Top Trading View-Compatible Prop Firms for Futures Trading

TradingView-Compatible Prop Firms for Futures Traders

Futures traders love TradingView for its clean charts, fast execution tools, and endless custom indicators. If you’re evaluating TradingView-compatible prop firms for futures trading, you’re likely trying to match your favorite charting platform with the capital and structure of a prop account. As someone who has navigated this maze, I can share that while the answer is straightforward for some firms (like Tradovate and Ironbeam), it becomes nuanced with others that rely on Rithmic.

In this guide, I’ll break down connections, costs, setup processes, and vital considerations, especially during evaluation phases. If you want to trade CME futures directly from TradingView through a prop firm or funded account, this is your roadmap.

Introduction

TradingView has emerged as the default charting platform for many futures traders. Its fast, visual interface allows you to build or buy signals in just minutes. The platform's Trading Panel now supports live order routing to several futures brokers, simplifying your trading workflow.

However, compatibility remains a challenge. Not every prop firm allows connections to TradingView, and many evaluations rely on Rithmic, a platform that TradingView currently does not support directly. This article outlines TradingView-compatible prop firms for futures traders, covering connection procedures, costs, order types, and how to address common issues, particularly regarding Rithmic.

Understanding Futures Prop Firms

What Are Futures Prop Firms?

Futures prop firms fund traders to trade exchange-listed futures (such as ES, NQ, CL, and 6E) in exchange for a share of the profits. Most firms utilize an evaluation model: you pay a monthly fee, pass specific requirements (profit targets, daily loss limits, trailing drawdowns), and subsequently receive a funded or performance account.

Compared to a traditional brokerage account, a prop firm account:

• Utilizes the firm's capital and risk parameters.

• Enforces strict risk limits and rules.

• May include platform constraints, affecting TradingView connectivity.

• Offers profit-sharing percentages, commonly 80-90% to the trader after the initial withdrawal threshold.

Investopedia defines proprietary trading and explains the roles of prop firms in the broader trading landscape.

Advantages of Trading with Prop Firms

The attractiveness of futures trading through prop firms lies in leverage and risk controls, making it possible to scale operations. Key benefits include:

• Capital Efficiency: Trade without needing to deposit larger sums.

• Structured Risk: Daily loss limits and trailing drawdowns foster disciplined trading.

• Resources: Many firms provide necessary tools, coaching, or journaling.

• Scaling Opportunities: Successful traders may receive opportunities for larger positions or multiple accounts.

However, one must adhere to the firm's rules and navigate potential platform restrictions concerning TradingView.

Compatibility Matrix

TradingView can route futures orders through specific brokers via its Trading Panel. As of late 2024, some of the notable names for futures connectivity include Tradovate, Ironbeam, and CQG-powered brokerage connections (e.g., AMP, Optimus, Edge Clear via CQG). Rithmic is not natively supported by TradingView.

Below is a high-level snapshot of prop firms, their evaluation connections, and TradingView compatibility:

Practical Reading of This Table

• If your account (evaluation or funded) is on Tradovate or CQG through supported brokers like Ironbeam or AMP, you can usually route orders from TradingView.

• If your account is Rithmic-only, you cannot route orders from TradingView but can still use it for charting and alerts.

Personally, I’ve connected Tradovate and CQG-backed logins to TradingView with ease, while Rithmic remains the barrier.

Connecting TradingView to Prop Firms

You connect not to a prop firm directly but to the broker or routing technology they provision for you. Below are practical steps to connect popular firms to TradingView.

Step-by-Step Guide for Popular Firms

Tradovate

Connecting a Tradovate login to TradingView is straightforward:

1. Log in to TradingView (desktop or web).

2. Open a chart and select “Trading Panel” at the bottom.

3. Locate “Tradovate” in the broker list and click “Connect.”

4. Enter your Tradovate credentials.

5. Approve any permission prompts for API access.

6. Choose your account in the order panel dropdown.

7. Place a test paper-sized order to confirm the connection.

Key Notes:

• If you're on a Topstep evaluation or funded account that uses Tradovate, you’ll typically receive credentials that work in TradingView. If uncertain, ask support to confirm API permissions.

• Your market data feed may come from TradingView or the broker. In case of delays, you might need to buy CME data on TradingView.

