Alpha Capital
Alpha Capital Group Review Overview (2025)
Alpha Capital Group is a London-based proprietary trading firm that has quickly established itself as a significant player in the industry since its founding in 2021. Led by CEO George Kohler, the firm has gained recognition for offering multiple challenge types designed to accommodate different trading styles and experience levels. Alpha Capital Group stands out for being backed by its own broker, ACG Markets, which allows them to offer direct market access and competitive trading conditions.
What distinguishes Alpha Capital Group is their flexible approach to prop trading, with four different challenge models (Alpha One, Alpha Pro, Alpha Swing, and Alpha Three) plus free trial accounts. With initial funding options ranging from $5,000 to $400,000 and the potential to scale up to $2 million, they cater to traders at various stages of their journey. Their scaling program, which increases account size by 10% for every 10% profit earned, provides a clear path for growth that rewards consistent performance.
Pros
- Backed by their own broker (ACG Markets) for direct market access
- Generous 80% profit split across all challenge models
- Multiple challenge options to suit different trading styles
- Free trial accounts available to test their platform
- Clear and attainable scaling program up to $2 million
- Overnight and weekend holding allowed on all accounts
- Raw spreads with zero commissions option
- No minimum trading days requirement for Alpha One accounts
Cons
- Strict news trading restrictions on some account types
- EAs and copy trading not allowed on Alpha One and Alpha Three
- Daily drawdown calculations can be challenging to track
- Multiple soft breach rules that can lead to account termination
- No monthly salary options like some competitors
- Balance-based drawdown can be more restrictive as account grows
Is Alpha Capital Group Right For You?
Alpha Capital Group is particularly well-suited for traders who value flexibility in challenge models and trading conditions. Their diverse range of challenges allows you to choose the structure that best matches your trading style, whether you prefer a simpler one-phase evaluation or a more comprehensive multi-phase approach. Swing traders will appreciate the dedicated Alpha Swing model with its reduced leverage and focus on longer-term positions.
However, if you're primarily a news trader or rely heavily on EAs for Alpha One and Alpha Three account types, you may find the restrictions limiting. Additionally, the balance-based drawdown calculation means risk parameters tighten as your account grows, which can be challenging for aggressive traders. For those looking for more traditional evaluation structures with less complex drawdown rules or guaranteed monthly salaries, other prop firms might be more suitable.
Trading Conditions
Alpha Capital Group offers competitive trading conditions through their proprietary broker, ACG Markets. This integration provides traders with direct market access, competitive spreads, and reliable execution. Here's a detailed breakdown of what traders can expect:
Leverage & Risk Parameters
Alpha Capital Group offers different leverage options depending on the challenge type:
- Alpha Pro: 1:100 leverage
- Alpha Pro Swing: 1:30 leverage
- Alpha One: 1:30 leverage
- Alpha Three: 1:50 leverage
- Free Trial: 1:100 leverage
Risk management is enforced through daily and overall drawdown limits that vary by program. Alpha Capital Group uses balance-based drawdown calculations, which means the daily drawdown limit adjusts as your account balance changes. For example, with a $10,000 account and a 5% daily drawdown limit, you initially have a $500 loss limit. If your balance grows to $11,000, your daily drawdown limit increases to $550. This approach rewards successful trading but requires careful risk management as your account grows.
News Trading Rules
Alpha Capital Group has specific rules regarding trading during high-impact news events:
- Alpha Pro (Funded): Trading is restricted 2 minutes before and after high-impact news events. Trading during this window will lead to profit removal and may be considered a soft breach.
- Alpha Pro Swing: News trading is allowed without restrictions due to the swing trading nature of these accounts.
- Alpha One & Alpha Three: Trading is restricted 5 minutes before and after high-impact news events. Traders are also not allowed to modify existing trades during this 10-minute window.
These restrictions primarily apply to funded accounts. During evaluation phases, traders generally have more freedom to trade during news events, particularly in the Alpha Pro challenges.
Trading Restrictions
Alpha Capital Group prohibits several trading practices to maintain trading integrity:
- Latency arbitrage
- Front-running trades
- Arbitrage strategies
- High-frequency trading
- Reverse trading
- Spamming order books
Additionally, EAs and copy trading are not allowed on Alpha One and Alpha Three accounts but are permitted on Alpha Pro and Alpha Pro Swing accounts. This restriction is designed to ensure that traders using these challenge types demonstrate their personal trading skills rather than relying on automated systems.
Account Types & Pricing
Alpha Capital Group offers four distinct challenge types plus a free trial option, each designed to accommodate different trading styles, risk tolerances, and experience levels. Each program has its own evaluation structure, capital allocation options, and specific trading rules.
