Which of these firms allow a bot?

Checked 2026-10-18: Apex Trader Funding and Take Profit Trader prohibit bots, Alpha Futures and Phidias prohibit a fully automated bot and allow only a supervised semi-automated tool, and Topstep, FTMO, FTMO Futures, FundedNext, Tradeify, Lucid Trading, Bulenox, and MyFundedFutures allow a bot only on the conditions each firm writes on its own page.

What exact rule did the firm write?

Apex bans automation and algorithms. Take Profit Trader bans bots and algos on Test, PRO, and PRO+. Alpha Futures and Phidias ban a fully automated bot and allow a semi-automated tool only while you place and manage the trade. The table quotes every firm.

What block do I add to the Desk Kit limits file?

Paste the prop_rules JSON after the SPECS lines in limits.md. validate_limits stops at SPECS and does not read prop_rules. Read the block before any send. If bots is prohibited, do not send. If bots is conditional, stop and read the source again. validate_limits.py is the checker. The Desk Kit install writes limits.md. limits.json is not the paste target.

{
  "prop_rules": {
    "checked": "2026-10-16",
    "note": "Paste this after the SPECS lines in limits.md. validate_limits stops at SPECS and does not read prop_rules. Read this before any send on an account at one of these firms. If bots is prohibited, do not send. If bots is conditional, stop and read the source again. A firm that is missing is not permission. Each rule is the firm's words.",
    "firms": [
      {
        "firm": "Apex Trader Funding",
        "program": "Prohibited activities (help center)",
        "bots": "prohibited",
        "rule": "No Automation or Algorithm Usage allowed: Rewards are intended to recognize human traders actively participating in the learning process, not to reward automated systems executing preprogrammed logic. Manipulation of the simulated trading environment: Apex Trader Funding strictly prohibits manipulation or exploitation of the simulation environment in any way, including High Frequency Trading (HFT) or any other exploitative strategies. Account and Resource Sharing: Sharing MAC addresses, computers, IPs, credit cards, or trade copying with other traders is strictly forbidden.",
        "sources": [
          "https://apextraderfunding.com/help-center/getting-started/prohibited-activities/"
        ],
        "page_dated": "2026-07-31",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "Topstep",
        "program": "TopstepX API (simulated). Live funded accounts are excluded by the same page.",
        "bots": "conditional",
        "rule": "Yes. Custom automated strategies and bots are allowed via the TopstepX / ProjectX API, subject to standard platform rules and our prohibition on highfrequency trading (HFT). You're free to develop your own system without additional restrictions beyond those standard rules. You remain the owner of your bot and are solely responsible for its design, performance, and behavior, including making sure it operates within all applicable rules. No, Live funded accounts are not allowed to trade through the ProjectX API. The API Gateway is built for the simulated environment and isn't available on Live. No. There is currently no sandbox environment available. To test your strategy, use a Practice account instead, same endpoints and real-time hubs, no risk to an Evaluation account. All trading activity must originate from your personal device. The use of VPS, VPNs, and remote servers is prohibited by Topstep's Terms of Use. Running automation on a VPS can result in account suspension or removal from the program. The line is order transmission: your server can watch and record, but it cannot trade.",
        "sources": [
          "https://help.topstep.com/en/articles/11187768-topstepx-api-access"
        ],
        "page_dated": "2026-09-17",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "FTMO",
        "program": "CFD evaluation, FTMO Account, and FTMO Instant Account",
        "bots": "conditional",
        "rule": "Your trading style is up to you. As long as your trading is legitimate and in line with proper risk management, conforms to the real market conditions, and does not constitute Forbidden Trading Practices, we have no reason for limiting or restricting your trading strategy, whether it's discretionary trading, algorithmic trading or EAs. If you intend to use trading robots (Expert Advisors, EAs), keep in mind that if you use an EA from a third party, there might be other traders already using the same EA and therefore exactly the same strategy. By using a third-party EA, you potentially run a risk of being denied the FTMO Account if you exceed the maximum capital allocation rule. Please note that platform servers have a limit of 200 orders at a time and 2000 max positions per day, as well as limited acceptance of server messages (orders and order modifications such as updates of TP/ SL and updates of limit orders). If your EA causes hyperactivity to a platform server, we might alert you and ask you to adjust the EA logic or parameters of your strategy. When performing simulated trading, you must not: perform simulated trades that are operated or managed by automated robots / EAs (Expert Advisors) which cause the trading account to become hyperactive in the sense of an excessive number of more than 2,000 server requests per day on individual simulated trades or pending orders being opened, modified, or closed, causing overload of the trading server. When performing simulated trading, you must not: use any software, artificial intelligence, ultra-high-speed tools, or mass data entry that might manipulate, abuse, or give you an unfair advantage.",
