Our editorial team compared every key metric — fees, rules, profit split, payouts — so you can pick the right firm.
| Feature | Breakout Prop | City Traders Imperium |
|---|---|---|
| Payout | ||
| Profit Split | 80% → 90% | 80% (up to 100%) |
| First Payout | 1 | On demand (after 7 profitable days) |
| Payout Frequency | On-demand, 24/7 | Monthly (1-Step/2-Step); Bi-weekly (Instant) |
| Max Account Size | $200,000 | $100,000 |
Winner: Breakout Prop
In this independent head-to-head comparison of Breakout Prop vs City Traders Imperium, we break down challenge rules, pricing, profit splits, and payout conditions to help you decide which prop firm is the better fit for your trading style.
Breakout Prop: Kraken-Backed Crypto Prop Trading
City Traders Imperium: Est. 2018. No Daily Loss Limit on 1-Step. Monthly Salary. Scales to $4M.
Based on our independent scoring methodology, Breakout Prop scores 9.2/10 overall — but the best choice depends on your specific needs. Read the full comparison below.
BestProp Score: Breakout Prop scores 9.2/10 vs City Traders Imperium at 8.6/10.
Minimum Fee: Breakout Prop starts from $50; City Traders Imperium starts from $29. City Traders Imperium is cheaper at entry level.
Profit Split: Breakout Prop offers 80% → 90%; City Traders Imperium offers 80% (up to 100%). City Traders Imperium has the higher split.
Platforms: Breakout Prop supports DXTrade, Breakout Terminal; City Traders Imperium is on MT5, Match Trader.
Tradeable Markets: Breakout Prop covers Crypto; City Traders Imperium offers Forex (28 pairs), Indices (9), Gold, Silver, Oil, Crypto (BTC, ETH, LTC, ADA, XRP).
Challenge fees are typically the biggest factor when choosing a prop firm. Here is how Breakout Prop and City Traders Imperium compare on pricing.
Breakout Prop challenge fees start from $50. The firm has operated since 2023. They have funded over 20,000+ traders.
City Traders Imperium challenge fees start from $29. The firm has operated since 2018.
On entry-level pricing, City Traders Imperium offers a lower starting fee — an important factor if you are testing with a smaller account first.
Breakout Prop profit split: 80% → 90%. City Traders Imperium profit split: 80% (up to 100%). City Traders Imperium delivers the higher cut to traders.
Payout frequency: Breakout Prop pays On-demand, 24/7; City Traders Imperium pays Monthly (1-Step/2-Step); Bi-weekly (Instant). Faster payouts are better for cash flow management.
Here is our full independent review of Breakout Prop:
Breakout Prop is a crypto-native proprietary trading firm founded in November 2023 and headquartered in the UAE. It is one of the few prop firms in the industry with a direct institutional backer — Kraken, one of the world’s largest and most regulated cryptocurrency exchanges. That backing gives Breakout Prop a level of infrastructure and liquidity credibility that most prop firms simply cannot claim.
The firm offers four challenge formats — 2-Step Classic, 1-Step Classic, Elite Pro, and Elite Turbo — across account sizes from $5,000 to $200,000, with a scaling path that takes traders up to $2,000,000 in capital. Trading is exclusively on crypto markets via DXTrade and Breakout’s proprietary terminal, with over 100 assets and 62+ trading pairs available.
With 20,000+ funded accounts issued and a 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating from over 883 reviews, Breakout Prop has built a strong reputation quickly for a firm that has been operating for under two years.
Breakout Prop is purpose-built for serious crypto traders. If you trade forex, stocks, or commodities, this firm is not for you — they are crypto-only, full stop. But if crypto is your primary market, the combination of Kraken-grade execution, on-demand USDC payouts, static drawdown rules, and zero time pressure makes Breakout one of the most trader-friendly environments available right now.
It suits traders who value execution quality and rule simplicity over everything else. There are no consistency requirements, no minimum trading day mandates, and no time limits — you trade at your own pace and on your own terms.
Breakout Prop offers four evaluation models, each designed for a different trading style and risk tolerance.
The most straightforward evaluation: complete Phase 1, then Phase 2, and receive a funded account. Drawdown rules are the most generous of the four models, with up to 5% daily and 8% overall. Best suited to traders who want breathing room and are comfortable with a two-phase process.
A single-phase evaluation with a 10% profit target. Slightly more aggressive than the 2-Step in terms of the target required, but faster to complete and with a simpler structure. Drawdown limits are 3% daily and 6% overall.
Higher profit target (12%) with tighter drawdown rules (3% daily / 5% max). Designed for experienced traders who can hit consistent targets without large drawdown spikes. Lower entry fees for the account size relative to Classic.
