For part-time traders, prop firms act as a leverage multiplier without the traditional burdens of full-time trading. They allow traders to access significantly larger capital while risking a fixed, predefined fee instead of personal savings. Best Prop Firms for Part-Time Traders matters because part-time traders operate with limited screen time, slower trade frequency, and stricter risk tolerance. A good prop firm removes the need to compound a small personal account, enforces structured risk rules, and creates a professional trading framework that rewards consistency over constant activity.
In short, prop firms make it possible for part-time traders to participate meaningfully in global markets without quitting their day job or overtrading to grow capital.
Best Prop Firms for Part-Time Traders: Analytical Comparasion
| Prop firm | Markets | Evaluation time limit | Minimum activity requirement | Evaluation profit target | Daily loss rule | Max loss / drawdown rule | Profit split / payout notes (as published) | Part-time fit verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO (2-Step Challenge) | Multi-asset (broker-style offering; includes crypto among tradable instruments depending on symbol list) | Unlimited | Min 4 trading days | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 5% max daily loss | 10% max loss | Reward split marketed up to 90% | Very strong for part-time because there’s no deadline pressure. You just need 4 active days and clean risk control. |
| The5ers (High Stakes) | Multi-asset (MT5-based program) | Unlimited | Min 3 profitable trading days | 8% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 5% daily loss | 10% max loss (absolute) | Program benefits page claims up to 100% profit share; withdrawals described as bi-weekly after funded (conditions apply) | Strong part-time fit: no clock, low friction (3 profitable days), and the targets are not absurd. |
| MyFundedFX (now Seacrest Markets, 2-Step Challenge) | Forex, indices, crypto, commodities (published as available instruments) | Unlimited | Min 3 profitable days | 8% (Step 1), 5% (Step 2) | 5% daily simulated loss | 8% overall simulated loss (static) | Live simulated phase: 80% gain split, payouts described as every 14 days | Very part-time friendly on timing. The main constraint is the tighter overall loss (8%), so you cannot freestyle position sizing. |
| City Traders Imperium (CTI, 2-Step Challenge) | Multi-asset prop model (program-based) | Unlimited | Program page describes challenge phases; minimum-day rules depend on path (CTI also defines “profitable trading day” rules in its materials) | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 5% daily drawdown | 10% total drawdown | Profit share shown as 80% for the challenge program (VIP tiers and payout mechanics vary by status) | Very workable for part-time traders who hate deadlines, but daily drawdown adds “one bad session can stall you” pressure. |
| Topstep (Trading Combine → Express Funded) | Futures | No fixed time limit (subscription-based) | Combine includes a Consistency Target; Express Funded payout eligibility includes specific day/consistency requirements | Profit targets and thresholds are account-size specific | Daily Loss Limit treatment varies by platform rules; Express Funded rules highlight Max Loss and platform-dependent daily limits | Express Funded includes a Max Loss Limit (account-size specific) | Payout policy is rule-heavy and explicitly defined (consistency and eligibility gates) | Great if you want futures + structure. Less ideal for “trade only when I feel like it,” because consistency/payout gates can nudge you into forcing trades. |
| Earn2Trade (Gauntlet Mini) | Futures (intraday exam) | Subscription-based exam that lasts until you pass/cancel/change plan | Min 10 trading days | Profit target is plan-size specific | Daily loss limit is plan-size specific | End-of-day drawdown / minimum balance rule is plan-size specific | Profit split and funded-partner mechanics are documented in their program materials | Good only if your part-time schedule is still consistent. The 10-day minimum is a hard filter for low-frequency traders. |
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1. FTMO (2-Step Challenge)
FTMO is the “structured but flexible” option for part-time traders who want professional rules without a countdown timer. The 2-step path is built around clear objectives and strict risk caps, which is ideal when you only trade a few high-quality sessions per week. The biggest part-time advantage is that you can stay selective and wait for your setups instead of forcing trades to beat a deadline.
- 2-step evaluation with an unlimited trading period
- Minimum 4 trading days requirement
- Profit targets: 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)
- Risk caps: 5% max daily loss, 10% max loss
- Multi-asset environment (availability varies by instrument list/region)
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| Attribute | Official program detail |
|---|---|
| Evaluation structure | 2-step |
| Time limit | Unlimited trading period |
| Minimum trading days | 4 trading days (minimum duration) |
| Profit targets | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) |
| Max daily loss | 5% |
| Max loss | 10% |
| Why it works for part-time | You can wait for your setups without the calendar bullying you. The only real “activity friction” is 4 days, which is manageable even at 1–2 sessions per week. |
2. The5ers (High Stakes)
The5ers High Stakes is designed for traders who prefer a slower, more deliberate pace. For part-time traders, the headline is unlimited time plus a low-friction requirement that focuses on performance rather than constant activity. This works well when your schedule is irregular and you only want to trade when conditions are clean.
