Last updated: March 27, 2026
Partial: Alpha Capital allows EAs on MT5 only, but requires pre-approval. You must submit your EA as an EX5 and MQ5 source file, enable the EA feature at checkout, and confirm with support. EAs are not available on cTrader, DXTrade, or TradeLocker.
| EA Support | Partial: MT5 only, pre-approval required |
| Allowed EA Types | Custom/proprietary EAs only: must submit EX5 + MQ5 source code |
| Martingale | Not explicitly stated, prohibited if flagged as group-trading strategy |
| Grid Trading | Not explicitly stated |
| Copy Trading | Allowed only if copying your own external account (proof of ownership required); MT5 only |
| HFT | Prohibited |
| News Trading | Restricted: no new trades or closes within 2 minutes before or after major news on the targeted instrument |
| Min Trade Duration | 2-minute average trade duration rule applies |
| Fixed SL Required | No, virtual/hidden SL via EA permitted |
Alpha Capital is the only major prop firm that requires source code submission before you can run an EA. Here is how the process works:
Commercial or third-party EAs are not eligible. This process is designed for traders running fully proprietary strategies. If you use a purchased or licensed EA, Alpha Capital is not the right firm.
| Account Sizes | $5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K, $300K (max $400K across all plans) |
| Phase 1 Profit Target | 8–10% depending on plan |
| Phase 2 Profit Target | 5% |
| Daily Drawdown | 3–5% depending on plan |
| Max Drawdown | 6–10% depending on plan; Alpha One uses trailing DD |
| Drawdown Type | Static on most plans; trailing on Alpha One |
| Min Trading Days | 3 days per phase (most plans); 1 day (Alpha One) |
| Time Limit | Unlimited; 30-day inactivity rule |
| Profit Split | 80% |
| Scaling Plan | 10% gain per scale; up to $2M virtual capital |
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5, cTrader, DXTrade, TradeLocker (MT5 not for US residents) |
| MT5 Available | Yes: EA only on MT5 |
| Payout Frequency | Bi-weekly or on-demand; within 2 business days |
| Payout Methods | Riseworks, Wise, bank wire (WIRE/ACH/SWIFT), crypto via Riseworks |
Alpha Capital is the most restrictive EA environment on this list. Source code submission and pre-approval make it unsuitable for traders who value privacy or use commercial EAs. Best for: developers running fully proprietary strategies who are comfortable sharing source code.
Does Alpha Capital allow EA trading?
Yes, but only on MT5 and only after submitting your source code (.MQ5) for approval. EAs are not permitted on cTrader, DXTrade, or TradeLocker accounts.
Do I need to submit source code to use an EA?
Yes. Alpha Capital requires both the compiled .EX5 file and the original .MQ5 source file. This makes it unsuitable for commercial EAs or strategies you want to keep private.
What EAs does Alpha Capital approve?
Proprietary EAs only. Standard trend-following, breakout, and swing strategies are approved provided they do not use HFT, tick scalping, or group-trading logic. Martingale and grid EAs are not explicitly banned but may be flagged.
Can I use a purchased or licensed EA on Alpha Capital?
No. Commercial EAs require source code submission and most vendors will not provide .MQ5 files. If you run a licensed EA, choose FTMO or FundedNext instead.