Elite Trader Funding is a US based futures prop firm that scored a low 47/100 during testing. It offers multiple evaluation models across major exchanges, but only provides real capital through an unclear and discretionary second phase.
Elite Trader Funding Summary
Elite Trader Funding scored 47/100 in our review because while it offers wide instrument access, flexible platform support, and several unique challenge types, it falls short in key areas that matter to serious traders. The biggest issue is its vague path to live funding – you are required to pay for Sim-Funded access after passing, but there’s no clear process for when or if real capital will follow.
The model is payout-friendly on the surface, but with unclear promotion rules, high ongoing costs, and strict trade rules, ETF feels more like a subscription-based payout system than a traditional prop firm. It may suit futures traders who want short-term payout opportunities, but anyone seeking predictable long-term capital should approach with caution.
Elite Trader Funding offers six evaluation models including Direct to Funded (DTF), 1 Step, EOD, Fast Track, Static, and Diamond Hands. But passing a challenge doesn’t unlock real funding. You’re first placed in a Sim-Funded account, which is still demo-based and requires an activation fee. To access real capital, ETF must manually approve you for a LIVE Elite account, a step with no published criteria or guarantees. This lack of transparency makes it hard to know who will be offered real funding and when.
| Challenge Type | Fees | Account Size | Profit Target ($) | Profit Target (%) | Drawdown ($) | Drawdown (%) | Daily Loss ($) | Daily Loss (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTF 25K | $299.50 | $25,000 | N/A (Payout Cap $10K) | N/A | $2,500 | 10% | N/A | N/A |
| DTF 50K | $349.50 | $50,000 | N/A (Payout Cap $10K) | N/A | $5,000 | 10% | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Step 50K | $16.50 | $50,000 | $3,000 | 6% | $2,000 | 4% | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Step 100K | $20.50 | $100,000 | $6,000 | 6% | $3,000 | 3% | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Step 150K | $29.50 | $150,000 | $9,000 | 6% | $5,000 | 3.3% | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Step 250K | $51.50 | $250,000 | $15,000 | 6% | $6,500 | 2.6% | N/A | N/A |
| 1 Step 300K | $65.50 | $300,000 | $20,000 | 6.7% | $7,500 | 2.5% | N/A | N/A |
| Static 10K | $99 | $10,000 | $1,000 | 10% | $500 | 5% | N/A | N/A |
| Static 25K | $229 | $25,000 | $2,000 | 8% | $1,000 | 4% | N/A | N/A |
| Static 50K | $449 | $50,000 | $4,000 | 8% | $2,000 | 4% | N/A | N/A |
| Fast Track 100K | $75 | $100,000 | $6,000 | 6% | $3,000 | 3% | N/A | N/A |
| Fast Track 250K | $175 | $250,000 | $15,000 | 6% | $6,500 | 2.6% | N/A | N/A |
| EOD 50K | $29.50 | $50,000 | $3,000 | 6% | $2,000 | 4% | $1,100 | 2.2% |
| EOD 100K | $43 | $100,000 | $6,000 | 6% | $3,500 | 3.5% | $2,200 | 2.2% |
| EOD 150K | $60.50 | $150,000 | $9,000 | 6% | $4,500 | 3% | $3,300 | 2.2% |
| Diamond Hands 100K | $36.50 | $100,000 | $5,000 | 5% | $3,500 | 3.5% | $1,500 | 1.5% |
DTF is their instant funding option that skips the evaluation entirely – you’re placed straight into a Sim-Funded account with a $10,000 payout cap. The drawdown is 10%, with no daily loss limit. Account sizes are limited to $25K and $50K, and once you hit the cap, you’re locked out for 30 days.
This model suits experienced traders who want fast payout access but are okay with limited upside. No resets are allowed, and you’re restricted to one DTF account at a time.
This is ETF’s most popular format with a one step evaluation. It uses an intraday trailing drawdown that moves with your open equity. There’s no daily loss limit. You can trade at your own pace with no time cap, and reset anytime for $75.
Profit targets range from $3,000 (50K) to $20,000 (300K). This model suits confident day traders who want to scale up aggressively but can manage real-time risk. It’s available in $50K to $300K sizes.
EOD (End-of-Day) models apply a trailing drawdown based on your end-of-day balance, not live equity, which makes them less prone to mid-trade blowouts. There’s also a daily loss limit, calculated from the previous day’s close (e.g. 2.2%).