- 2-step evaluation with unlimited time
- Minimum 3 profitable trading days requirement
- Profit targets: 8% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)
- Risk caps: 5% daily loss, 10% maximum loss
- Funding and withdrawal cadence is described as bi-weekly after funded (conditions apply)
Also, you may read 10 Best Futures Prop Trading Firms
| Attribute | Official program detail |
|---|---|
| Evaluation structure | 2-step |
| Time limit | Unlimited |
| Minimum trading days | Minimum 3 profitable trading days |
| Profit targets | 8% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) |
| Max daily loss | 5% |
| Max loss | 10% |
| Why it works for part-time | “Unlimited time + only 3 profitable days” is basically the part-time trader’s love language. You can stay selective and still clear the rules. |
3. MyFundedFX (Seacrest Markets 2-Step Plan)
Seacrest Markets is a strong fit for part-time traders who like the classic 2-step model but want the freedom to progress at their own pace. The unlimited timeline is the core advantage, but the program’s tighter overall loss cap means disciplined risk sizing is non-negotiable. This is better for traders who prioritize consistency over aggressive growth.
- 2-step evaluation with unlimited trading days
- Minimum 3 separate trading days requirement
- Profit targets: 8% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)
- Risk caps: 5% daily loss limit, 8% static maximum loss
- Good for selective traders who can avoid “catch-up” trading
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| Attribute | Official program detail |
|---|---|
| Evaluation structure | 2-step |
| Time limit | Unlimited |
| Minimum trading days | Minimum 3 days (minimum profitable days requirement is stated across their 2-step pages and rules) |
| Profit targets | 8% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) |
| Daily drawdown | 5% daily simulated drawdown limit |
| Max loss | 8% maximum acceptable simulated loss (static from initial size) |
| Why it works for part-time | Unlimited time is great, but the tighter max loss (8%) means you must size risk like a professional. Great for disciplined traders, punishing for “one oversized trade after work.” |
4. City Traders Imperium (CTI 2-Step Challenge Funding Program)
CTI’s 2-step program is built for traders who want predictable rules and flexible pacing. It’s positioned as an unlimited-time evaluation, which is exactly what part-time traders need when life randomly deletes your trading weeks. The rule-set is familiar: daily drawdown plus total drawdown paired with 10% then 5% targets.
- 2-step evaluation with unlimited time to pass Phase 1
- Profit targets: 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)
- Drawdown framework: 5% daily drawdown, 10% total drawdown
- Profit share stated as 80% for this challenge program
- Works best for traders who can stop trading when conditions are poor
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| Attribute | Official program detail |
|---|---|
| Evaluation structure | 2-step |
| Time limit | Unlimited time to pass Phase 1 (stated for the 2-step program) |
| Profit targets | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) |
| Daily drawdown | 5% daily drawdown limit |
| Total drawdown | 10% total drawdown |
| Profit share | 80% profit share (for challenge funding program) |
| Why it works for part-time | The structure is classic and predictable. Unlimited time helps part-time traders, but daily DD still punishes sloppy sessions. It rewards traders who can walk away when conditions are trash. |
5. Topstep (Trading Combine → Express Funded)
Topstep is the futures-first route for part-time traders who want guardrails, scoring, and a career-path style process. The Combine emphasizes consistency and risk discipline, which can be a great match if you trade systematically. The potential downside for part-time schedules is that consistency and payout eligibility mechanics can indirectly push you to trade more frequently than you naturally would.
- Futures-only evaluation via Trading Combine
- No fixed “end date” in the traditional sense (subscription-based)
- Consistency Target concept is part of the evaluation parameters
- Risk framework includes Maximum Loss Limit; Daily Loss handling depends on platform/ruleset
- Express Funded stage includes defined rules and payout eligibility conditions
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| Attribute | Official program detail |
|---|---|
| Market focus | Futures |
| Evaluation time limit | No fixed time limit (subscription continues) |
| Core objective | Reach and maintain profit target (varies by account size) |
| Consistency requirement | Best day must be below a set percentage of total profits (consistency target described in their parameters) |
| Daily loss mechanics | Daily Loss Limit exists depending on platform setup and ruleset (TopstepX has different handling) |
| Max loss mechanics | Maximum Loss Limit is defined and explained as part of their risk framework |
| Why it works for part-time | Strong choice if you trade futures in a structured way. The consistency gates can be the hidden tax for part-time traders because they may force you to “spread” profit across more days than your schedule naturally allows. |
6. Earn2Trade (Gauntlet Mini)
Earn2Trade’s Gauntlet Mini is an intraday futures exam that rewards repetition and strict rule adherence. It can work for part-time traders only if your schedule is still consistent, because the program requires a minimum number of trading days even if you hit the profit goal early. If you can only trade sporadically, this is usually the wrong fit.
