How does Alpha Capital regulate trading behavior, including restricted strategies, martingale rules, and lot size limits?

💡 Answer

Martingale Allowed?

No

Prohibited Strategies

Alpha Capital prohibits strategies and behaviours that are designed to exploit pricing/execution or that breach its fair-use and risk policies, including:

  • Arbitrage, latency trading, front-running and other attempts to exploit unrealistic fills or price feeds.
  • High-frequency trading and ultra-short-term execution patterns that do not reflect sustainable trading.
  • Reverse trading and group hedging (including coordinated trading across multiple accounts).
  • Order-block / order-book spamming (entering multiple orders in a short period of time).
  • Group trading, signal-following schemes, or account-management services.
  • Hedging across separate Alpha Capital accounts (hedging is only allowed within the same instrument on the same account).
  • "All or nothing" / gambling behaviour, including sudden outsized lot-size changes relative to the account’s normal average.

Violations can result in profit removal, assessment failure, qualified account termination and/or a platform ban, depending on severity.


Lot Size Limits:

Alpha Capital applies maximum lot exposure limits on Qualified Analyst accounts (assessed per open position, not per trade idea). Limits depend on plan and account size:

  • Alpha Pro / Alpha One / Alpha Three: $5k=2.5 lots, $10k=5, $25k=10, $50k=20, $100k=40, $200k=80, $300k=120.
  • Alpha Swing: $5k=1.25 lots, $10k=2.5, $25k=5, $50k=10, $100k=20, $200k=40, $300k=60.

Accounts placed into the Pro Risk Management Group have reduced lot exposure limits (e.g., matching the lower Swing-style ladder). Repeated lot-limit violations can result in performance-fee forfeiture and account deactivation.

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Alpha Capital vs Top One Trader vs FXIFY - Prop Firm Comparison (March 2026)

Side-by-side comparison of Alpha Capital vs Top One Trader vs FXIFY. Quickly scan maximum funding, profit splits, risk rules, leverage, platforms, instruments, payout schedules, payment options, trading permissions and KYC restrictions to narrow down your prop trading firm shortlist. Data updated March 2026.