Ironbeam

Connecting to Ironbeam is simple if your prop firm funds you through them:

1. Go to TradingView → Trading Panel → Ironbeam → Connect.

2. Log in with the username/password provided by Ironbeam.

3. Select your account and verify symbol mapping (e.g., ES to ESU4).

4. Place a small test order to confirm routing.

Key Notes:

• Ironbeam routes directly, so separate CQG credentials are not required.

• You may still need TradingView CME data for clear charting, depending on your account type.

CQG (via brokers like AMP, Optimus, Edge Clear)

To connect via CQG:

1. Request your broker to enable "TradingView/CQG" access for your account.

2. In TradingView → Trading Panel, find your broker's CQG connection.

3. Log in with the enabled CQG credentials.

4. Choose your account and test with a micro contract.

Key Notes:

• If your prop firm lets you pick a CQG-enabled broker, this is often the simplest route to use TradingView.

• This connection won’t help during Rithmic-only evaluations, as you must complete those first.

General Connection Steps

For first-time users of TradingView’s Trading Panel:

• Open any chart.

• Click “Trading Panel” at the bottom.

• Select the broker and click “Connect.”

• Enter your credentials and authorize the connection.

• Choose the correct account in the Order Panel.

• Set your default order size and bracket (TP/SL) under the order panel gear icon.

Most broker connections do not require an API key as TradingView manages authentication automatically.

Cost Breakdown

Costs incurred while trading through TradingView comprise three main categories: TradingView plans, market data, and prop/broker fees. It’s crucial not to underestimate total expenses, so I recommend calculating a rough monthly estimate before committing.

TradingView Plans

TradingView offers Free, Pro, Pro+, and Premium tiers. For futures trading needs:

• Free: Connect to a broker and place trades, but may face indicator/alert limits.

• Pro/Pro+: More indicators, alerts, multi-chart layouts, and faster data refresh.

• Premium: Highest alert limits, most layouts, and fewest rate limits.

For chart-focused trading with a couple of custom indicators and alerts, Pro or Pro+ is usually ideal. Personally, I utilize Pro+ for its multi-chart capabilities.

Expect monthly costs of approximately:

• Pro: $15–$30/month (subject to promotions).

• Pro+: $30–$60/month.

• Premium: $60–$120/month.

Make sure to check TradingView’s current pricing, as they frequently offer discounts for annual plans.

CME Data Fees

Real-time CME Group data on TradingView is a separate purchase from the platform plan. For non-professional traders, typical costs include:

• Top-of-book per exchange: Approximately $5/month for CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX.

• CME Group top-of-book bundle: Approximately in the mid-teens per month.

• Full order book (depth): Higher costs apply per exchange.

If you only trade equity index futures (e.g., ES/NQ/YM), a CME + CBOT top-of-book combo is often sufficient. Crude (CL) trades via NYMEX, while gold (GC) trades via COMEX.

You may not need to buy data on TradingView if your broker provides it. However, many traders opt for TradingView’s CME data to maintain stability during broker disconnections or account switches.

Pro classification (as defined by exchanges) incurs higher fees. Registered professionals can expect significantly increased costs.

Prop Firm Fees

There are three principal fee categories:

1. Evaluation Fee: This monthly subscription continues until passing. For a typical $50K account, list prices are often around ~$125–$200/month. Aggressive promotions are common (e.g., Apex often provides 80–90% discounts).

2. Commissions/Routing: Charged per contract, per side, on funded or performance accounts. A general estimate is ~$2.00–$3.00+ per side for E-minis and around ~$0.80–$1.20 for Micros (all-in - which includes commissions, exchange fees, NFA and routing).

3. Miscellaneous Fees: Withdrawal fees, changes to scaling plans, and platform surcharges in rare scenarios.

Here are some recent ballpark examples:

• ES (E-mini): ~$2.25–$3.00 per side, resulting in a round trip of ~$4.50–$6.00.

• MES (Micro): ~$0.90–$1.20 per side, corresponding to a round turn of ~$1.80–$2.40.

Always verify with your prop firm for exact per-side rates for the contracts you intend to trade, as this is crucial for accurate trading cost assessments.

