Learn how to start day trading futures in 2025 with this detailed 3-step guide for beginners. Discover cheap futures prop firm evaluations, top tips, and how to get a prop trading evaluation discount.

How to Start Day Trading Futures as a Beginner in 2025

For those seeking financial freedom through fast-paced markets, day trading futures in 2025 offers an exciting opportunity. Whether you’re transitioning from stocks or options or starting fresh, this in-depth guide reveals the step-by-step process to begin trading futures like a pro. Plus, you’ll discover how to start trading with almost no capital using cheap futures prop firm evaluations.

Step 1 – Understand the Basics of Futures Trading

Before jumping in, beginners must learn the core elements of futures trading:

  • Tick sizes & contract values – Each market, like the ES (E-mini S&P 500) or CL (Crude Oil), moves in defined tick sizes with specific dollar values per tick.
  • Leverage & margin – Futures offer massive leverage, meaning small moves can lead to big gains — or losses. Always use this power cautiously.
  • Contract rollover & expiration – Futures have expiration dates, so rolling over to the next contract is essential for longer-term traders.

Pro Tip: Start with Micro Futures, such as MES (Micro E-mini S&P), to minimize risk while learning. Micros allow exposure to major markets with just a fraction of the capital.

Step 2 – Choose Your Route: Self-Funded vs. Prop Firm Trading

Many traders don’t realize they can begin with almost zero capital by choosing futures prop firm evaluations. Here’s how the two paths compare:

Self-Funded Account:

  • Brokers like NinjaTrader and Trade of Ace offer low intraday margins (~$500 for ES, ~$50 for MES).
  • You’ll need to fund the account yourself, meaning full responsibility for drawdowns.

Prop Firm Evaluation (Recommended for Beginners):

  • Firms like Apex Trader Funding offer funded accounts where traders prove consistency in a simulated environment first.
  • After passing the evaluation, the firm funds you, and you keep a large portion of profits.
  • Ideal for beginners wanting risk-capped environments.

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Step 3 – Build a Strategy and Risk Plan

Once you’ve picked your path, it’s time to build a repeatable system:

  • Use a stop-loss on EVERY trade – Futures move fast. Always define risk before entry.
  • Limit trades per day – Stick to 2–3 high-quality setups instead of overtrading.
  • Keep a trading journal – Log not just trades, but also emotions, news events, and market structure.
  • Know your market – Start with ES or Oil, avoid high-volatility contracts like NQ early on.

Use Tools Wisely:

  • Leverage a Futures Profit Calculator to measure potential outcomes.
  • Understand how trailing drawdowns work in prop firm evaluations.
  • Use copy trading tools once consistent to scale across accounts.

Why Beginners Should Start With a Prop Firm Like Apex

If you’re serious about trading but not ready to risk thousands, the prop route is unmatched:

  • Risk-Controlled Evaluations
  • Low Cost Entry (as low as ~$36 with promo!)
  • Earn While You Learn
  • Scalable to 20 Funded Accounts

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Final Thoughts – Trading Futures in 2025

Futures trading offers a thrilling and potentially rewarding career path. With 24/6 markets, massive liquidity, and scalability, it’s perfect for disciplined and focused traders.

Start smart:

  • Learn the basics
  • Choose the right path (self-funded or prop)
  • Build a proven risk strategy

Then, leverage the right tools and take advantage of current promotions like the one offered by Apex Trader Funding to jumpstart your journey.

✅ Ready to Trade Futures?

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Disclaimer: Futures trading involves substantial risk. Only trade with capital you can afford to lose. This article is for educational purposes only.