Elite Trader Funding – Firm Review
- Outstanding capital access for talented individuals
- Exceptional payouts with swift processing
- Customize strategies without trade restrictions
- Market masters providing comprehensive guidance
- Multiple funding paths for beginners
Key Features at a Glance
- US-based futures prop firm founded in February 2022 — futures-only, no forex or equity CFDs
- Six distinct evaluation pathways tailored to different trading styles and risk tolerances
- Includes Direct to Funded option: skip evaluation entirely and begin trading live capital immediately
- Diamond Hands program: one of few futures prop firms explicitly permitting overnight and weekend holds
- EOD Drawdown program: trailing drawdown only applies at end of day — protects intraday swing traders
- 23% ATD rule and 40% consistency cap at payout — rewards steady, consistent performance
- Funded accounts require an 80 USD/month subscription fee — a notable ongoing cost to factor in
- Market data fees are separate: approximately 128–150 USD per month depending on exchange subscriptions
- No MT4 or MT5 — futures-only environment using professional futures execution platforms
Account Sizes & Pricing
Elite Trader Funding offers multiple account sizes across its six evaluation pathways. Fees below are indicative for the standard 1-Step program. Note the 80 USD/month funded subscription and 128–150 USD/month market data fees once funded.
| Account Size | 1-Step Eval Fee (approx) | Direct to Funded (approx) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25,000 USD | 85 USD | 299 USD | Entry-level futures account |
| 50,000 USD | 145 USD | 499 USD | Most popular size |
| 75,000 USD | 195 USD | 699 USD | Mid-tier allocation |
| 100,000 USD | 245 USD | 899 USD | Full standard contract size |
| 150,000 USD | 295 USD | 1,099 USD | Advanced tier |
| 200,000 USD | 395 USD | N/A | Maximum allocation |
Trading Platforms
Elite Trader Funding is a futures-only prop firm and does not support MT4 or MT5. Trading is conducted through professional futures execution platforms using Rithmic data infrastructure.
NinjaTrader
NinjaTrader is a leading professional futures trading platform offering advanced charting, automated strategy execution, market replay, and direct CME connectivity. ETF’s NinjaTrader integration provides real-time account metric tracking including trailing drawdown status and daily P&L. The platform supports a large ecosystem of third-party indicators and automated trading strategies.
Rithmic Data Feed
Elite Trader Funding uses Rithmic as its primary data and order routing infrastructure. Rithmic is an institutional-grade provider widely used by professional futures traders and prop firms, offering low-latency order routing and real-time market data across all CME product groups.
Financial Markets
Elite Trader Funding is exclusively focused on CME Group-listed futures contracts. No forex spot, equity CFDs, or cryptocurrency — only regulated exchange-traded futures.
- Equity Index Futures: ES, NQ, YM, RTY and micro equivalents MES, MNQ, MYM, M2K
- Energy Futures: CL (Crude Oil), NG (Natural Gas), RB (RBOB Gasoline), and micro crude MCL
- Metals Futures: GC (Gold), SI (Silver), HG (Copper), and micro gold MGC
- Currency Futures: 6E (Euro), 6B (British Pound), 6J (Japanese Yen), 6A (Australian Dollar)
- Interest Rate Futures: ZB (30-Year Treasury Bond), ZN (10-Year Note), ZF (5-Year Note)
- Agricultural Futures: ZC (Corn), ZS (Soybeans), ZW (Wheat) — where permitted by program rules
Challenge Specifications
Elite Trader Funding offers six distinct evaluation pathways, each designed for a different trading style.
| Program | Profit Target | Drawdown Rule | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Step | 6% of account | 4% trailing DD | Standard single-phase, min 5 trading days |
| EOD Drawdown | 6% of account | 4% EOD only | Trailing DD calculated at end of day only |
| Fast Track | 6% of account | 4% trailing DD | Can qualify in 1 day with ODTP add-on |
| Static Drawdown | 6% of account | Fixed floor (no trail) | Drawdown floor is fixed, never moves up |
| Diamond Hands | 6% of account | 4% EOD trailing | Overnight and weekend holding permitted |
| Direct to Funded | N/A | 4% trailing DD | Skip evaluation — purchase live funded account |
All programs: no single day may exceed 23% of total withdrawal balance; 40% consistency cap applies at payout.
Payout Methods
Elite Trader Funding offers a structured payout system with specific consistency requirements for funded traders.
