Prop Firm Inactivity Rules: What Traders Need to Know

Prop firms often have hidden policies that can affect even the most experienced traders—one of the most important being the inactivity rule. If you’re trading with a funded or evaluation account, knowing how this rule works could be the difference between keeping your account—or losing it with no refund.

Let’s break down what this rule is, why it exists, and what you need to do to stay compliant across different prop firms.

What Is an Inactivity Rule?

An inactivity rule is a time-based policy used by many prop trading firms that requires traders to place at least one trade within a specific number of days to keep their account active. This applies to both funded accounts and evaluation accounts, but it’s most commonly enforced during the funded stage.

If you don’t meet the minimum trading requirement within the allowed window, your account may be flagged as inactive and closed permanently—often without warning or refund.

How Many Days Can You Go Without Trading?

The answer depends on the firm. Some require a trade every 7 calendar days, while others may allow 30, 60, or even up to 180 days of inactivity before any action is taken.

The countdown typically resets with each executed trade—not from the day you opened your account.

For example, if a firm enforces a 30-day inactivity rule and you go 31 days without placing a trade, your funded account could be closed immediately—even if you’re profitable or just taking a break. That’s why it’s critical to read each firm's policy in detail, especially when comparing providers on our prop firms page.

Why Prop Firms Enforce the Inactivity Rule

The purpose of the inactivity rule is practical. Prop firms fund thousands of accounts, and each one uses system resources and backend infrastructure. Leaving inactive accounts open indefinitely wastes server capacity and complicates risk management.

From the firm’s perspective, active traders are engaged traders. If you’ve left your account untouched for weeks or months, it signals a lack of interest. By enforcing this policy, firms ensure their capital is tied to traders who are actively participating and moving toward payout eligibility.

This kind of structure is what keeps most firms sustainable—and it’s part of why some promotions, like those featured in our latest prop firm promos, may have specific trading activity clauses.

What Happens If You Break the Rule?

If you exceed the allowed inactivity window, your account is typically:

• Terminated permanently

• Flagged as inactive

• Made ineligible for payout or reactivation

You may or may not receive a warning before this happens. Some firms are transparent and send alerts. Others make it the trader’s sole responsibility to stay active, even if no official notice is given.

And no—being profitable doesn’t guarantee an exception. In most cases, once an account is closed for inactivity, it cannot be reinstated.

How to Avoid Losing Your Account to Inactivity

Avoiding an inactivity violation is usually simple: place at least one small trade before the timer runs out. Even a micro lot or one micro futures contract can reset the clock.

If you need to take an extended break (travel, health, family, etc.), consider:

• Reaching out to your firm in advance

• Asking if the inactivity timer can be paused temporarily

• Scheduling small, periodic trades to stay compliant

Some firms will allow you to pause the inactivity rule if you give them notice and explain your situation. While it’s not guaranteed, it’s often granted on a case-by-case basis—especially for funded traders with a track record of discipline.

Final Thoughts on Staying Active

The inactivity rule is one of the easiest ways to lose a funded account—yet one of the most avoidable. Most firms require just a single trade every few days or weeks. If you understand your firm’s policy and take action accordingly, you’ll have no trouble staying in good standing.

To protect your progress, stay organized, set calendar reminders, and communicate with your firm when needed.