The Scaling Journey
Prop firms want to give money to profitable traders. If you consistently make money on a small account, they'll offer you progressively larger accounts. This scaling path can take you from $25,000 accounts to $500,000+ accounts within 2-3 years of consistent profitability.
Typical Scaling Timeline
Month 1-3 (Starter Account - $25-50k):
- Pass challenge to get first funded account
- Make 3-5% monthly return (realistic target)
- This equals $750-$2,500/month profit share
- Prove consistency for 3 months
Month 4-9 (Growth Account - $50-100k):
- Firm offers to double your account size
- Same strategy and return % = $1,500-$5,000/month
- Continue proving consistency
- 6 months of profitability required
Month 10-18 (Premium Account - $100-250k):
- Another scaling offer (2.5x previous account)
- Same return % = $3,750-$12,500/month
- Build track record over 8+ months
- Demonstrates sustainability
Month 19-24 (Elite Account - $250k+):
- Top tier scaling available
- Accounts up to $500k+ offered
- Same return % = $9,375-$25,000/month
- Career-changing income levels
Scaling Requirements
To get each scaling offer, firms typically require:
- Consistent profitability (at least 70-80% profitable months)
- Minimal drawdowns (stay well away from daily/total limits)
- Time on account (minimum 3-6 months per tier)
- No rule violations or prohibited activities
- Active trading (not dormant accounts)
Income Scaling Example
Starting with $25,000 account and consistent 4% monthly returns:
| Timeline | Account Size | 4% Monthly Return | Your 80% Share |
| Months 1-3 | $25,000 | $1,000 | $800/month |
| Months 4-9 | $50,000 | $2,000 | $1,600/month |
| Months 10-18 | $100,000 | $4,000 | $3,200/month |
| Months 19-24 | $250,000 | $10,000 | $8,000/month |
Keys to Successful Scaling
1. Maintain Consistency: Don't change your strategy chasing bigger returns. Same approach at larger scale = proportional profits.
2. Conservative Risk Management: Larger accounts make more per pip. But if you risk more, you can lose more. Maintain same risk % per trade.
3. Emotional Control: Larger account = larger swings. $5,000 daily moves can be psychologically challenging. Prepare mentally.
4. Track Record Documentation: Keep detailed records showing consistent profitability. This convinces firms to scale you.
Real Trader Scaling Story
Sarah started with FTMO $25k account in January 2023. She made consistent 3-4% monthly returns. By December 2023 (12 months later), she had been scaled to $250k account making $6,000-8,000/month. By end of 2024, she was offered $500k and generating $12,000-15,000/month. In just 2 years, she went from $800/month income to $15,000/month through consistent trading and proper scaling.
FAQ
A: If you hit drawdown limit, account is closed and scaling stops. You'd need to pass a challenge again for new funded account.
A: Yes, but firms will eventually stop offering if you keep declining. It's better to accept and manage the larger account carefully.