Alpha Capital Group vs. The Trading Pit – Instant Funding Comparison
This comparison breaks down two highly competitive proprietary trading firms, highlighting their unique strengths to help you choose the best partner for your trading journey—speed and low costs vs structured scaling and long-term growth.
Executive Summary: At a Glance
| Feature | Alpha Capital Group (ACG) | The Trading Pit (TTP) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Traders seeking maximum speed, flexibility, and zero commissions. | Traders who prefer structured scaling plans and a focus on long-term growth. |
| Key Strength | Program variety & speed (four challenges, fastest one-step path). | Clear scaling tiers & educational focus (well-defined growth paths). |
| Funding Speed | Fastest via Alpha One-step (single phase, no min. days). | One-step and two-step processes with a 5-day minimum trading requirement. |
| Profit Split | 80% across all programs. | 80% (Prime), 50%–80% (Classic – increases with scaling). |
| Trust & Reputation | Very good (4.6/5 on Trustpilot, established 2021). | Very good (4.3/5 on Trustpilot, established 2022). |
| Commission Fees | Zero commission on all instruments. Huge | Commissions apply (varies by broker). |
1. Funding Program Options & Flexibility
Alpha Capital Group (ACG): Program Variety & Speed
- Alpha Pro Challenge: Standard two-step (8% / 5% targets).
- Alpha Swing Challenge: Two-step for longer holders (10% / 5% targets, weekend holding allowed).
- Alpha One-step Challenge: The standout option—no minimum trading days. Fastest path to funding.
- Alpha Three-step Challenge: More gradual, lower-pressure three-phase path.
The Trading Pit (TTP): Structured Program Families
- Prime Two-phase Evaluation: Standard two-step (8% / 5% targets).
- Prime One-phase Evaluation: One-step challenge (10% target).
- Classic One-phase Evaluation: One-step with trailing drawdown + lower starting split that scales with growth.
2. Trading Objectives & Rules
| Trading Rule | Alpha Capital Group | The Trading Pit |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Target (Phase 1) | Varies: 8% (Pro), 10% (Swing, One-step), 8% (Three-step) | 8% (Prime Two-phase), 10% (Prime & Classic One-phase) |
| Profit Target (Phase 2) | Varies: 5% (Pro, Swing), 4% (Three-step) | 5% (Prime Two-phase) |
| Max Daily Loss | 5% (Pro, Swing), 4% (One-step, Three-step) | 5% (Prime Two-phase), 4% (Prime & Classic One-phase) |
| Max Overall Loss | 10% (Pro, Swing), 6% (One-step, Three-step) | 10% (Prime Two-phase), 7% (Prime One-phase), 7% Trailing (Classic One-phase) |
| Min. Trading Days | 3 days (most), 0 days (One-step) Fastest | 5 days (all programs) |
| News Trading | Restricted on funded accounts (Pro & One-step) | Prohibited on all accounts |
| Weekend Holding | Allowed (except Pro challenge) | Allowed on all accounts More Consistent |
| Avg. Trade Duration | 2-minute minimum on all programs | No official rule mentioned |
Analysis: ACG offers more flexibility on minimum trading days (especially One-step with zero days), and its balance-based drawdown approach on most programs is generally easier than trailing models. TTP’s 5-day minimum is stricter, while its Classic program introduces a trailing drawdown structure.
3. Payouts & Profit Splits
Profit Split
- ACG: consistent 80% across all programs from the start.
- TTP: 80% on Prime. Classic starts at 50%–60% and can scale up to 70%–80%.
Payout Schedule
- Both firms typically offer the first payout after 14 calendar days, then bi-weekly.
- ACG adds flexibility with on-demand payouts for its One-step Challenge.
4. Scaling Plans
Alpha Capital Group
A consistent performance-based scaling model: generate 10% profit, request a payout, and the firm adds the profit back to increase account size. Simple and straightforward.
The Trading Pit
A highly structured and ambitious scaling plan—especially on Classic—with a clear path from smaller accounts up to $5,000,000. It generally requires longer commitment (2+ months and multiple payouts) to qualify for scaling.
5. Costs, Fees & Brokers
Trading Commissions
- ACG: Zero commission on all trades via ACG Markets.
- TTP: Commissions apply through partnered brokers (e.g., FXFlat, GBE Brokers).
Broker Choice
- ACG: in-house broker (single ecosystem).
- TTP: choice between established third-party brokers (more external familiarity).
Conclusion: Which Firm Should You Choose?
Choose Alpha Capital Group if:
- Speed to funding is your top priority (One-step can be the fastest in the industry).
- You are a scalper/high-volume trader who benefits from zero commissions.
- You want a consistent 80% profit split from your very first payout.
- You prefer balance-based drawdowns over trailing drawdowns.
- You want multiple program types to match your strategy.
Choose The Trading Pit if:
- You want a clear, ambitious, long-term scaling path (including the Classic path to multi-million accounts).
- You are comfortable with a 5-day minimum trading requirement.
- You prefer trading via established third-party brokers.
- You accept Classic’s lower starting profit split in exchange for higher growth potential through scaling.
- Weekend holding across all account types is important for your strategy.
For speed, lower costs, and immediate high earnings: Alpha Capital Group.
For long-term growth and a structured career path: The Trading Pit.
Disclaimer: Trading conditions, fees, and rules are subject to change. Always review the latest terms and conditions on the official websites of Alpha Capital Group and The Trading Pit before making a decision.
Your Next Steps: Choosing Between Alpha Capital Group & The Trading Pit
Follow this step-by-step guide to move from analysis to selecting and successfully starting with your chosen firm.
Step 1: The Strategic Fit Analysis (Most Important Step)
Before investing any money, audit your trading style against each firm’s strengths:
“How quickly do I want to get funded?”
- As fast as possible: ACG’s Alpha One-step (no minimum days) is the clear winner.
- Patient and systematic: both can work, but TTP’s 5-day minimum demands a measured approach.
“What is my typical trade duration and strategy?”
- Scalper / High-frequency: ACG is favored due to zero commissions (watch the 2-minute minimum).
- Swing / Position: both are good; ACG Swing explicitly allows weekend holding; TTP allows weekend holding on all programs.
“Am I focused on my first payout or building a long-term career?”
- Maximizing immediate income: ACG offers 80% from the first payout.
- Building a legacy account: TTP’s structured scaling plan (Classic path to $5,000,000) is compelling.
Step 2: The Practical “Test Drive”
- Analyze rules in detail: pick 1–2 programs and write down your exact constraints.
- Use demo/free trials if available: focus on execution quality, platform stability, and how dashboards track metrics.
- Practice inside limits: trade to respect daily loss/max loss and confirm your strategy “fits” the rules.
Step 3: Make Your Final Choice & Purchase
- If you choose ACG: select Pro vs Swing vs One-step vs Three-step based on Step 1’s audit.
- If you choose TTP: choose Prime for consistent 80% split, or Classic for the structured multi-million scaling vision.