.