Overview: Why Traders Choose TradeDay
TradeDay is a futures-focused prop firm headquartered in the US, designed specifically for day traders and swing traders who want to trade ES (S&P 500 E-mini futures), NQ (Nasdaq 100 E-mini), YM (Dow E-mini), and other major futures contracts.
Unlike forex firms that target global traders, TradeDay is exclusively US-based and US-focused. This makes it the top choice for American traders who want to trade futures with prop capital without regulatory hassle.
Key Differentiator: TradeDay offers NO DAILY DRAWDOWN LIMIT. Only a max drawdown (typically 10%). This is huge—you can take multiple losses in a day without getting locked out, as long as you don't exceed the max drawdown from your peak. This appeals to risk-tolerant, aggressive traders.
Pricing and Account Sizes
Overview: Why Traders Choose TradeDay
TradeDay is a futures-focused prop firm headquartered in the US, designed specifically for day traders and swing traders who want to trade ES (S&P 500 E-mini futures), NQ (Nasdaq 100 E-mini), YM (Dow E-mini), and other major futures contracts.
Unlike forex firms that target global traders, TradeDay is exclusively US-based and US-focused. This makes it the top choice for American traders who want to trade futures with prop capital without regulatory hassle.
Key Differentiator: TradeDay offers NO DAILY DRAWDOWN LIMIT. Only a max drawdown (typically 10%). This is huge—you can take multiple losses in a day without getting locked out, as long as you don't exceed the max drawdown from your peak. This appeals to risk-tolerant, aggressive traders.
Pricing and Account Sizes
| Account Size |
Challenge Fee |
Profit Target |
Max Drawdown |
| $25,000 |
$199 |
$2,500 (10%) |
10% |
| $50,000 |
$399 |
$5,000 (10%) |
10% |
| $100,000 |
$599 |
$10,000 (10%) |
10% |
Observation: TradeDay's pricing is mid-range. The $199 entry point for a $25K account is reasonable. The 10% profit target is standard across the industry.
Value: You're paying more than Apex ($99 for $25K) but less than some premium firms. What you get is the no-daily-drawdown advantage and futures trading (not available everywhere).
Rules and Account Features
No Daily Drawdown
TradeDay's signature feature. You can lose money multiple times in a day without penalty, as long as you respect the max drawdown. This means:
- Trade 10 times a day, lose 8 times, win 2 times—all allowed (if stays within max drawdown)
- No "you're locked out for the rest of the day" message
- Aggressive trading strategies become viable
Max Drawdown: 10%
Your biggest loss from your account's peak. This is the only hard stop. Hit it, and you're done.
Profit Split: 80/20
You keep 80% of profits, TradeDay keeps 20%. This is competitive and fair.
Holding Rules
TradeDay allows overnight holding and weekend holding (positions can be held over Friday close). This is attractive for swing traders—you're not forced to exit by market close like some forex firms.
Platform
TradeDay uses NinjaTrader, which is industry-standard for futures traders. No learning curve for experienced futures traders. Great charting, unlimited indicators, automation support.
Who TradeDay Is Best For
- Futures Traders: ES, NQ, YM, and micro contracts (MES, MNQ, MYM)
- Day Traders: Scalpers who want to trade multiple times per day without daily limits
- Swing Traders: Can hold positions overnight and over weekends
- US Residents: No geographic restrictions for American traders
- Experienced Traders: The lack of daily limits appeals to veterans; beginners sometimes struggle with the extra freedom
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No Daily Drawdown: The biggest advantage. Aggressive strategies work.
- Overnight/Weekend Holding: Can hold positions over time. Great for swing traders.
- NinjaTrader Platform: Professional-grade platform. Excellent for serious traders.
- Futures Market: Leverage and liquidity better than forex. No spread concerns.
- US-Based: Regulated, transparent, low regulatory risk.
- 80/20 Split: Competitive profit share.
- Payout Speed: 5–7 days typically.
Cons
- Higher Challenge Fees: $199–$599 is pricier than forex alternatives. More upfront cost.
- No Daily Drawdown = Temptation: Freedom to trade multiple times per day can lead to overtrading and account closure from max drawdown.
- Futures Margin Requirements: Futures trading requires more capital relative to leverage. A $25K account isn't huge in futures.
- Futures Volatility: ES and NQ move fast. Not ideal for beginners. Requires discipline.
- Limited Currency Pairs: Only futures. No forex, crypto, or stocks.
Best For: Traders with futures experience who want to go aggressive without daily limits. Worst for: Beginners learning to trade. The no-daily-drawdown freedom is dangerous if you're still developing discipline.
How to Pass TradeDay Challenge
Strategy
- Trade 1–3 ES contracts: Keep position sizes small. $25K account with $50–100 risk per trade is safe.
- Focus on intraday scalps: 2–5 point wins on ES accumulate fast. Don't swing. Close at day end.
- Avoid overnight: In the challenge, holding positions overnight exposes you to gap risk. Stick to day trading.
- Stop at 3 losses per day: Even though there's no daily limit, psychologically stop after 3 losses. Let emotions cool.
- Lock in at 70–80% of target: Hit $1,750–$2,000 on a $25K account (target is $2,500). Then reduce size and defend.
Timeline
Most traders hit the target in 3–6 weeks. Faster if they're experienced scalpers trading 5+ contracts per day. Slower if they swing trade (relying on bigger moves, fewer trades).
