Apr 6, 2025
How to Trade Futures as a Funded Trader: A Step-by-Step Guide with GFF
TradingTips
Looking for the best futures prop firms with no activation fees? Discover how GFF helps traders grow with structure, risk control, and zero upfront costs.
What Are Futures Contracts?
Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price at a specific time in the future. Popular instruments include the MNQ (Micro Nasdaq), MES (Micro S&P 500), CL (Crude Oil), and more. Futures offer high liquidity, leverage, and price action—making them ideal for active traders.
How Does Futures Trading Work?
Each contract has a tick value (e.g., MNQ = $0.50 per tick) and requires margin to open a position. Leverage allows you to control large amounts with less capital, but risk increases too. At GFF, you don’t need to fund a brokerage account. Instead, you trade with GFF’s simulated capital once you're funded.
Why Trade Futures Through a Prop Firm?
Trading through a prop firm means you don’t need $10,000+ to start. You use the firm’s simulated capital while following their rules. GFF makes this accessible through challenge-based or instant funding models—and gives you tools to manage risk like a professional.
Getting Started with GFF
GFF offers 3 different paths for futures traders:
EOD Challenge: Daily drawdown resets, great for intraday strategies.
Static Challenge: Fixed drawdown, ideal for swing traders.
Instant Plan: No challenge required. You're funded from day one and eligible for payouts immediately.
After passing a challenge, GFF doesn't charge an activation fee—unlike most firms that do.
Tools for Risk Management
GFF provides built-in tools to help you:
Calculate stop loss and take profit based on your capital and risk tolerance
Determine contract size using tick-based logic
Avoid overexposure by sticking to a fixed % risk per trade
This helps you trade smarter—not just harder.
Platforms and Execution
With support for over 9 trading platforms including NinjaTrader, TradingView, Tradovate, ProjectX, and more, GFF gives you the freedom to trade your way. Choose the platform you’re comfortable with and benefit from fast execution and a professional-grade setup.
Final Tips for Success in Futures Trading
Always trade with a written plan
Journal every session for self-review
Avoid overtrading and revenge trading
Focus on discipline, not just signals
GFF provides the capital and tools. You bring the mindset and execution.