Prop Firms with API Access 2026: Python Trading Guide

Retail traders use Metatrader. Quants use APIs.

If you code in Python, C#, or want to connect a custom TradingView webhook, you need a firm that exposes its Feed/Execution API. Most do not. They force you to use their GUI.

Here are the ones that let you code.

1. Futures Firms (The Best for API)

Futures infrastructure (Rithmic/CQG) is built for APIs.

• Apex / Topstep / Bulenox:
  • Rithmic API: You can connect directly to Rithmic R|Trader Pro using the Rithmic API (C++/.NET).
  • QuantTower: Supports C# coding natively.
  • Dukascopy Bridge: Some advanced traders bridge Rithmic to JForex.

2. Forex Firms (The Struggle)

MT4/MT5 do not have "Web APIs". They have local DLLs.

• cTrader Firms (FunderPro, TFF, FundedNext):
  • cTrader Open API: This is the gold standard. A modern REST/Socket API. You can check balances, execute trades, and stream data.
  • Verdict: If you are a Python Dev, Choose a cTrader Firm.

3. Specialized API Firms

• Trade The Pool (Stocks):
  • Uses TraderEvolution. Has a robust API for algo execution.

How to Trade with Python (Workflow)

Scenario: You want to place a trade on FundedNext using Python.

Method A: The cTrader Route (Clean)

1. Open a FundedNext cTrader account.
2. Go to connection.ctrader.com.
3. Get your Client ID and Secret.
4. Use the ctrader-open-api Python library.
5. Send orders via Protocol Buffers.

Method B: The MetaTrader Route (Messy)

1. Open an FTMO MT5 account.
2. Install MetaTrader5 Python library.
3. Launch MT5 terminal.
4. Script connects to the running terminal on Windows.
5. Downside: You need a VPS running the GUI 24/7.

Verdict

If you are a serious Algo Developer:

1. Futures: Use Apex (Rithmic API).
2. Forex: Use FunderPro or FundedNext (cTrader API).

Avoid MT4/MT5-only firms. The tech stack is too outdated for serious development.