Home › Market News › How to Find a Trusted Prop Firm
So you’re scrolling socials, and you see the flashy prop firm ads with screenshots of huge gains, selling you a dream. These ads target a wide range of prop traders, from beginners to experienced professionals, all looking for opportunities in the industry. You might’ve seen a few and figured that they sound too good to be true. Maybe you’ve already been tricked by a prop firm that made payout promises they didn’t keep.
If that’s the case, you’re probably asking the right question: How do I find a prop firm I can actually trust? We get it. You’ve been burned before. And you’re not alone.
All prop firms have similar but different rules, payout structures, evaluation processes, and business models. The broader prop trading space is diverse, offering various markets, instruments, and opportunities for traders. But none of that stuff has anything to do with whether or not you can actually trust them.
Trust isn’t about finding the perfect profit split or the lowest fees. It’s about finding reputable prop firms that distinguish themselves through transparency and reliability, so you won’t feel like your hard-earned funds just went down the drain.
So here’s a question that cuts through all the noise: If price wasn’t an option, what prop firm would you choose? When you remove cost from the decision, you’re left with what really matters: trust, transparency, genuine support for your trading journey, and how well the firm aligns with your trading goals. So, who’s trustworthy?
The first thing to consider when trying to figure out who a prop firm is? Look at who they’re affiliated with. Think of affiliates (or in some cases, “Gurus”) as an extension of the brand. Are they giving out real, honest advice that helps traders grow? The trading space is full of characters who’ve never been in the trenches, but they’re the loudest voices selling you the dream. If a prop firm trusts their brand reputation with these types of people, what does that say about who they are?
Ask yourself this: Are they hiring real traders and coaches who understand what it takes to become a better trader, or are they hiring “gurus” who know how to sell a story?
Red flags to watch for:
A trading guru is a “scam likely” caller looking for the next trader to pick up the phone.
We can go on about the issues with gurus vs real coaches (are they yoloing!?), but there’s another blog for that. The thing is, real prop firms hire traders who’ve been in the trenches. They understand that teaching you to fish is more valuable than giving you a fish. They’re transparent about both wins and losses because that’s what actual trading looks like. It’s that kind of transparency that makes the difference every time. Speaking of transparency…
And while other firms hide behind marketing copy, we put our money where our mouth is daily with TopstepTV. It delivers daily live shows with market education, coaching, and frequent appearances from our CEO and the TopstepTV team. That means you get to see exactly what real trading looks like. The good, the bad, and yes, the ugly.
No highlights reels. No cherry-picked wins. Just real trading, real time.
Our coaches trade live during market hours. You’ll watch them hit targets, and you’ll see them take a loss. You’ll learn from their decision-making because they walk you through every trade, explaining not just what they’re doing, but why they’re doing it. It’s that kind of confidence that helps define who’s here to help you build real skills, not just sell you an expensive dream that takes funds out of your pocket.
Here’s something else most prop firms won’t do: put their CEO in front of the entire community.
Our Founder and CEO, Michael Patak, appears regularly on TopstepTV because he wants that connection with the traders. When the person leading the company is happy to show up, answer questions, and talk about updates, that tells you everything about the firm’s commitment to transparency.
Think about it: if you were running a company that wasn’t built to help traders succeed, would you put yourself in front of thousands of live viewers every week? Would you welcome questions about your business model, your payout policies, and your track record? Fakers wouldn’t last that long on the stage.
This level of openness isn’t just refreshing, it’s proof that the company wants to see you win.
Let’s be honest, you know where you’re reading this. Topstep takes pride in our transparency, and here’s what we can say separates the real from the rest:
The best firms out there will help make you a better trader, period.
Look for transparency. Check independent reviews. And most importantly, find prop firms where real traders are teaching real skills, not selling the result without the work to get there.
If you’re ready to see what transparent trading really looks like, join us on TopstepTV. It’s free on YouTube, so there’s no cost and no catch, just real education from people who are doing exactly what they’re teaching. It’s that kind of energy that shows you who’s really trustworthy in the first place.
Because at the end of the day, actions speak louder than the billboards.
A trustworthy prop firm is transparent about its rules, payouts, and fees. It also supports traders with real coaching, shares both wins and losses, and has a proven track record backed by independent reviews.
Look out for firms affiliated with flashy influencers or “gurus,” coaches who emphasize lifestyle over strategy, and any promises of guaranteed results. Vague rule changes, poor customer support, and selective testimonials are also warning signs.
Prop firms vary by focus and structure:
Each type suits different trading styles and goals.
Evaluation-based firms require traders to pass a challenge before receiving a funded account. Instant funding firms offer immediate access but often with stricter risk controls or higher fees.
Topstep emphasizes transparency, offers real-time coaching through TopstepTV, and has consistent rules and fair payouts. The CEO appears regularly on live shows, showing a level of accountability rare in the industry.
A visible and engaged CEO signals confidence in the company’s practices and a commitment to trader success. It’s a powerful sign that the firm stands behind its promises and welcomes scrutiny.
