Earn2Trade has built one of the most respected names in the futures prop firm space. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Wyoming, USA, this company offers aspiring futures traders a genuine path to professional funding without risking personal capital. In this comprehensive Earn2Trade review, we break down every program, rule, fee, and how you can save 60% with the discount code PFK in 2026.
What Is Earn2Trade?
Earn2Trade is a trader evaluation company that partners with Helios Trading Partners, a licensed proprietary trading firm, to fund successful candidates. Unlike many prop firms that operate in murky regulatory waters, Earn2Trade focuses exclusively on CME Group futures — a fully regulated market. Your funded account trades real instruments on real exchanges, not synthetic CFDs.
The company has earned a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from over 4,600 reviews, placing it among the highest-rated prop firms globally. Earn2Trade offers two evaluation programs: the Trader Career Path (TCP) and the Gauntlet Mini. Both lead to funded accounts with an 80/20 profit split but differ in structure and growth potential.
For current pricing and promo codes, visit the Earn2Trade page on PropFirmKey.
Earn2Trade Programs
Trader Career Path (TCP)
The Trader Career Path is Earn2Trade's signature program. It offers three account sizes — TCP25, TCP50, and TCP100 — each with a structured growth plan that scales your account up to $200K or $400K.
| Plan | Account Size | Monthly Price | With Code PFK (60% OFF) | Profit Target | EOD Drawdown | Daily Loss Limit | Max Contracts | Min Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCP25 | $25,000 | $150/mo | $60/mo | $1,750 | $1,500 | $550 | 3 | 15 |
| TCP50 | $50,000 | $190/mo | $76/mo | $3,000 | $2,000 | $1,100 | 6 | 15 |
| TCP100 | $100,000 | $350/mo | $140/mo | $6,000 | $3,500 | $2,200 | 12 | 15 |
Every TCP subscription includes one free reset per monthly renewal, which accumulates if unused. This is a significant advantage over competitors that charge separately for resets.
Gauntlet Mini
The Gauntlet Mini is the streamlined evaluation program designed for traders who want to get funded fast. With a minimum of just 10 trading days, it offers the quickest path from evaluation to funded account. The Gauntlet Mini does not include a scaling plan, but it does offer larger starting account sizes.
| Plan | Account Size | Monthly Price | With Code PFK (60% OFF) | Profit Target | EOD Drawdown | Daily Loss Limit | Max Contracts | Min Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAU50 | $50,000 | $170/mo | $68/mo | $3,000 | $2,000 | $1,100 | 6 | 10 |
| GAU100 | $100,000 | $315/mo | $126/mo | $6,000 | $3,500 | $2,200 | 12 | 10 |
| GAU150 | $150,000 | $375/mo | $150/mo | $9,000 | $4,500 | $3,300 | 15 | 10 |
| GAU200 | $200,000 | $550/mo | $220/mo | $11,000 | $6,000 | $4,400 | 16 | 10 |
TCP vs Gauntlet Mini: Which One?
For most traders, the Trader Career Path is the better choice. Here is why: the TCP includes a scaling plan that can grow your account from $25K all the way to $200K (or $400K on TCP50/TCP100). You get free monthly resets, and the lower entry price with code PFK makes the TCP25 an incredibly affordable starting point at just $60 per month.
The Gauntlet Mini makes sense if you are already a profitable, consistent trader who wants immediate access to a larger account without going through scaling steps. It is also worth noting that both programs lead to the same funding partner (Helios Trading Partners) and the same 80/20 profit split.
For a side-by-side comparison with detailed pricing, check the Earn2Trade overview on PropFirmKey.
Earn2Trade Trading Rules
Understanding the rules is critical. Earn2Trade's rule set is straightforward compared to many competitors, but breaking any single rule ends your evaluation or funded account immediately.
End-of-Day Drawdown (Evaluation)
During the evaluation phase, Earn2Trade uses an End-of-Day (EOD) trailing drawdown. This means your maximum drawdown level is calculated based on your account's closing balance each day, not the intraday high. This is significantly more forgiving than real-time trailing drawdowns used by some competitors because intraday spikes do not permanently reduce your safety net.
Trailing Drawdown (Funded)
Once funded, the drawdown switches to a trailing drawdown that follows your account's highest realized balance. The drawdown trails your equity until it reaches the initial account balance, at which point it locks and becomes a fixed drawdown. This means once your account grows sufficiently, the risk of hitting the drawdown decreases substantially.
Daily Loss Limit
Each account size has a specific daily loss limit that caps how much you can lose in a single trading session. This rule prevents catastrophic single-day blowups. For TCP50, the daily loss limit is $1,100 — meaning if your unrealized plus realized losses for the day hit $1,100, your account is violated.
