Automation rules split the industry in two. Some firms allow bots you built yourself; others ban automation of any kind. Almost all of them ban shared or commercial bots, because many traders running the same strategy is a risk to the firm.
Firm by firm
| Firm | Bots / EAs | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Tradeify | Allowed | You must be the sole owner, no high-frequency bots, not used at other firms. Tradeify may ask for a live video of you enabling it. |
| Bulenox | Allowed | User-built, for your own use only. A third-party API or trade-copier connection to Rithmic costs $100/month. |
| FTMO | Allowed | Third-party EAs risk FTMO's capital-allocation limit; server limits of 200 open orders and 2,000 positions per day; hyperactive EAs may be asked to change. |
| Topstep | Through the TopstepX API | API access via ProjectX, billed separately. No software or high-speed systems that exploit the platform or simulated fills. |
| Apex | Not allowed | Apex's prohibited-activities page says no automation or algorithms. |
| Top One Futures | Not allowed | EAs and bots are prohibited on all accounts. |
| Take Profit Trader | Not allowed | TPT's homepage lists "No trading bots" among its test rules. |
Checked Oct 25, 2026 on each firm's own pages (sources below). We couldn't load The5ers' prohibited-practices page that day, so The5ers isn't listed.
Why firms restrict shared bots
FTMO says it plainly: if you buy a third-party EA, other traders may be running the same strategy, and you could be denied an account for exceeding its maximum capital allocation. Tradeify scans for similar orders on other accounts. Bulenox allows only tools built for the account owner's personal use. Commercial, shared, rented or publicly distributed tools aren't allowed.
Copy trading between your own accounts
Copying trades across your own accounts is a separate question from copying other people. Apex forbids sharing trade copying with other traders. Top One lists copy or group trading among prohibited practices and has its own copy trading policy. Bulenox allows trade copiers, with the $100/month fee for a third-party connection. Read the exact policy before linking accounts.
Before you switch a bot on
- Find the firm's automation rule in its help center, not a review site.
- Check for hidden costs, such as API subscriptions or connection fees.
- Keep proof you built it. Tradeify says it may ask for documentation.
- Look for speed rules. Tradeify's funded payouts need most trades and profit to come from trades held longer than 10 seconds.
Quick answers
Which prop firms allow trading bots?
Of the firms we checked on Oct 25, 2026: Tradeify and Bulenox allow bots you built yourself, FTMO allows EAs, and Topstep supports automation through its TopstepX API. Apex, Top One Futures and Take Profit Trader don't allow bots.
Can I use a bot I bought online?
Usually not. Tradeify requires sole ownership, Bulenox bans commercial or shared tools, and FTMO warns that third-party EAs can break its capital-allocation limit.
Do I have to pay extra to automate?
At some firms. Bulenox charges $100/month for a third-party API or trade-copier connection, and Topstep's API access is billed separately from your subscription.
Sources
Pages we used, checked Oct 25, 2026: the firm's official pages first, plus any named third-party source. If anything here disagrees with the firm's current page, the firm's page wins.
- Tradeify Help: Guidelines for Traders
- Bulenox FAQ
- Bulenox Help: Qualification
- FTMO FAQ: Instruments and strategies
- Topstep Help: TopstepX API Access
- Topstep Help: Prohibited Trading Strategies
- Apex Help: Prohibited Activities
- Top One Help: Can I Use EAs/Bots?
- Top One Help: Prohibited Trading Practices
- Take Profit Trader homepage