Prop Firm Comparison: Where They Truly Differ
The table below lists each firm’s hard numbers. This article highlights the differences that actually change your trading experience—so you can spot which firm fits your strategy in seconds.
Blue Guardian Capital (BGC)
Active AE 2–4 yrs
Blue Guardian Capital is a UAE-based proprietary trading firm operating for about 4 years, offering multiple challenge models with varying leverage on different asset types. Commissions are applied on FX, Metals, and other commodities, while indices and crypto trading have no commission.
Lark Funding
Active CA 2–4 yrs
Lark Funding is a Canadian prop firm founded in 2022, known for transparent rules, a variety of challenge types (including a rare free evaluation option), up to 90% profit split, and flexible progression with no minimum trading days. It supports several modern platforms, offers fair risk controls, innovative payout mechanisms (“Gain Protector”), and has built a reputation for fast, supportive service. Accounts exceeding daily or maximum drawdown limits can re-challenge but may lose access to earned profits if prohibited strategies are used.
Key Differences
Note: Information is for reference only; please visit the firm’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
Criteria
Blue Guardian Capital (BGC)
Active AE 2–4 yrs
Lark Funding
Active CA 2–4 yrs
Scaling:
Yes, leverage scaling up to 1:100 on most assets
Yes, up to $600,000 virtual for evaluations (multiple accounts possible)
Max Allocation:
Up to $400,000
Initial accounts from $5,000 up to $200,000; total up to $600,000
Model / Profit Targets:
Instant, 1-Step, 2-Steps, 3-Steps
1-step, 2-step, 3-step, and Free Evaluation programs; no instant funding
Time Limits:
Not explicitly stated
No minimum or maximum trading day requirements; pass at your own speed
DD (Daily/Overall):
Varies by asset; Forex 1:30-1:100 leverage, Metals/Indices/Other commodities 1:10-1:20, Crypto 1:2 leverage
Daily loss limit 5%; max loss per evaluation phase 8-10% (varies by program)
Max Loss:
Not explicitly stated
8-10% per phase, strict loss-limiting rules for each evaluation
News Trading:
Not explicitly stated
Allowed, as are scalping, EAs, and trading during news events; Martingale, grid, and HFT are banned
Payout:
Payment methods listed but no detailed terms
Monthly payouts; payment methods include Wise, Riseworks, bank card, crypto for challenge entry only
Split:
Not explicitly stated
80-90% to trader, scalable depending on performance
Platforms:
Not explicitly stated
cTrader, DXTrade, Match-Trader
Tradable Assets:
Forex, Metals, Indices, Crypto, Other Commodities
Forex, indices, crypto, metals, commodities
Commissions & Spreads:
$5 per lot FX, Metals, Other Commodities; No commission for Indices and Crypto
N/A
Country Access:
North Korea, Syria
No trading over weekends unless paid upgrade; minimum 1 trade per 30 days to keep account active
Pros & Cons
Blue Guardian Capital (BGC) — Pros
- Multiple paths including Instant, 1-step, 2-steps, and 3-steps.
- Broad asset coverage across FX, metals, indices, crypto, and other commodities.
- Leverage scales up to 1:100 on many assets, favoring active intraday styles.
- Zero commissions on indices and crypto with transparent $5/lot on FX and metals.
Blue Guardian Capital (BGC) — Cons
- Key terms like profit split, time limits, and max-loss are not clearly disclosed.
- News-trading rules are unspecified, reducing predictability for news strategies.
- Country access limitations may restrict some traders.
- Platform availability is not explicitly stated, which may limit platform choice.
Lark Funding — Pros
- Profit split up to 90%, competitive for the category.
- No evaluation time limit on principal tracks.
- 1-step and 2-step models are available.
- Frequent payout cycles with fast processing reported.
- Scaling plan available to extend buying power.
- Supports MetaTrader platforms with broad instrument coverage.
Lark Funding — Cons
- Minimum trading-days can apply on some programs.
- Daily and total drawdown limits are strict relative to lenient peers.
- Strategy restrictions (e.g., during news) may apply by phase/instrument.
Model & Time Limits: Pace vs. Pressure
- Instant / One-step models favor traders who want quick funding and minimal phases—usually higher fees but faster start.
- Two-phase models trim upfront cost and add verification, but Time Limits can add pressure if you need more trades to realize edge.
- No time limit or lenient windows reduce forced trades; tight windows reward fast, high-activity approaches.
Risk Rules: DD (Daily/Overall) & Max Loss
- Stricter Daily DD = tougher for scalpers during volatility; looser Daily DD = more room for heat intraday.
- Higher Overall DD / Max Loss cushions swing holds; lower buffers suit disciplined, tight-stop systems.
- News Trading allowed favors event traders; restricted news reduces gap risk but limits catalysts.
Payout & Split: Cash Flow vs. Percentage
- Earlier first payout (7–14 days) + frequent cycles = smoother cash flow—even if the split is slightly lower.
- Higher splits shine only if timing, caps, and fees don’t slow you down.
- When two firms tie on split, choose the one with fewer payout frictions (methods, fees, thresholds).
Scaling / Max Allocation: Real Path vs. Big Number
- Clear, incremental scaling (defined profit targets & min days) beats a flashy Max Allocation you’ll rarely reach.
- Shorter milestones reward consistent returns; longer gates suit patient compounding.
Platforms & Tradable Assets: Execution Fit
- Multiple platforms (MT4/MT5/cTrader/TradingView) = flexibility. Single-platform firms can be fine if execution is stable.
- Broader asset lists (indices, FX, commodities, crypto, stocks) unlock more setups; narrow menus force concentration risk.
Commissions: Quiet Edge Eroder
- Lower per-lot/contract commissions preserve edge for active traders; higher costs can negate a better split.
- When two firms feel identical, pick the cheaper fill—it compounds every session.
Restricted Countries: Eligibility & Payout Practicalities
- Check Restricted Countries first—eligibility, KYC friction, and payout rails differ by region.
- If your country is borderline, choose firms with clear guidance and multiple withdrawal methods.
Pros & Cons: How to Read Them Quickly
- Generous drawdown but stricter news → great for non-event strategies.
- Fast payouts but higher commissions → suits low-turnover setups.
- Big scaling but tight time limits → favors high-activity traders.
Make the Call in 5 Checks
- Model & Time — need speed (instant/1-step) or flexibility (no/lenient limits)?
- Risk Rules — DD & Max Loss align with your drawdown profile?
- Payout Mechanics — first payout timing & cycle fit your cash flow?
- Scaling Reality — milestones you can actually hit?
- Costs & Execution — commissions + platform stability ok for your style?
Then use the table’s Discount link, check Trustpilot sentiment, and Visit website for fine print.
FAQs
What’s the fastest path to first payout?
Firms with early first payout windows (often 7–14 days) and weekly/bi-weekly cycles. Confirm fees and caps.
Which firms suit news/event traders?
Those explicitly allowing news trading or with clearly defined windows. If restricted, plan around releases.
How do I break a tie between two similar firms?
Pick the one with looser Daily DD, cheaper commissions, or simpler payout rules—whichever matters most to your P&L.