1. Alpha One (One-Phase Challenge)
Designed as a streamlined, single-phase challenge for traders looking for a straightforward evaluation process:
| Account Size | One-Time Fee | Daily Drawdown | Max Drawdown | Profit Target | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $50 | 4% | 6% trailing | 10% | 80% |
| $10,000 | $97 | 4% | 6% trailing | 10% | 80% |
| $25,000 | $197 | 4% | 6% trailing | 10% | 80% |
| $50,000 | $297 | 4% | 6% trailing | 10% | 80% |
| $100,000 | $497 | 4% | 6% trailing | 10% | 80% |
| $200,000 | $997 | 4% | 6% trailing | 10% | 80% |
Key Features:
- Leverage: 1:30
- Minimum trading days: 1
- Scaling: 10% account increase for every 10% profit up to $2M
- News trading restrictions: 5 minutes before/after high-impact events
- Weekend and overnight holding allowed
- EAs and copy trading not allowed
- On-demand payouts
Note: The trailing drawdown stops trailing once you've achieved 6% profit, providing a safety buffer for successful traders.
2. Alpha Pro (Two-Phase Challenge)
A traditional two-phase evaluation model with balanced requirements:
| Account Size | One-Time Fee | Daily Drawdown | Max Drawdown | Profit Target | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $77 | 5% | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 80% |
| $10,000 | $147 | 5% | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 80% |
| $25,000 | $247 | 5% | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 80% |
| $50,000 | $357 | 5% | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 80% |
| $100,000 | $577 | 5% | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 80% |
| $200,000 | $1,097 | 5% | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 80% |
Key Features:
- Leverage: 1:100
- Minimum trading days: 3 (both phases)
- Scaling: 10% account increase for every 10% profit, with max lot size increase after second scale
- News trading: Allowed during evaluation, restricted for funded accounts (2 minutes before/after high-impact news)
- Weekend and overnight holding allowed
- EAs and copy trading allowed
- 14-day payouts
3. Alpha Pro Swing (Two-Phase Challenge)
Specifically designed for swing traders with lower leverage and more flexibility:
| Account Size | One-Time Fee | Daily Drawdown | Max Drawdown | Profit Target | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $70 | 5% | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 80% |
| $10,000 | $147 | 5% | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 80% |
| $25,000 | $247 | 5% | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 80% |
| $50,000 | $357 | 5% | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 80% |
| $100,000 | $577 | 5% | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 80% |
| $200,000 | $1,097 | 5% | 10% | 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) | 80% |
Key Features:
- Leverage: 1:30 (lower than standard Alpha Pro)
- Minimum trading days: 3 (both phases)
- Scaling: 10% account increase for every 10% profit up to $2M
- News trading: Fully allowed even in funded accounts
- Weekend and overnight holding allowed
- EAs and copy trading allowed
- 14-day payouts
4. Alpha Three (Three-Phase Challenge)
A more comprehensive evaluation process with moderate leverage and profit targets:
| Account Size | One-Time Fee | Daily Drawdown | Max Drawdown | Profit Target | Profit Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $67 | 4% | 6% (Static) | 8% (P1), 4% (P2), 4% (P3) | 80% |
| $25,000 | $157 | 4% | 6% (Static) | 8% (P1), 4% (P2), 4% (P3) | 80% |
| $50,000 | $247 | 4% | 6% (Static) | 8% (P1), 4% (P2), 4% (P3) | 80% |
| $100,000 | $397 | 4% | 6% (Static) | 8% (P1), 4% (P2), 4% (P3) | 80% |
| $200,000 | $697 | 4% | 6% (Static) | 8% (P1), 4% (P2), 4% (P3) | 80% |
Key Features:
- Leverage: 1:50
- Minimum trading days: 3 (all phases)
- Scaling: 10% account increase for every 10% profit up to $2M
- News trading: Restricted 5 minutes before/after high-impact events
- Weekend and overnight holding allowed
- EAs and copy trading not allowed
- 14-day payouts
5. Free Trial Accounts
Alpha Capital Group offers free trial accounts for traders to test their platform and conditions:
| Account Size | Fee | Daily Drawdown | Max Drawdown | Profit Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $0 | 5% | 10% | 10% |
| $100,000 | $0 | 5% | 10% | 10% |
| $200,000 | $0 | 5% | 10% | 10% |
Key Features:
- Leverage: 1:100
- Minimum trading days: 3
- No scaling available
- News trading allowed
- Weekend and overnight holding allowed
- EAs and copy trading allowed
- No payouts (evaluation only)
These free trials allow traders to experience the platform and trading conditions without financial commitment before purchasing a challenge.
Evaluation Process
Alpha Capital Group employs different evaluation approaches across their four challenge programs. None of the programs impose time limits, allowing traders to progress at their own pace while focusing on consistent profitability and risk management.
