Updated 2026-03-08
The5ers Minimum Trading Days Rule Explained
The5ers
Quick Answer
The5ers requires a minimum of 3 trading days to be completed before the profit target counts in all evaluation phases.
The rule mandates that traders must execute trades on at least 3 separate calendar days during each evaluation phase before their profits count toward the target. A trading day is counted when at least one position is opened and closed on that day. Failing to meet this requirement means profits won't be recognized regardless of how much money was made.
Key Rule Details
Minimum
3 days
Applies To
Each phase separately
A trading day is
Any day with at least 1 closed trade
If reached early
Must keep trading until minimum met
Breach
Target not counted until days met
Calculation Example
Common Mistakes
Weekend Trading Confusion
Traders often assume weekend positions count as trading days, but The5ers only recognizes weekdays when markets are open. Opening a $5,000 position on Friday and holding through weekend doesn't create additional trading days. This leads to evaluation failures when traders think they've met the 3-day requirement but actually only traded 2 valid days.
Single Day Profit Rush
Many traders try to hit the $500 profit target (10% of $5,000) in just one or two days, forgetting the 3-day minimum. Even if they achieve the profit target in 48 hours, the evaluation won't pass until they complete trading activities on a third separate day. This forces rushed trades on the third day, often leading to unnecessary losses.
Pending Order Misconceptions
Traders believe placing pending orders counts as a trading day, but The5ers requires actual execution. Setting 5 pending orders on Monday that execute Tuesday only counts Tuesday as a trading day. This misconception causes traders to think they're building up trading days when they're actually not meeting the minimum requirement.
Unrealized P&L Assumptions
Some traders think holding positions with floating profits across multiple days satisfies the trading day requirement. However, The5ers requires actual trade execution each day. Holding a profitable $300 position for 3 days without opening/closing new trades only counts as one trading day, not three.
Protection Strategies
Plan Five Trading Days Minimum
Always plan for at least 5 trading days to create a buffer above The5ers' 3-day requirement. This protects against unexpected market closures, technical issues, or days when suitable trading opportunities don't arise. Spread your trading activities across the full evaluation period rather than rushing to meet the minimum.
Use Small Position Validation Trades
Execute small position trades on separate days to secure your trading day count before pursuing larger profit targets. Opening and closing a 0.01 lot position for $5-10 profit ensures you meet the 3-day minimum while preserving capital for bigger opportunities. This prevents the pressure of forced trading on the final required day.
Set Daily Trading Completion Alerts
Create calendar reminders to track completed trading days throughout your evaluation phase. Mark each day when you've actually opened AND closed at least one position to ensure accurate counting. This prevents the common mistake of assuming you've met the 3-day requirement when you actually haven't executed enough valid trading days.
Avoid Weekend Gap Dependencies
Never rely on Friday positions held over weekends to create additional trading days, as weekend days don't count toward The5ers' requirement. Plan all 3 trading days during active market hours Monday through Friday. If you're approaching the evaluation deadline with only 2 completed days, ensure Monday provides your third valid trading day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Prop firm rules change regularly — always verify current terms on The5ers's official website before purchasing a challenge. Updated 2026-03-08.