6 Best Prop Firms for Part-Time Traders

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 firmMarketsEvaluation time limitMinimum activity requirementEvaluation profit targetDaily loss ruleMax loss / drawdown ruleProfit split / payout notes (as published)Part-time fit verdictFTMO (2-Step Challenge)Multi-asset (broker-style offering; includes crypto among tradable instruments depending on symbol list)UnlimitedMin 4 trading days10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)5% max daily loss10% max lossReward 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)UnlimitedMin 3 profitable trading days8% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)5% daily loss10% 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)UnlimitedMin 3 profitable days8% (Step 1), 5% (Step 2)5% daily simulated loss8% overall simulated loss (static)Live simulated phase: 80% gain split, payouts described as every 14 daysVery 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)UnlimitedProgram 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 drawdown10% total drawdownProfit 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)FuturesNo fixed time limit (subscription-based)Combine includes a Consistency Target; Express Funded payout eligibility includes specific day/consistency requirementsProfit targets and thresholds are account-size specificDaily Loss Limit treatment varies by platform rules; Express Funded rules highlight Max Loss and platform-dependent daily limitsExpress 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 planMin 10 trading daysProfit target is plan-size specificDaily loss limit is plan-size specificEnd-of-day drawdown / minimum balance rule is plan-size specificProfit split and funded-partner mechanics are documented in their program materialsGood only if your part-time schedule is still consistent. The 10-day minimum is a hard filter for low-frequency traders.

Also, you may read Hola Prime vs RebelsFunding vs FundedFast vs FundedNext

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)

Also, you may read 10 Best Options Trading Prop Firms

AttributeOfficial program detailEvaluation structure2-stepTime limitUnlimited trading periodMinimum trading days4 trading days (minimum duration)Profit targets10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)Max daily loss5%Max loss10%Why it works for part-timeYou 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

AttributeOfficial program detailEvaluation structure2-stepTime limitUnlimitedMinimum trading daysMinimum 3 profitable trading daysProfit targets8% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)Max daily loss5%Max loss10%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

Also, you may read 10 Prop Trading Firms Australia

AttributeOfficial program detailEvaluation structure2-stepTime limitUnlimitedMinimum trading daysMinimum 3 days (minimum profitable days requirement is stated across their 2-step pages and rules)Profit targets8% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)Daily drawdown5% daily simulated drawdown limitMax loss8% maximum acceptable simulated loss (static from initial size)Why it works for part-timeUnlimited 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

Also, you may read 5 Best Prop Trading Firm Affiliate Programs Compared

AttributeOfficial program detailEvaluation structure2-stepTime limitUnlimited time to pass Phase 1 (stated for the 2-step program)Profit targets10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2)Daily drawdown5% daily drawdown limitTotal drawdown10% total drawdownProfit share80% profit share (for challenge funding program)Why it works for part-timeThe 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

Also, you may read 10 Best Stock Trading Prop Firms

AttributeOfficial program detailMarket focusFuturesEvaluation time limitNo fixed time limit (subscription continues)Core objectiveReach and maintain profit target (varies by account size)Consistency requirementBest day must be below a set percentage of total profits (consistency target described in their parameters)Daily loss mechanicsDaily Loss Limit exists depending on platform setup and ruleset (TopstepX has different handling)Max loss mechanicsMaximum Loss Limit is defined and explained as part of their risk frameworkWhy it works for part-timeStrong 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

Also, you may read 10 Best Crypto Prop Trading Firms

AttributeOfficial program detailMarket focusIntraday futures examEvaluation time limitSubscription-based, lasts until you pass/cancel/change planMinimum trading daysAt least 10 trading daysPrimary pass criteriaFollow rules for minimum days and hit the plan’s profit targetRisk frameworkDaily loss + end-of-day drawdown (minimum account balance) are enforced as rulesProfit split80/20 in the trader’s favor (as stated in their help content)Why it works for part-timeIt 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.

Also, you may read Elite Trader Funding vs Blueberry Futures vs BluSky Trading vs My FundedFutures

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