Getting funded by a prop firm can be an attractive option for aspiring traders who want to trade larger amounts of capital without putting their own money at risk. Prop firms offer traders the chance to prove themselves by passing an evaluation, usually called a "combine" or "challenge", in order to gain access to the firm's trading capital.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most affordable prop firm challenges that provide at least $10,000 in funding upon successful completion of the evaluation.
List best Forex Prop Firms in 2024
✅The5%ers Open An Account
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✅FTMO Open An Account
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✅LuxTradingFirm Open An Account
✅ Sabiotrade Open An Account
✅The Forex Funder Open An Account
✅True forex Funds Open An Account
FTMO - Well known industry leader starting at $399 for $25k account
Overview
FTMO (Funded Trader Millionaire) is one of the largest and most well-known prop firms in the industry. They offer a $25,000 funded account upon passing their evaluation which costs a minimum of $399.
Key facts about FTMO:
Fee
The FTMO evaluation fee starts at $399 and can vary based on the challenge level selected. They offer three main challenge options:
FTMO Challenge: $399 fee - Passing provides a $25,000 account
FTMO 500 Challenge: $699 fee - Passing provides access to a $50,000 account
FTMO 1 Million Challenge: $2,999 fee - Passing provides access up to $1 million in funding
They occasionally run discounts and special promotions which can reduce the challenge fee cost.
The level of funding
As mentioned above, upon passing the FTMO Challenge, traders gain access to a $25,000 funded account to prove themselves further. After hitting a profit target with the $25,000 account, FTMO provides funding up to $300,000 based on your trading consistency and risk management.
They have an industry-leading funding model that truly rewards traders as they scale up. The model provides 70% of net profits on funded accounts over $25,000. So funding keeps pace with trader performance.
Challenge review
The FTMO Challenge focuses mainly on risk management rules to ensure funded traders will be responsible with investor capital. The rules include guidelines around maximum drawdown, daily loss limits, and risk per trade.
The passing criteria is straightforward - 10% profit target within 30 days. One advantage they offer is a 7-day money-back guarantee if traders decide the challenge is not a good fit.
Overall, FTMO has a well-structured, professional program and funding model that helps explain their leadership in the prop firm industry. Their fees are higher than some competitors, but reputable firms tend to charge more.
SurgeTrader - Fast growing US prop firm with combines from $495
Overview
SurgeTrader is a fast-growing US-based prop firm that provides up to $25,000 in funding upon passing a 14-day combine. Their combines start at $495.
Some key facts on SurgeTrader's prop program:
Fee
As mentioned above, SurgeTrader's minimum combine fee is $495. This grants access to a $25,000 account for the 14-day evaluation.
They also offer a 30-day combine for $995 that provides a $50,000 account.
This make their prop challenge one of the most affordable in the $25k+ account range.
The level of funding
By passing the minimum $495 combine at SurgeTrader, traders unlock a $25,000 funded account to start with.
As traders show consistency, profit splits increase from 70% up to 90% in brackets up to $3 million as traders unlock higher funding tiers.
So their model, akin to FTMO, scales reward pay outs higher based on trader performance.
Challenge review
SurgeTrader places more focus on profit requirements rather than risk rules - their minimum target is 10% over 14 days.
One advantage they tout is their community, called SurgeTradersLive. There is group support, education, tools and a social element that helps prop aspirants improve their trading and have a better change of passing the combine evaluation.
In summary, SurgeTrader offers very low cost access to meaningful prop firm funding. Their model and growth mirrors FTMO in many ways. For the budget conscious, their $25k combines start at under $500.
Earn2Trade - Alternative prop solution with accounts around $100k
Overview
Earn2Trade has become increasing popular over the last couple years as an alternative prop trading solution. They provide access up to a $100,000 account for only $167 via their "Industry Discount Offer".
Some key things to know on Earn2Trade's prop program:
Fee
As mentioned above, Earn2Trade provides options to get started with their prop evaluation for as low as $167. This is among the most affordable in the entire prop trading industry.