Payout Process
Minimum Payout: $100
Frequency: Weekly or Monthly (your choice)
Speed: 5–7 business days for wire, 1–3 days for crypto
Methods: Wire transfer, crypto (USDT), PayPal
TradeDay handles payouts professionally. KYC is required upfront. Once verified, payouts are reliable and on time.
Comparison to Other Futures Firms
Rules and Account Features
No Daily Drawdown
TradeDay's signature feature. You can lose money multiple times in a day without penalty, as long as you respect the max drawdown. This means:
Trade 10 times a day, lose 8 times, win 2 times—all allowed (if stays within max drawdown)
No "you're locked out for the rest of the day" message
Aggressive trading strategies become viable
Max Drawdown: 10%
Your biggest loss from your account's peak. This is the only hard stop. Hit it, and you're done.
Profit Split: 80/20
You keep 80% of profits, TradeDay keeps 20%. This is competitive and fair.
Holding Rules
TradeDay allows overnight holding and weekend holding (positions can be held over Friday close). This is attractive for swing traders—you're not forced to exit by market close like some forex firms.
Platform
TradeDay uses NinjaTrader, which is industry-standard for futures traders. No learning curve for experienced futures traders. Great charting, unlimited indicators, automation support.
Who TradeDay Is Best For
Futures Traders: ES, NQ, YM, and micro contracts (MES, MNQ, MYM)
Day Traders: Scalpers who want to trade multiple times per day without daily limits
Swing Traders: Can hold positions overnight and over weekends
US Residents: No geographic restrictions for American traders
Experienced Traders: The lack of daily limits appeals to veterans; beginners sometimes struggle with the extra freedom
Pros and Cons
Pros
No Daily Drawdown: The biggest advantage. Aggressive strategies work.
Overnight/Weekend Holding: Can hold positions over time. Great for swing traders.
NinjaTrader Platform: Professional-grade platform. Excellent for serious traders.
Futures Market: Leverage and liquidity better than forex. No spread concerns.
US-Based: Regulated, transparent, low regulatory risk.
80/20 Split: Competitive profit share.
Payout Speed: 5–7 days typically.
Cons
Higher Challenge Fees: $199–$599 is pricier than forex alternatives. More upfront cost.
No Daily Drawdown = Temptation: Freedom to trade multiple times per day can lead to overtrading and account closure from max drawdown.
Futures Margin Requirements: Futures trading requires more capital relative to leverage. A $25K account isn't huge in futures.
Futures Volatility: ES and NQ move fast. Not ideal for beginners. Requires discipline.
Limited Currency Pairs: Only futures. No forex, crypto, or stocks.
Best For: Traders with futures experience who want to go aggressive without daily limits. Worst for: Beginners learning to trade. The no-daily-drawdown freedom is dangerous if you're still developing discipline.
How to Pass TradeDay Challenge
Strategy
Trade 1–3 ES contracts: Keep position sizes small. $25K account with $50–100 risk per trade is safe.
Focus on intraday scalps: 2–5 point wins on ES accumulate fast. Don't swing. Close at day end.
Avoid overnight: In the challenge, holding positions overnight exposes you to gap risk. Stick to day trading.
Stop at 3 losses per day: Even though there's no daily limit, psychologically stop after 3 losses. Let emotions cool.
Lock in at 70–80% of target: Hit $1,750–$2,000 on a $25K account (target is $2,500). Then reduce size and defend.
Timeline
Most traders hit the target in 3–6 weeks. Faster if they're experienced scalpers trading 5+ contracts per day. Slower if they swing trade (relying on bigger moves, fewer trades).
Payout Process
Minimum Payout: $100
Frequency: Weekly or Monthly (your choice)
Speed: 5–7 business days for wire, 1–3 days for crypto
Methods: Wire transfer, crypto (USDT), PayPal
TradeDay handles payouts professionally. KYC is required upfront. Once verified, payouts are reliable and on time.
Comparison to Other Futures Firms
| Firm |
Daily Drawdown |
Profit Split |
Entry Fee ($25K) |
Best For |
| TradeDay |
None |
80/20 |
$199 |
Aggressive scalpers |
| Apex (Futures) |
5% |
90/10 |
$99 |
Disciplined traders |
| E8 Funding |
5% |
80/20 |
$149 |
Mid-range option |
vs. Apex: Apex has better pricing and 90/10 split, but enforces daily drawdown. TradeDay's no-daily-drawdown is worth the extra $100 if you trade aggressively.
vs. E8: Similar pricing and split. The main difference is TradeDay's reputation for professional support and NinjaTrader platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trade from outside the US on TradeDay?
TradeDay prefers US residents and limits access from certain countries. Check their website for your specific country. Generally, if you're outside the US, try Apex or FTMO instead.
What's the minimum account size?
$25,000. TradeDay doesn't offer smaller account sizes. If you want to start smaller, try Apex ($5K minimum) or Funded Trading Plus ($5K minimum).
Can I hold positions over the weekend on TradeDay?
Yes, TradeDay allows weekend holding. This is a major advantage for swing traders. Note: ES/NQ close Friday at 4pm CT and reopen Sunday 5pm CT. There's a gap risk, but it's allowed.
Is NinjaTrader hard to learn?
If you're new to trading, yes. If you're a futures trader, NinjaTrader is standard and you likely already know it. For forex traders switching to futures, there's a 2–3 week learning curve. TradeDay provides tutorials.
How quickly can I scale up to a larger account?
After passing one challenge, you can typically request an upgrade to the next tier ($50K or $100K). Some traders scale in 1–2 months if they're consistently profitable. TradeDay doesn't have a formal scaling program, but you can discuss it with support.