How Long Does It Take to Get Your First Payout from a Prop Firm_ Insights & Timeline

1. If you're thinking about getting into trading with a prop firm, one of the big questions you probably have is: how long will it take to get your first payout? It's a fair thing to wonder! You’ve put in the time, passed the evaluation (hopefully), and now you're ready to start making money. So, let’s break it down. First, each prop firm works a little differently. But in general, the process from starting to getting your first paycheck can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Here's why. Before anything else, you usually have to pass a challenge or an evaluation phase, depending on the prop firm. This can take anywhere from a week to a month or more, depending on how quickly you reach the goals (like profit targets and risk limits). After that, there's often a short verification phase where you show you're not just lucky—you can consistently trade within the rules. After passing both phases, you're given access to a funded account where you can begin real profit-sharing. Now, here’s the important part: most prop firms have specific rules about how long you need to trade on the funded account before requesting a payout. This is often 10 to 30 active trading days. Some firms also require a minimum profit before you can make a withdrawal. Once you request a payout, the actual payment can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the firm’s process and which payment method you choose. Some traders report receiving their first payout within a month of starting, while others say it took closer to 60 days. So, the short answer? On average, about 4 to 8 weeks from the day you first sign up to when you might see money in your account—if everything goes smoothly. If you're doing your research on which firm to go with, looking at reviews can help. For example, many traders check out a Traderscale Review to get a feel for how quickly they process payouts and how supportive their system is. At the end of the day, patience and consistency matter. Focus on following the rules, trading smart, and building your way up. The first payout is just the beginning.