Profit targets are the same as 1 Step models. Drawdowns range from 3% to 4.5% depending on account size. This model suits swing traders or anyone wanting more breathing room during trades. Resets are allowed.
Fast Track accounts have the tightest timeline, just 14 calendar days to hit a 6% profit target with a trailing intraday drawdown. There’s no reset option, so if you fail, you have to buy a new one.
It’s only available in $100K and $250K sizes. Designed for fast movers who can show consistent results quickly. Weekend holding is not allowed. You can have up to three Fast Track accounts active.
Static accounts have fixed drawdowns that don’t move as your account grows. These are simple to manage: you know your absolute risk from day one.
Account sizes range from $10K to $50K, with profit targets of 8–10%. They suit conservative or newer traders who prefer predictability over flexibility. You can reset or wait for the monthly subscription to renew.
This is a special version of the EOD model with a few unique perks:
The profit target is 5%, and the trailing drawdown is 3.5%. Ideal for swing traders and anyone looking to carry trades overnight. Resets are allowed.
Passing an evaluation at ETF doesn’t unlock real capital. Instead, you’re offered a Sim-Funded account which is still a demo account but you can access payouts. But, the catch is you need to pay a fee and meet extra conditions to get there. To activate it, you choose between an $80 monthly fee or a one-time payment between $150 and $300, depending on the model and account size.
Once active, you’re subject to stricter rules:
These Sim-Funded accounts are not live. You’re still in a simulated environment, trading demo capital, but eligible for real payouts if you stay within the system. The setup raises questions. You’re paying to maintain access, and while ETF does deliver payouts, the structure benefits the firm whether or not you ever trade real capital.
To move beyond this stage, ETF may invite you to a LIVE Elite account. This part of the model is less transparent. There are no published requirements. Eligibility is based on internal review of your Sim-Funded performance, payout history, and risk profile. Some traders with multiple withdrawals are approved. Others are not, without a clear explanation. If approved, your LIVE account is funded via EdgeClear and tied to your top Sim-Funded drawdowns. You start with real capital, access daily payouts, and pay monthly exchange data fees of $128 per venue. At this point, you are trading with ETF’s money.
But getting to that stage is not guaranteed, and the lack of defined criteria means the firm can retain control over who gets funded and when. It’s a payout-first model with limited visibility into how real funding decisions are made.
There’s no phased scaling during evaluations. You can trade full position size from day one (within account limits). Once funded, ETF allows up to 20 active Sim-Funded accounts, including a max of three Fast Tracks.
For LIVE Elite accounts, ETF uses a performance-based scaling model. As you consistently withdraw, your real capital is increased in tiers, with bonuses for $5K, $10K, and $20K withdrawal milestones.
Verdict on Challenges
Elite Trader Funding scores 3/10 for challenges because the variety of evaluation models gives traders options, the real issue lies in what happens after you pass. There’s no clear path to real funding, just a paid Sim-Funded account and a vague, discretionary review process for LIVE Elite access. The lack of transparency around who actually gets funded makes this a risky proposition for traders expecting a guaranteed outcome.
Elite Trader Funding uses real futures exchange pricing with no internal markups, artificial spreads, or broker padding. Every trade is routed to a regulated exchange like CME, CBOT, COMEX, or NYMEX, and all fees are passed on directly. This keeps pricing transparent, but costs can still add up depending on what you trade and how often.
Elite Trader Funding routes all trades directly to US futures exchanges like CME, CarBOT, and COMEX. This means you trade against real market liquidity, and ETF doesn’t apply any internal spread markup or price manipulation. Spreads reflect the live bid-ask on each contract and will fluctuate depending on time of day, volatility, and contract type.
| Market | Commission (Per Side) |
|---|---|
| Forex | $2.36 (standard), $0.50 (micro) |
| Metals | $2.31 (GC, SI, PL), $0.76 (MGC) |
| Commodities | $2.81 (standard) |
| Indices | $2.04 (ES/NQ), $0.51–$0.56 (MES/MNQ) |
| Crypto | $6.76 (BTC), $2.76 (MBT), $0.46 (MET) |
Index futures like MES and MNQ typically show a 1-tick spread during regular US hours, while full-size contracts like ES and NQ can range from 0.25 to 1.0 points depending on liquidity. Currency futures like 6E and 6B also stay tight at 1-2 ticks under normal conditions. Agricultural products and metals tend to be wider, often 1-3 ticks, and crypto futures are the least consistent, with spreads expanding significantly during off-hours or low volume.