Putting It Together for a Month:

• TradingView Pro+: ~$30

• CME Bundle Top-of-Book: ~$14–$16

• Evaluation Fee: ~$80–$175 (net of discounts)

• Commissions: Depends on volume. For 400 MES round turns at $2.00/RT, expect around ~$800.

While the evaluation fee appears modest, your ongoing trading costs are usually dominated by commissions and slippage.

Supported Order Types and Features

Order Types Available on TradingView

TradingView supports core order types with most futures brokers, including:

• Market, Limit, Stop, Stop Limit

• Brackets with Take Profit and Stop Loss (One Cancels Other - OCO)

• Reduce-only orders (broker-dependent)

• Time-in-force options like DAY, GTC, IOC (availability varies)

Setting up bracket orders in TradingView is straightforward. I maintain a default 2:1 reward-to-risk template on MES and adjust TP/SL lines on the chart for discretionary trades.

Limitations and Considerations

• Server-side vs Client-side: Whether your TP/SL is stored server-side depends on the broker. Tradovate commonly hosts brackets server-side; CQG's behavior can differ by broker configuration. Always confirm with your broker.

• Depth of Market (DOM): Full depth visualization may require both a broker that provides the data and a TradingView depth subscription. Top-of-book feeds alone may not achieve this.

• Advanced Algorithms: Features such as icebergs, native server OCO across multiple legs, and custom spread orders are not typically available via TradingView’s retail trading panel.

• Evaluation Rules: Some firms impose restrictions on using trailing stops or automated breakeven algorithms. While basic brackets are usually acceptable, double-check the fine print.

During my trading experience with standard brackets and OCO behavior on Tradovate and CQG-backed accounts in TradingView, I encountered no significant issues. Nonetheless, it's prudent to test routing with micros during low-activity hours.

Workarounds for Rithmic-Only Firms

Challenges with Rithmic Accounts

Unfortunately, TradingView does not natively connect to Rithmic. If your evaluation or funded account falls into this category (e.g., Apex, Leeloo, UProfit, Bulenox, etc.), you cannot place orders from TradingView but can use it for charting.

Effective Workarounds

Here are some methods that have worked effectively for me with Rithmic-only accounts:

• Dual-Screen Workflow: Use TradingView for charts on one monitor and R|Trader Pro or NinjaTrader for execution on another. Keep your standard bracket hotkeyed in the execution platform.

• Alerts as Prompts: Leverage TradingView alerts to signal your entry. Avoid using automation for executing alerts unless permitted by your firm.

• Consistent Symbol Mapping: Confirm that your execution platform uses the same front-month contract as you're charting on TradingView.

Some traders utilize webhook bridges from TradingView alerts to place orders into NinjaTrader or other applications; however, caution is necessary, as most evaluations disallow automation, copy trading, and account sharing. Always confirm with support in writing if you're unsure.

Compliance and Evaluation Phase Rules

Using TradingView During Evaluations

Using TradingView as a charting tool is generally permitted. For order routing, this applies only if your evaluation account is linked with a broker supported by TradingView (like Tradovate) that the firm allows.

Common scenarios include:

• Topstep Evaluations on TopstepX/Tradovate: Often compatible; check if TradingView is permitted for execution.

• Rithmic Evaluations (Apex, Leeloo, etc.): Charting on TradingView for evaluation is allowed, but orders must be executed on a supported Rithmic platform.

Automation is typically prohibited during evaluations. While brackets and OCOs are generally acceptable, full algorithms or API-driven trading are commonly restricted.

Trailing Drawdown and Order Types

Many firms calculate trailing drawdown based on your end-of-day or intraday equity, accounting for unrealized P&L, which has two main implications:

1. Open profits can lift your trailing drawdown, and giving back a substantial open profit can breach the trailing line.

2. The placement of stops is crucial: tight stops may lead to multiple minor realized losses that accumulate relative to daily limits, while wider stops can lead to significant drawdowns if the market shifts unexpectedly.

My typical approach involves:

• Trading micros during evaluation phases until I become familiar with the trailing logic.

• Keeping a fixed daily loss number that remains below the firm’s established limit.

• Utilizing OCO brackets while being mindful of server-side versus client-side stop differences during disconnections.