The most aggressive model — 9% profit target with the tightest drawdown allowed (3% daily / 3% max). This is for traders with very controlled risk management who want to move fast and qualify quickly. The 3% max drawdown leaves very little room for error, so position sizing discipline is essential.
| Account Size | Fee | Phase 1 Target | Phase 2 Target | Daily DD | Max DD | Fee Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $50 | 5% | 10% | 5% | 8% | No |
| $10,000 | $99 | 5% | 10% | 5% | 8% | No |
| $25,000 | $199 | 5% | 10% | 5% | 8% | No |
| $50,000 | $399 | 5% | 10% | 5% | 8% | No |
| $100,000 | $725 | 5% | 10% | 5% | 8% | No |
| Account Size | Fee | Profit Target | Daily DD | Max DD | Fee Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $55 | 10% | 3% | 6% | No |
| $10,000 | $109 | 10% | 3% | 6% | No |
| $25,000 | $219 | 10% | 3% | 6% | No |
| $50,000 | $439 | 10% | 3% | 6% | No |
| $100,000 | $999 | 10% | 3% | 6% | No |
| Model | Account Sizes | From | Target | Daily DD | Max DD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Pro | $5K–$200K | $45 | 12% | 3% | 5% |
| Elite Turbo | $5K–$200K | $45 | 9% | 3% | 3% |
Breakout Prop uses a static (fixed) drawdown system — your drawdown limits are calculated from your starting balance, not your peak equity. This is a significant advantage over trailing drawdown systems, which shrink your buffer as your account grows. With static rules, a good trading day never makes tomorrow harder.
| Condition | Status |
|---|---|
| News Trading | Allowed |
| Weekend Holding | Allowed |
| Hedging (same account) | Allowed |
| Scalping | Allowed |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | Not officially supported |
| Copy Trading | Not officially supported |
| Latency Arbitrage | Prohibited |
Leverage: 5:1 on BTC and ETH. 2:1 on altcoins. Lower than traditional forex prop firms, but in line with responsible crypto leverage given market volatility.
Breakout Prop offers two platforms:
Both platforms are web-based. The proprietary terminal is the standout here — trading directly on Kraken’s infrastructure means raw spreads and near-instant execution rather than the synthetic pricing common at other crypto prop firms.
Breakout Prop pays exclusively in USDC (ERC-20). There is no fiat withdrawal option. If you need cash in your bank account, you will need to convert USDC yourself through a centralized exchange.
The on-demand payout model is genuinely one of the best in the industry. No waiting for a specific payout day, no bi-weekly schedule, no bureaucracy — request it and receive it.
Payment methods accepted for challenge purchase: Credit/Debit Card, Crypto, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal.
Breakout Prop offers a scaling path that takes traders from their initial funded account up to $2,000,000 in capital. Scaling is performance-based — consistent profitable trading unlocks higher allocation levels over time. The exact scaling milestones are outlined during onboarding and vary depending on the challenge model used.
Breakout Prop is one of the most credible crypto prop firms on the market right now. The Kraken backing is not just a marketing claim — it translates into real execution quality, tight spreads, and a level of institutional legitimacy that very few competitors can match. The static drawdown system, zero time pressure, and on-demand 24/7 USDC payouts make the funded trading experience genuinely trader-friendly.
The main limitations are scope-related rather than quality-related. It is crypto only, fees are non-refundable, and payouts are USDC exclusively. If those are dealbreakers, look elsewhere. But if you trade crypto seriously and want the best infrastructure in the prop firm space, Breakout Prop is the strongest option in its category.
BestProp Score: 8.3/10
Yes. Breakout Prop is backed by Kraken, one of the world’s largest regulated crypto exchanges. It holds a 4.7/5 Trustpilot rating from 883+ reviews and has issued 20,000+ funded accounts since launching in November 2023.
No. Unlike some prop firms that refund the evaluation fee on the first payout, Breakout Prop’s fees are non-refundable across all challenge models.
Breakout Prop is crypto-only, with 100+ assets and 62+ trading pairs. There is no forex, stocks, indices, or commodities.
Payouts are made in USDC (ERC-20) on-demand, 24/7. Processing typically takes under 24 hours. There is no fiat withdrawal option.
Yes, news trading is permitted across all challenge models and funded accounts.
Funded accounts start at $5,000 and go up to $200,000. Through the scaling plan, top-performing traders can reach $2,000,000 in allocated capital.
Here is our full independent review of City Traders Imperium:
City Traders Imperium (CTI) was founded in June 2018, making it one of the longest-established prop firms in the world. Operated by CTI FZCO and headquartered at Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE, with UK phone support, the firm is led by CEO Daniel Martin and co-founder Martin Najat. CTI holds a 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating from 1,150+ reviews. Maximum initial account: $100,000; maximum combined allocation: $440,000; scaling potential to $4,000,000. All accounts operate on MetaTrader 5 or Match Trader.
CTI distinguishes itself on two fronts: the 1-Step challenge carries no daily loss limit — one of very few prop firms to offer this — and traders receive a monthly salary ($12.50-$500 depending on account size and program) in addition to profit splits. The firm also includes trading education (academy access) with all programs.