Commission is charged per side, you pay once to enter and again to exit a trade. Fees vary by contract size and asset type. Micros are the cheapest, starting at $0.46 per side, while full-size commodities and crypto can run over $6.00 per side.
If you pass the evaluation and reach a LIVE Elite account, ETF begins charging monthly exchange data fees. These are real-time Level 2 quotes and depth feeds, billed directly and deducted from your funded account balance.
Each US exchange costs $128 per month – including CME, CBOT, NYMEX, and COMEX. If you trade across all four, you’ll be paying over $500/month just for data. Eurex (for European instruments) is slightly cheaper at $80/month. These fees are not optional and apply even if you only trade one product from a given exchange.
| Exchange | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| CME | $128 |
| CBOT | $128 |
| NYMEX | $128 |
| COMEX | $128 |
| Eurex | $80 |
During the Evaluation and Elite Sim-Funded stages, ETF absorbs these data fees. So while you’re in simulation, you get real-time quotes for free.
Verdict on Pricing and Fees
Elite Trader Funding scores 4/10 for pricing. While all fees are transparent and based on regulated exchange costs, they can quickly accumulate. Commission is reasonable on micros and index contracts, but trading crypto or commodities is noticeably more expensive. Add in mandatory exchange fees once live, over $500/month for full US coverage, and your cost structure becomes harder to manage unless you’re trading at scale.
Elite Trader Funding gives you full access to the major US futures exchanges – CME, CBOT, COMEX, and NYMEX – through standard, mini, and micro contracts. All trades are routed through exchange order books using real market data. You’re not trading synthetic pairs or CFDs here, but live futures on regulated venues. However, there are strict limits on what you can trade and how much exposure you can take.
The CME is the backbone of ETF’s instrument list. It covers:
All CME contracts use native exchange tick sizes and margin, with real-time pricing from Rithmic.
CBOT access includes:
These contracts follow standard agricultural tick conventions and are often traded with 1–2 tick spreads.
COMEX listings include:
Full-size and micro contracts are both available, with real-time depth data included during evaluations.
Energy trading is handled via NYMEX, with:
These are all standard futures contracts, not derivatives or spread-bucket products.
ETF does not use traditional leverage ratios. Instead, margin is embedded into the exchange-listed contract. The firm enforces strict position caps depending on your account type:
Micros are treated as 1/10 of a mini, and the limit applies across all contracts combined. Breaching these limits results in instant disqualification and forfeiture of profits.
There’s no tiered scaling or phased access, you can trade your full size from day one, as long as you stay under the cap.
Verdict on Markets and Leverage
Elite Trader Funding scores 5/10 for markets. You get full exchange access with deep coverage across currencies, indices, commodities, crypto, and rates, all in real futures format. But there’s no support for stocks or spot forex, and fixed contract caps limit your ability to scale. For serious futures traders, the breadth is strong, but flexibility is still restricted.
Elite Trader Funding offers one of the most flexible platform setups in the futures prop space with the ability to choose from over a dozen Rithmic-compatible platforms, with no forced lock-ins. Platform fees are mostly optional, and real-time data is included during evaluation. Once funded, stricter trading rules apply, but most models stay beginner-friendly. Just keep in mind that many pro-level tools come with subscription costs.
ETF supports a broad range of professional and retail-friendly platforms, with full Rithmic integration. You can bring your own licensed software or use one of the included options. There are no restrictions as long as the platform supports Rithmic and follows ETF’s risk rules.
Free to use during evaluation and Sim-Funded phases:
Paid subscription required (you cover the cost):
Platform choice is fully open. You’re not tied to any proprietary system, but if you want order flow, bracket orders, or advanced charting, expect to pay for access. These costs can add up depending on how complex your setup is.
ETF’s trading rules vary slightly by model but follow consistent logic around risk control and evaluation structure.
Verdict on Platforms and Rules
Elite Trader Funding scores 6/10 for platforms and rules. You get full access to advanced charting tools and execution platforms with no vendor lock-in. The ability to trade algos and mirror accounts (post-funding) adds flexibility. Still, costs can build up quickly if you’re using premium tools like Bookmap or Sierra Chart, which ETF doesn’t cover.
