When Should You Request Your First Prop Firm Payout?

Your first payout is the real test of a prop firm. Timing it well protects both your profit and your account.

Know when you’re eligible

Eligibility ranges from on demand (E8) to 14 days after your first funded trade (FTMO) or 21 days (FundedNext 2-Step). Consistency rules and minimum amounts may also apply.

Take something early

A smaller first payout confirms the firm pays, tests your payout method and locks in some profit. It’s especially wise at firms with recent payout complaints.

Keep a buffer

Some firms change your drawdown after a payout. Topstep resets the Maximum Loss Limit to $0 after the first payout, and SabioTrade stops equity falling below the starting balance. Withdrawing everything can leave no room for a normal losing day.

Fee refunds

Many firms refund your challenge fee with the first payout, which can make it larger than expected.

Record it

Note the GBP value for your tax records.

Example

You’re $3,000 in profit on a $100,000 FTMO account 14 days after your first funded trade. Requesting the full amount at 80% gives you $2,400 plus your refunded fee. Some traders request half, leaving $1,500 as a cushion above the loss limits, then request the rest at the next cycle. The right choice depends on the firm’s post-payout rules and your confidence in the firm.

Prop firms we currently recommend

1. 1
   

   FundedNext Best for MetaTrader users

   Max account

   $200,000 (up to $4M through scaling)

   Profit split

   80%, up to 95%

   Fee from

   $59.99 USD (confirm at checkout)

   Our rating

   4.4 out of 5

   Visit FundedNext Read review
2. 2
   

   SabioTrade Best for learning while you evaluate

   Max account

   $1,000,000

   Profit split

   80–90%

   Fee from

   $139 USD (confirm at checkout)

   Our rating

   4.0 out of 5

   Visit SabioTrade Read review

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