# Choosing your first order-flow prop firm: the checklist

- Source: https://orderflowfutures.com/en/blog/choisir-propfirm-order-flow
- Site: OrderFlowFutures (https://orderflowfutures.com)
- Author: Tom, Trader & founder of OrderFlowFutures (https://orderflowfutures.com/a-propos#auteur)
- Published: 2026-07-05
- Updated: 2026-07-05
- Reuse: free to quote and cite, with attribution to OrderFlowFutures and a link to the source URL.

> Drawdown, split, payout, included tools: the 4 criteria that really matter.
Not all [prop firms](/propfirm-order-flow) are equal for order flow. Before buying an evaluation, check these four points.

## 1. The drawdown type
The [drawdown](/lexique/drawdown) sets your margin for error. Beware the [trailing drawdown](/lexique/trailing-drawdown), trickier than it looks.

## 2. The profit split
The [profit split](/lexique/profit-split) is the share you keep — often 80 to 100%. Weigh it against the eval price.

## 3. Payout speed
A great split is worthless if [payouts](/lexique/payout) are slow or uncertain. Check frequency and reliability.

## 4. Included tools
Make sure your order-flow tool (DeepCharts) is included, not a paid option.

## Take action
Compare tested firms in the [comparator](/comparateur), or let the [quiz](/trouver-ma-propfirm) find yours. It's all detailed in our [order-flow prop firms](/propfirm-order-flow) guide.