How to Get a Funded Trading Account: 7 Steps
1. Pick the market you already trade
Prop firms are specialised. Forex firms sell CFD accounts on forex, indices, metals and often crypto. Futures firms evaluate you on CME contracts through platforms like Tradovate or NinjaTrader. Crypto firms fund perpetual-futures trading, often 24/7. Choose the market where you already have a record: a challenge is the wrong place to learn a new instrument.
Median price per $10K by market
2. Pick a program type
Two-step challenges have two targets (median 8% then 5%) and more loss room (median maximum loss 9%). One-step challenges have one target (median 10%) and usually less room (median 6%). Instant accounts skip the test for a higher price. If you are unsure, a two-step account gives the most room for normal losing streaks.
3. Pick an account size you can afford to fail twice
Most traders do not pass on the first attempt. Budget for at least two tries and choose the size accordingly. Bigger accounts cost more in absolute terms but usually less per $10K of funding.
| Account size | One-step (median) | Two-step (median) |
|---|---|---|
| $10K | $90 | $89 |
| $25K | $185 | $198 |
| $50K | $284 | $331 |
| $100K | $488 | $563 |
| $200K | $998 | $1,074 |
One-time fees only; monthly futures subscriptions excluded. Median of each firm's price for that size, so firms with many plans do not dominate.
4. Read the four rules that end accounts
- Daily loss limit (median 4.5% on two-step, 3% on one-step): how much you may lose in a day.
- Maximum loss: the floor your equity may never touch, either static or trailing. See trailing vs static drawdown.
- Consistency rule: a cap on the share of profit from your best day. See the consistency rule guide.
- Minimum trading days and restrictions on news trading, EAs or weekend holding if they matter to your style.
5. Check payouts and whether your country is accepted
41% of accounts in our data pay out bi-weekly and 29% allow daily requests. Check the payout threshold, the profit split, and the payout methods available where you live. Every firm restricts some countries; our list which firms accept traders from yours and which local payment methods they take.
6. Pass the challenge with a risk plan
Size positions from the loss limits, not the target: with a 5% daily limit, risking 0.5% per trade means ten straight losses before you breach. Trade your normal strategy at normal size and let the lack of a time limit work for you; most firms now have none. The pass guide has the full maths.
7. Get verified, funded and paid
After passing, firms run identity (KYC) checks and issue the funded account, sometimes with an activation fee at futures firms. The same loss limits apply on the funded account. Request your first payout as soon as you are eligible: getting paid once is the best evidence that a firm works for you.
Next steps
FAQ
How much does it cost to get a funded trading account?
The median cheapest challenge across the 90 firms we track is $40. A $100K account costs a median of $563 as a two-step and $488 as a one-step challenge.
Can I get a funded account without a challenge?
Yes, through instant funding. 61 firms in our data sell instant accounts, but they cost more per $10K and usually have tighter rules.
How long does it take to get funded?
As fast as you can hit the target within the rules. Minimum-trading-day rules (commonly 3-5 days per phase) and identity checks after passing add days, so plan for one to several weeks for a two-step.
Can I get a funded account for free?
Not as a standard product. Free accounts come from competitions and giveaways. See our list of the cheapest challenges instead.