Prop Firm Industry News - March 2026 Roundup

Key Takeaways

• Topstep has officially rolled out same-day payouts for all funded accounts as a permanent feature.
• Apex Trader Funding is running a record-breaking 90% off sale on all evaluation accounts this month.
• A wave of smaller prop firms have shut down, reinforcing the importance of choosing established, reputable companies.

The prop firm industry moves fast. Every month brings new evaluation structures, payout policy updates, and promotional deals that can save traders hundreds of dollars. Staying informed isn’t just helpful - it’s essential for making smart decisions about where to invest your evaluation fees.

Here’s everything that happened in March 2026.

---

1. Topstep Makes Same-Day Payouts Permanent

After months of beta testing, Topstep has officially confirmed that same-day payouts are now a permanent feature for all funded traders - not just those in a promotional window.

Previously, Topstep processed payouts within 1-2 business days. With this change, any withdrawal request submitted before 10:00 AM CST will be processed and delivered to the trader’s account on the same day.

This makes Topstep one of the fastest-paying prop firms in the entire industry, rivaling Take Profit Trader, which has long held the crown for payout speed.

Why it matters: Faster payouts reduce counterparty risk. The quicker you can get your money out of a prop firm and into your personal bank account, the safer your profits are. This is a major trust signal from Topstep.

---

2. Apex Trader Funding’s Record 90% Off Sale

Apex Trader Funding has launched its most aggressive promotion yet: a 90% discount on all evaluation accounts for the entire month of March.

Here’s what that means in practice:

• $50K Rithmic Account: $167 → $16.70/month
• $100K Rithmic Account: $207 → $20.70/month
• $300K Rithmic Account: $517 → $51.70/month

At these prices, the barrier to entry is essentially zero. A 300K evaluation for roughly $50 is an incredible deal for any trader looking to get funded.

Our take: This is an excellent opportunity to try Apex if you haven’t already. However, remember that Apex uses an Intraday Trailing Drawdown, which is more aggressive than the EOD drawdown offered by firms like Topstep or Bulenox. Make sure you understand the rules before diving in.

---

3. Several Smaller Prop Firms Shut Down

Unfortunately, March 2026 also brought bad news. At least three smaller, lesser-known prop firms announced they were ceasing operations, citing unsustainable business models and an inability to compete with the pricing of larger firms.

While we won’t name them here out of respect for ongoing refund processes, this serves as a critical reminder: always choose established prop firms with proven payout track records.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Stick to firms that have been operating for 2+ years.
• Check community forums (Reddit, Discord, Trustpilot) for recent payout confirmations.
• Avoid firms offering “too good to be true” deals like 100% profit splits with zero evaluation fees.
• Use PropPick’s rankings to find firms we’ve personally vetted.

---

4. Take Profit Trader Expands Scaling Program

Take Profit Trader quietly expanded its scaling program this month, allowing funded traders to manage up to $600,000 in combined accounts (up from the previous cap of $400,000).

For traders who consistently perform well, this means significantly higher earning potential. At a 90% profit split, a trader managing $600K of firm capital with even modest daily returns can generate substantial income.

Who benefits most: Experienced traders who have been with TPT for 3+ months and have a consistent track record. If you’re still in the evaluation phase, this is a great long-term incentive to aim for.

---

5. Bulenox Adds New Account Sizes

Bulenox has expanded its evaluation lineup with two new account sizes: a $25K micro account and a $200K large account.

• The $25K account starts at just $105 (before discount), making it the most affordable way to enter the Bulenox ecosystem.
• The $200K account offers a larger capital base for experienced traders who want more room to scale.

Both accounts can use Bulenox’s popular End-of-Day drawdown option, which remains one of the most beginner-friendly drawdown structures in the industry.

---

Conclusion

March 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most eventful months in the prop firm industry. Between Apex’s 90% off sale, Topstep’s permanent same-day payouts, and the unfortunate closure of weaker firms, the market is clearly consolidating around the strongest players.

Our advice? Take advantage of the sales, but always prioritize firms with proven payout histories. If you’re unsure where to start, check our updated rankings for the most current data.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which prop firm has the best deal right now?

Apex Trader Funding is currently offering 90% off all evaluation accounts for March 2026, bringing prices as low as $16.70/month for a $50K account. This is the best deal available in the industry right now.

Is it safe to use smaller, newer prop firms?

We generally recommend sticking with established firms that have been operating for at least 2 years. Several smaller firms shut down in March 2026, leaving traders without refunds. Always check community reviews and payout proof before signing up.

What is Topstep's same-day payout policy?

Topstep now processes all withdrawal requests submitted before 10:00 AM CST on the same business day. This applies to all funded accounts permanently, not just during promotional periods.