Payout Split

Evaluation & Funding

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According to Vigil's prop trading glossary, Payout Split is the percentage of trading profits that a funded trader keeps versus what the prop firm retains. Typical splits range from 50% to 100%, with most firms starting at 80% and offering increases for consistent performance. In prop trading, understanding payout split is critical because it directly affects your drawdown limits, position sizing, and whether you pass or fail an evaluation.

This term is part of the full prop firm glossary.

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How does payout split work?

Payout splits are one of the most important factors in firm selection. A higher split means more money in your pocket for the same trading performance. Most firms start at 80% and scale up to 90% based on consistency or account growth.

Some firms offer aggressive splits to attract traders. Apex and TopStep give 100% of the first $10,000-$25,000 in profits, then drop to 90%. The5%ers start low at 50% but scale up to 100% over time. FundedNext offers up to 95%.

Payouts occur on different schedules: weekly (TopStep), bi-weekly (FTMO, The5%ers), monthly (Apex), or on-demand within 24 hours (FundedNext). Some firms require a minimum profit threshold before you can request a payout. Consider both the split percentage and payout frequency when choosing a firm.

What does payout split look like in practice?

You make $10,000 profit on a funded account. At FTMO (80% split): you keep $8,000. At TopStep (90% split): you keep $9,000. At The5%ers (50% starting split): you keep $5,000. Over a year of consistent $10K/month profits, the difference between 80% and 90% split is $12,000 in your pocket.

Why does payout split matter for prop firm traders?

Payout Split determines what stands between your challenge fee and funded capital. Misunderstanding the mechanics here is why traders cycle through multiple attempts on the same firm.

Practical example across firms: FTMO: 2-step, static drawdown, 5% daily loss, from €155. TopStep: 1-step, trailing drawdown, 2% daily loss, from $49.

Common mistake: The most common mistake with payout split: rushing to hit the profit target. Most firms have no time limit. Overleveraging to finish faster is the number one account killer. A slow pass beats a fast blowup.

How do different firms handle payout split?

Understanding payout split is essential when choosing and trading with a prop firm. Compare how different firms handle this:

What terms are related to payout split?

Funded Account

A trading account provided by a prop firm after passing the evaluation, where the firm supplies the capital and the trader keeps a percentage of profits. The trader does not risk their own money beyond the challenge fee.

Profit Target

The minimum profit a trader must generate to pass an evaluation phase or qualify for a payout. Once hit, the trader advances to the next phase or receives their funded account.

Scaling Plan

A program offered by prop firms that increases your account size and/or profit split as you demonstrate consistent profitability over time. Scaling rewards long-term funded traders with larger capital allocations.

Prop Firm (Proprietary Trading Firm)

A company that provides traders with capital to trade financial markets in exchange for a share of profits. Modern retail prop firms charge an evaluation fee and fund traders who demonstrate consistent profitability.

See payout split in action
Where can I learn more?

How to Pass FTMO $200,000

Step-by-step guide

How to Pass TopStep $150,000

Step-by-step guide

How to Pass Apex Trader Funding $300,000

Step-by-step guide

FTMO Trust Score

Independent trust audit

TopStep Trust Score

Independent trust audit

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