1-Step Challenge ($29-$469 for $2.5K-$100K): Single phase, 8% profit target. No daily loss limit. Max drawdown: 5% static. Minimum 3 profitable days. First payout on demand after 7 profitable days and 2% net profit (or $100 minimum). Subsequent payouts monthly (last 5 days of month). Up to 100% profit split. No time limit. The absence of a daily loss limit is the defining feature — traders cannot be stopped out by a single volatile session as long as their total equity remains above the 5% threshold. Available from $2,500 (entry fee: $29) up to $100,000 ($469).
2-Step Evaluation ($39-$549 for $2.5K-$100K): Phase 1: 10% target. Phase 2: 5% target. Daily loss: 5%. Max drawdown: 10% static. Minimum 3 profitable days. First payout on demand after 7 profitable days. Subsequent payouts monthly. 80-100% split. No time limit. Standard two-phase structure with the widest max drawdown buffer of any CTI program.
Instant Funding ($69-$1,499 for $2.5K-$80K): No evaluation required. 10% profit target required before scaling. Max drawdown: 6% static. First payout on demand after 5 profitable days and 2% net profit. Bi-weekly payouts (14th/15th and last 2 days of month). Up to 100% split. Leverage 1:10. Suitable for traders who want immediate funded access and are willing to demonstrate a 10% gain before accessing scaling.
Instant Funding Pro ($299-$4,799 for $5K-$80K): Premium instant access tier with the same fundamental structure as Instant Funding but at a higher fee level. Verify full specifications and any additional benefits directly on the CTI website.
CTI pays a monthly salary to all funded traders regardless of trading performance — amounts range from $12.50/month (small 1-Step) to $500/month ($100K 2-Step or Instant accounts). This is a genuinely unusual feature in the prop firm industry: traders receive guaranteed regular income in addition to their profit split. Confirm exact salary amounts per program on the CTI website.
The $5/lot forex commission meaningfully impacts scalpers and high-frequency traders. Factor into target calculations: on 100 round trips/month on a $50K account, that is $500 in commission before profit split.
Platforms: MetaTrader 5, Match Trader. Instruments: 28 Forex pairs, 9 major indices (leverage 1:10), Gold, Silver, Oil (leverage 1:10), Crypto (BTC, ETH, LTC, ADA, XRP — zero commission). Leverage on Forex: 1:30. No restrictions on news or overnight trading on funded accounts.
City Traders Imperium earns a 7.6 BestProp score. Founded in 2018 — over seven years of operation — makes CTI one of the most battle-tested prop firms in existence. The 4.5/5 Trustpilot from 1,150+ reviews reflects a long track record. The no-daily-loss-limit on the 1-Step is a meaningful structural advantage for traders who can manage total drawdown discipline. The monthly salary is a genuinely unique feature that adds a real income floor. Small account sizes from $2,500 at $29 entry fee are accessible. Scales to $4,000,000.
Key trade-offs: the EA restriction (own source code only) makes CTI unsuitable for most algorithmic traders who use commercial tools. The $5/lot forex commission is high and penalises active traders. MT5/Match Trader only limits platform choice. Monthly payouts on 1-Step/2-Step (once per month window) means cash flow is less frequent than bi-weekly or weekly competitors. The 7-profitable-day minimum for first payout also adds waiting time. CTI is best suited to discretionary traders — particularly those with a custom EA — who value longevity and the unique salary feature over faster payouts or EA flexibility.
Overall, our independent scoring gives Breakout Prop the edge in this 2026 comparison. However, both firms have their merits. If City Traders Imperium better matches your specific trading style, instruments, or preferred platform, it may still be the right choice for you.
Use our comparison table above and review the challenge fees at both firms before making your final decision. Both offer risk-free evaluation programs — the challenge fee is the only money at risk.
Based on our independent scoring, Breakout Prop scores higher overall (9.2/10). The best choice depends on your trading style, preferred instruments, and account size.
City Traders Imperium offers a lower entry-level challenge fee. However, always compare the full account sizes you plan to trade before deciding purely on price.
City Traders Imperium offers the higher profit split. Breakout Prop: 80% → 90%. City Traders Imperium: 80% (up to 100%).
EA policies: Breakout Prop — check the review. City Traders Imperium — check the review. Always verify the latest policy directly with the firm.
News trading: Breakout Prop — check the review. City Traders Imperium — check the review.
Read the full Breakout Prop review → · Read the full City Traders Imperium review →
Based on our scoring methodology, Breakout Prop edges ahead in this comparison. However, the best choice depends on your trading style, preferred platform and account size. Read the full breakdown above for a detailed verdict.
Breakout Prop offers 80% → 90% profit split, while City Traders Imperium offers 80% (up to 100%) profit split. Check each firm's current terms as these can change.
Check our offers page for the latest verified deals on both firms.
Breakout Prop processes first payouts in 1 day(s), while City Traders Imperium takes approximately On demand (after 7 profitable days) day(s). Always verify current payout timelines on the firm's website.
Neither Breakout Prop nor City Traders Imperium are regulated in the traditional financial sense — prop firms operate as private companies providing traders access to simulated or real capital. Always read the terms and conditions carefully before participating in any prop challenge.