        "sources": [
          "https://ftmo.com/en/faq/which-instruments-can-i-trade-and-what-strategies-am-i-allowed-to-use/",
          "https://ftmo.com/en/forbidden-trading-practices/"
        ],
        "page_dated": "FAQ 2026-09-30. Forbidden-practices page 2026-10-12",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "FTMO Futures",
        "program": "Evaluation Account and Sim-Funded Account",
        "bots": "conditional",
        "rule": "Automated trading is permitted. You must not, however, use any software, artificial intelligence, or automated systems that manipulate, abuse, or provide an unfair advantage when participating in the Evaluation Account or Sim-Funded Account, including high-frequency strategies and latency arbitrage. You are fully responsible for all activity generated by your automated systems, including errors and malfunctions. You must not replicate, follow, or otherwise incorporate the trading decisions of any third party into your Evaluation Account or Sim-Funded Account. Whether via signal services, master accounts, trade copiers, or any manual or automated arrangement where decisions originate from someone other than you, regardless of whether the service is paid or free, or whether the third party is also an FTMO client. Copy trading across your own accounts is permitted, provided each account independently and fully complies with all applicable rules.",
        "sources": [
          "https://ftmo.com/en/futures/forbidden-trading-practices"
        ],
        "page_dated": "2026-09-22",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "FundedNext",
        "program": "CFD accounts. The rule splits by account size, by platform, and for US clients on Match-Trader.",
        "bots": "conditional",
        "rule": "Yes, FundedNext allows the use of Expert Advisors (EAs), indicators, and trading bots on MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms for accounts below $50,000. Traders on accounts of $50,000 and above must trade fully manually on MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5, both in Challenge and FundedNext accounts. FundedNext does not allow the use of EAs or automated trading on the cTrader and Match-Trader platforms regardless of account size. At FundedNext, for account sizes below $50,000, traders are welcome to use third-party Expert Advisors (EAs) and trading bots on the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms, with an additional EA usage fee to FundedNext. There is a maximum allocation limit of $300,000 for each EA or trading bot's strategy. Using EA that incorporates third-party applications such as Telegram or WhatsApp is strictly prohibited. EAs or bots designed specifically to pass Prop firm challenges are strictly prohibited on FundedNext. Traders are required to customize their EA or bot settings to align with their unique trading styles. Any tools that do not execute trades but instead only modify trade parameters such as Stop Loss (SL), Take Profit (TP), or lot size calculations are also classified as EAs. Match-Trader is the exclusive platform for U.S.-based traders, making a platform switch unavailable at this time. As a result, traders will not be able to use an EA or algorithmic trading on their account.",
        "sources": [
          "https://help.fundednext.com/en/articles/8020763-is-ea-allowed-in-fundednext",
          "https://help.fundednext.com/en/articles/12673271-usa-client-guide-at-fundednext-cfd-accounts-platforms-rewards"
        ],
        "page_dated": "EA article 2026-09-08. US guide 2026-06-16.",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "FundedNext",
        "program": "Stellar Instant account. US clients on this account are on Match-Trader only, where an EA is not allowed.",
        "bots": "conditional",
        "rule": "Yes, traders are allowed to use Expert Advisors (EAs) and Trading Bots in the Stellar Instant Account. Traders are required to customize their EA or bot settings to align with their unique trading styles. Each EA or bot must use a distinct strategy. Copying the same trade setups across any account within FundedNext is not allowed. A single EA or bot strategy is limited to a maximum allocation of $300,000. Any tools that do not execute trades but instead only modify trade parameters such as Stop Loss (SL), Take Profit (TP), or lot size calculations are also classified as EAs. U.S.-based clients can purchase Stellar 1-Step, Stellar 2-Step, Stellar Lite, and Stellar Instant Accounts and access Free Trial Accounts exclusively on Match-Trader due to MetaQuotes (MT4/MT5) restrictions in the United States. As a result, traders will not be able to use an EA or algorithmic trading on their account.",