Alpha Capital vs Top One Trader vs FXIFY - Prop Firm Comparison (March 2026)
Alpha Capital
Alpha Capital Group (Alpha Capital) is a UK-based CFD prop firm (founded 2021) that provides simulated-funded "Qualified Analyst" accounts via ACG Markets and lets traders choose between a 1-step (Alpha One), multiple 2-step options (Alpha Pro 6% / 8% /...
Top One Trader
Top One Trader is a fast-growing prop firm offering simple 1-step and 2-step evaluations plus instant funding and Instant Prime accounts, with low-cost challenges, straightforward rules, EquityShield risk protection and profit splits that can reach 100% while scaling up to...
FXIFY
FXIFY is a broker-backed prop firm (FXIFY Markets Ltd, licensed in Labuan, Malaysia) offering One Phase, Two Phase and Three Phase evaluations, an Instant Funding path, and a 7-day Lightning Challenge, with up to 90% performance splits, on-demand payouts on...
Overview
Trustpilot Rating 4.7 4.5 4.4
Trustpilot Reviews 17,698 3,012 5,320
Headquarters United Kingdom United States Malaysia
Age (Years) N/A N/A N/A
Max Funding $400,000 $5,000,000 $4,000,000
Profit Split Start 80% 60% 80%
Profit Split Max 80% 100% 90%
Platforms MT5 cTrader DXtrade TradeLocker MT5 cTrader Match-Trader TradeLocker MT4 MT5 DXtrade
Assets FX Metals Indices Oil (Energy) FX Metals Indices Commodities Crypto FX Metals Indices Commodities Stocks Crypto
Leverage
FX Leverage 100 50 50
Metals Leverage 30 10 50
Crypto Leverage 0 2 1
Risk & Drawdown Rules
Max Daily Loss Maximum Daily LossAlpha Capital Group enforces a plan-specific daily drawdown limit that is measured from defined daily reference points (based on balance or equity, depending on the plan). The daily loss limit is evaluated against the current equity value, and breaches are treated as a hard breach (trades are closed automatically).Alpha Pro 10%: 5% balance-based daily drawdown.Alpha Pro 8%: 4% balance-based daily drawdown.Alpha Pro 6%: 3% daily drawdown calculated over the higher of end-of-day balance or equity.Alpha Swing: 5% balance-based... Maximum Daily LossDaily loss limits at Top One Trader are simple but strict: 1-Step and 2-Step accounts usually have a 4% daily loss cap, Instant Funding has a 3% daily loss limit and Instant Prime applies an even tighter 2.5% profile tied to the ESS metric.The daily limit is generally calculated on equity and includes both closed and floating losses; if equity falls beyond the allowed percentage in a single day, the account is considered in breach even if the loss is later recovered. Maximum Daily LossFXIFY's daily drawdown limits are program-specific. FXIFY provides examples showing One Phase uses a 3% daily drawdown, while Two Phase uses a 4% daily drawdown. Daily drawdown is monitored alongside max drawdown thresholds, and traders should plan withdrawals and risk so that intraday equity does not breach the daily limit.
Max Total Loss Maximum Overall LossMaximum total loss is defined by the plan’s maximum drawdown model and is set as a percentage of the initial starting balance. If balance or equity drops below the maximum drawdown threshold, the account is breached and trades are closed automatically.Alpha Pro: static max drawdown of 10% (Pro10) / 8% (Pro8) / 6% (Pro6).Alpha Swing: 10% static max drawdown.Alpha Three: 6% static max drawdown.Alpha One: 6% trailing max drawdown based on the high-water mark (maximum balance achieved). Maximum Overall LossOverall loss caps depend on the program: 1-Step FLASH uses a 7% trailing max drawdown, 2-Step PRO uses an 8% static max loss from the starting balance, Instant Funding runs with a 6% trailing drawdown and Instant Prime typically keeps a 5–6% trailing max loss.For trailing accounts, the max loss tracks the highest equity until a payout is taken, at which point the level locks at the initial balance; breaching the max loss at any time results in losing the account. Maximum Overall LossFXIFY provides examples showing One Phase accounts use a 6% max drawdown and Two Phase accounts use a 10% max drawdown. For Three Phase, FXIFY describes a static drawdown option where max drawdown is set at 5% and remains static for the life of the account.
Drawdown Type Drawdown ModelAlpha Capital Group uses both static and trailing drawdown models depending on the plan:Static max drawdown: Used on Alpha Pro (6% / 8% / 10%), Alpha Swing (10%) and Alpha Three (6%). The maximum-loss line is fixed from the initial starting balance and does not move up as the account grows.Trailing max drawdown (high-water mark): Used on Alpha One (6%). As new balance highs are made, the trailing drawdown line moves up; once the account reaches a high-water mark... Drawdown ModelTop One Trader combines static and trailing drawdown models. 2-Step PRO accounts use a simple static 8% max loss from starting balance, while 1-Step FLASH, Instant Funding and Instant Prime rely on trailing max drawdown that follows peak equity and then locks at the starting balance when a payout is requested (Lock Upon Payout rule).The EquityShield risk engine helps enforce these limits by monitoring symbol-level and overall open risk and automatically closing trades if thresholds are exceeded. Drawdown ModelFXIFY supports both trailing-style drawdown mechanics and an optional static drawdown mode (notably for 2-Phase and 3-Phase). FXIFY also explains that on 1- and 2-Phase accounts, when a withdrawal is requested, the max drawdown “locks” at the starting balance, meaning profit withdrawals reduce the buffer created by gains and can increase breach risk if no buffer remains.
Payouts
Payout Frequency Payout FrequencyAlpha Capital offers two payout schedules for qualified accounts, depending on the payout type selected at checkout:Bi-Weekly: performance-fee requests are available every 14 days (starting 14 days after the initial trade on the qualified account). The first request requires a minimum of 5 trading days using the same trading strategy, and the minimum withdrawal is $100 gross profits.On-Demand: traders can request a payout at any time once they have at least 2% gross profit in the account and meet... Payout Frequency1-Step and 2-Step challenge accounts pay out bi-weekly by default, with add-ons available for weekly or instant payouts after the first withdrawal. Instant Funding normally pays monthly, while Instant Prime offers bi-weekly payouts, again with minimum profit of 2% of the initial balance required to request a withdrawal.Profit splits typically start at 80–90% on challenge accounts, 60% on Instant Funding and 80% on Instant Prime, stepping up over successive payouts until they reach as high as 90–100% for long-term, consistent traders. Payout FrequencyInstant Funding: FXIFY states Instant Funding accounts offer payouts every 14 days. Evaluation programs (1-Phase, 2-Phase, 3-Phase): FXIFY states the first payout is instant and on demand, processed right after the trader's first live trade in the funded account.
Days to First Payout 14 30 0
