Last Updated: June 2026
A prop firm profit split is the percentage of trading profits a funded trader keeps versus the percentage retained by the proprietary trading firm. If a firm offers an 80/20 split, you keep 80% of every dollar you earn on the funded account and the firm keeps 20%. This single number drives more trader decisions than any other metric, yet the headline figure rarely tells the full story.
The real question isn't what the split is on day one. It's what the split becomes after you scale.
Most firms start traders at 80/20 and offer a path to 90/10 or even 100% through a scaling plan. Others lead with 90% from the first payout. A handful use tiered structures where the split depends on your account size, not your performance history. Understanding the difference between these models is the difference between choosing a firm that rewards your growth and one that keeps you stuck at the same percentage indefinitely.
This guide breaks down every major profit split structure in 2026, compares the top firms side by side, and explains exactly what conditions trigger a split increase.
What this article covers:
How 80/20, 90/10, and 100% splits actually work in practice
The difference between flat splits and performance-based scaling
A side-by-side comparison table: FTMO, SabioTrade, The5ers, and Topstep
What to look for beyond the headline percentage
How to use discount codes to reduce evaluation costs before you even reach the payout stage
How Prop Firm Profit Splits Work
A profit split is applied only to net profits, not to gross trading volume. If you generate $5,000 in profit on a $100,000 funded account with an 80% split, you receive $4,000. The firm keeps $1,000. Losses are covered by the firm up to the maximum drawdown limit, which is why firms take a percentage in the first place.
Key concept: Profit splits apply to realized profits only. Unrealized gains sitting in open trades cannot be withdrawn, regardless of the split percentage.
What Triggers a Payout
Before any split calculation matters, you need to meet the firm's payout conditions. These vary significantly and are often where traders get caught off guard:
Minimum trading days: Some firms require 5, 10, or 14 trading days before your first withdrawal
Consistency rules: Many firms cap your best single day at 30-50% of total profits to prevent "lucky day" payouts
Minimum withdrawal amounts: Ranges from $0 (SabioTrade) to $50 (Topstep) to $100+ at others
Payout frequency: Weekly, bi-weekly, or on-demand depending on the firm
Flat Split vs. Scaling Split
There are two fundamentally different profit split models in the industry:
Flat split: You receive the same percentage from your first payout to your last. Simple, predictable, and common among newer firms trying to attract traders with a high headline number.
Scaling split: Your percentage increases as you hit performance milestones. FTMO starts at 80% and raises to 90% after consistent profitability. The5ers' High Stakes program runs from 80% to 100% across four account tiers. This model rewards longevity and consistency, which aligns the firm's incentives with yours.
The scaling model is almost always better for serious traders. A firm offering 90% flat with no scaling path is less valuable than one offering 80% that grows to 100% with a clear roadmap.
Prop Firm Profit Split Comparison: FTMO, SabioTrade, The5ers, and Topstep (2026)
The four firms below represent the most commonly compared options in 2026. Each uses a different split structure, and the right choice depends entirely on your account size preference, asset class, and appetite for scaling.
| Firm | Starting Split | Max Split | Payout Frequency | Max Account | Evaluation Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | 80% | 90% | On-demand (avg. 8 hrs) | $400,000 | 2-Step Challenge |
| SabioTrade | 80% ($20K–$50K) / 90% ($100K+) | 90% | Weekly (24 hrs) | $650,000 | 1-Step |
| The5ers (High Stakes) | 80% | 100% | On-demand | $500,000 | 2-Step |
| The5ers (Hyper Growth) | 50% | 100% | On-demand | $4,000,000 | 1-Step |
| Topstep | 90% | 90% | Every 5 trading days | $150,000 | Trading Combine |
FTMO: The Industry Benchmark
FTMO is the most established prop firm in the industry, having funded over 200,000 traders since 2015 with a reported 99.8% on-time payout rate. The profit split starts at 80% and scales to 90% through the FTMO Scaling Plan: every four months, if you've hit 10% net profit with at least two profitable months, your account balance increases by 25% and your split climbs toward 90%.
Evaluation fee: Approximately $155 (10K account) to $1,080 (200K account), refunded on your first payout.
Save on your FTMO evaluation with an exclusive discount code. Find the latest FTMO discount code on JoinProp.
