The best prop firms for US-based traders in 2026
US trader access is the single most common dealbreaker in the prop firm industry. Many top firms — including FTMO — simply don't accept US-based traders, and the reason usually comes down to the trading platform. Here are the firms that do, and how to choose between them.
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Why most firms block US traders
The reason so many prop firms exclude US-based traders is rarely about the trader — it is about the trading platform and its regulatory licensing. The most common prop-firm platforms, MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, have licensing and distribution constraints that make serving US retail traders difficult for many firms. Firms that want to accept US traders typically route them through a different platform, such as Match Trader, that is set up for US access. That single technical choice is what separates a US-friendly firm from a US-blocked one.
The firms that accept US traders
On our list of ten, only three reliably accept US-based traders. Here they are, in our ranking order, with what each one offers a US trader specifically.
#1 TraderScale Best overall
9.4/10- Max funding $400,000
- Split Up to 90%
- Drawdown Static
- US traders Yes
#2 The5ers Best for scaling
8.8/10- Max funding $4,000,000 (scaled)
- Split Up to 100%
- Drawdown Static
- US traders Yes
#3 City Traders Imperium Best for swing trading
8.5/10- Max funding $4,000,000 (scaled)
- Split Up to 100%
- Drawdown Static
- US traders Yes
How to choose as a US trader
A note on verifying access
Platform availability and country eligibility can change, and a few firms apply restrictions only after KYC. Before you purchase, confirm directly on the firm's own site that US traders are accepted on the specific program and platform you intend to use. The three firms above are our current best-verified options, but the prudent step is always to check the live terms — and, where possible, start with a smaller account to confirm the experience.
Compare before you commit
Check current pricing and challenge rules on the firm's own site, then compare against our #1 pick before you buy.
Common questions
Which prop firms accept US traders?
Why don't most prop firms accept US traders?
What is the best prop firm for US traders?
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Our #1 prop firm for 2026
TraderScale tops our scorecard on rule transparency, US accessibility and payout clarity.
Read the TraderScale review Compare all 10 firms