Payout Processing Time Payout ProcessingPerformance-fee requests are submitted via the Alpha Capital dashboard and are processed and paid within about 2 business days once approved. Traders must close all trades before requesting, and the account remains locked while the balance is reset.Scaling requests (where applicable) are handled separately and are typically completed within 24–48 business hours. Payout ProcessingPayouts are requested through the Top One Trader dashboard and are routed via Rise (Riseworks) to bank transfer or cryptocurrency. Approved withdrawals are often processed within about 24 hours, although exact timing can vary with the chosen method, weekends and additional compliance checks. 0
Payout Methods Bank Transfer (WIRE/ACH/SWIFT) Wise Rise (Riseworks) Bank Transfer Crypto via Rise (Riseworks) Crypto Bank Transfer
Payments
Payment Methods Credit/Debit Card Crypto PayPal Credit Card Crypto Credit/Debit Card Crypto
Trading Permissions
News Trading News trading is permitted, but Alpha Capital applies plan-specific rules around certain high-impact announcements on Qualified Analyst accounts.Alpha Pro 8%/10% Qualified: no executing trades (opening or closing, including pending orders, stop-loss or take-profit fills) on targeted instruments within 2 minutes before and 2 minutes after the specified news releases.Alpha Pro 6% / Alpha One / Alpha Three Qualified: the same restriction applies within 5 minutes before and 5 minutes after the specified releases.Alpha Swing: trading during major news is allowed;... News trading rules depend on the program. Evaluations are typically more flexible, but on funded and instant accounts it is prohibited to open, modify or close positions within 5 minutes before or after designated high-impact news on the affected instrument. Instant Prime provides more flexibility when combined with relevant add-ons, but bracket-style and pure spike-catching news strategies are still not allowed. News trading rules are defined by FXIFY program terms and platform rules; traders should follow FXIFY's compliance guidance and avoid any prohibited behavior, especially around extreme volatility where drawdown breaches can occur quickly.
Weekend Trades Weekend holding rules depend on the plan and stage.Alpha Pro: holding trades over the weekend is allowed during the Evaluation phase, but is not allowed on the Qualified Analyst account stage (treated as a soft breach with profits removed).Alpha Swing / Alpha One / Alpha Three: weekend holding is allowed during both the Evaluation phase and on the Qualified Analyst account stage.Swap/rollover charges still apply when positions are held over weekends. Overnight and weekend holding is allowed on 1-Step FLASH and 2-Step PRO accounts subject to normal swap charges. Instant Funding accounts require a weekend add-on to hold trades over the close; without it, positions should be closed before markets shut to avoid soft or hard breaches. FXIFY advertises the ability to hold positions over the weekend on supported programs/instruments, subject to market hours, symbol availability, and account objectives.
Copy Trading Copy trading is allowed but tightly controlled. Alpha Capital permits copy trading only where the trader can provide proof of ownership of the master account (e.g., account number/investor password/server) when requested. Copy trading between two Alpha Capital accounts can also be permitted with both account numbers disclosed.Copy trading is currently supported on MT5 only; copying trades on or from cTrader, DXTrade or TradeLocker is not possible. Only one master account can be connected at a time, and copying other traders or group trading arrangements is prohibited. Manual copy trading is allowed only between your own challenge accounts on supported platforms, and not on funded or instant funded accounts. Copying between different users, mirroring trades across large groups of accounts or hedging between accounts and firms is prohibited. Violations can lead to profit removal, account resets or termination. Copy trading is allowed between your own FXIFY accounts and from FXIFY accounts to other accounts. To copy from an external account into a FXIFY account, FXIFY requires submission of the master account statement in HTML format beforehand, and copying from a third party is prohibited.
EA Allowed Expert Advisors (EAs) are permitted on MT5 accounts, provided they comply with Alpha Capital’s rules. Traders must enable the EA feature at checkout and contact support for approval; Alpha Capital may request the EA's EX5 file and MQ5 market link for review.EAs are not supported on TradeLocker, DXTrade or cTrader accounts. Automated strategies that attempt to exploit unrealistic fills or use high-frequency/latency-style execution are prohibited. Expert Advisors are allowed on 1-Step FLASH and 2-Step PRO evaluation accounts provided they are customised to the trader, fully disclosed and not commercial grid, martingale, latency or arbitrage systems. EAs are not permitted on funded and instant accounts, where trading is expected to be manual or semi-manual under the firm’s risk rules. 1
KYC & Restrictions
KYC Required Yes No Yes
KYC Stage Alpha Capital requires identity verification (KYC) after passing an assessment and before issuing Qualified Analyst account credentials. Traders complete KYC via a third-party provider (Veriff) and must also provide the necessary withdrawal/payment details; qualified credentials are typically issued within a maximum of 2 working days after completing KYC.Payment details may be cross-checked against the verified identity, and third-party payments are not accepted. Top One Trader applies standard KYC and AML checks. Traders must complete identity verification and, where required, provide proof of address or other documents before receiving funded accounts and before withdrawals are processed through Rise and other payment providers. KYC is required as part of FXIFY's AML/KYC compliance process before traders can fully access withdrawals/performance fees. If a trader cannot pass KYC, FXIFY's policy explains this impacts their ability to proceed under the program's compliance requirements.
Restricted Countries Afghanistan Belarus Burundi Central African Republic Chad Cuba Democratic Republic of the Congo Eritrea Iran Iraq Libya Myanmar (Burma) North Korea Regions of Ukraine: Crimea Donetsk and Luhansk Republic of the Congo (Congo Brazzaville) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Afghanistan Albania Algeria Armenia Azerbaijan Crimea (Region of Ukraine) Cuba Iran Iraq Kazakhstan Kuwait Lebanon Libya Macedonia Morocco Pakistan Russia Somalia Sudan Syria Turkey Ukraine Vietnam United States Zimbabwe Iran Iraq North Korea Somalia Vietnam Burundi Central African Republic Ivory Coast Liberia Libya Sudan Cuba Syria Afghanistan Yemen Palestine Myanmar Nicaragua Congo Republic Crimea Democratic Republic of Congo Eritrea Guinea Guinea-Bissau Papua New Guinea South Sudan Vanuatu Venezuela Algeria Russia Kenya Ghana

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