If you’re exploring prop trading firms, you’ve probably come across terms like “evaluation,” “challenge,” and “funded account.”
These firms offer traders access to large trading capital — often $10,000 to $300,000 — in exchange for a one-time or monthly fee.
But if you’re new, you might be wondering:
In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll explain exactly how much funded accounts cost, what factors influence pricing, and how to choose the best option for your goals and trading style.
What Is a Funded Account?
A funded trading account is an account provided by a proprietary trading firm (prop firm) that allows traders to trade the firm’s capital instead of their own.
You go through a qualification process (often called an evaluation or challenge) to prove your skill and risk management. Once you pass, the firm funds you and shares the profits you generate.
💡 How It Works:
This model lets traders access much larger capital — without risking their own savings.
So, How Much Does a Funded Account Cost?
The cost of a funded account depends on several factors:
Account Size Average Cost (USD) Typical Profit Target Profit Split $10,000$50–$1006–8%80–90%$25,000$125–$2006–8%80–90%$50,000$250–$3508–10%80–90%$100,000$450–$6008–10%85–90%$200,000$900–$1,2008–10%90%
These are average ranges as of 2025.
Exact pricing varies across firms, and some charge monthly fees, while others use a one-time payment structure.
Types of Funded Account Models (and Their Costs)
Let’s look at the three most common funding models and what you can expect to pay for each.
1. 💼 Evaluation (Challenge-Based) Accounts
This is the most common model used by major prop firms like FTMO, The Funded Trader, and FundedNext.
🧩 How It Works:
Firm Account Size Cost (USD) FTMO$100,000$540FundedNext$50,000$299E8 Funding$100,000$588MyFundedFX$50,000$299The Funded Trader$100,000$549
✅ Pros:
❌ Cons:
This is the most affordable and popular route for new traders.
2. ⚡ Instant Funding Accounts
Instant funding programs let you trade real capital immediately, without passing a challenge.
🧩 How It Works:
Firm Initial Account Size Cost (USD) The 5%ers$10,000$235 (instant funding)BluFX$25,000$99/monthSmart Prop Trader$15,000$150SurgeTrader$25,000$250
✅ Pros:
❌ Cons:
If you want no waiting or testing, instant funding might be worth the premium.
3. 📊 Futures Prop Firm Accounts
If you trade futures (instead of forex or CFDs), the pricing model works slightly differently.
Firms like Topstep, Apex Trader Funding, and Earn2Trade charge monthly fees for their evaluations.
💰 Typical Monthly Costs:
Firm Account Size Monthly Fee (USD) Apex Trader Funding$50,000$80Topstep$50,000$165Earn2Trade$50,000$150
✅ Pros:
❌ Cons:
Futures firms are ideal for traders who prefer regulated U.S. markets and smaller starting fees.
Factors That Affect Funded Account Cost
Prices vary because of differences in firm structure, account size, and risk rules.
Here are the key factors influencing cost:
Factor Impact on Cost Account sizeLarger accounts = higher feesProfit targetHigher targets often mean lower feesDrawdown limitLower drawdowns = cheaper costNumber of steps1-step evaluations cost more than 2-step onesRefund policySome firms refund fees upon passingScaling potentialAccounts with scaling plans tend to cost moreTrading platformFirms using premium software (like MT5 or NinjaTrader) may charge extra
Understanding these factors helps you compare firms fairly before committing.
Are Funded Accounts Worth the Cost?
In most cases — yes, if you’re disciplined.
A funded account can help you:
However, they’re not for everyone.
If you’re inconsistent, emotional, or new to trading, you might fail the evaluation — losing your fee.
✅ Worth it if:
❌ Not worth it if:
How to Choose the Best Funded Account for Your Budget
When deciding where to invest your money, consider these steps:
💡 Pro Tip:
If a firm offers unrealistic promises like “instant profits” or “no loss limits,” it’s a red flag. Stick with regulated or well-reviewed companies.
Example: The Real Cost of a $100K Funded Account
Let’s say you want a $100,000 forex account at a two-step firm like FTMO.
If you earn 5% in one month ($5,000), you keep $4,500.
That’s almost 10x your initial fee — with zero personal capital risk.
This is why many skilled traders find funded accounts highly cost-effective.
Final Thoughts: How Much Does a Funded Account Cost?
To summarize:
Type Average Cost Payment Type Evaluation-Based$100–$600One-time feeInstant Funding$200–$1,000One-time or monthlyFutures Evaluation$80–$200Monthly fee
✅ Key takeaway:
The cost of a funded account varies based on size, firm, and model — but most traders can start for under $300.
If you treat it like a business expense and trade responsibly, a funded account can be one of the best investments you make in your trading career.
It’s not about finding the cheapest firm — it’s about finding the one that fits your strategy, mindset, and long-term goals.
These firms offer traders access to large trading capital — often $10,000 to $300,000 — in exchange for a one-time or monthly fee.
But if you’re new, you might be wondering:
How much does a funded account cost?
And is it actually worth paying for one?
And is it actually worth paying for one?
In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll explain exactly how much funded accounts cost, what factors influence pricing, and how to choose the best option for your goals and trading style.
What Is a Funded Account?
A funded trading account is an account provided by a proprietary trading firm (prop firm) that allows traders to trade the firm’s capital instead of their own.
You go through a qualification process (often called an evaluation or challenge) to prove your skill and risk management. Once you pass, the firm funds you and shares the profits you generate.
💡 How It Works:
- You pay a fee to join an evaluation (usually $50–$1,000).
- You trade in a simulated account to hit profit targets and follow rules.
- If successful, you receive a live funded account with real capital.
- You keep a percentage of the profits (often 80–90%).
This model lets traders access much larger capital — without risking their own savings.
