E8 Markets, a proprietary trading firm founded in 2021, has made a name for itself pretty fast in this competitive space.
This E8 Markets review digs into what traders worldwide might want to know about this prop firm. We’ll cover their evaluation programs, trading conditions, and customer support.
Maybe you’re an experienced trader hoping to scale your capital. Or you could be a developing trader eyeing your first funded account.
Either way, getting a handle on what E8 Markets offers feels pretty important before making any big decisions.
E8 Markets Overview
E8 Markets launched in May 2021 and calls Dallas, Texas its home base. They also operate out of Prague, Czech Republic.
Traders from all over seem to respect E8 Markets, and honestly, their Trustpilot rating is pretty impressive, 4.8 out of 5 stars from 362 reviews as of early 2025.
The firm focuses on forex and futures trading, using evaluation programs to spot talented traders. E8 Markets has carved out a place for itself in the prop trading world with some pretty compelling features.
- Transparent trading rules with clear profit targets and drawdown limits
- Fast payout processing typically completed within 1-2 business days
- Responsive customer support available through multiple channels
- Multiple account sizes ranging from $5,000 to $400,000
- Competitive spreads and flexible leverage options
E8 Markets stands out from most traditional prop firms. Instead of sticking to just forex trading, they open the door to a bunch of asset classes.
You can dive into forex pairs, futures contracts, and indices, all in one place. It’s a unified framework, which feels refreshingly flexible compared to the usual single-track approach.
Company Background and Legitimacy
E8 Markets came together thanks to a group of professional traders, led by Dylan Elchami. They saw a real need for a more trader-friendly take on proprietary trading.
Originally, the company went by “E8 Funding.” In 2024, they switched things up and became E8 Markets, which honestly fits better with their expanded services and international reach.
They’ve got legit business offices in Dallas, Texas, and Prague, Czech Republic. That means they’re following the rules in both places.
Their partnership with Virtual Markets gives them some pretty solid trading infrastructure. If you’re curious, all their business registration info is public and easy to check out.
E8 Markets wants to make prop trading cleaner and easier to understand. You can see that in their simple evaluation process and transparent fees.
They don’t pile on rules that get in the way of traders actually performing. That’s a breath of fresh air compared to some of the old-school firms out there.
Since they started, E8 Markets has grown from a small team to serving thousands of traders on several continents. They lean hard into tech solutions and put a lot of effort into keeping customers happy.
Honestly, that’s helped them carve out a spot as a legitimate force in the prop trading world.
E8 Markets Evaluation Programs
E8 Markets has three evaluation programs. They’re set up to fit all sorts of trading styles and experience levels.
Each program comes with its own profit targets and drawdown limits. Pricing structures vary to match what different traders might want.
Account sizes start at $5,000 and go all the way up to $400,000. If you’re aiming big, those larger accounts let you access some serious trading capital.
During the evaluation phases, you trade in a simulated environment. Once you pass, you move on to live market conditions.
1-Step Evaluation (E8 One)
The E8 One program stands out as the quickest route to a funded account for traders who already know what they’re doing. It skips the usual multi-phase grind and lets you prove your skills in just one shot.
Key Features:
- Profit Target: 10% within unlimited time
- Daily Drawdown: 4% maximum loss per trading day
- Overall Drawdown: 6% maximum trailing drawdown
- Minimum Trading Days: No minimum requirement, allowing flexible trading schedules
You’ll notice the entry fee’s a bit steep. That’s because this program moves fast, but if you make it through, they’ll refund the whole thing.
Honestly, the profit target’s tough, so fewer traders pass. If you’ve got a solid, consistent track record, though, this challenge might actually fit you best.
2-Step Evaluation (E8 Classic)
The E8 Classic stands out as the top pick for most traders. It strikes a nice balance, challenging enough, but not overwhelming.
You get a classic two-phase setup. Traders can show off their profitability and consistency across separate evaluation periods.
Phase 1 Requirements:
- Profit Target: 8% within unlimited time
- Daily Drawdown: 3% maximum loss per trading day
- Overall Drawdown: 6% maximum drawdown
- Minimum Trading Days: No minimum requirement
Phase 2 Requirements:
- Profit Target: 4% within unlimited time
- Daily Drawdown: 3% maximum loss per trading day
- Overall Drawdown: 6% maximum drawdown
- Minimum Trading Days: No minimum requirement
This two-phase process really helps spot those who can keep up solid performance over time. The pricing? Honestly, it’s hard to beat, especially since you get a full refund if you pass both phases.
3-Step Evaluation (E8 Track)
The E8 Track program gives new traders, or anyone who wants less pressure, a pretty easy way in. You get three phases to move through, and the rules stay cautious the whole time.