Always confirm your firm’s exact formula for calculating drawdowns (e.g., intraday versus end-of-day trailing).

Managing Multiple Funded Accounts

Tips for Multi-Account Management

If you're handling several funded or performance accounts across brokers, having a systematic approach is essential. Here’s what has worked for me:

• One Broker per TradingView Window: Utilize separate browser profiles or desktop instances for different broker connections.

• Color-Code Layouts: Apply distinct colors to chart backgrounds or order line templates for each account to minimize errors.

• Default Size per Account: Set unique default quantities per connection (e.g., 3 MES for Account A, 2 MES for Account B).

• Pre-Market Checks: Before market open, place and cancel a small order on each account to verify routing and account selection.

Avoid attempting to sync orders across accounts from TradingView, as it doesn’t natively support order mirroring. If you manually copy trades, double-check every ticket for accuracy.

Mobile Trading Considerations

TradingView’s mobile app excels for charting and alerts, although execution support is variable:

• Broker connections may not all be available on mobile.

• Even when accessible, the mobile trading panel may simplify features compared to desktop.

• I treat the broker's native mobile app as an emergency backup rather than a primary trading tool.

If mobile trading is necessary, test it during quieter periods to confirm bracket behavior and maintain small trade sizes.

FAQs

1. Can I trade futures on TradingView with a prop firm account?

   • Yes, if your prop firm provides a Tradovate or CQG-enabled brokerage login that TradingView supports. If the firm is Rithmic-only, you cannot route orders from TradingView.
     
     

2. Which futures prop firms allow TradingView order routing?

   • Typically, prop firms that fund you on Tradovate or CQG brokers. Topstep accounts provisioned on Tradovate often work. OneUp and Earn2Trade can be compatible after funding if you select a CQG/Tradovate broker; Rithmic-only firms (Apex, Leeloo, UProfit) do not permit it.
     
     

3. Does Topstep connect to TradingView for funded accounts?

   • Usually yes, if your account operates on Tradovate/TopstepX. If it’s Rithmic-only, TradingView cannot route orders.
     
     

4. Can I use Rithmic credentials for TradingView?

   • No. TradingView does not natively support Rithmic. Utilize TradingView for charting and place orders in R|Trader Pro or NinjaTrader.
     
     

5. What brokers on the TradingView panel support futures for prop traders?

   • Tradovate and Ironbeam are direct options. CQG connections are supported via participating brokers (e.g., AMP, Optimus, Edge Clear). Names in the panel may vary based on region and broker agreements.
     
     

6. Do I need to buy CME data on TradingView if my prop firm provides data?

   • Not necessarily. Some broker connections may inject real-time quotes into TradingView. However, many traders opt for TradingView’s CME data for consistent charting.
     
     

7. How do I connect my Tradovate account to TradingView?

   • In TradingView, go to Trading Panel → Tradovate → Connect → log in with your Tradovate credentials → select your account. Test this with a micro order.
     
     

8. Are bracket and OCO orders supported on TradingView with futures prop accounts?

   • Yes. TradingView’s bracket orders are OCO by design. However, server-side support varies by broker; confirm that with yours.
     
     

9. Is TradingView allowed during a prop firm evaluation?

   • Yes, for charting purposes. For order routing, it applies only if your evaluation account links with a broker supported by TradingView (e.g., Tradovate) and the firm permits it.
     
     

10. What fees apply when trading futures on TradingView through a prop firm?

    • Costs include your TradingView plan, CME data (generally $5/exchange), an evaluation subscription, and all-in per-side commissions. The largest recurring expense is typically commissions.

Conclusion

Choosing among TradingView-compatible prop firms for futures trading hinges on a pivotal question: will your evaluation and funded accounts be connected to Tradovate or a CQG-enabled broker? If so, your TradingView chart-to-order workflow can feel seamless. Conversely, if the firm operates solely on Rithmic, you'll likely use TradingView for charting while placing your orders in a Rithmic-supported platform.

Having successfully connected Tradovate and CQG-backed brokers to TradingView, I can affirm the effectiveness of this approach with server-side brackets and OCO logic. The primary concerns have been related to data subscriptions, per-contract costs, and evaluation automation rules. Map your costs clearly, confirm your broker connection, and conduct preliminary tests with micros before scaling up.