So, How Much Does a Funded Account Cost?
The cost of a funded account depends on several factors:
- Account size
- Evaluation type (one-step, two-step, or instant funding)
- Market type (forex, futures, stocks, or crypto)
- Prop firm policies and profit splits
Account Size Average Cost (USD) Typical Profit Target Profit Split $10,000$50–$1006–8%80–90%$25,000$125–$2006–8%80–90%$50,000$250–$3508–10%80–90%$100,000$450–$6008–10%85–90%$200,000$900–$1,2008–10%90%
These are average ranges as of 2025.
Exact pricing varies across firms, and some charge monthly fees, while others use a one-time payment structure.
Types of Funded Account Models (and Their Costs)
Let’s look at the three most common funding models and what you can expect to pay for each.
1. 💼 Evaluation (Challenge-Based) Accounts
This is the most common model used by major prop firms like FTMO, The Funded Trader, and FundedNext.
🧩 How It Works:
- You pay a one-time challenge fee.
- You must reach a specific profit target while staying within drawdown rules.
- After passing, you receive your funded account.
Firm Account Size Cost (USD) FTMO$100,000$540FundedNext$50,000$299E8 Funding$100,000$588MyFundedFX$50,000$299The Funded Trader$100,000$549
✅ Pros:
- One-time fee (no recurring costs)
- Potential for refunds after passing (some firms refund the fee)
- Higher profit splits (up to 90%)
❌ Cons:
- Strict trading rules and limits
- Must meet profit target to qualify
This is the most affordable and popular route for new traders.
2. ⚡ Instant Funding Accounts
Instant funding programs let you trade real capital immediately, without passing a challenge.
🧩 How It Works:
- You pay a higher upfront fee (since there’s no evaluation).
- You get access to a smaller portion of capital initially.
- As you trade successfully, your account can scale up.
Firm Initial Account Size Cost (USD) The 5%ers$10,000$235 (instant funding)BluFX$25,000$99/monthSmart Prop Trader$15,000$150SurgeTrader$25,000$250
✅ Pros:
- Start trading live immediately
- No evaluation stress
- Ideal for experienced traders
❌ Cons:
- Higher cost upfront
- Lower profit split or scaling limits
- Sometimes lower buying power at the start
If you want no waiting or testing, instant funding might be worth the premium.
3. 📊 Futures Prop Firm Accounts
If you trade futures (instead of forex or CFDs), the pricing model works slightly differently.
Firms like Topstep, Apex Trader Funding, and Earn2Trade charge monthly fees for their evaluations.
💰 Typical Monthly Costs:
Firm Account Size Monthly Fee (USD) Apex Trader Funding$50,000$80Topstep$50,000$165Earn2Trade$50,000$150
✅ Pros:
- Affordable monthly plans
- Great for U.S.-based futures traders
- Multiple scaling options
❌ Cons:
- Continuous subscription cost
- Evaluation resets if you fail the rules
Futures firms are ideal for traders who prefer regulated U.S. markets and smaller starting fees.
Factors That Affect Funded Account Cost
Prices vary because of differences in firm structure, account size, and risk rules.
Here are the key factors influencing cost:
Factor Impact on Cost Account sizeLarger accounts = higher feesProfit targetHigher targets often mean lower feesDrawdown limitLower drawdowns = cheaper costNumber of steps1-step evaluations cost more than 2-step onesRefund policySome firms refund fees upon passingScaling potentialAccounts with scaling plans tend to cost moreTrading platformFirms using premium software (like MT5 or NinjaTrader) may charge extra
Understanding these factors helps you compare firms fairly before committing.
Are Funded Accounts Worth the Cost?
In most cases — yes, if you’re disciplined.
A funded account can help you:
- Trade with up to 100x more capital than you have personally.
- Limit your risk — you only lose the evaluation fee if you fail.
- Access payouts of 80–90% of profits.
However, they’re not for everyone.
If you’re inconsistent, emotional, or new to trading, you might fail the evaluation — losing your fee.
✅ Worth it if:
- You have a proven, consistent trading system.
- You understand risk management.
- You can follow firm rules.
❌ Not worth it if:
- You trade emotionally or without a plan.
- You expect instant profits.
- You’re not yet profitable on a demo account.
How to Choose the Best Funded Account for Your Budget
When deciding where to invest your money, consider these steps:
- Compare total costs (one-time vs monthly)
- Check payout structure — when and how you’ll get paid
- Look for transparency — clear rules, refund policy, and active support
- Test the firm’s demo if available
- Start small — begin with a $10K–$25K account to learn the rules
💡 Pro Tip:
If a firm offers unrealistic promises like “instant profits” or “no loss limits,” it’s a red flag. Stick with regulated or well-reviewed companies.
Example: The Real Cost of a $100K Funded Account
Let’s say you want a $100,000 forex account at a two-step firm like FTMO.
- Initial cost: $540 (one-time)
- Profit target: 10% ($10,000 total)
- Max loss: 10%
- Profit split: 90% to you
If you earn 5% in one month ($5,000), you keep $4,500.
That’s almost 10x your initial fee — with zero personal capital risk.
This is why many skilled traders find funded accounts highly cost-effective.
Final Thoughts: How Much Does a Funded Account Cost?
To summarize:
Type Average Cost Payment Type Evaluation-Based$100–$600One-time feeInstant Funding$200–$1,000One-time or monthlyFutures Evaluation$80–$200Monthly fee
✅ Key takeaway:
The cost of a funded account varies based on size, firm, and model — but most traders can start for under $300.
If you treat it like a business expense and trade responsibly, a funded account can be one of the best investments you make in your trading career.
It’s not about finding the cheapest firm — it’s about finding the one that fits your strategy, mindset, and long-term goals.