All Three Phases Requirements:
- Profit Target: 3% per phase within unlimited time
- Daily Drawdown: 3% maximum loss per trading day
- Overall Drawdown: 6% maximum drawdown
- Minimum Trading Days: No minimum requirement
Lower profit targets in each phase make this option stand out,
especially if you’re careful or just sharpening your skills. Plus, the
entry fee is way less than most other programs, so it’s not such a
stretch if you’re working with a smaller budget.
Trading Platforms and Technology
E8 Markets gives traders access to several professional trading platforms. You can pick the interface that suits your style or technical needs best.
Their tech setup isn’t just for manual trading, it also supports automated strategies with expert advisors. That flexibility can make a real difference, depending on how you like to trade.
Available Platforms:
| Platform | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 5 | Advanced charting, EAs, mobile support | All trading styles |
| cTrader | Professional interface, advanced order types | Active day traders |
| MatchTrader | Web-based trading, simplified interface | Beginner traders |
| TradeLocker | Modern design, multi-asset support | Multi-market traders |
The E8X Dashboard acts as the main hub for risk management and account monitoring. You get real-time analytics, performance tracking, and risk assessment tools, all designed to help traders stick to evaluation parameters.
Mobile trading lets you monitor and manage positions even when you’re away from your main setup. The mobile apps keep full position management features, but honestly, complex analysis just feels easier on a desktop.
Trading Conditions and Instruments
E8 Markets brings competitive trading conditions across several asset classes. Traders get access to a wide range of opportunities, with major forex pairs, futures contracts, and indices from global markets all available.
Available Instruments:
- Forex Pairs: 70+ major, minor, and exotic currency pairs
- Futures: Major index futures, commodity futures, bond futures
- Indices: Global stock indices including US, European, and Asian markets
- Metals: Gold, silver, and other precious metals
- Energy: Crude oil and natural gas futures
Leverage Options:
- Forex Trading: Up to 1:50 leverage ratio
- Futures Trading: Up to 1:30 leverage ratio
- Indices: Up to 1:25 leverage ratio
The competitive spreads kick off at 0.0 pips on major forex pairs. Raw spread accounts use commission-based pricing.
Commission structures aren’t the same for every asset class. Forex usually comes with a $5 per lot charge, while futures and metals have a bit higher fees.
Trading hours stick to global market schedules, so you can jump into major sessions no matter your time zone. If you want to hold positions overnight or over the weekend, the policies allow it, great for swing traders, but honestly, gap risk is always lurking if you keep trades open through market closures.
Trading Rules and Restrictions
Understanding E8 Markets’ trading rules matters a lot if you want to succeed in evaluations or keep a funded account. The firm lays out guidelines that push traders toward smart risk management, but they don’t box you in too much.
Core Risk Management Rules:
Daily Drawdown Limits: Most programs stick to a 3% daily drawdown limit, which is calculated from your account’s highest point each day. Since this is a trailing calculation, you’ve got to watch your intraday risk, especially if you’re juggling several positions.
Overall Drawdown Limits: The overall 6% drawdown limit also uses a trailing calculation, based on your account’s highest equity point. This rule stops you from blowing up the account but still gives you some room to maneuver.
Prohibited Trading Strategies:
- Hedging across multiple accounts under the same trader is strictly prohibited
- Copy trading and copying trades from external sources violate terms of service
- Multiple users accessing the same account is not permitted
- High-frequency trading strategies that stress system infrastructure are restricted
Expert Advisors (EAs) and Automated Trading:
Expert advisors are allowed, but there are a few restrictions. They have to follow the same risk management rules as manual traders.
If you’re thinking about using strategies that try to exploit system delays or tick scalping, that’s not going to fly, they’re not allowed.
News Trading Guidelines:
You can trade the news, for the most part. Still, it’s smart to be careful during those big economic announcements.
If you open positions right before or during major news events, just know there’s more risk. Spreads can widen fast, and slippage happens more than you’d hope.
Payout Structure and Profit Sharing
E8 Markets stands out with one of the more appealing payout structures in prop trading. Their profit splits are competitive, and processing times are honestly pretty quick compared to most.
The firm rewards traders who show consistency. If you keep up strong risk management and steady results, you’re looking at better profit splits down the line.
Standard Profit Split Structure:
- Initial Split: 80% to trader, 20% to firm
- Scaling Opportunities: Up to 100% profit retention with consistency bonuses
- First Payout Bonus: Additional 5% bonus on the initial withdrawal
The profit split starts at the usual 80/20 ratio. But if you keep hitting their consistency criteria, that split can get a lot better for you.
Payout Schedule and Processing:
E8 Markets runs payouts on a bi-weekly schedule. Funded traders can request withdrawals every 14 days after their first payout.
You don’t have to wait long for your first withdrawal, just 8 days after your first trade on a funded account. That’s quite a bit faster than what you’ll find at most other firms.
They usually process payouts in 1-2 business days, depending on the method. So, you’re not left hanging for your money.
