Editorial Methodology
Every prop firm review and comparison on SATO Trades is based on accounts we actually trade. This page documents exactly how we research, test, score, and update our content — and how we handle affiliate relationships.
How we test a prop firm
- Buy at least one evaluation account at full price (or with the public discount code, never a comp).
- Pass the evaluation following the firm's documented rules.
- Trade the funded account for a full payout cycle.
- Request and receive at least one real withdrawal before publishing.
- Re-test after major rule changes.
What we score
- Pricing — evaluation cost, reset cost, activation fees, monthly fees.
- Rules — drawdown type, consistency rules, scaling, trading-day requirements.
- Platform — supported platforms, data feed cost, execution quality.
- Payouts — minimum, frequency, processing time, payment methods, profit split.
- Support & trust — response time, dispute handling, transparency around rule changes.
Update cadence
Every review carries a published date and is reviewed at least quarterly. If a firm changes pricing, rules, or payout terms in a way that affects the verdict, we update the article and revise the date. Material changes are noted at the top of the article.
Affiliate disclosure
SATO Trades earns affiliate commissions from many of the prop firms reviewed on the site. When you sign up using code SATO or a tracked link, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you, and you typically receive a discount.
Affiliate status is never a condition for a positive review. We have dropped partners when rules or payouts deteriorated, and we publish negative findings on partners when they apply.
Corrections
If you spot a factual error in any review or guide, email contact@satotrades.com and we will investigate and update the article.