Elite Trader Funding supports a mix of upfront and recurring payments depending on your evaluation model and payout tier. While challenge fees are paid at sign-up, additional payments kick in if you pass and want to access Sim-Funded or LIVE Elite accounts. Payouts are handled through Rise, with structured rules around timing, minimums, and profit splits based on account type.
You can purchase evaluation accounts using credit or debit cards through Stripe or Rise. Depending on your region, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH, or local options like iDEAL may also be available at checkout. Payments are processed securely with no hidden fees, but account access may be suspended if transactions fail or are reversed.
Once you pass a challenge, you’re required to activate your Elite Sim-Funded account before trading or requesting payouts. You can choose between:
| Account Size | 1 Step | EOD | Static | Diamond Hands | Fast Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75K and Below | $150 | $175 | $175 | – | Ineligible |
| 100K and Above | $225 | $250 | $175 | $300 | Ineligible |
Elite Trader Funding pays 100% of profits up to your first $12,500, then switches to a 90% split on all additional gains. All withdrawals are handled via Rise, its third-party payout provider. You must complete full KYC verification before any funds are released.
Payouts are only available after you’ve passed the evaluation, activated your Sim-Funded or LIVE Elite account, and met the model’s trading day and buffer requirements.
| Challenge | First Payout Trigger | Minimum Withdrawal | Frequency | Payout Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Step | Drawdown + $100 | $100–$2,500 | Weekly | Then 90% |
| Static | Fixed threshold (e.g. $48K for 50K account) | $100–$2,500 | Weekly | Must maintain static buffer |
| Diamond Hands | EOD balance + drawdown + $100 | $100–$2,500 | Weekly | Overnight/weekend allowed |
| Fast Track | Safety Net + ATDs in <14 days | $100–$2,500 | Weekly | No resets, time-limited model |
| DTF | Hit $2,600 or $5,100 buffer | $1,000 | Weekly | Max $10K, 30-day cooldown |
| LIVE Elite | Immediate after KYC and activation | $250 | Daily | Capital matched, replenishment rules apply |
Each payout model applies a specific “Safety Net” or buffer requirement. For example, in Static accounts, your balance must stay above a fixed level to remain eligible. Fast Track accounts must meet all criteria within 14 calendar days and can’t be reset. LIVE Elite traders can withdraw daily but must maintain the combined balance of deposited capital and matched funds.
Most accounts also require at least 10 active trading days before you can request a withdrawal.
Verdict on Payments and Payouts
Elite Trader Funding scores 5/10 here. Payment options are broad, activation plans are flexible, and the Rise payout system works smoothly once verified. But costs stack up post-evaluation, and high buffer rules mean many traders may hit targets but still miss payout eligibility. It’s a fair system if you understand the rules, just don’t underestimate how long it can take to actually withdraw.
Elite Trader Funding gives traders basic but reliable options when it comes to support and learning. There’s no live chat or phone line, but you can get help via tickets or ask questions through their active Discord community. Educational resources are split between a searchable help desk, a blog, and video tutorials on YouTube which enough to cover most user needs, especially for getting started.
All formal support requests must be submitted through ETF’s email-based ticket system. It’s the primary method for solving issues related to billing, KYC, account rules, and trading problems. Responses typically come within 24 hours on business days, and most reviews rate their accuracy and helpfulness as solid.
For quick answers or informal guidance, you can also turn to ETF’s Discord server. It has more than 15,000 members and includes channels for support, announcements, and trader discussions. However, Discord is not a replacement for ticket support, moderators may help, but official actions or policy clarifications still require a formal ticket.
There’s no phone support or live chat, and this can be limiting if you run into urgent problems.
ETF provides a decent range of self-service learning tools, starting with its Help Center. It includes walkthroughs on everything from platform setup to trading rules and payout eligibility. These are updated regularly and written clearly enough for beginners.
Their YouTube channel has over 250 videos, including platform guides, trading tips, and interviews with staff or successful users. You’ll also find market commentary and event announcements there.
For ongoing education, ETF runs a blog with articles on trading psychology, firm policy changes, and strategy basics. While not highly structured, the content is easy to follow and practical for new and intermediate traders.
Verdict on Customer Support and Education
ETF’s support system is responsive but limited to tickets, and there’s no direct live help. Discord is active but unofficial. On the education side, ETF provides solid coverage of key topics, but the materials are mostly surface-level and spread across multiple platforms. It’s enough to get you going, but if you need deeper trading education, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Elite Trader Funding is one of the more visible futures prop firms online, with a large user base and consistent public activity. However, some trust concerns remain, especially around communication clarity, shifting rules, and the firm’s lack of external audits or verified metrics. The community is active, but trader feedback is mixed depending on experience level and payout success. It’s also worth noting that Elite Trader Funding is not broker-backed during evaluation or Sim-Funded stages. While it partners with EdgeClear for Live accounts, there’s no oversight or regulation in the earlier phases.