Minimum withdrawals start at $50. Maximum limits depend on your account size and how you’re performing.
Available Payout Methods:
| Method | Processing Time | Fees | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plane (Bank Transfer) | 1-2 business days | None | $50 |
| Rise (Crypto/Cash) | 1-2 business days | Varies | $50 |
| Apple Pay | 1-2 business days | None | $50 |
The variety of payout methods really helps traders from all sorts of regions. Some folks prefer bank cards, while others go for digital payment options, so there’s some flexibility there, especially for international traders.
Pricing and Fees
E8 Markets keeps its fee structure transparent. No hidden costs, and you won’t find any sneaky monthly subscriptions lurking in the fine print.
Evaluation fees depend on the account size and the program you pick. They’ll even refund the full fee if you complete the challenges successfully, which is honestly a nice touch.
Evaluation Fee Structure:
| Account Size | E8 One | E8 Classic | E8 Track |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $89 | $79 | $37 |
| $10,000 | $175 | $149 | $79 |
| $25,000 | $399 | $299 | $179 |
| $50,000 | $699 | $449 | $299 |
| $100,000 | $1,199 | $799 | $549 |
| $400,000 | $2,999 | $1,999 | $1,299 |
The full refund policy lets successful traders get their evaluation fees back. Basically, if you meet the requirements, the challenge ends up costing you nothing.
That’s a pretty clear sign that E8 Markets stands behind their evaluation process. They seem genuinely invested in seeing traders succeed.
Payment Methods Accepted:
- Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- Bank transfers for larger amounts
- Various cryptocurrencies for international traders
Funded accounts don’t come with monthly subscription fees. You get access to all the platform’s features without extra charges.
No ongoing fees means traders keep more of their profits. That’s a small but meaningful boost to overall earnings.
Customer Support and Service
E8 Markets has put a lot into its customer support setup. They offer several ways for traders to get in touch, and folks generally say response times are fast, sometimes surprisingly so.
Support Availability:
- 24-hour customer support during market hours
- Multiple contact methods including email, live chat, and Discord
- Average response time of under 2 hours for most inquiries
- Multilingual support for international traders
Traders from all over seem to like how the support team handles things. The staff really knows their stuff, whether it’s technical questions or trading issues.
Their expertise isn’t just for basic account stuff. They’ll help out with trading rules, technical hiccups on the platform, or even the specifics of the evaluation program.
Plenty of traders mention that E8’s support people actually get what it’s like to trade. They don’t just give canned answers, they try to offer real, practical help.
Educational Resources:
E8 Markets offers a bunch of educational materials for traders trying to make it through their evaluation programs. You’ll find trading guides, risk management tutorials, and platform-specific training, pretty much all the basics.
Their trader development programs zero in on practical skills that actually matter for passing the evaluations. Instead of generic trading advice, they focus on what E8 Markets really wants to see, so you can tweak your strategies and meet those specific criteria.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
The Trustpilot rating sits at 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on 362 reviews. That’s a pretty solid reputation, at least according to real users.
Looking at recent review trends, there’s a steady stream of positive feedback. People seem to care most about the core features that prop traders value, and E8 Markets scores well there.
Positive Feedback Highlights:
- Fast payouts: Multiple reviewers consistently praise the rapid payout processing
- Fair rules: Traders appreciate the transparent and reasonable evaluation criteria
- Responsive support: Customer service receives frequent commendation for helpfulness
- User friendly platform interfaces that don’t create unnecessary obstacles
- Competitive spreads that don’t disadvantage traders unnecessarily
Common Complaints:
While overall feedback remains positive, some negative reviews identify areas for potential improvement:
- Payout delays during high-volume periods occasionally extend processing times
- Technical issues with platforms during market volatility affect some traders
- Strict evaluation rules can be challenging for traders accustomed to more lenient firms
E8 Markets usually jumps in to respond when negative reviews pop up. They don’t just hide, most of the time, they address concerns publicly and try to sort things out.
That kind of openness suggests they actually care about customer satisfaction. It’s nice to see a company handle complaints out in the open.
Comparison with Competitor Ratings:
E8 Markets scores a solid 4.8 out of 5. That’s a pretty impressive rating and puts it right up there with the top prop firms.
It holds up well against the big names in the industry. Honestly, you can tell they’re really paying attention to trader experience and making service quality a priority.
Pros and Cons Analysis
Advantages:
Transparent Rules: E8 Markets lays out clear, straightforward evaluation criteria. You won’t find hidden restrictions sneaking up on you during challenges. The rules aim to be fair, but they do keep risk under control. That balance matters.
Multiple Evaluation Options: TThere are three different program types here. They’re tailored for traders with different experience levels and risk appetites, from aggressive single-step challenges to more conservative three-phase routes.
