Prop Firm Payout Schedules Explained
Every prop firm has a payout schedule—how soon you can request your first withdrawal and how often you’re allowed to take profits. Screw this up and you’ll wait weeks longer than necessary to get paid. Understand it, and you can pull profits as soon as they’re eligible.
The Two Parts of a Payout Schedule
Prop firms structure payouts with two separate rules:
- First payout waiting period — when you’re allowed to request your first withdrawal.
- Recurring payout frequency — how often you can request more after that.
These rules are universal across futures prop firms and exist to stop traders from cashing out instantly after one lucky trade.
Typical First Payout Waiting Periods
Most futures prop firms make you trade for a short period before you qualify for your first payout.
| Firm Type | First Payout Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Fast Payout Firms | 10–14 calendar days |
| Standard Firms | 30 days |
| Strict Firms | 45–60 days |
This is not tied to your profit target—that part is handled in a different article when you hit profit target rules.
Recurring Payout Frequency
After you hit your first payout window, firms switch you to a repeating payout cycle. This is usually:
- Weekly
- Biweekly
- Monthly
Firms offering weekly payouts normally have lower thresholds and faster processing. Monthly cycles tend to offer lower fees and fewer restrictions.
Payout Processing Times
Once approved, most firms send the payout within:
- 1–3 business days (fast)
- 3–5 business days (standard)
- Up to 7 days (slow firms)
Faster payouts often use third-party processors. Slower ones send direct ACH or wire transfers.
Payout Caps and Scaling
Many firms have a cap on your first payout—usually something small:
- $1,000 cap
- $2,000 cap
- Percentage of profits (often 30–40%)
After that, the cap increases as your account matures or scales. This is completely separate from consistency rules or daily loss logic.
What Happens If You Request a Payout Too Early?
If you request before you’re eligible, one of two things happens:
- Your request is denied, and you have to wait for the next window
- The firm flags your account and delays future payouts
Prop firms don’t hesitate to slow down or freeze payouts when traders break rules—that includes violating things like weekend restrictions.
Why Payout Rules Exist
Payout schedules exist because prop firms don’t want one winning trade leading to a quick withdrawal and then a blown account. They want consistent behavior over time with both the trader and the account.
Final Takeaway
Payout schedules aren’t complicated—just misunderstood. Know your first payout date, know how often you can request money afterward, and stick to the firm’s timing so you don’t get stuck waiting for the next cycle.