Our Evaluation Methodology

Understanding how we analyze and compare prop trading firms to provide you with reliable and objective information.

Introduction: The Importance of a Clear Methodology

At PropFirmsCodes, we understand that choosing a prop trading firm is a crucial decision for a trader's career. That's why we've developed a comprehensive and transparent evaluation methodology. Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate and objective information possible to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your needs and trading style.

Our Core Principles

  • Objectivity: Our analyses are conducted impartially. Although we are an affiliate site (see our affiliate disclosure), our priority is the accuracy and usefulness of information for our users.
  • Rigor: We strive to meticulously collect and verify every piece of data. Information comes from official sources, contractual documents, and when possible, direct experiences or verified user feedback.
  • Current Information: The prop trading sector evolves rapidly. We are committed to updating our information regularly to reflect changes in companies' offers and conditions.

Our Evaluation Process

Our evaluation process unfolds through several key stages:

  1. Information Collection: We gather data from prop firms' official websites, FAQs, terms and conditions, membership contracts, and public communications. We also consult trader forums and review platforms to collect user experiences.
  2. Key Criteria Analysis: Each prop firm is analyzed according to a predefined criteria grid (detailed below). This allows us to make structured and fair comparisons.
  3. Practical Testing (when applicable): When relevant and feasible, we may engage in evaluation processes or use demo accounts to better understand the user experience and platform robustness.
  4. Rating System: We assign ratings based on our analysis. This system considers the firm's relative performance on different criteria, weighting those that are most important for the majority of traders (for example, passing conditions, profit sharing, reputation).
  5. Writing and Publication: Information is synthesized in our reviews, comparisons, and descriptive sheets, using clear and accessible language.
  6. Continuous Updates: We actively monitor the market and feedback from our community to keep our evaluations up to date.

Detailed Evaluation Criteria

Here are the main criteria we examine for each prop trading firm:

  • Account Models and Programs: Types of challenges (1-step, 2-step), direct evaluation, accelerated programs, scaling options.
  • Profit Targets: Profit percentage required to pass evaluations and for scaling.
  • Loss Rules (Drawdown): Maximum daily loss, maximum total loss (static or trailing), consequences of a violation.
  • Leverage: Leverage offered for different instruments and account types.
  • Tradeable Assets: Variety of available instruments (Forex, Indices, Crypto, Stocks, Commodities).
  • Trading Platforms: Supported platforms (MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, proprietary platforms).
  • Fees and Costs: Initial evaluation cost, monthly subscription fees (if applicable), withdrawal fees, potential hidden charges.
  • Profit Split: Percentage of profits returned to the trader, payment frequency, conditions for the first withdrawal.
  • Specific Trading Rules: Restrictions on copy trading, use of Expert Advisors (EA), news trading, holding positions over weekends or overnight.
  • Customer Support: Availability (24/5, 24/7), communication channels (chat, email, phone), responsiveness and quality of support.
  • Reputation and Longevity: Company history, user reviews on third-party platforms (Trustpilot, forums), company transparency.
  • Withdrawal Process: Ease, speed, and reliability of profit withdrawals.
  • Educational Resources and Community: Training materials, webinars, coaching, community (Discord, forums) offered by the firm.

Transparency and Affiliation

We want to be transparent about our business model. PropFirmsCodes participates in affiliate programs. This means we may receive a commission if you sign up with a prop trading firm through one of our links, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help us maintain and develop the site. However, our editorial integrity remains our priority. Our evaluations and recommendations are based on our methodology and are not influenced by affiliate relationships. For more information, please see our Affiliate Disclosure page.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Our methodology is not set in stone. We constantly seek to improve it. Your feedback is valuable! If you have suggestions, questions about our process, or if you identify information that deserves clarification or correction, please don't hesitate to contact us.