The split
E8 Market Futures offers a base profit split of 80% for the trader. However, on their Zero Starter and Zero Max plans, traders have the option to increase this share to 100% at the time of purchase.
Halcyon Trader Funding provides a more aggressive standard split of 90% for all its simulated accounts (Lite, Prime, and Dynamic). If a trader successfully transitions to their Live Brokerage account via the 10X Training Program, the split reaches 100%.
How often you can withdraw
At E8 Market Futures, the frequency depends on the chosen model:
- Zero Starter and Zero Max: Payouts are available daily.
- Signature Futures: Payouts are available on demand once requirements are met.
At Halcyon Trader Funding, withdrawals are not tied to a calendar window but to performance cycles. You can request a reward after completing 6 "qualifying trading days." Once a payout is approved, the counter resets to zero for the next cycle.
Minimums and methods
E8 Market Futures is more accessible for small withdrawals, with a minimum of $100. They process payments via Bank Transfer, Crypto, and Rise.
Halcyon Trader Funding requires a minimum of $250 per request. Their available methods are Rise and Crypto.
What delays a payout
Several rules can act as a brake on your first withdrawal:
- Consistency Rules: E8 Signature requires that no single day exceeds 35% of the total profit to be eligible for a payout. Halcyon Prime (and Dynamic, if selected) applies a 40% rule where the best day cannot represent more than 40% of the total profit.
- Minimum Profitable Days: E8 Signature requires 5 profitable days (at least 0.3% profit each) between payouts after the first one. Halcyon requires 6 days that must each meet a "Minimum Daily Profit" (e.g., $200 for a 50K account) to count toward the withdrawal cycle.
- The Buffer: E8 Signature requires leaving a non-withdrawable buffer equal to the maximum drawdown. In contrast, Halcyon has removed the mandatory buffer for accounts purchased after August 8, 2024, allowing withdrawals as long as the balance is above the initial amount.
What it takes to get there
To reach the funded stage, you must overcome a one-step evaluation in both firms, but the environment differs:
- Investment and Size: E8 offers accounts from 25K ($110) to 200K ($1088). Halcyon’s 50K Dynamic evaluation is notably cheap ($47-$49), while their 150K Prime costs $358.
- Platforms: E8 is locked into Tradovate. Halcyon offers a wide range, including TradingView, Quantower, ATAS, and Volumetrica.
- Trading Style: E8 strictly prohibits automated trading (EAs/Bots) and HFT. Halcyon allows bots and semi-automated systems, provided the trader is the sole owner of the algorithm.
- Risk Management: Both use End-of-Day (EOD) drawdown in their main plans, which is more trader-friendly as intraday fluctuations do not penalize the maximum loss limit. However, E8 has a strict 7-day inactivity rule, whereas Halcyon allows up to 30 days of inactivity.
Which pays out more comfortably
E8 Market Futures is the better choice for traders seeking immediate cash flow. Their Zero accounts with daily payouts and a low $100 minimum are designed for those who want to see the results of their work in their bank account as quickly as possible.
Halcyon Trader Funding is better suited for disciplined traders or those using automated systems. Although the 6-day qualifying cycle and the $250 minimum require more patience, the 90% split and the variety of professional platforms offer a more robust environment for long-term growth.
Frequently asked questions
Which firm is cheaper to start an evaluation, E8 Market Futures or Halcyon?
Halcyon Trader Funding is cheaper for the entry-level 50K size, offering a Dynamic evaluation for as low as $47. E8 Market Futures starts at $110 for a smaller 25K account, making Halcyon the more cost-effective option for those looking for the lowest initial investment on a standard account size.
Which firm allows the use of Bots and EAs, E8 Market Futures or Halcyon?
Halcyon Trader Funding allows bots, algorithms, and semi-automated systems as long as the trader owns the system and does not use HFT. In contrast, E8 Market Futures strictly prohibits any form of automated or semi-automated trading, including AI tools and bots, making Halcyon the only choice for algorithmic traders.
Who offers a faster first payout, E8 Market Futures or Halcyon?
E8 Market Futures is faster, as its Zero Starter and Zero Max accounts allow for daily payouts and the Signature accounts can be passed in just 1 day. Halcyon requires at least 6 qualifying trading days that meet a minimum profit requirement before any reward can be requested, which naturally extends the time to the first withdrawal.
Which firm offers more trading platforms, E8 Market Futures or Halcyon?
Halcyon Trader Funding offers significantly more variety, supporting TradingView, Quantower, ATAS, Volumetrica, and others via Rithmic or Ironbeam. E8 Market Futures is limited exclusively to the Tradovate platform, providing fewer options for traders who prefer specific analytical tools.






















