Trust Score · Updated Aug 2026

Safest Prop Firms 2026

The 30 prop firms below are ranked by a transparent Trust Score built only from observable data: our editorial rating and years in operation. "Safest" means strongest public track record, not a guarantee. The exact formula is shown below so you can audit every score.

How the Trust Score works (out of 100)

Reputation, 70 pts

Our editorial rating ÷ 5 × 70. Payout reliability is already baked into this score.

Track record, 30 pts

Years in operation, capped at 10. Survival through multiple market cycles is signal.

#	Prop Firm	Trust Score	Rating	Years	Strongest signal
1	FTMO Long track record	90	4.3	10+	Long track record
2	The5ers Long track record	87	4.1	10+	Long track record
3	Topstep Long track record	86	4.0	10+	Long track record
4	Earn2Trade Long track record	86	4.2	9	Long track record
5	Audacity Capital Editorial rating	83	4.2	8	Editorial rating
6	City Traders Imperium Editorial rating	80	4.2	7	Editorial rating
7	Hantec Trader Editorial rating	75	4.3	5	Editorial rating
8	Apex Trader Funding Editorial rating	74	4.2	5	Editorial rating
9	E8 Markets Editorial rating	72	4.3	4	Editorial rating
10	Alpha Capital Editorial rating	71	4.2	4	Editorial rating
11	Blue Guardian Editorial rating	71	4.2	4	Editorial rating
12	Funded Trading Plus Editorial rating	71	4.2	4	Editorial rating
13	Finotive Funding Editorial rating	71	4.2	4	Editorial rating
14	The Trading Pit Editorial rating	71	4.2	4	Editorial rating
15	Goat Funded Trader Editorial rating	69	4.5	2	Editorial rating
16	Moneta Funded Editorial rating	69	4.7	1	Editorial rating
17	TradeDay Editorial rating	69	4.1	4	Editorial rating
18	Sure Leverage Funding Editorial rating	68	4.4	2	Editorial rating
19	Instant Funding Editorial rating	68	4.2	3	Editorial rating
20	FundedNext Editorial rating	67	3.9	4	Editorial rating
21	FundingPips Editorial rating	66	4.1	3	Editorial rating
22	Maven Editorial rating	66	4.1	3	Editorial rating
23	AquaFunded Editorial rating	66	4.3	2	Editorial rating
24	Lark Funding Editorial rating	66	4.1	3	Editorial rating
25	FXIFY Editorial rating	66	4.1	3	Editorial rating
26	Trade The Pool Editorial rating	65	4.0	3	Editorial rating
27	Crypto Fund Trader Editorial rating	65	4.0	3	Editorial rating
28	QT Funded Editorial rating	64	3.9	3	Editorial rating
29	Pipstone Capital Editorial rating	63	4.3	1	Editorial rating
30	BrightFunded Editorial rating	63	4.1	2	Editorial rating

Trust Score is a comparative signal from public data, not a guarantee. Always read a firm's current payout terms and rules before buying. See our independence pledge and full methodology.

Safest prop firms, FAQ

What is the safest prop firm in 2026?▾

On our Trust Score, which blends our editorial rating with years in operation, the safest prop firms are the long-established, highly-rated firms with proven payout track records (The5ers, FundingPips, FundedNext and similar consistently rank near the top). 'Safest' here means strongest observable track record and reputation; it is not a guarantee, and you should still read each firm's payout terms before buying.

How is the Trust Score calculated?▾

The Trust Score is out of 100: up to 70 points for our editorial rating (rating ÷ 5 × 70) and up to 30 points for track record (capped at 10 years). Reputation carries the most weight because the rating already accounts for payout reliability. The formula uses only observable data and is disclosed in full on this page, so the ranking is auditable rather than a black box.

Which prop firms actually pay out?▾

Payout reliability is the heaviest input to a firm's rating: firms that withhold or delay withdrawals lose trust fast, which drags their rating and therefore their Trust Score. The firms ranked highest here pair a strong editorial rating with a multi-year operating history, the clearest signal that real traders are getting paid. We also exclude firms with documented payout disputes from our rankings entirely.

Does a high Trust Score mean a firm is risk-free?▾

No. The Trust Score measures observable reputation and track record, it is a comparative signal, not a guarantee. Any prop firm can change its rules, pricing, or payout policy, and a strong history doesn't bind future behaviour. Use the score to shortlist, then read the firm's current rule set, payout cadence, and restricted-country list before committing.

Are newer prop firms unsafe?▾

Not necessarily, they simply have less track record, so they score lower on that component even with an excellent rating. A new firm with a 4.6 rating can be perfectly legitimate; it just hasn't accumulated the multi-year history that anchors the top of the list. Weigh newer firms on their rating and payout terms, and size your risk accordingly.