Elite Trader Funding holds a solid 3.6 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot from over 800 reviews. About 62% of these are 5-star ratings, with many users highlighting the low-cost evaluations, reliable Discord support, and generous first payout tier. However, 26% of reviewers rate the firm 1 star, often citing rule enforcement issues or denied payouts.
Examples of recent negative experiences include:
Despite this, many positive reviews mention smooth activation, reliable support, and clear instructions – especially for traders sticking closely to the rules.
ETF’s Discord is the hub of its community activity, with nearly 16,000 members. It hosts daily support discussions, platform tips, and real user feedback. There’s also a dedicated testimonials section where users regularly post payout confirmations, and occasionally, screenshots of denied requests.
Social channels like Twitter and YouTube are also active, sharing updates, giveaways, and policy changes. However, official rule updates sometimes hit Discord before the Help Center or blog, so traders need to follow multiple sources to stay fully informed.
Verdict on Trust and Community
ETF scores 4/10 because while the prop firm is active, accessible, and runs a genuine community, clarity and consistency is an issue. Reviews are mixed, and while many traders get paid and stick around, the lack of third-party validation and reliance on Discord for updates leaves room for improvement. If you follow closely and know the rules, you’ll likely be fine, but it’s not fully hands-off.
Signing up with Elite Trader Funding is a simple process that takes just a few minutes. All evaluations are purchased online, and once your account is active, you can begin trading almost immediately with access to real-time futures data during the evaluation phase.
Elite Trader Funding is a mixed bag. On one hand, it provides full exchange access, several evaluation models, and flexible platform options. On paper, it caters well to futures traders who want variety and weekly payout potential. But when you dig deeper, the structure feels more like a recurring subscription system than a straightforward path to real capital.
The biggest red flag is the lack of transparency around real funding. Passing an evaluation just unlocks another simulated stage with added fees and stricter rules. There’s no published path to LIVE Elite access, and approvals are entirely at ETF’s discretion. Some traders are upgraded, others aren’t, with no clear explanation. That’s a risk many won’t want to take. Add in high monthly costs once live, strict contract limits, and mixed reviews around payouts, and the appeal starts to wear thin. Yes, ETF does pay out and maintain an active community, but the model leans heavily in the firm’s favor. You pay to stay in, and real capital remains optional from their side, similar to Apex Trader Funding.
For experienced traders looking for short-term payout access and who are comfortable trading futures in a controlled environment, ETF might be worth a trial. But if you’re looking for a predictable, structured route to long-term funding, this probably isn’t it and we’d recommend FXIFY Futures or FundedNext Futures.
Yes, Elite Trader Funding does pay out, but only if you meet specific account conditions and payout buffers. After passing an evaluation, traders must activate a Sim-Funded account and follow strict rules before withdrawing. You need at least 10 active trading days and must exceed the drawdown buffer by a set amount. While many users report receiving payments, others have faced denials, so understanding payout rules is essential before signing up.
The 10 second rule at Elite Trader Funding prohibits entering and exiting a trade within 10 seconds. This rule is meant to discourage scalping and ultra-short-term trades that violate their platform usage policies. Breaking the rule can lead to disqualification or loss of profits. It applies during both evaluation and funded account stages, and is enforced automatically by their monitoring systems. Traders should carefully review all trade duration requirements before using fast-entry strategies.
No, Elite Trader Funding is not a regulated financial entity or a broker backed prop firm. It operates as a futures prop trading firm using simulated accounts and does not require regulatory oversight for its core services. While live funding is offered through a broker partnership with EdgeClear, the evaluation and Sim-Funded phases are unregulated. This means there’s limited external accountability, and traders should rely on the firm’s public reputation and policies when deciding to join.
Elite Trader Funding allows you to hold multiple accounts, with specific limits depending on the account type. You can run up to 20 active Sim-Funded accounts at once, including a maximum of three Fast Track accounts. However, each account must follow its own rules, and exceeding position limits across combined accounts can lead to disqualification. Managing multiple accounts requires careful risk management and awareness of the firm’s combined exposure policies.
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