The Alpha One program offers the most streamlined evaluation process:
- Single Phase: Just one evaluation stage with a 10% profit target
- 6% trailing drawdown limit (stops trailing at initial balance + 6% profit)
- 4% daily drawdown limit
- Minimum of 1 trading day required
- Upon reaching the profit target, traders receive a funded account with the same parameters
- On-demand payouts available once profit targets are achieved
- News trading restrictions apply (5 minutes before/after high-impact events)
The Alpha Pro follows a traditional two-phase evaluation structure:
- Phase 1: 10% profit target with 10% maximum drawdown and 5% daily drawdown limits
- Phase 2: 5% profit target with the same drawdown limits
- Minimum 3 profitable trading days required in each phase
- News trading allowed during evaluation phases
- After passing both phases, traders receive a funded account with a 14-day payout cycle
- News trading restrictions apply to funded accounts (2 minutes before/after high-impact events)
The Alpha Pro Swing follows the same structure as Alpha Pro but with conditions optimized for swing trading:
- Phase 1: 10% profit target with 10% maximum drawdown and 5% daily drawdown limits
- Phase 2: 5% profit target with the same drawdown limits
- Minimum 3 profitable trading days required in each phase
- Lower leverage (1:30) compared to standard Alpha Pro (1:100)
- No news trading restrictions in either evaluation or funded stages
- 14-day payout cycle for funded accounts
The Alpha Three offers a comprehensive three-stage evaluation process:
- Phase 1: 8% profit target with 6% static drawdown and 4% daily drawdown limits
- Phase 2: 4% profit target with the same drawdown limits
- Phase 3: Another 4% profit target with the same drawdown limits
- Minimum 3 profitable trading days required in each phase
- News trading restrictions apply in all phases (5 minutes before/after high-impact events)
- After passing all three phases, traders receive a funded account with a 14-day payout cycle
- EAs and copy trading not allowed
After successfully completing the evaluation phase(s), traders undergo a verification process before receiving full access to their funded account:
- Identity verification (KYC)
- Trading history review to ensure compliance with rules
- Verification that the account wasn't managed by a third party
- Signing of trader's agreement
- This process typically takes 1-3 business days
Scaling Program
Alpha Capital Group offers a consistent scaling program across their challenge types:
Scaling Rules: For every 10% profit achieved in your funded account, you can request a scale-up that increases your account size by 10% of your initial balance. This process continues until you reach a maximum allocation of $2 million.
Scaling Request Process:
- Your account must be at the withdrawal stage with all profits withdrawn
- The account should be reset to its initial balance after the payout has been processed
- Include a note in the 'Reason/Notes' section of the Performance Fee Request indicating your scaling request
- Send an email to payments@alphacapitalgroup.uk explicitly stating your request for a scale-up
Max Lot Size Increase: On the first scale-up, you do not receive any increase in maximum lot size. On the second scale-up, you become eligible for a 10% increase in your maximum lot size.
New Scaled Account Rules: After receiving a scaled account, a minimum of 5 trading days is required before the first performance fee (payout) is applicable.
Payout Schedule
Alpha Capital Group offers different payout structures based on the challenge type:
- Alpha One: On-demand payouts available once profit targets are achieved
- Alpha Pro, Alpha Pro Swing, and Alpha Three: 14-day payout cycle
- To request a payout, traders must have achieved at least a 10% profit and met all trading requirements
- Payments processed via Wise, Rise, or bank transfer
Trader Review Analysis
After a comprehensive analysis of trader reviews across multiple platforms, community discussions, and industry reports, we've compiled this detailed assessment of Alpha Capital Group from the trader's perspective. Our methodology evaluates feedback from various sources to provide a balanced and objective overview of the firm's performance.
Review Platform Analysis
Our research into Alpha Capital Group reveals mixed but generally positive feedback across review platforms. On Trustpilot, the firm maintains a 4.5-star rating from nearly 10,000 reviews. However, the distribution is notable - while 83% of reviews are 5-star, approximately 10% are 1-star, indicating a segment of users who have had negative experiences.
Common themes in positive reviews include praise for customer service, with support team members frequently described as professional, responsive, and helpful. Trading conditions, particularly the low spreads and commission-free options, are also highlighted as strengths. The ease of the funding process receives positive mentions as well.
However, concerns regarding payouts are prevalent in negative reviews. While some users report successful and timely payouts, others describe payout denials and frustrations with the process. Issues related to KYC verification, website performance (including slow loading times), and rule application also appear in critical feedback.
Industry Developments
Finance Magnates has reported significant developments regarding Alpha Capital Group, including:
- Payout Volume: The firm claims to have paid $60 million to traders in 2024, with projections to reach $100 million by Q1 2025.