30% Consistency Rule
Earn2Trade enforces a consistency rule that no single trading day can account for more than 30% of your total profits. This prevents traders from passing the evaluation on one lucky trade and encourages the development of repeatable strategies. If your total profit is $3,000, no single day's profit can exceed $900.
Minimum Trading Days (15 TCP / 10 GM)
The Trader Career Path requires a minimum of 15 trading days, while the Gauntlet Mini requires only 10 trading days. A trading day counts as any day where you execute at least one trade. There is no maximum time limit on either program — you can take as long as you need, as long as your subscription remains active.
No Overnight Positions
All positions must be closed before the end of the trading session. Holding positions overnight is a rule violation on both evaluation and funded accounts. This is standard for futures prop firms and reflects the risk management practices of the funding partner.
Allowed Instruments (CME Group Futures)
Earn2Trade allows trading on all major CME Group futures contracts, including:
- ES (E-mini S&P 500)
- NQ (E-mini Nasdaq 100)
- YM (E-mini Dow)
- RTY (E-mini Russell 2000)
- CL (Crude Oil)
- GC (Gold)
- 6E (Euro FX)
- ZB (30-Year Treasury Bond)
- And many more across equity indices, energies, metals, currencies, and agricultural products
Micro contracts (MES, MNQ, MYM, etc.) are also available and count toward the progression ladder.
Earn2Trade Scaling Plan (TCP)
The scaling plan is what makes the Trader Career Path stand out from nearly every other prop firm program. Instead of staying at a fixed account size forever, TCP traders can progressively grow their funded accounts by hitting profit targets and withdrawing at each step.
TCP25: $25K to $200K
| Step | Account Size | Profit Target | Trailing Drawdown | Max Contracts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation | $25,000 | $1,750 | $1,500 (EOD) | 3 |
| Step 1 | $25,000 (LiveSim) | $1,750 | $1,500 | 3 |
| Step 2 | $50,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 | 6 |
| Step 3 | $100,000 | $5,250 | $3,000 | 9 |
| Step 4 | $150,000 | $9,000 | $4,500 | 12 |
| Step 5 | $200,000 | Fixed drawdown at $194,000 | Fixed | 16 |
TCP50: $50K to $400K
| Step | Account Size | Profit Target | Trailing Drawdown | Max Contracts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation | $50,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 (EOD) | 6 |
| Step 1 | $50,000 (LiveSim) | $3,000 | $2,000 | 6 |
| Step 2 | $100,000 | $5,250 | $3,000 | 9 |
| Step 3 | $200,000 | $9,000 | $5,000 | 12 |
| Step 4 | $400,000 | Fixed drawdown at $388,000 | Fixed | 16 |
TCP100: $100K to $400K
| Step | Account Size | Profit Target | Trailing Drawdown | Max Contracts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation | $100,000 | $6,000 | $3,500 (EOD) | 12 |
| Step 1 | $100,000 (LiveSim) | $6,000 | $3,500 | 12 |
| Step 2 | $150,000 | $9,000 | $4,500 | 15 |
| Step 3 | $200,000 | $9,000 | $5,000 | 15 |
| Step 4 | $400,000 | Fixed drawdown at $388,000 | Fixed | 16 |
At the maximum scaling level, the drawdown becomes fixed, meaning it no longer trails. This is a major benefit that gives experienced traders significant room to operate once they reach the top tier.
Earn2Trade Payout System
80/20 Profit Split
You keep 80% of your trading profits, and Helios Trading Partners retains 20%. This split is consistent across all account sizes and scaling levels.
Weekly Payouts
Payout requests must be submitted by Friday at 2:00 PM CT. Approved withdrawals are processed the following Wednesday. This weekly cadence is faster than many competitors that operate on bi-weekly or monthly schedules.
Account Activation Fee ($139)
When you pass the evaluation and accept a funded account, there is a $139 activation fee. This fee is deducted from your first profit withdrawal — not charged upfront. This means you do not pay anything additional out of pocket to start trading your funded account.
Data Fees ($105/mo per Exchange)
Funded traders must cover CME market data fees, which are approximately $105 per month for non-professional traders per exchange. This is a standard fee charged by the exchanges themselves, not by Earn2Trade. It applies to all funded futures accounts regardless of which prop firm you trade with.
LiveSim vs Live Account (94.77% vs 5.23%)
Earn2Trade publishes this data transparently: 94.77% of funded traders operate on LiveSim accounts, while 5.23% trade on Live accounts. LiveSim accounts replicate live market conditions with real-time data but execute on a simulation engine. Traders on LiveSim still receive the same profit split and payout terms. Progression through the scaling plan determines when you transition to live.
Platforms
Earn2Trade supports multiple professional-grade trading platforms, giving traders flexibility to choose their preferred charting and execution environment.
NinjaTrader (Free License!)