SabioTrade: Account-Size-Based Splits
SabioTrade takes a different approach: your profit split is determined by the account tier you purchase, not by performance milestones. Accounts at $20K and $50K receive an 80% split. Accounts at $100K and above receive a 90% split from the very first payout.
| Account Size | Evaluation Fee | Profit Split | Payout Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | $119 | 80% | Weekly |
| $50,000 | $289 | 80% | Weekly |
| $100,000 | $479 | 90% | Weekly |
| $200,000 | $939 | 90% | Weekly |
| $650,000 | $2,989 | 90% | Weekly |
The weekly payout cycle with 24-hour processing is one of the fastest in the industry. SabioTrade also imposes no minimum withdrawal amount, meaning you can request a payout on any amount earned.
The trade-off: No path to 100%, and the proprietary Traderoom platform means no MT4 or cTrader access.
The5ers: The Scaling Ceiling Leader
The5ers offers the highest scaling ceiling of any major prop firm in 2026, with a path to $4,000,000 in funded capital at 100% profit split on its Hyper Growth and Bootcamp programs. The split structure varies significantly by program:
| Program | Starting Split | Path to 100% | Max Funded Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyper Growth (1-step) | 50% | Via scaling milestones | $4,000,000 |
| Pro Growth (1-step) | 75% | Via scaling milestones | $500,000 |
| High Stakes (2-step) | 80% | $175K / $250K / $350K balance tiers | $500,000 |
| Bootcamp (3-step) | 50% | Via scaling milestones | $4,000,000 |
For traders who plan to trade long-term and want the highest possible ceiling, the Hyper Growth or Bootcamp path is the strongest structural offer in the market. The catch is the low starting split of 50%, which means early payouts are significantly lower than FTMO or SabioTrade.
High Stakes is the best entry point for traders who want both a competitive starting split (80%) and a clear path to 100%. The Bootcamp entry fee starts at just $95 for a $100K evaluation.
Topstep: Futures-Only, Subscription Model
Topstep operates exclusively in the futures market (ES, NQ, CL, and other CME products) and uses a monthly subscription model rather than a one-time challenge fee. As of January 12, 2026, new traders receive a flat 90/10 split from their first payout. Legacy traders who joined before that date retain the older 100% on first $10K structure.
Topstep 2026 payout structure (new traders):
Flat 90% split from the first payout
Two payout paths: Standard (5 winning days, $150 min profit each) or Consistency (3 trading days, 40% consistency rule)
Maximum account: $150,000
Monthly subscription: $49–$149/month (no one-time challenge fee)
Important note for 2026 researchers: Many articles still reference Topstep's old 100% first-$10K structure. That offer was discontinued for new signups after January 12, 2026. Verify current terms directly before signing up.
Topstep's trailing drawdown model is the most restrictive in this comparison. Unlike FTMO's fixed drawdown from the starting balance, Topstep's drawdown follows your equity high and never resets downward. This eliminates more traders than any other single rule in the firm's structure.
How Scaling Plans Work: What Actually Changes Your Split
A scaling plan is a contractual agreement between you and the prop firm that defines the exact conditions under which your profit split (and often your account balance) will increase. Not all scaling plans are equal, and the specific triggers matter enormously.
Performance-Based Scaling (FTMO Model)
FTMO's scaling plan is time-based and performance-gated. To qualify for a split increase:
You must have traded for at least four months on the funded account
You must have achieved at least 10% net profit over that period
At least two of those months must have been profitable
When you hit these thresholds, your account balance increases by 25% and your split moves toward 90%. The maximum funded account size under the standard FTMO Scaling Plan is $2,000,000.
What this means in practice: A trader starting on a $100K FTMO account at 80% who scales consistently could reach $400K+ at 90% over 12-18 months. The split increase is modest (10 percentage points), but the account size increase is substantial.
Milestone-Based Scaling (The5ers Model)
The5ers uses a different trigger: capital milestones rather than time. On the High Stakes program, the split increases at specific account balance thresholds:
| Account Balance | Profit Split |
|---|---|
| Starting | 80% |
| $175,000 | 85% |
| $250,000 | 90% |
| $350,000 | 100% |
This model rewards traders who grow their account faster, regardless of how long it takes. A trader who hits $350K in six months gets 100% just as much as one who takes two years.
Account-Tier Scaling (SabioTrade Model)
SabioTrade's "scaling" is actually a purchasing decision rather than a performance reward. You choose a larger account at signup and receive the higher split immediately. There is no mechanism to move from 80% to 90% by performing well on a smaller account; you would need to purchase a larger tier outright.
This matters for traders who start small. If you begin on SabioTrade's $50K account at 80%, you cannot earn your way to 90%. You would need to pass a new evaluation at the $100K tier.