- Platform Expansion: Alpha Capital is actively developing its offerings, including integration with popular trading platforms like TradingView, Tradovate, and NinjaTrader.
- Regulatory Challenges: In February 2024, Alpha Capital suspended services for new US clients due to regulatory pressure, but later announced plans to return to the US market.
Key Strengths Highlighted by Traders
- Scaling Program: Simple and transparent scaling with 10% increases for every 10% profit is widely appreciated
- No Time Limits: The absence of time constraints reduces pressure and allows for more relaxed, methodical trading
- Free Trial Accounts: The ability to test the platform and trading conditions without financial commitment is highly valued
- Discord Community: Active Discord server with over 59,000 members provides valuable support and information
- Overnight & Weekend Holding: The ability to hold positions outside market hours is particularly appreciated by swing traders
Common Criticisms
- News Trading Restrictions: The 5-minute before/after rule on Alpha One and Alpha Three accounts is considered overly restrictive by many traders
- Balance-Based Drawdown: Some traders find the drawdown calculation confusing and increasingly restrictive as account grows
- EA Restrictions: The prohibition of EAs on Alpha One and Alpha Three accounts limits algorithmic traders
- Verification Process: Some report delays in the verification process after passing challenges
- KYC Requirements: Some traders find the KYC process overly demanding compared to competitors
Alpha Capital Group vs. Competitors (2025)
To help you understand how Alpha Capital Group measures up against other leading prop firms, we've created this head-to-head comparison of key features and conditions:
| Feature | Alpha Capital Group | The 5ers | FTMO | Funded Next |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2021 | 2016 | 2017 | 2021 |
| Max Account Size | Up to $2M (with scaling) | Up to $4M (with scaling) | Up to $400K | Up to $400K |
| Profit Split | 80% | 50-100% | 70-90% | 70-90% |
| Time Limit | None | None | 30 days | Phase 1: 30 days Phase 2: 60 days |
| Platforms | MT5, cTrader, DXTrade | MT5 only | MT4, MT5, cTrader | MT4, MT5 |
| Payout Frequency | 14 days (On-demand for Alpha One) | Bi-weekly | Monthly | Bi-weekly |
| Daily Drawdown | 4-5% (balance-based) | 3-5% | 5% | 5% |
| Free Trial Available | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| News Trading Allowed | Varies by account type | Yes (with some restrictions) | Yes | Yes |
| EA Trading Allowed | Varies by account type | Yes | Yes | Yes |
This comparison highlights Alpha Capital Group's strengths in scaling potential, platform options, and free trial availability. Their balance-based drawdown calculation is more restrictive than some competitors, and the restrictions on EAs and news trading in certain account types may limit some traders. However, their multiple challenge options provide flexibility that many competitors don't offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alpha Capital Group offers four main challenge types:
- Alpha One: A single-phase challenge with a 10% profit target, 6% trailing drawdown, and 4% daily drawdown. It offers on-demand payouts but restricts EAs and has strict news trading rules.
- Alpha Pro: A two-phase challenge with 10% (Phase 1) and 5% (Phase 2) profit targets, 10% max drawdown, and 5% daily drawdown. It allows EAs and has less restrictive news trading rules.
- Alpha Pro Swing: Similar to Alpha Pro but with lower leverage (1:30 vs 1:100) and no news trading restrictions, making it ideal for swing traders.
- Alpha Three: A three-phase challenge with 8%, 4%, and 4% profit targets across phases, 6% static drawdown, and 4% daily drawdown. EAs are not allowed, and it has strict news trading rules.
- Alpha One & Alpha Three: Trading is restricted 5 minutes before and after high-impact news events. Traders cannot open new positions or modify existing trades during this 10-minute window.
- Alpha Pro (Funded): Trading is restricted 2 minutes before and after high-impact news events. This restriction only applies to funded accounts, not evaluation phases.
- Alpha Pro Swing: No news trading restrictions apply at any stage, making it ideal for traders who incorporate news events into their strategy.
- Alpha One: On-demand payouts are available once profit targets are achieved
- Alpha Pro, Alpha Pro Swing, and Alpha Three: Payouts occur on a 14-day cycle
- Alpha One: EAs and copy trading are not allowed
- Alpha Pro: EAs and copy trading are allowed
- Alpha Pro Swing: EAs and copy trading are allowed
- Alpha Three: EAs and copy trading are not allowed
- Free Trial: EAs and copy trading are allowed
- Soft Breach: For minor violations (like trading close to news events or briefly exceeding position size limits), Alpha Capital Group may issue a warning, remove profits from the violating trades, or impose temporary restrictions.
- Hard Breach: For serious violations (like using prohibited trading strategies or evidence of account sharing), the account may be terminated without refund or payout.