ℹ️This page may contain affiliate links. We earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Updated 2026-03-08
City Traders Imperium vs SFX Funded: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between City Traders Imperium and SFX Funded face a decision between an established firm with flexible daily loss rules versus a newer player with more generous total drawdown limits. City Traders Imperium stands out with no daily loss limit and weekly payouts, while SFX Funded offers 6% total drawdown compared to CTI's 5%. This comparison examines their challenge structures, risk parameters, and payout policies to help you determine which firm aligns with your trading style and capital management needs.
CT
City Traders Imperium
Est. 2018 · London, UK
4.2
1,500 reviews
VS
6 wins
5 ties
2 wins
SF
SFX Funded
Est. 2023 · N/A
4
200 reviews
Feature
City Traders Imperium
SFX Funded
Challenge Price ($100K)
$412
N/A
Phase 1 Profit Target
8%
N/A
Max Daily Loss
No limit✓ No daily loss limit
3%
Max Total Loss
5%
6%✓ More drawdown room
Min Trading Days
3 days
None✓ No minimum
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit
No limit
Payout Split
80% (up to 100%)
N/A
Payout Frequency
weekly✓ Faster payouts
bi-weekly
City Traders Imperium
Pros
+Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
+Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
+Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
+Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
+24/7 multilingual customer support with 1-hour first response time
Cons
−No refunds available once any trading activity occurs on the account
−Limited information about specific trading instruments and leverage ratios
−Relatively high instant funding fees compared to challenge options
−VIP benefits require meeting specific performance criteria
SFX Funded
Pros
+Offers up to 100% profit split to traders
+Challenge fees are 100% refundable
+Multiple account size options from $5,000 to $250,000
+Bi-weekly payout frequency
Cons
−Limited information available about trading rules and policies
−Relatively new firm established in 2023
−Lower leverage at 1:30 compared to many competitors
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
City Traders Imperium is the better choice for most traders, particularly scalpers, news traders, and those who prefer frequent payouts. The absence of daily loss limits gives traders crucial flexibility to recover from bad days, while weekly payouts provide faster access to earnings. With 4.2/5 stars from 1,500 Trustpilot reviews and five years of operation, CTI offers proven reliability.
SFX Funded suits swing traders and position holders who can benefit from the extra 1% total drawdown room and don't mind bi-weekly payouts. However, the 3% daily loss limit significantly restricts trading flexibility, and with only 200 reviews since 2023, the firm lacks the track record of its competitor.
For most prop traders, City Traders Imperium's combination of no daily loss limits, weekly payouts, multiple platform options, and established reputation makes it the superior choice despite the slightly tighter total drawdown.
Choose City Traders Imperium if:
→Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
→Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
→Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
→Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
Choose SFX Funded if:
→Offers up to 100% profit split to traders
→Challenge fees are 100% refundable
→Multiple account size options from $5,000 to $250,000
Disclaimer:This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge. This is not financial advice. Updated 2026-03-08.