- Intraday futures exam, subscription-based
- Minimum 10 trading days required (not waived by early profit)
- Rule-set includes daily loss limits, end-of-day drawdown/minimum account balance logic, and trading-hour constraints
- Profit split is stated as 80/20 in the trader’s favor
- Best for part-time traders who can still show up regularly each week
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| Attribute | Official program detail |
|---|---|
| Market focus | Intraday futures exam |
| Evaluation time limit | Subscription-based, lasts until you pass/cancel/change plan |
| Minimum trading days | At least 10 trading days |
| Primary pass criteria | Follow rules for minimum days and hit the plan’s profit target |
| Risk framework | Daily loss + end-of-day drawdown (minimum account balance) are enforced as rules |
| Profit split | 80/20 in the trader’s favor (as stated in their help content) |
| Why it works for part-time | It is not for “I trade twice a week when I feel like it.” It is for part-time traders who can still show up consistently. The 10-day requirement is the whole filter. |
Best Prop Firms for Part-Time Traders: Final Verdict
FTMO – Best for Structured, Selective Traders
FTMO is best suited for disciplined part-time traders who want institutional-style rules without time pressure. If you trade 1–3 focused sessions per week and are comfortable operating within strict daily and overall drawdown limits, this is a strong fit. It rewards patience and clean execution rather than constant market participation.
The5ers – Best for Slow-Paced, Low-Frequency Traders
The5ers is ideal for traders who prefer a relaxed timeline and do not want to feel rushed. If you trade selectively and only when conditions align, the unlimited time and low minimum profitable-day requirement make it one of the most part-time-friendly structures available.
Seacrest Markets – Best for Risk-Controlled, Disciplined Traders
Seacrest Markets suits part-time traders who are extremely risk-aware and comfortable with tighter overall drawdown limits. If you can maintain steady position sizing and avoid “revenge trades” after missing sessions, this model works well. It is less forgiving for inconsistent risk management.
City Traders Imperium – Best for Classic Challenge Traders
CTI is a good match for part-time traders who want a traditional 2-step structure with predictable rules and no deadline pressure. If you prefer a straightforward model with familiar 10%/5% targets and standard drawdown caps, this is a practical and stable option.
Topstep – Best for Futures Traders with Consistent Routines
Topstep is best for part-time traders focused exclusively on futures who can maintain steady participation. If you trade a few sessions every week and can manage consistency requirements, it provides a structured pathway. It is less ideal for traders with highly irregular schedules.
Earn2Trade – Best for Part-Time but Consistent Traders
Earn2Trade fits traders who are part-time in hours but consistent in attendance. If you can commit to the required minimum trading days and follow strict intraday rules, it can work well. It is not suited for sporadic or “trade-only-when-I-feel-like-it” schedules.
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Conclusion
Best Prop Firms for Part-Time Traders is not the one with the biggest advertised payout or the flashiest scaling plan. It is the one that aligns with how often you can realistically trade without breaking discipline. Programs with unlimited evaluation time and low minimum-day requirements reward patience and selectivity, which are natural advantages for part-time traders. In contrast, firms that rely heavily on consistency targets or high minimum trading days can quietly pressure traders into overtrading just to stay eligible.
The real edge comes from choosing a structure that lets you trade less, not more, while still compounding skill and capital. When the rules support your schedule instead of fighting it, part-time trading stops being a handicap and starts becoming a filter for higher-quality decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a prop firm suitable for part-time traders?
A prop firm becomes part-time-friendly when it removes time pressure. Unlimited evaluation periods, low minimum trading-day requirements, and reasonable drawdown limits allow traders to wait for quality setups instead of forcing trades just to meet deadlines.
Are unlimited time evaluations always better for part-time traders?
In most cases, yes. Unlimited time reduces psychological pressure and helps traders avoid overtrading. However, unlimited time does not compensate for overly tight drawdown limits. Risk parameters still determine whether the structure is truly manageable.
Is daily drawdown more important than total drawdown?
For part-time traders, daily drawdown is often more critical. If you only trade a few days per week, breaching a daily limit can stall your progress disproportionately. Total drawdown matters long term, but daily caps affect short-term survival.
