Getting started · November 1, 2026
How to sign up for prop firms: a futures trader’s beginner checklist
Before opening another checkout tab, work out which program fits your strategy and what happens after you pay. This guide covers preparation across six EVX futures partners; the existing firm-specific walkthrough covers Apex, TradeDay and Top One checkout steps.
By Dee Anthony. Uses EVX’s existing verified partner cards and tier sources, not a new live pricing audit. Terms can change; confirm the exact plan before paying. Education only, not financial advice. Affiliate disclosure.
The sequence: choose, verify, budget, register, connect
Buying the cheapest evaluation first and reading the rules later reverses the process. Make sure eligibility, drawdown, trading permissions and funded payout conditions fit before spending money.
Already chose Apex, TradeDay or Top One? Open the checkout walkthrough →1. Choose the exact program and account size
Decide whether you want exchange-traded futures rather than perpetual contracts, then compare the evaluation and funded phases of the specific plan. An EOD evaluation can have different funded rules; no funded consistency rule does not necessarily remove evaluation consistency.
Choose around drawdown, stop distance and contract scaling rather than nominal balance alone. Compare minimum verified account tiers →
2. Check eligibility and trading permissions
- Confirm your country, age, identity verification and payout-provider eligibility directly with the firm. This guide does not establish approval for your location.
- Check your intended instruments and platform. Confirm costs, supported software and market-data access.
- Read news trading, overnight holds, minimum hold time, automation and prohibited-strategy rules for both phases.
- Check account limits and copying rules before buying multiple evaluations. Get written clarification when a rule is missing.
3. Budget beyond the first checkout
Write down the evaluation cost and access period, possible renewals, reset policy, funded activation and any applicable data or platform fees. An optional reset is a possible future expense—not necessarily a required upfront charge. Passing can also trigger a separate deadline for activation or a launch fee.
The partner excerpts below keep recurring and one-time billing distinct. Promotional prices are stored verified offers, not a guarantee of today’s checkout total or code stacking.
Apex Trader Funding
One-time evaluation fee, no rebill or resets, 30-day access. 50K Intraday Standard: $24.90 one pack (reg. $249), $95 five pack ($19 each; reg. $950), verified Oct 30, 2026. Supplied 50K EOD screenshot received Nov 1: Standard $59 single / $245 five pack ($49 each); No Activation Fee $119 single / $545 five pack ($109 each). Screenshot coupon entry not visible; confirm code and current checkout price. Intraday No Activation Fee price unverified. Standard requires a separate PA activation payment (amount unverified); No Activation Fee removes that additional payment, not the evaluation cost.
Partner code: Deeanthony. Verify whether it applies to your exact plan at checkout.
Card last verified Nov 1, 2026.
TradeDay
$59/month during current 55% off promo (reg. $131/month). Resets $59. No activation fee.
Partner code: Deeanthonytrades. Verify whether it applies to your exact plan at checkout.
Card last verified Oct 30, 2026.
DayTraders
Activation fee: $5. Evaluation price pending verification — check provider site.
Partner code: Deeanthony. Verify whether it applies to your exact plan at checkout.
Card last verified Oct 30, 2026.
Top One Futures
$109 during current 50% off promo (reg. $218). Reset fee $104. No activation fee.
Partner code: Dee. Verify whether it applies to your exact plan at checkout.
Card last verified Oct 30, 2026.
Bulenox
One-time Qualification fees before code: $25,000: $145 · $50,000: $175 · $100,000: $215 · $150,000: $325. 30-day access. Reset $78 (does not extend access). Master activation: $25,000: $143 · $50,000: $148 · $100,000: $248 · $150,000: $498; no monthly Master subscription. Apply evx at checkout; its discount amount is not independently verified. Non-professional exchange data included; professional data $116/month. Third-party Rithmic API/composite software $100/month when used.
Partner code: evx. Verify whether it applies to your exact plan at checkout.
Card last verified Oct 31, 2026.
BluSky Trading
Launch (subscription + one-time launch fee due within 14 days of passing): 50K $59/30 days + $99 · 100K $69/30 days + $149 · 200K Static $79/30 days + $179. Propel evaluations from $105/30 days. Orbit one-time plans $199–$419 (30-day expiry). Instant Funding $599–$749 one-time. A renewal on a failed Launch account includes a free reset.
Partner code: No code supplied — use the referral link. Do not assume a referral link guarantees a price reduction.
Card last verified Nov 1, 2026.
4. Register on the official site and review payment
Use the firm’s official registration flow. Keep your account details consistent with the identity and payment information the provider requires. Apply your partner code where supported, then inspect the selected account type, platform, billing cycle, final total and refund policy before paying.
Save the order confirmation and the rules for the exact program. EVX links take you to the provider; EVX does not collect your checkout payment or approve your funded account.
5. Confirm platform access before the first trade
- Follow the provider’s onboarding instructions and confirm you selected the purchased account rather than an unrelated practice or personal account.
- Check the active account’s loss floor, daily limit if any, permitted position size and required closing time.
- Verify contract symbols, order sizing and market data. Resolve missing access with the provider before attempting a trade.
- Set your personal risk limits inside the firm’s constraints and read payout requirements now—not after reaching the target.
Where does Vest Markets fit?
Vest is an EVX perpetual-contract partner, not an exchange-futures provider. Its onboarding and instruments should be assessed separately. Read the Vest account and signup context →
Frequently asked questions
How do I sign up for a futures prop firm?
Choose an eligible firm and exact program, read evaluation and funded rules, check total costs, register through the official site and review the checkout total before paying. After purchase, verify platform access and account-specific rules before placing a trade.
Do I need a live brokerage account first?
Do not assume you need to open a separate personal brokerage account. Check the provider’s supported platform and account setup instructions for the program you purchase. Evaluation access and live funded access may have different requirements.
What documents do I need?
Document requirements vary by provider, country and account phase. Confirm accepted ID, legal-name matching, tax forms and payment-provider verification with your firm. Never assume a successful checkout establishes payout eligibility.
Will a discount code always reduce my price?
No. Codes may have plan restrictions, promotions may not stack and prices can change. Confirm the final total and billing terms before payment. BluSky’s EVX partner card has a referral link and no supplied discount code.
Does paying for an evaluation mean I am funded?
No. An evaluation purchase provides access to that evaluation. Passing, activation, buffer stages, funded contracts and live transitions depend on the specific program. Do not treat simulated balances as cash you can withdraw.
Can I start trading immediately after paying?
Wait until access is confirmed, the correct account is connected and you have checked platform, instrument, drawdown, market-hours and news rules. A payment receipt alone is not confirmation that your trading setup is ready.