How Do we Rank Prop Firms – Our Rating Methodology
This page explains exactly how JoinProp calculates the 10-point scores you see on every firm review. We publish this because we believe transparency about our process is just as important as transparency about the firms we review.
The short version: We evaluate every firm across 9 categories. Each category has a fixed maximum score. Scores are calculated the same way for every firm – whether or not they have an affiliate relationship with JoinProp. Affiliate status has zero influence on scores.
Why We Publish Our Methodology
Most review sites don’t explain how they score firms. That’s a problem – if you can’t see the scoring logic, you can’t judge whether the scores are trustworthy. We think you deserve to see exactly what we measure, how we weight it, and why.
Publishing this methodology also holds us accountable. If our scores ever contradict the criteria below, we want you to call it out.
The 9 Scoring Categories
Every firm reviewed on JoinProp is scored across these 9 categories. The maximum score is 10 points, made up of weighted sub-scores from each category.
| Category | Max Points | Weight | What We Measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Payout Reliability | 2.0 | 20% | Speed of payouts, denial rate, trader-reported payout issues, payment method variety |
| 2. Fee Structure | 1.5 | 15% | Challenge fee, reset fee, hidden charges, refund policy. Lower total cost = higher score |
| 3. Drawdown Rules | 1.5 | 15% | Clarity, fairness, and stringency of daily and total drawdown limits. EOD vs. real-time tracking |
| 4. Profit Split | 1.5 | 15% | Funded account profit split percentage, scaling potential, and consistency of stated splits |
| 5. Evaluation Terms | 1.0 | 10% | Profit target realism, time limits (or lack of), number of phases, minimum trading days |
| 6. Trading Rules | 1.0 | 10% | News trading, overnight/weekend holds, EAs/copy trading, consistency rules. Fewer restrictions = higher score |
| 7. Customer Support | 0.5 | 5% | Response time, channels available (live chat / email / Discord), quality of resolution |
| 8. Scaling Plan | 0.5 | 5% | Availability and fairness of account scaling. Maximum reachable funded capital |
| 9. Track Record & Transparency | 0.5 | 5% | Company age, verifiable payout data, public ownership, regulatory standing, community reputation |
| TOTAL | 10.0 | 100% |
Note: Category weights reflect trader priorities based on common failure points in the prop firm industry. Payout reliability is weighted highest because receiving payment is the entire point of being a funded trader.
How We Gather Data
Scores are not based on marketing materials alone. For each firm, we collect data from multiple sources:
| Data Source | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| Official terms & conditions (T&Cs) | Exact rules, drawdown definitions, payout schedules – the legally binding version, not the marketing summary |
| Direct platform testing | We test the challenge dashboard, order execution, and payout request process firsthand where possible |
| Trader community data | Reddit (r/PropFirmReviews, r/Daytrading), Discord communities, forums – real trader experiences with payouts and support |
| Trustpilot & independent review platforms | Volume, recency, and pattern of reviews – we look for recurring themes, not isolated complaints |
| Payout proof data | Public payout screenshots, firm-published payout totals, third-party verified payout records |
| Policy change tracking | We monitor T&C changes over time. Firms that frequently change rules without notice score lower on transparency |
How Scores Are Calculated – Step by Step
- Each category is assessed independently, without reference to other categories.
- Within each category, we apply a fixed rubric. For example: payout turnaround of 1–3 business days scores full marks; 4–7 days scores partial; 8+ days or reports of unjustified denials scores low.
- Sub-scores are multiplied by category weight and summed to produce the final 10-point score.
- Scores are reviewed every 90 days, or immediately following a material change (payout policy update, new complaints, rule change).
- Review dates are published on every firm page so you can see when the data was last verified.
Detailed Rubric: Payout Reliability (Example)
Payout reliability is our most-weighted category. Here is the exact rubric we apply:
| Scenario | Points (of 2.0) | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| Payouts processed in 1–3 business days, no credible denial reports | 2.0 | Firm’s stated policy + corroborated trader reports |
| Payouts in 4–7 days, minor isolated complaints | 1.5 | Policy + trader community data |
| Payouts in 8–14 days, or recurring but unresolved complaints | 1.0 | Pattern of reports across 2+ independent platforms |
| Payouts frequently delayed or multiple credible denial reports | 0.5 | 3+ corroborated reports from independent sources |
| Widespread payout failures or active fraud reports | 0.0 | Documented evidence; firm may be listed in Firms to Avoid |
All other categories follow the same rubric-based logic. If you want to see the full rubric for any specific category, contact us at info@joinprop.com.
Affiliate Relationships and Score Independence
JoinProp earns referral commissions when traders sign up with firms through our links. This is how we fund operations. However, affiliate status has zero influence on a firm’s score – the rubric above is applied identically to all firms.
Three facts that demonstrate this:
- We review firms that are not partners and earn us no commission. These firms receive the same scoring process as partner firms.
- Partner firms that score poorly are shown with their actual score. We do not adjust scores upward for commercial reasons.
- If a firm’s behaviour changes (e.g. a partner firm begins delaying payouts), their score drops at the next review cycle regardless of commercial relationship.
If you ever believe a score is inconsistent with the criteria above, email us at info@joinprop.com. We will review it and respond.
What We Do Not Score
To keep scores focused on what matters to traders, we deliberately exclude:
- Promotional discounts or current sale prices – these change too frequently to reflect firm quality
- Marketing quality or website design
- Social media following or influencer partnerships
- Whether a firm pays JoinProp a higher or lower commission
How to Interpret the Score
| Score | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5 – 10.0 | Excellent – Top Pick | Strong performer across all categories. Reliable payout track record. Recommended for most traders. |
| 7.0 – 8.4 | Good – Recommended | Solid overall with minor weaknesses. Good choice for traders whose priorities align with the firm’s strengths. |
| 5.5 – 6.9 | Average – Use with Caution | Mixed track record or notable limitations in one or more key categories. Read the full review before committing. |
| 4.0 – 5.4 | Below Average | Significant weaknesses. We generally do not recommend these firms. Alternatives are available. |
| Below 4.0 | Not Recommended | Serious issues with payout reliability, transparency, or rule fairness. May appear in our Firms to Avoid list. |
Corrections and Disputes
Scores are based on publicly available data and trader reports at the time of review. If a firm believes a score is inaccurate or outdated, they can contact us at info@joinprop.com with documented evidence. We will review within 14 business days and update the score if the evidence warrants it.
We also welcome trader corrections. If you have direct experience that contradicts a published score – especially on payout reliability – use the contact form on the relevant review page.
Methodology version: 1.0 – Published [Month Year]. Next scheduled review: [Month + 3 months].
