TradeDay vs Vest Markets
TradeDay vs Vest Markets: Key Differences
Cost is one of the clearest differentiators here. Vest Markets undercuts the competition significantly at $76 versus $175 — a $99 gap on the $50K challenge alone. For a trader planning two or three attempts, that could mean saving $198 to $297 in total fees. Check available Vest Markets discount codes for additional savings.
With matching 80% profit splits, neither firm has a financial edge on earnings. Your take-home pay will be identical for the same trading results, so the real comparison shifts to drawdown policies, trading flexibility, and how quickly you can access your funds.
TradeDay provides $2,000 of drawdown room compared to $600 — an extra $1,400 buffer that can be the difference between surviving a losing streak and blowing an account. Vest Markets's static (doesn't trail) drawdown is more favorable than TradeDay's end-of-day trailing calculation, giving you steadier risk limits during profitable runs.
Vest Markets sets the bar lower with a $1,000 profit target versus $3,000. Additionally, Vest Markets has no minimum day requirement — you can pass as fast as you trade — whereas TradeDay mandates at least 5 days.
TradeDay does not enforce a daily loss limit while Vest Markets caps daily losses at $300. These operational differences can shape your day-to-day experience, particularly if your strategy depends on volatility around economic releases or requires more intraday flexibility.
These two firms take meaningfully different approaches to their challenge programs. The right pick depends on what you prioritize: lower cost of entry, a bigger share of profits, or more lenient risk parameters. Consider which rules align with how you actually trade, not just which numbers look best on paper.
View the full details on each firm's page: TradeDay rules & pricing and Vest Markets rules & pricing.
We have conducted full, first-person reviews of TradeDay and Vest Markets.
TradeDay vs Vest Markets: Prices & Rules
| TradeDay | Vest Markets | |
|---|---|---|
| Account | End of Day $50,000 | 1-Step $10,000 |
| Price | $175 | $76 ($80 before 5% off) |
| Activation fee | $139 | None listed |
| Profit target | $3,000 | $1,000 |
| Max drawdown | $2,000 (end-of-day trailing) | $600 (static (doesn't trail)) |
| Daily loss limit | None listed | $300 |
| Min trading days | 5 | None listed |
| Funded profit split | 80% | 80% |
| Funded max drawdown | $2,000 (end-of-day trailing) | $600 (static (doesn't trail)) |
Trading Rules: Side-by-Side
| Rule | TradeDay | Vest Markets |
|---|---|---|
| News Trading | Allowed | Allowed |
| Weekend Holding | Not allowed | Not specified |
| Overnight Holding | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Hedging | Not allowed | Not specified |
| Copy Trading | Allowed | Not specified |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Allowed | Not allowed |
Rules shown reflect the $50K challenge account. Some rules may differ by account size or type.
Which Firm Is Right for You?
The best prop firm depends on your experience level, trading style, and priorities. Here is how TradeDay and Vest Markets stack up for different types of traders.
Budget-Conscious Beginners
New to prop firms and want to minimize risk while learning the ropes.
TradeDay
- +Lower entry cost at $76 vs $175
- +More forgiving $2,000 max drawdown gives beginners extra room
Experienced Traders
Consistent track record, focused on maximizing earnings and scaling capital.
TradeDay
- +Expert advisors supported for automated strategies
Conservative Swing Traders
Prefer wider stops, lower risk, and the flexibility to hold positions longer.
Vest Markets
- +Static drawdown doesn't trail your balance, providing stable risk parameters
- +Larger $2,000 drawdown buffer for safer position management
- +Overnight positions permitted for longer-term setups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a $50K challenge cost at TradeDay vs Vest Markets?
Vest Markets is the more affordable choice at $76 for their $50K challenge, versus $175 at TradeDay (plus a $139 activation fee once funded). The Vest Markets price reflects their 5% discount.
How do TradeDay and Vest Markets profit splits compare?
Both firms pay a 80% profit split. On a $2,000 profit you keep $1600 at either firm — no difference in take-home pay.
Which firm has easier drawdown rules for the $50K account?
TradeDay provides a $2,000 max drawdown compared to $600 at Vest Markets — $1,400 more breathing room. Vest Markets's static (doesn't trail) calculation is friendlier than TradeDay's end-of-day trailing.
Can I trade during news events at TradeDay or Vest Markets?
Both TradeDay and Vest Markets allow news trading. This is particularly valuable for traders who capitalize on volatility around FOMC announcements, NFP releases, and CPI data drops.
How quickly can I get paid at TradeDay vs Vest Markets?
Both firms have flexible payout timing without strict minimum day requirements. Check each firm's current payout schedule for processing timelines.
Which firm is better for beginner futures traders?
For beginners, Vest Markets has an edge thanks to lower challenge fee, no minimum day requirement. These features reduce the pressure while you are still developing consistency. That said, both firms are viable — the best choice depends on your specific trading approach and budget.
Related Comparisons
Related Resources
- TradeDay Discount Codes — Current promotions and verified coupon codes
- Vest Markets Discount Codes — Current promotions and verified coupon codes
- TradeDay End of Day Plans — Rules and sizes for End of Day accounts
- TradeDay Intraday Plans — Rules and sizes for Intraday accounts
- Vest Markets 1-Step Plans — Rules and sizes for 1-Step accounts
- Vest Markets Instant Plans — Rules and sizes for Instant accounts
- Compare More Firms — Build your own side-by-side comparison
- How to Pass a Prop Firm Challenge — A step-by-step plan for the evaluation
- Cheapest Futures Prop Firms — Ranked by total cost to get funded
- Trailing Drawdown Explained — How EOD and intraday trailing drawdowns differ
- No Consistency Rule Prop Firms — Firms that don't cap your best day
- Best Instant Funding Prop Firms — Skip the evaluation entirely
- Trading Guides — Learn strategies for passing prop firm evaluations
Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the latest changes. Always verify current pricing and rules on each firm's official website before making a decision.