NinjaTrader is the most popular platform among Earn2Trade users. Earn2Trade provides a free NinjaTrader license to all active subscribers, saving you $75/month or $1,099 for a lifetime license. NinjaTrader offers advanced charting, market replay, automated strategy support, and a large ecosystem of third-party indicators.
Finamark
Finamark is a browser-based platform that works on any device without installation. It is lightweight, fast, and suitable for traders who prefer simplicity or need to trade from multiple locations.
Overcharts
Overcharts is a professional-grade platform popular among volume profile and order flow traders. It provides advanced analytical tools including footprint charts, volume delta analysis, and heatmaps.
R|Trader
R|Trader by Rithmic is the native trading platform built on the Rithmic data infrastructure that Earn2Trade uses. It is minimal but highly reliable for pure order execution.
Earn2Trade Discount Code: PFK (60% OFF)
The discount code PFK is one of the most generous promo codes available for Earn2Trade in 2026, offering a 60% discount on your first month of any evaluation program.
How to Apply
- Visit the Earn2Trade page on PropFirmKey
- Click the discount link or go directly to earn2trade.com
- Select your preferred program (TCP or Gauntlet Mini)
- Enter code PFK at checkout
- The 60% discount applies automatically to your first month
All Plans After 60% Discount
| Program | Original Price | With Code PFK | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| TCP25 | $150/mo | $60/mo | $90 |
| TCP50 | $190/mo | $76/mo | $114 |
| TCP100 | $350/mo | $140/mo | $210 |
| GAU50 | $170/mo | $68/mo | $102 |
| GAU100 | $315/mo | $126/mo | $189 |
| GAU150 | $375/mo | $150/mo | $225 |
| GAU200 | $550/mo | $220/mo | $330 |
Monthly Savings Calculator
If you pass your evaluation in the first month (which is absolutely achievable with the minimum 10-15 trading days), the code PFK saves you up to $330 on the GAU200. Even on the most affordable TCP25 plan, you save $90 — enough to cover nearly two months of data fees once funded.
Apply the code PFK through PropFirmKey to ensure you get the maximum discount available.
Earn2Trade vs Competitors
How does Earn2Trade stack up against other leading futures prop firms? Here is a direct comparison across the most important metrics.
| Feature | Earn2Trade | Topstep | Apex Trader Funding | TradeDay | Bulenox |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 | 2012 | 2021 | 2022 | 2022 |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Evaluation Types | TCP + Gauntlet Mini | Trading Combine | 1-Step Eval | 1-Step Eval | 1-Step Eval |
| Scaling Plan | Yes (up to $400K) | No | No | No | No |
| Min Trading Days | 10-15 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Profit Split | 80/20 | 90/10 | 100/0 (first $25K) | 80/20 | 80/20 |
| Free Platform License | NinjaTrader | No | No | No | No |
| Free Monthly Resets | Yes (TCP) | No | No | No | No |
| Drawdown Type (Eval) | EOD Trailing | EOD Trailing | Real-time Trailing | EOD Trailing | Real-time Trailing |
| Futures Only | Yes (CME) | Yes (CME) | Yes (CME) | Yes (CME) | Yes (CME) |
Earn2Trade's competitive edge lies in its scaling plan, free NinjaTrader license, free monthly resets, and EOD drawdown during evaluation. While the profit split is lower than Apex or Topstep, the scaling to $400K and overall reliability make it the strongest long-term choice. Compare all firms at PropFirmKey.com.
Earn2Trade Trustpilot (4.7/5 — Highest in Industry?)
With a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot score from over 4,600 verified reviews, Earn2Trade consistently ranks as one of the highest-rated prop firms in the industry.
What Traders Love
- Transparent rules — No hidden clauses or surprise account terminations
- Reliable payouts — Weekly processing with clear deadlines
- Responsive support — Live chat and email support with fast turnaround
- Scaling plan — A clear roadmap from evaluation to six-figure funded account
- Free NinjaTrader license — Genuine cost savings for active traders
- Educational content — Earn2Trade provides a comprehensive library of trading courses and webinars
Common Criticisms
- LiveSim accounts — Some traders express frustration that most funded accounts start on simulation rather than live execution
- Data fees — The $105/month CME data fee adds to the cost of trading a funded account
- Consistency rule — The 30% rule can be restrictive for traders with a high-variance style
- No overnight holds — Swing traders and position traders cannot use Earn2Trade
Earn2Trade Pass Rate & Statistics
Earn2Trade publishes verified performance statistics, which adds to their credibility.
8.89% Pass Rate (2025)
In 2025, 8.89% of evaluation subscribers passed the TCP or Gauntlet Mini. This is slightly below the 2024 pass rate of 10.42% but within the industry range of 5-10%.
18% Payout Rate
Among funded accounts, 18.04% of Live accounts and 18.20% of LiveSim accounts had at least one withdrawal. This means roughly 1 in 5 funded traders successfully withdrew profits — a meaningful figure that demonstrates real money is being paid out.
