Can you use an EA on a prop firm challenge?
At most firms, no. Automated trading is one of the most commonly restricted activities in the prop industry, and it is often written into the rules in ways traders only discover after a breach — when the account is already gone.
At PropCapital, expert advisors are permitted. You can run your own EA, a purchased one, or a self-built algorithmic system on an MT5 account. There is no separate approval process and no surcharge.
What's allowed
- Expert advisors (EAs) — your own or third-party
- Algorithmic and automated strategies
- High-frequency trading — see our HFT prop firm page
- News trading — no restriction around economic releases
- Scalping and short holding times
What isn't allowed
The restrictions that remain exist to keep evaluations fair, not to catch you out:
- Copy-trading or mirroring between multiple accounts
- Hedging positions across separate accounts
- Exploiting demonstrable pricing or platform errors
Full detail is in our terms and conditions.
The rules your EA has to respect
Automation doesn't change the evaluation criteria — your system must trade within the same limits as a manual trader:
| Rule | PropCapital |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 profit target | 8% |
| Phase 2 profit target | 5% |
| Maximum drawdown | 8% |
| Daily drawdown | 4% |
| Minimum trading days | 5 days |
| Time limit | None |
| Profit split | 80% (90% after 3 payouts) |
The no time limit rule matters especially for automated strategies. A slower-frequency system that needs weeks to reach its target isn't penalised, because there is no deadline to trade against.
Pricing
| Account size | One-time fee |
|---|---|
| $3,000 | $39 |
| $5,000 | $49 |
| $10,000 | $79 |
| $25,000 | $149 |
| $50,000 | $249 |
Frequently asked questions
Does PropCapital allow expert advisors?
Yes. Expert advisors, algorithmic strategies and automated systems are permitted on all PropCapital challenge and funded accounts, on both Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Do I need approval to run an EA?
No. There is no approval process or additional fee. You can attach your EA to your MT5 account as soon as it is delivered.
Can I use a purchased or third-party EA?
Yes. There is no requirement that you built the strategy yourself.
Are there restrictions on how my EA trades?
Your EA must respect the same rules as a manual trader: 8% maximum drawdown, 4% daily drawdown and a minimum of 5 trading days. Copy-trading between accounts and hedging across accounts are not permitted.