        "sources": [
          "https://help.fundednext.com/en/articles/11641338-can-i-use-ea-in-stellar-instant",
          "https://help.fundednext.com/en/articles/12673271-usa-client-guide-at-fundednext-cfd-accounts-platforms-rewards"
        ],
        "page_dated": "Stellar Instant article 2026-07-01. US guide 2026-06-16.",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "Take Profit Trader",
        "program": "Universal Trading Policies, all accounts including Test, PRO, and PRO+",
        "bots": "prohibited",
        "rule": "No Trading Bots or Algos. Automated trading systems, bots, or algorithmic execution tools are not permitted. These Universal Trading Policies apply to all TakeProfitTrader accounts, including Test, PRO, and PRO+. All trading must adhere to the Independent Trade Execution Policy. Coordinated trading, third-party account management, or participation in structured trading schemes designed to reduce or neutralize risk is prohibited.",
        "sources": [
          "https://takeprofittraderhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/34431153546397-TakeProfitTrader-Universal-Trading-Policies-UTP"
        ],
        "page_dated": "2026-03-06",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "MyFundedFutures",
        "program": "Fair play policy. The page uses the name MFFU.",
        "bots": "conditional",
        "rule": "High-frequency Trading is not allowed on our plans. Traders may make use of automated trading strategies tailored to their own specific settings so long as these automated tools do not aim to exploit the favorable fills offered in the Simulated Environment. Traders trading live accounts with automated trading must abide by CME guidelines. Traders are not permitted to copy trade one another by entering, exiting or cancelling trade positions.",
        "sources": [
          "https://help.myfundedfutures.com/en/articles/8444599-fair-play-and-prohibited-trading-practices"
        ],
        "page_dated": "2026-08-24",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "Tradeify",
        "program": "Guidelines for traders. The bot section does not name an account type. The microscalping payout rule is funded accounts only.",
        "bots": "conditional",
        "rule": "At Tradeify, we allow the use of bots and algorithms under certain conditions. Ownership: You must be able to prove that you are the sole owner of the bot or strategy, and that no one else has access to or is using it. We scan to ensure there are no similar orders on other accounts. We will also require a live video of you enabling the code on your own PC. Exclusive Use: While you may use the bot on your personal accounts, using it across multiple firms is against Tradeify's policy. The bot should be solely for your own use within Tradeify. No High-Frequency Trading (HFT) Bots: Personal bots are allowed as long as they are not high-frequency trading (HFT) bots. This rule applies to funded accounts only. It does not apply during an evaluation. To request a payout on a funded account, you must meet BOTH of the below two criteria: Over 50% of your trades are longer than 10 seconds. Over 50% of your profit must come from trades held longer than 10 seconds.",
        "sources": [
          "https://help.tradeify.co/en/articles/10468318-guidelines-for-traders"
        ],
        "page_dated": "The help page shows a relative update time, not a calendar date.",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "Lucid Trading",
        "program": "Evaluation and funded futures accounts. Red-folder news is a hard breach on LucidDaily and is allowed on Flex, Pro, and Direct.",
        "bots": "conditional",
        "rule": "Automated trading systems and trade copiers are permitted. All automated activity must comply with Lucid Trading rules. Traders are fully responsible for any software errors, malfunctions, or unintended outcomes. High-frequency trading (HFT) is a type of automated trading strategy that involves submitting and executing a high volume of trades within extremely short time frames, often measured in seconds or even milliseconds. To maintain a reliable and equitable trading environment, HFT is strictly prohibited. You will be flagged if: More than 50% of your profits are generated from trades held for 5 seconds or less. Trading red folder news on the LucidDaily is a hard breach. Traders may enter or exit positions around scheduled or unscheduled news events on these plans without it being a breach.",
        "sources": [
          "https://support.lucidtrading.com/en/articles/11404728-other-trading-activities",
          "https://support.lucidtrading.com/en/articles/11404736-prohibited-high-frequency-trading",
          "https://support.lucidtrading.com/en/articles/11404742-prohibited-microscalping"
        ],
        "page_dated": "2026-08-26",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "Bulenox",
