US trader guide · Updated Q1 2026

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
Evidence: Tested challenge
  • Max funding $400,000
  • Split Up to 90%
  • Drawdown Static
  • US traders Yes

#2 The5ers Best for scaling

8.8/10
Evidence: Public terms verified
  • 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
Evidence: Trader feedback only
  • Max funding $4,000,000 (scaled)
  • Split Up to 100%
  • Drawdown Static
  • US traders Yes

How to choose as a US trader

Want the most complete all-round firm with a high funding ceiling?
TraderScale. US access via Match Trader, up to $400k, static drawdown. Read the review.
Want to scale to a very large allocation over the long term?
The5ers. Scales toward $4M with up to 100% split, US-accessible. Read the review.
Are you a swing or position trader who holds for days or weeks?
City Traders Imperium. Relaxed holding rules, no time limits, US-accessible. Read the review.

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.

FAQ

Common questions

Which prop firms accept US traders?
On our list of ten, three reliably accept US-based traders: TraderScale (our #1, via Match Trader), The5ers, and City Traders Imperium. Most other major firms, including FTMO, do not.
Why don't most prop firms accept US traders?
The reason is usually the trading platform. MetaTrader 4 and 5 have licensing constraints that make serving US retail traders difficult for many firms. Firms that accept US traders typically route them through a different platform, such as Match Trader.
What is the best prop firm for US traders?
We rank TraderScale as the best option for US traders: it combines US access via Match Trader with a $400k funding ceiling, static drawdown and up to 90% profit split.
Can US traders use FTMO?
No. FTMO does not accept US-based traders, and the restriction is enforced. US traders should look at TraderScale, The5ers or City Traders Imperium instead.

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