Competitive Profit Splits: The 80/20 standard split gives traders a good shot at solid earnings. If you’re consistent, you can even scale up to 100% retention, which is pretty appealing.
Fast Payout Processing: Payouts process in just 1–2 days. That’s about as fast as it gets, so you’re not left waiting around for your profits.
Strong Customer Support: Their support team actually responds quickly and knows what they’re talking about. If you hit a snag, they’re there to help and guide you.
Benefits:
No Minimum Trading Days: E8 Markets doesn’t force you to trade for a set number of days. You get to set your own pace, which feels more flexible than some other firms.
Reasonable Pricing: The evaluation fees seem fair, especially since you get a full refund if you pass.
User Friendly platforms and interfaces help cut down on technical hassles that can mess with your trading.
Flexible Account Scaling: You can grow your account naturally through profits. There’s no rigid scaling program boxing you in.
Drawbacks:
Strict Evaluation Rules: The daily and overall drawdown limits are strict. You’ll need solid risk management, and some folks might find these rules a bit tight.
Limited Crypto Trading Options: E8 Markets mainly sticks to forex and futures. If you’re hoping for a wide range of crypto, you might be disappointed.
Simulated Trading Environment: The evaluation phases run on demo accounts, not live markets. It’s not quite the same as real trading, and that difference can matter.
Rigid Risk Management Requirements: The consistency rules and drawdown calculations are pretty unforgiving. There’s not much wiggle room during evaluations.
Who Should Choose E8 Markets
E8 Markets appeals to certain types of traders, thanks to its unique program structure and service style. Figuring out if this firm matches your trading approach and goals really matters.
Ideal Trader Profiles:
Conservative Traders: The E8 Track three-phase program works well for those who like steady, consistent growth instead of chasing big profits. Lower profit targets and a longer evaluation period make it easier to manage risk carefully.
Experienced Forex Traders: If you’ve already built a solid track record in forex trading, you’ll probably like the competitive spreads and flexible leverage. The trading rules won’t get in the way of your usual forex strategies, which is a relief.
Traders Seeking Fast Payouts: Want your profits fast? E8 Markets stands out with some of the quickest payout processing times in the industry. That can be a real edge if you care about getting paid quickly.
Multi-Strategy Traders: E8 lets you use different trading styles, swing trading, day trading, EAs, you name it. If you don’t like being boxed into one approach, this flexibility is a plus.
Skill Level Requirements:
Most successful traders here show steady profits over time, stick to strong risk management, and know their way around pro trading platforms. Beginners can give it a shot, but honestly, having some real trading experience helps your odds a lot.
Trading Style Compatibility:
- Scalping: Permitted with reasonable restrictions on high-frequency strategies
- Swing Trading: Fully supported with overnight position holding allowed
- Day Trading: Well-suited to the evaluation structure and risk parameters
- News Trading: Allowed with appropriate caution during high-impact events
Geographic Availability:
E8 Markets welcomes traders from most countries around the world. Some jurisdictions face restrictions, mainly for regulatory reasons.
The firm’s international outlook stands out, and it offers several payout methods. This flexibility helps traders in all sorts of places.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
After digging into E8 Markets’ offerings, policies, and what traders actually say, I’d say the firm looks legit. You get transparent rules, solid profit splits, and customer service that actually responds, pretty refreshing in this industry.
Legitimacy Confirmation:
E8 Markets runs as a real proprietary trading firm. You can check their business registrations, see their physical offices, and there’s proof they pay traders.
Most customer reviews are positive. Their Trustpilot rating? Pretty high, which goes a long way in showing they’re reliable.
Overall Assessment:
E8 Markets stands out as a solid pick for traders who want funded accounts. Their evaluation programs are reasonable, which is honestly refreshing.
The firm’s tech setup feels reliable. Customer support and payout policies? They’re right up there with, or even a bit ahead of, what you’d expect in this industry.
Recommendation for Specific Trader Types:
- Best for: Experienced forex traders, those prioritizing fast payouts, conservative traders preferring lower-pressure evaluations
- Consider alternatives if: You require extensive crypto trading options, prefer live account evaluations, or need highly aggressive scaling programs
Comparison with Major Competitors:
Some firms, like FTMO, go with different evaluation structures or maybe offer a wider range of assets. But E8 Markets holds its own where it counts: fair rules, competitive profit splits, and dependable service.
If you’re weighing your options, E8’s balance of features makes it a contender worth considering.
Final Score and Key Takeaways:
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
E8 Markets offers solid value for traders who want real prop firm funding. Their approach feels transparent, with competitive terms and support that actually responds when you need help.
If you’re thinking about joining, it’s worth digging into the evaluation requirements. Make sure you pick a program that fits your experience.
You’ll need to keep your risk management tight during the challenge. Honestly, success here boils down to real trading skill and sticking to their rules, no shortcuts.