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What Are Minimum Trading Days

The minimum trading days rule is a requirement that mandates traders to be active on an account for a set number of trading days before they are eligible to pass the evaluation or request a payout from a funded account. While most commonly applied during evaluations, some firms also enforce this rule in the funded stage to ensure consistent engagement before releasing profits. The required number of days varies depending on the firm, account type, and stage of the funding process.

Why Firms Enforce It

This rule exists to promote steady, process-driven trading behavior rather than allowing traders to complete objectives through a single large trade or isolated performance spike. By requiring trading over multiple days, firms can better evaluate consistency, discipline, and the trader’s ability to manage varying market conditions.

In evaluations, the rule ensures traders do not pass challenges in one or two sessions. In funded accounts, it may be used to verify active participation and effort before issuing a payout. In both cases, the rule supports the firm’s goal of funding traders with stable, repeatable systems rather than opportunistic or high-risk strategies.

How It Is Counted

Only days where trades are actually placed count toward the minimum trading day requirement. Logging into the platform or monitoring charts without executing trades does not fulfill the requirement. A valid trading day typically means opening and closing at least one position. Some firms may also set specific criteria, such as a minimum hold time or a required number of contracts, but in most cases, any day with a legitimate executed trade will qualify.

The minimum number of trading days often ranges from 5 to 10, depending on the plan. These days do not need to be consecutive, but the account must remain active, and each counted day must involve at least one executed trade. Skipping days is allowed, but they do not reduce the minimum requirement.

Example in Practice

A trader working through a $50,000 evaluation account with a $3,000 profit target and a 7-day trading minimum must place trades on 7 separate days to complete the evaluation. If they reach the profit target in 3 days, they must continue placing trades for 4 more separate trading days to be eligible for funding.

In a funded account, if a firm requires at least 5 active trading days before the first payout request, the trader cannot submit a withdrawal after just one or two large trades. Even if profit requirements are met, the minimum trading days must also be fulfilled to remain eligible.

Summary

The minimum trading days rule requires traders to place trades on a certain number of individual days before completing an evaluation or receiving a funded account payout. It applies most commonly to evaluations but can also be enforced in funded accounts depending on the firm. Only days with executed trades count toward the requirement. This rule ensures that traders demonstrate consistent engagement and prevents rapid progression through isolated high-risk trades. Traders should understand how this rule applies to their specific account and plan their activity accordingly.