If you are coming to futures from FX or CFDs, the prop firm rules will look unfamiliar. There is usually no daily loss limit, the drawdown trails, some plans are subscriptions, and some pay out in phases. Each of those changes how you should trade.
- Futures evaluations usually have no daily loss limit. The trailing drawdown is the only loss rule, so one bad day can end the account.
- Check whether the drawdown trails intraday (including open trades) or end of day.
- Many futures evaluations are monthly subscriptions with a time limit.
- Phased programmes pay out as you complete each phase.
The rules at a glance
| Rule | One Step Futures | Funded Futures |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | One assessment, then funded | Phases, paid on completing each |
| Profit target | 6% | 9% per phase |
| Daily loss limit | None | None |
| Max drawdown | 3% to 6% by size, trailing intraday | 5% trailing end of day |
| Consistency | 33.33% | 25% |
| Time limit | 30 days | 60 days per phase |
| Your share | 80% (90% with add-on) | 90% at Live Funded |
| Pricing | Monthly subscription | One-time |
No daily loss limit is not a gift
Without a daily limit, nothing stops a bad day early. The trailing drawdown is the only rule, and when it goes, the account goes with it. Set your own daily stop, well inside the drawdown, and treat it as if it were the firm’s rule.
Intraday vs end-of-day trailing
One Step Futures trails intraday: the floor follows your highest equity including open trades. A trade that runs in your favour and comes back raises the floor anyway. Funded Futures trails end of day, which only updates at the close. More on drawdown types.
Phases and the payout gate
Funded Futures pays a fixed payout on completing each phase, from Phase 1. You cannot move to the next phase until the current phase’s payout has been requested and completed. At Live Funded the account changes materially: a smaller account, a static max loss, a 90% split, a 7-day inactivity rule, and platform and data fees become yours.
Subscriptions and the clock
One Step Futures is billed monthly while your assessment is active and runs for 30 days. If you are close to the target near the end, plan around the renewal date rather than forcing trades to beat it.
What you can trade
CME, COMEX, NYMEX and CBOT front-month contracts, including micros. Commissions are per side and vary by contract. Full detail is on the Futures page.
Common questions
Do futures prop firms have a daily loss limit?
Many do not. At TradePath neither futures product has one; the trailing max drawdown is the only loss rule.
What is an intraday trailing drawdown?
A floor that follows your highest equity in real time, including open trades. Open profit you give back still raises the floor.
Is the futures evaluation a subscription?
One Step Futures is billed monthly while active. Funded Futures is a one-time purchase paid through phases.
Trading involves substantial risk. TradePath evaluations and funded accounts are simulated. This guide is general education, not financial advice. Rules can change; the program rules for the product you buy are what apply.