Elite Trader Funding

Elite Trader Funding (ETF) is one of the longest-running futures prop firms, with a track record that predates many of its competitors. The firm uses a Live Trailing drawdown model where the floor follows both open and realized P&L, giving traders a clear understanding of their risk at all times.

ETF uses a 1-Step evaluation model with account sizes at $50K, $100K, and $150K. The firm supports NinjaTrader, Tradovate, and Rithmic, and has a well-established payout history. What makes ETF distinct is the combination of its safety net feature (which locks your drawdown floor after earning sufficient profit) and a clear scaling path.

However, ETF enforces a 10-second minimum hold time on all trades and a 23% ATD consistency rule on funded accounts — two restrictions that directly impact fast scalpers and high-conviction traders respectively. These rules should be understood before purchasing an evaluation.

ETF's evaluation fees start at $197/mo for the $50K account, with the $100K at $247/mo and $150K at —. Activation fees apply after passing ($87/mo or $177-$247 one-time), which adds to the total cost-to-funding.

See our Elite Trader Funding discount page for current promotions that can reduce these costs significantly.

ETF uses Live Trailing drawdown — your floor follows both your open (unrealized) and realized P&L in real time. Once you've earned enough profit to exceed the drawdown plus $100, the floor locks at your starting balance + $100. This safety net mechanism reduces risk as you approach the profit target.

The Live Trailing model means your drawdown is always current — there's no delay to end-of-day. Every tick of unrealized profit or loss affects your floor. This requires precise risk management, especially for traders who experience large intraday swings.

The 10-second minimum hold time means every trade must be held for at least 10 seconds. This eliminates ultra-fast scalping strategies and any form of latency arbitrage. If your strategy involves sub-10-second entries and exits, ETF is not compatible.

For a comprehensive look at how ETF's rules compare to other firms, see the prop firm rules guide.

ETF offers a 100% profit split. Payouts are processed Twice weekly (Mon & Wed). At least 1 trade per week is required to maintain account activity.

After reaching 20% profit growth on a funded account, a stricter loss limit applies: losing more than 35% of total accumulated profits removes you from the funded program. This adds a layer of performance accountability that some traders find motivating and others find restrictive.

ETF is best suited for experienced traders who appreciate rule clarity and a proven track record. The Live Trailing drawdown with safety net lock is a clear system — once you understand how the floor moves and when it locks, the risk management becomes predictable.

Traders who rely on fast execution (sub-10-second trades) should avoid ETF. The hold time restriction is actively enforced and can invalidate profitable trades that close too quickly.

For a full comparison of ETF against alternatives, see the futures prop firm comparison.

Elite Trader Funding runs promotional discounts on evaluations and add-ons throughout the year. Check our ETF discount page for verified codes. They also offer add-on products (3D, One Day to Pass, TradeShield) that occasionally go on sale separately.