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.
City Traders Imperium (CTI)
Active AE 5+ yrs
City Traders Imperium is a UAE-based proprietary trading firm established in 2018, offering high capital funding, fast scaling, and up to 100% profit share. The firm provides a flexible challenge model with unlimited time and supports multiple asset classes with competitive commissions.
Blueberry Funded
Active VU <2 yrs
Blueberry Funded is backed by Blueberry Markets, a globally recognized broker with over 8 years of industry history and regulation under ASIC. They launched in August 2024, offering flexible, scalable funding challenges with efficient payouts and strong trader support.
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
City Traders Imperium (CTI)
Active AE 5+ yrs
Blueberry Funded
Active VU <2 yrs
Scaling:
Yes, offers fast scaling plans
Yes, scaling up to $2,000,000 every 3 months
Max Allocation:
Up to $4,000,000
Up to $400,000 per trader/household
Model / Profit Targets:
Instant Funding, 1-Step, 2-Step, 3-Step challenges
Multi-challenge (1-Step, 2-Step, Rapid, Stock, Synthetic)
Time Limits:
Unlimited time, no minimum trading days
No limits generally; Rapid challenge 7 days
DD (Daily/Overall):
Varies by asset; forex 1:30; metals, indices 1:10-1:20; crypto 1:2 leverage
Daily 2-5%, Overall 4-10% depending on challenge
Max Loss:
Not explicitly stated
Approx. 6-10% depending on challenge
News Trading:
Allowed
Prohibited
Payout:
Multiple payout options; withdrawals twice per month to once per week
Bi-weekly; optional 7-day payout add-on (with fee)
Split:
Profit share up to 100%, depending on program
Starts 80% up to 90% based on performance
Platforms:
MetaTrader 5
MT4, MT5, DXtrade, TradeLocker
Tradable Assets:
Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities, Crypto
Forex, Metals, Indices, Crypto, Stocks, Commodities
Commissions & Spreads:
Forex and commodities $5 per round lot; indices $0.5; crypto no commission
N/A
Country Access:
North Korea, Syria
N/A
Pros & Cons
City Traders Imperium (CTI) — Pros
- Profit split can reach 100% on certain programs.
- No evaluation time limit, allowing flexible pacing.
- No minimum trading-days requirement during evaluation.
- Multiple challenge tracks (1-step and 2-step) suit different trading styles.
- Optional 3-step evaluation available for gradual progression.
- Instant/direct funding option is offered for immediate capital access.
- Leverage and risk parameters are clearly specified per asset class.
- News trading is allowed, enabling event-driven strategies.
- Regular bi-weekly payout cadence keeps cash flow moving.
- Fast scaling plans are available.
- Supports MetaTrader 5.
- Broad instrument coverage across FX, indices, commodities, metals, stocks, and crypto.
- Transparent commissions/fees are published for key instruments.
City Traders Imperium (CTI) — Cons
- Subject to regional restrictions; not all countries are eligible.
Blueberry Funded — Pros
- Multiple tracks including 1-step, 2-step, Rapid, and specialized Stock/Synthetic options.
- No general time limit on most challenges, allowing flexible pacing.
- Competitive split starting at 80% and scaling to 90% with performance.
- Wide platform support (MT4/MT5, DXtrade, TradeLocker) and broad asset list.
- Published scaling path up to $2,000,000 with reviews about every 3 months.
- Optional 7-day payout add-on for faster withdrawals.
Blueberry Funded — Cons
- News trading is prohibited, limiting certain strategies.
- The Rapid track imposes a 7-day window that can pressure execution.
- Risk limits can be tight on some tracks (≈2–5% daily and ≈4–10% total).
- The accelerated payout option requires an extra fee.
- Around $400,000 cap per trader/household pre-scaling may constrain high-cap traders.
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.
