Start with the fee, then adjust it
List the fee for the account size you want, then apply any discount code that is live. Prop firm discounts are large and frequent, so the list price is rarely the real price; check the firm's FrugalFX page for a verified code before comparing anything.
Next, ask whether the fee is refunded. Most two-step forex firms refund it with the first payout, which makes the fee a deposit rather than a cost if you pass. Subscription-based futures firms generally do not refund, and their monthly fee keeps running until you pass or cancel, so a slow evaluation costs more.
Price the rules, not just the fee
Rules change your odds of passing, and your odds are the real cost.
- Static versus trailing drawdown: a trailing maximum loss that follows your equity peak is much harder than a static one measured from the starting balance.
- Daily loss measured on balance versus equity: an equity-based daily limit can close you out on an open trade that later recovers.
- Profit target per phase: 8% is easier than 10%; two 5% phases are easier than one 10% phase for most traders.
- Time limits and minimum trading days: a phase that expires forces you to trade when you would rather wait.
- Consistency rules: a cap on how much of your profit can come from one day punishes traders who take a few larger trades.
Then the money after you pass
Compare the profit split, the payout frequency, the first-payout waiting period and any scaling plan. A firm with a slightly higher fee but a 90% split, payouts every two weeks and a fee refund will beat a cheaper firm with an 80% split and a thirty-day first payout for anyone who actually passes.
Resets and add-ons
Look at the price of a reset, because most people fail their first attempt and a cheap reset matters more than a cheap first fee. Add-ons such as a higher split, weekend holding or news trading are usually excluded from discount codes, so include them at full price when comparing.
Where to go next
Trading forex, CFDs and other leveraged products involves significant risk. This guide is general information, not investment advice. FrugalFX earns affiliate commissions on some links.