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Updated 2026-03-08
City Traders Imperium vs Sway Funded: Which Prop Firm Is Better?
Traders choosing between City Traders Imperium and Sway Funded face a decision between an established London-based firm and a newer market entrant with limited public information. City Traders Imperium offers comprehensive platform options, weekly payouts, and fewer trading restrictions, while Sway Funded's main advantage appears to be the absence of minimum trading days. This comparison examines their challenge structures, trading conditions, and payout policies to help you determine which firm aligns with your trading strategy.
CT
City Traders Imperium
Est. 2018 · London, UK
4.2
1,500 reviews
VS
5 wins
6 ties
1 wins
SF
Sway Funded
Est. 2024 · N/A
4
200 reviews
Feature
City Traders Imperium
Sway Funded
Challenge Price ($100K)
$412
N/A
Phase 1 Profit Target
8%
N/A
Max Total Loss
5%
N/A
Min Trading Days
3 days
None✓ No minimum
Time Limit (Phase 1)
No limit
No limit
Payout Split
80% (up to 100%)
N/A
Payout Frequency
weekly✓ Faster payouts
N/A
Platforms
MT5, Match-Trader✓ More platform options
N/A
City Traders Imperium
Pros
+Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
+Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
+Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
+Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
+24/7 multilingual customer support with 1-hour first response time
Cons
−No refunds available once any trading activity occurs on the account
−Limited information about specific trading instruments and leverage ratios
−Relatively high instant funding fees compared to challenge options
−VIP benefits require meeting specific performance criteria
Sway Funded
Pros
+Growing firm with aggressive expansion through acquisitions of established prop firms
+Significant trader base of over 70,000 traders achieved within first year
+Track record of large payouts including $165,000 single reward to trader
+Experience-focused approach differentiating from traditional prop trading firms
Cons
−Very new firm founded in 2024 with limited operational track record
−Lack of detailed trading rules and account information publicly available
−Rapid growth through acquisitions may create integration challenges
Our Verdict
Which Should You Choose?
City Traders Imperium emerges as the stronger choice for most traders, particularly those using expert advisors, scalping strategies, or news trading approaches. The firm's established track record since 2018, weekly payout frequency, and multiple platform options (MT5 and Match-Trader) provide significant operational advantages over Sway Funded's limited offerings.
Sway Funded's lack of minimum trading days requirement offers minimal benefit when weighed against the absence of critical information about their challenge structure, payout terms, and trading conditions. For serious prop traders seeking transparency, established operations, and comprehensive trading freedom, City Traders Imperium's higher Trustpilot rating (4.2/5 vs 4.0/5) and London-based regulation provide additional confidence.
Choose City Traders Imperium if:
→Multiple account types: 1-step, 2-step challenges, and instant funding options
→Unlimited time limits on challenges with no expiration dates
→Up to 100% profit share available through VIP program progression
→Free access to CTI Academy educational content with all accounts
Choose Sway Funded if:
→Growing firm with aggressive expansion through acquisitions of established prop firms
→Significant trader base of over 70,000 traders achieved within first year
→Track record of large payouts including $165,000 single reward to trader
→Experience-focused approach differentiating from traditional prop trading firms
Disclaimer:This comparison is for informational purposes only. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on each firm's official website before purchasing a challenge. This is not financial advice. Updated 2026-03-08.