- Payout frequency: Bi-weekly or monthly options depending on account tier
- 23% ATD rule: No single trading day can account for more than 23% of total requested withdrawal amount
- 40% consistency cap: At payout time, no single day may represent more than 40% of total profit for the period
- Payment methods: Bank wire transfer and digital payment methods including cryptocurrency options
- Processing time: Typically 1–5 business days after withdrawal request approval
- 80 USD/month subscription: Funded account holders pay an 80 USD/month platform subscription fee
Trading Commissions
Elite Trader Funding passes through standard futures exchange fees using Rithmic infrastructure. Market data fees (~128–150 USD/month) are charged separately.
| Instrument | Commission (round turn, approx) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ES (E-mini S&P 500) | ~2.30–4.00 USD | Most actively traded |
| MES (Micro E-mini S&P) | ~0.50–0.70 USD | One-tenth size of ES |
| NQ (NASDAQ-100) | ~2.30–4.00 USD | High-volatility index |
| MNQ (Micro NASDAQ) | ~0.50–0.70 USD | One-tenth size of NQ |
| CL (Crude Oil) | ~2.30–4.00 USD | Energy futures |
| GC (Gold) | ~2.30–4.00 USD | Metals futures |
Prohibited Activities & IP Rules
Elite Trader Funding enforces strict account conduct policies to protect program integrity.
- No copy trading from third-party sources: Using external copy trading services to mirror trades into an ETF account is prohibited
- Account sharing prohibited: Only the registered account holder may trade the assigned account
- No coordinated group trading: Multiple ETF accounts placing identical trades simultaneously is banned
- Platform restrictions: Only approved futures platforms integrated with ETF infrastructure may be used
- ATD and consistency rules mandatory: Structuring trades to circumvent the 23% ATD or 40% consistency cap is a policy violation
Unique Features
Elite Trader Funding stands apart through genuinely distinctive program innovations.
Six Evaluation Pathways — Unmatched Flexibility
Most prop firms offer one or two evaluation formats. Elite Trader Funding offers six distinct pathways for different trading styles. Whether you are an intraday scalper (1-Step), swing trader (EOD Drawdown), aggressive fast qualifier (Fast Track), prefer a fixed risk floor (Static Drawdown), or multi-day position trader (Diamond Hands) — ETF has a program for you.
Diamond Hands — Overnight and Weekend Holding
The Diamond Hands program is one of very few futures prop offerings that explicitly permits overnight and weekend holding. Most futures prop firms enforce strict EOD rules. Diamond Hands removes this constraint, making it ideal for traders using multi-day swing strategies or holding through major macro catalysts across sessions.
Direct to Funded — Skip the Evaluation
Elite Trader Funding’s Direct to Funded program allows experienced traders to bypass evaluation entirely and begin trading live firm capital immediately upon purchase. While the cost is higher, it eliminates the uncertainty of the challenge phase and is valuable for traders with a proven track record who want immediate funded access.
Why Choose Elite Trader Funding?
Elite Trader Funding’s core strength is its program diversity. The six evaluation pathways mean traders don’t have to force their style into a one-size-fits-all framework. The Diamond Hands overnight allowance, Static Drawdown fixed floor, and EOD-only drawdown model are significant differentiators hard to find elsewhere in the futures prop space.
The main consideration is ongoing costs: the 80 USD/month funded account subscription plus 128–150 USD/month in market data fees add up to approximately 200–230 USD/month in overhead. Traders who are confident in their consistency and plan to hold funded accounts long-term will find the most value here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get funded?
With the standard 1-Step program, traders must complete a minimum of 5 trading days and reach the 6% profit target. With Fast Track and the ODTP add-on, qualification is possible in a single trading day. The Direct to Funded option bypasses evaluation entirely — activation typically occurs within 24 hours of purchase.
Can I hold positions over the weekend?
It depends on the program. Diamond Hands explicitly permits overnight and weekend holding. EOD Drawdown allows intraday holds with end-of-day drawdown calculation. Standard programs (1-Step, Fast Track, Static Drawdown) typically require EOD position closure. Always confirm holding permissions for your specific program.
What happens if I break a rule?
Breaching the trailing drawdown limit results in immediate account termination. Evaluation accounts must be reset or repurchased. Funded accounts are closed and the trader must re-enter the evaluation process. Violating the ATD rule or consistency cap at payout time may result in payout adjustments or account review.
Can I trade news events?
Yes, news trading is generally permitted at Elite Trader Funding. However the trailing drawdown applies in real time for most programs (except EOD Drawdown), so significant adverse moves during news events can trigger drawdown breaches. Use appropriate position sizing during volatile sessions.
How often can I withdraw profits?
Funded traders can request withdrawals bi-weekly or monthly depending on account tier. The 23% ATD rule and 40% consistency cap apply to all withdrawal requests. Budget for the 80 USD/month subscription and approximately 128–150 USD/month in market data fees when planning withdrawal amounts.
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