What "100% Profit Split" Actually Means
A handful of firms advertise 100% profit splits, which sounds like the firm takes nothing. In practice, these firms earn revenue through evaluation fees, monthly subscriptions, add-on purchases, or by operating in simulated environments where trader performance does not directly correspond to live market risk. The 100% split is a marketing construct that works within a broader business model, not a charitable arrangement.
The honest interpretation: 100% splits are real and paid out. They are simply subsidized by the fees you paid to get there.
What to Look for Beyond the Headline Percentage
Traders who choose a firm based solely on the advertised split percentage frequently end up disappointed. The split is one variable in a larger equation. Here are the factors that determine how much you actually take home.
Drawdown Type: Fixed vs. Trailing
The drawdown rule determines how much you can lose before your account is closed. Two firms can both offer 90% splits but have drastically different risk environments:
| Drawdown Type | How It Works | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed (static) | Calculated from your starting balance; never moves up | Lower — you always know your floor |
| Trailing (dynamic) | Follows your equity high; moves up as you profit | Higher — profits shrink your buffer |
FTMO uses a fixed 10% drawdown. Topstep uses a trailing drawdown that follows your equity high until you accumulate $10,000 in profit, at which point it becomes static. The5ers varies by program: Hyper Growth uses a 6% max drawdown that pauses trading rather than terminating the account, which is one of the most forgiving structures available.
Practical impact: A Topstep trader who grows a $100K account to $115K now has a drawdown floor of $115K minus the trailing limit. A bad week can eliminate the buffer that took months to build.
Payout Frequency and Processing Time
How often you can access your profits affects compounding, cash flow, and your ability to reinvest. The gap between firms is significant:
SabioTrade: Weekly, processed in 24 hours, no minimum withdrawal
Topstep: Every 5 trading days (approximately weekly)
FTMO: On-demand after 14 calendar days from first trade; average processing of 8 hours
The5ers: On-demand, no fixed schedule
For traders who rely on consistent income from funded accounts, payout frequency is a practical constraint, not just a preference.
Evaluation Fee Refunds
Several major firms refund your evaluation fee on your first payout, effectively making the challenge free if you pass. This changes the real cost calculation significantly:
FTMO: Fee refunded on first payout
SabioTrade: Fee refunded on first payout
The5ers (Bootcamp): Partial refund structure; verify current terms
Topstep: Monthly subscription model; no one-time fee to refund
Before paying any evaluation fee, check whether it is refundable. A $479 SabioTrade evaluation for a $100K account costs nothing net if you pass and receive your first payout.
Looking to reduce your evaluation costs before you even start? JoinProp tracks exclusive discount codes across 200+ prop firms. Browse all current prop trading discount codes here.
Which Profit Split Model Is Right for You?
There is no universally superior split structure. The right model depends on your trading style, timeline, and financial goals.
Decision Framework
| Your Priority | Best Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Highest starting split, forex/CFDs | SabioTrade ($100K+) | 90% from day one, weekly payouts |
| Long-term scaling to max capital | The5ers Hyper Growth | Path to $4M at 100% split |
| Reliability and track record | FTMO | 10+ years, 200K+ funded traders |
| Futures trading only | Topstep | Only major futures-specific firm in this group |
| Lowest evaluation cost | The5ers Bootcamp | $95 entry for $100K challenge |
| Fastest access to payouts | SabioTrade | Weekly, 24-hour processing, no minimum |
The Calculation That Actually Matters
Traders often debate 80% vs. 90% splits without doing the math. On a $100,000 account generating $3,000 per month:
At 80%: you keep $2,400/month
At 90%: you keep $2,700/month
Difference: $300/month
That $300 gap is real, but it is smaller than the difference between a firm that pays reliably and one that delays or disputes payouts. Payout reliability and account longevity (not getting blown out by a trailing drawdown) have a larger impact on total earnings than a 10-point split difference.
The most important question is not "which firm has the highest split?" It is "which firm's rules give me the best chance of staying funded long enough to benefit from scaling?"
If you are still in the evaluation phase, reducing your challenge fee through a discount code is the single highest-ROI action available before you even start trading. JoinProp maintains a live database of verified discount codes across more than 200 prop firms.
For a broader comparison of the top-rated firms across all criteria, see the Best Prop Trading Firms 2025: Top 10 Compared guide on JoinProp. If you are preparing for your first challenge, the 10 Tips: How to Pass Prop Trading Challenges article covers the risk management rules that keep most traders from reaching the payout stage at all.
Understanding profit splits is the commercial foundation of prop trading. The firms that succeed long-term are not the ones that chose the highest advertised percentage. They are the ones that understood the full structure, passed their evaluation efficiently, and stayed funded long enough for scaling to compound in their favor.