        "program": "FAQ and Terms of Use. The FAQ permits personal-use bots. The July 2021 terms restrict some algorithms and require approval for a third-party algorithm.",
        "bots": "conditional",
        "rule": "Yes. Bots, algorithms and trade copiers are permitted. If you connect to Rithmic through a third-party API or composite software, an additional $100 per month applies. Only user-built tools intended solely for the account owner's personal use are permitted. Commercial, shared, rented or publicly distributed automation tools are not allowed. You agree to not abuse the company provided service programs. It includes but is not limited to using \"scalping\" algorithms, DTC Protocol Bridge API or automated discretional trading in any of the trading environments. In order to avoid performance discrepancy and/or meet compliance regulations, any third party algorithms must be approved from the Bulenox management team.",
        "sources": [
          "https://bulenox.com/faq",
          "https://bulenox.com/legal/Terms_of_Use.pdf"
        ],
        "page_dated": "FAQ page states no date. Terms of Use say Updated July 2021.",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "Alpha Futures",
        "program": "Evaluation and Qualified stages. The automation section says the bot ban covers all account types.",
        "bots": "prohibited",
        "rule": "The use of AI, bots, and other automated trading mechanisms is strictly prohibited across all account types. Semi-Automated Trading, such as a custom indicator that gives buy or sell signals, is permissible under the condition that the user manually places, monitors, and manages the trade while understanding the system and semi-automation's purpose. Any form of hands-off, continuous day and night trading, or any other type of full automation is strictly forbidden. Alpha Futures restricts the use of automated systems designed for high-frequency trading (HFT), particularly those resulting in over 100 trades per day. Copy trading in general is permitted as long as it is a single user executing the trades, and it is the single individual listed on the Alpha Futures Accounts. Automated, Group, and Reverse Trading are strictly prohibited.",
        "sources": [
          "https://help.alpha-futures.com/en/articles/9508585-prohibited-trading-practices",
          "https://help.alpha-futures.com/en/articles/10573989-copy-trading"
        ],
        "page_dated": "Prohibited-practices page 2025-10-30. Copy-trading page 2026-07-17.",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "Phidias",
        "program": "Rules-page consistency policy, labeled Fundamental and Premium. The terms of use state the same ban for funded accounts.",
        "bots": "prohibited",
        "rule": "The use of robots, fully automated trading algorithms, or any other form of automated trading is not permitted. Only semi-automated software is permitted, provided the trader actively monitors and manually adjusts all trades. Prohibition of automated trading and High frequency trading: the use of robots, fully automated trading algorithms or any form of automated trading is not authorized, except for semi-automated software, provided the User actively monitors and manually adjusts all operations. You may use third-party copy trading software, but Phidias assumes no responsibility for failures or technical problems on these platforms. If we discover identical strategies exceeding the maximum allowed capital, we reserve the right to suspend these accounts.",
        "sources": [
          "https://phidiaspropfirm.com/rules",
          "https://phidiaspropfirm.com/tou"
        ],
        "page_dated": "No date on the rules page or the terms page.",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      },
      {
        "firm": "Phidias",
        "program": "CASH account trading agreement",
        "bots": "prohibited",
        "rule": "Bots, fully automated algorithms and HFT are prohibited. Only semi-automated tools, manually supervised by the Trader, may be authorized upon prior written notification and acceptance by Phidias Propfirm. Phidias Propfirm shall not indemnify any claim related to such software.",
        "sources": [
          "https://phidiaspropfirm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Phidias_Propfirm_Contract_CASH_ENG_1.pdf"
        ],
        "page_dated": "The PDF path includes 2026-06. The page itself states no calendar date.",
        "checked": "2026-10-16"
      }
    ]
  }
}

What if my firm is not listed?

Stop. The table lists only firms whose official pages were read on 2026-10-18. Apex Trader Funding, Take Profit Trader, Alpha Futures, and Phidias are prohibited. The other rows are conditional. A firm with no row has no quote here. Absence is not permission to send.

How do I hear when a rule changes?

Leave an email in the form on this page. The note covers broker pack changes and new agent traps, about weekly, including a change on the broker AI connectors page. Unsubscribe any time. The check date on these rows is 2026-10-18.