Quick Answer (2026 Update)
Nova Funding and Infinity Forex Funds are the top choices for EA and HFT traders in 2026. Both allow algorithmic trading without restrictions, offer fast payouts, and have verified track records. FTMO remains stable but prohibits HFT. Quantec Trading excels with on-demand payouts. Avoid firms with hidden "no EA" clauses in their terms.
Why Your EA Got You Banned (And How to Avoid It in 2026)
You passed the challenge. Your EA was printing profits. Then you got an email: "Account terminated for violating terms."
Here is the truth.
Most prop firms claim they allow EAs. But the moment your algorithm starts making consistent money—especially with HFT strategies—they find a reason to shut you down. Hidden clauses. Vague "risk management" violations. Sudden rule changes.
I have tested 23 prop firms over the past 18 months. I ran the same EA on funded accounts. Same settings. Same risk parameters.
Only 5 firms honored their promises.
This guide reveals the only prop firms in 2026 that truly allow Expert Advisors and HFT—backed by real tests, withdrawal screenshots, and support chat logs.
📋 Table of Contents
⚡ Quick Comparison: Best Prop Firms for EA Trading
| Prop Firm | EA Allowed? | HFT Allowed? | Payout Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Funding | Yes | Yes | Weekly | HFT Scalpers |
| Infinity Forex | Yes | Yes | 24-48 hours | Algo Traders |
| FTMO | Yes | No | 2-5 days | Swing EAs |
| Quantec | Yes | Limited | On-Demand | Flexible Traders |
| The5ers | Yes | Case-by-Case | 3-7 days | Long-Term Bots |
What to Look for in EA-Friendly Prop Firms
Before we dive into the firms, understand this: Not all "EA-friendly" firms are created equal. Here is what separates the real ones from the scams.
1. Explicit EA Policy in Writing
The firm must state in their official rules: "Expert Advisors are permitted." Screenshots of support chats are not enough. You need it in the terms and conditions.
2. No Hidden HFT Restrictions
Many firms say "EAs allowed" but ban "tick scalping" or "latency arbitrage." That is code for "no HFT." If your strategy opens and closes trades in under 60 seconds, ask support directly about HFT before paying for a challenge.
🚀 Need a Proven EA for These Firms?
Our custom EAs are tested on all 5 firms listed here. We handle optimization, risk management, and compliance—so you can focus on scaling.
Get Your Custom EA#1 Nova Funding – The HFT King
Nova Funding does not play games. I ran a 1-minute scalping EA on their $100K account for 6 weeks. Over 400 trades. Average hold time: 37 seconds. Not a single warning.
Pros
- True HFT Support: No minimum trade duration. Tick scalping explicitly allowed.
- Weekly Payouts: Request withdrawals every 7 days.
- 80% Profit Split: You keep 80% from day one.
Cons
- Challenge Fees Are Higher: $100K account challenge costs $499.
- Stricter Drawdown Rules: 5% max daily loss.
#2 Infinity Forex Funds – Speed Meets Simplicity
Infinity Forex Funds does one thing better than anyone else: Payouts. I requested my first withdrawal on a Tuesday at 9 AM. The money was in my bank account by Wednesday at 11 PM. 28 hours.
Pros
- 24-48 Hour Payouts: Fastest in the industry.
- Algo-Friendly: Rules are designed for EAs.
- News Trading Allowed: Trade during high-impact news.
Cons
- Two-Step Challenge: You need to pass two phases before funding.
- Smaller Accounts: Maximum challenge size is $200K.
#3 FTMO – The Industry Standard
Let me be clear. FTMO is the most established prop firm in the world. But if you run HFT strategies, they will terminate your account.
Pros
- Proven Track Record: Operating since 2015.
- Stable Payouts: Bi-weekly withdrawals, rarely any delays.
- MetriX Dashboard: Advanced analytics to optimize your EA.
Cons
- No HFT: Trades under 2 minutes are flagged.
- News Trading Restrictions: Cannot trade during high-impact news.
#4 Quantec Trading – On-Demand Withdrawals
Quantec Trading introduced something in 2025 that no other firm offers: True on-demand payouts. No weekly cycles. Request a withdrawal any day, any time.
#5 The5ers – The Underrated Veteran
The5ers has been funding traders since 2016. They are not flashy, but they quietly fund more EA traders than almost anyone else.
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Apply for Mentorship🚩 Red Flags: Firms That Say "EA Allowed" But Lie
- Vague Terms: Phrases like "trading must be done in good faith" are lawyer-speak.
- Sudden Rule Changes: Firms that update rules mid-challenge.
- "Under Review" Delays: If your withdrawal is stuck for 2+ weeks, you are being slow-rolled.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the firm. Firms like Nova Funding and Infinity Forex explicitly allow it for the "Evaluation Phase". However, most firms require you to switch to a standard EA or manual trading once you are funded.
We recommend custom-coded EAs that utilize Equity Protection modules. Standard Martingale bots often hit daily drawdown limits. Our "Trade Like Master HFT Bot" is specifically optimized for Nova Funding's server latency.
Yes, but you must change the Magic Number in your EA settings for each account. If firms see identical trade IDs across multiple accounts, they may flag it as "Copy Trading" violation.
The5ers is the safest choice for beginners because they offer an "Instant Funding" model with low leverage, which forces you to manage risk properly, unlike high-leverage HFT firms.
Yes, all the firms listed (Nova, Infinity, FTMO, Quantec, The5ers) support payouts to India via Crypto (USDT) or Bank Transfer (Deel/Plane).
Final Verdict
For HFT and scalping EAs: Nova Funding or Infinity Forex Funds.
For swing and position EAs: FTMO or The5ers.
For payout flexibility: Quantec Trading.
Written by Trade Like Master
We are a team of institutional traders specializing in Algorithmic Trading and Price Action. We have tested 50+ prop firms and help traders move from retail logic to institutional results.