What This Means for You
An 8.89% pass rate means nearly 1 in 11 traders succeed. With proper risk management and a tested strategy, passing is entirely achievable. The 18% payout rate among funded traders confirms that real money is flowing to those who demonstrate consistency.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Scaling plan up to $400K (unique in the industry)
- Free NinjaTrader license (saves $75-$1,099)
- Free monthly resets on TCP subscriptions
- EOD drawdown during evaluation (more forgiving)
- Weekly payouts with clear processing schedule
- 4.7/5 Trustpilot from 4,600+ reviews
- Established since 2016 with clean regulatory history
- Partnership with licensed prop firm (Helios Trading Partners)
- Comprehensive educational resources included
- Code PFK for 60% off first month
Cons:
- 80/20 profit split (lower than some competitors)
- 94.77% of funded accounts start on LiveSim
- $105/month data fees on funded accounts
- $139 activation fee (deducted from first withdrawal)
- 30% consistency rule limits high-variance strategies
- No overnight position holding
- 15 minimum trading days on TCP (longer than some competitors)
Who Should Use Earn2Trade?
Earn2Trade is ideal for:
- Aspiring futures traders who want a structured career path with built-in scaling from $25K to $400K
- NinjaTrader users who want a free platform license included with their evaluation
- Risk-conscious traders who appreciate the EOD drawdown model during evaluation
- Budget-conscious beginners who can start with TCP25 at just $60/month using code PFK
- Disciplined day traders comfortable with intraday-only rules and consistency requirements
Earn2Trade is NOT ideal for:
- Swing traders or position traders who need overnight holds
- Traders who want 90/10 or 100/0 profit splits
- Anyone looking for forex, crypto, or stock prop trading (futures only)
- Traders who cannot commit to at least 10-15 trading days per evaluation attempt
FAQ
How long do I have to pass the Earn2Trade evaluation?
There is no maximum time limit. You can take as many days as you need, as long as your monthly subscription remains active. TCP subscribers also receive one free reset per monthly renewal.
Can I trade micro contracts on Earn2Trade?
Yes. Micro contracts (MES, MNQ, MYM, etc.) are fully supported and count toward your progression ladder. They are excellent for managing risk on smaller account sizes.
What is the difference between LiveSim and Live accounts?
LiveSim accounts use real-time market data and replicate live conditions but execute on a simulation engine. Traders receive the same profit split and payout terms. Live accounts execute directly on the exchange. Progression through the scaling plan determines when you transition to live.
Does the code PFK work on all Earn2Trade programs?
Yes, the discount code PFK applies to all TCP and Gauntlet Mini plans. It provides 60% off your first month. Apply it through PropFirmKey for the latest verified deal.
How are Earn2Trade payouts processed?
Submit your payout request by Friday at 2:00 PM CT. Approved withdrawals are processed the following Wednesday. Payouts are sent via wire transfer or ACH.
What happens if I break a rule during the evaluation?
Your evaluation account is terminated. On TCP plans, you can use your free monthly reset (if available) to restart. Otherwise, you can purchase a reset or wait for the next monthly renewal for a free one.
Is Earn2Trade regulated?
Earn2Trade itself is a trader evaluation company, not a broker. However, it exclusively works with CME Group futures (a regulated market) and partners with Helios Trading Partners, a licensed proprietary trading firm. This structure provides more regulatory oversight than many competitors.
Can I use automated trading strategies or EAs?
Yes, Earn2Trade allows automated trading strategies, including NinjaTrader automated strategies. However, all trades must comply with the same rules (daily loss limit, drawdown, no overnight positions).
What is the 30% consistency rule?
No single trading day can account for more than 30% of your total net profit at the time of reaching the profit target. This ensures you demonstrate consistent profitability rather than relying on one large winning day.
How much capital do I need to start?
With the code PFK at 60% off, you can start a TCP25 evaluation for just $60. That is the lowest barrier to entry for a legitimate futures prop firm evaluation program.
Final Verdict
Earn2Trade stands out for one primary reason: the Trader Career Path scaling plan. No other major prop firm offers a structured growth ladder from $25,000 to $400,000 with clearly defined steps, profit targets, and progressive contract limits. Add in the free NinjaTrader license, free monthly resets, EOD drawdown during evaluation, and a 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating, and you have one of the most complete prop firm offerings in 2026.
The 80/20 profit split is not the most generous, and the LiveSim model may frustrate traders who want immediate live execution. But these are reasonable tradeoffs for the reliability, transparency, and growth potential Earn2Trade provides.
If you are serious about futures trading, the TCP25 at $60 per month with code PFK is one of the best value propositions in the prop firm market. Start small, prove your consistency, and scale to a $400K funded account.
Get started with 60% off using code PFK on PropFirmKey.
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