Futures Prop Firms Explained: Contracts, Rules and Costs
How futures prop firms work: point values, typical rules by size, data and platforms, with a worked sizing example.
By Prop Firm Duel · · updated Sep 27, 2026
A futures prop firm funds you to trade exchange-listed futures contracts, such as the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500. You're sized in contracts, your loss limits are in dollars, and most programs now use end-of-day drawdown. Market data and platform choices matter more here than in any other market.
Key takeaways
- We list 13 futures prop firms and 39 futures programs.
- On 50K accounts, the most common rules are a $3,000 target and a $2,000 drawdown.
- 33 of 38 programs that publish a drawdown type use end-of-day drawdown.
- Point values decide your risk: NQ is $20 a point, MNQ is $2.
How do contracts and point values work?
Each futures contract has a dollar value per point:
| Market | Mini | Micro |
|---|---|---|
| Nasdaq-100 | NQ, $20 a point | MNQ, $2 a point |
| S&P 500 | ES, $50 a point | MES, $5 a point |
| Dow | YM, $5 a point | MYM, $0.50 a point |
| Russell 2000 | RTY, $50 a point | M2K, $5 a point |
That's why futures rules are written in dollars and contracts. A $2,000 drawdown means 100 points on one NQ, or 1,000 points on one MNQ. See micro vs mini contracts.
What do futures prop firm rules look like?
When we checked on September 26 and 27, 2026, futures programs were strikingly similar by size:
- Targets: about 6% of the account, such as $3,000 on 50K in 28 of 29 programs.
- Drawdown: $2,000 on 50K in 31 of 34 programs, mostly end-of-day.
- Contract limits: 4 minis or 40 micros was the most common 50K limit.
- Billing: 30 of 38 programs that state billing charge a one-time fee.
- Price: a median of about $214 for a one-time 50K evaluation.
Because the headline numbers match so closely, the details decide which program fits: drawdown type, daily limit, consistency and payout rules. See prop firm drawdown rules.
What about data and platforms?
Futures exchanges license their price data, so some programs charge a data fee once you're funded. Platforms vary by firm, with Tradovate and NinjaTrader the most widely supported in our data. See data fees and prop firms by platform.
A worked example
Say you trade NQ with a 15-point stop on a 50K account with a $2,000 drawdown. One NQ contract risks $300 per stop, so about six losses in a row would end the account. Switch to three MNQ contracts and the same stop risks $90, giving you room for about 22 losses. Same market, same stop, very different survival.
Where can you compare futures programs?
The list of futures prop firms shows every futures program we track, with each one's rules and sources. You can also filter by end-of-day drawdown, no activation fee or one-time fee.
Common questions
Which futures can I trade at a prop firm?
Most futures firms allow major index, energy, metals, currency and interest-rate contracts on US exchanges. Each firm lists its allowed products.
Why are futures limits in dollars?
Futures profit and loss is measured in dollars per point per contract, so dollar limits map directly to your positions.
Can I hold futures overnight?
Many programs require you to be flat by a set time each day. Check the rules. See types of prop firms.
How we got these numbers
Figures come from each firm's published rules, reviewed by a person on September 26–27, 2026. See our methodology.
Futures trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Prop firm evaluations and most funded accounts trade in a simulated environment, and payouts depend on meeting each firm's rules. Everything on this site is general education, not financial advice. Rules and prices change: always read the firm's current terms before you buy. We have no affiliate or paid relationship with any firm listed. Our disclosure.