Here is a breakdown of their three main offerings:
Day Trader Combine: $299 fee - 7-Day challenge
Swing Trader Combine: $167 fee via industry discount - 28-day challenge
Supreme Trader Combine: $499 - Includes options, stocks, crypto in addition to forex and futures
So budget-minded traders can select the lower cost Swing Trading combine to get started. Industry promo codes sometimes provide additional $100+ discounts off these costs.
The level of funding
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Earn2Trade does not provide guaranteed funding levels upon completion of the combine. They mention typical starting accounts range from $35,000 to $100,000.
Accounts are allocated based on combine score which factors profitability, risk metrics, and trading metrics.
One appeal for some traders could be participating for only a few hundred dollars with profit splits favourable to prop traders - starting at 80% to traders.
Challenge review
Earn2Trade places a dual focus on risk management adherence as well as profit criteria. For example, the Swing Trading combine requires finishing their 28-day challenge above 10R profit, with limits on drawdown.
Their showing strong growth as an alternative prop solution backing traders with meaningful funding while keeping the cost to participate very reasonable.
Negatives would be no guaranteed funding levels, allied account starting allocation, and shorter firm operating history versus competitors like FTMO and SurgeTrader.
Still, Earn2Trade has earned their spot as having one of the most affordable and trader-friendly industry combines.
The 5%ers Mini: $249, $10,000 virtual account
Overview
The 5%ers is one of the most well-known and reputable prop firms. Their "Mini" challenge requires an upfront payment of $249 to get the chance to prove you can trade profitably. If you pass, you will be awarded a funded account with up to $10,000 in trading capital.
Some key facts about The 5%ers Mini challenge:
Fee
The upfront fee to enter the Mini challenge is $249. This allows you to demo trade in a simulated account for 14 days.
If you meet the target profit requirements during the 14-day period, you will then be awarded a live funded account with up to $10,000 in trading capital.
There are no profit splits. You keep 100% of the profits you generate in your funded account.
The level of funding
If you pass the Mini challenge, you are awarded a funded account based on your performance:
So you can earn up to $10,000 in a funded account by proving you can consistently trade profitably.
Challenge review
The 5%ers has a transparent and clearly defined Mini challenge to earn a funded account:
The rules focus on risk management and consistent profits rather than shooting for home runs. This results in developing good habits for long-term trading success.
Many successful traders highlight The 5%ers as running one of the industry's best prop firm programs.
Apex Trader Funding: $195, $25,000 virtual account
Overview
Apex Trader Funding offers multiple combine challenges giving you a chance to earn funded accounts from $25,000 up to $1 million.
Their entry-level "Rookie" combine requires a $195 upfront fee to demo trade up to $25,000 for 20 days.
Key facts:
Fee
It costs $195 to enter the Apex Rookie combine. This gives you 20 days to demo trade a $25,000 account.
If you satisfy the profit, loss and risk management requirements, you will then be awarded a $25,000 funded account to continue trading.
Apex takes a 20-30% profit split from your funded account earnings. The rest of your profits are withdrawable.
The level of funding
Pass the Rookie combine and Apex will give you $25,000 in a live funded account to continue trading.
As you find success with your funded account, you can qualify for higher funding tiers up to $1 million.
Challenge review
Apex Trader Funding provides a transparent challenge structure with clear trading and risk management rules.
To pass the $195 Rookie combine you need to:
The focus is on consistent, controlled growth over the 20-day period. If you can master these core skills, you have a good chance of funding success.
Many reviews show that Apex funds traders faster than most other prop firms.
Funded Trading Plus: $5,000-$25,000 virtual account
Overview
Funded Trading Plus offers multiple challenge levels that give you a chance to earn funded accounts ranging from $5,000 up to $25,000.
The entry-level account provides $5,000 in virtual money to demo trade. The cost is only $99 to qualify for up to $5,000 in funding.
Key facts:
Fee
It costs $99 to enter the initial Funded Trading Plus (FTP) challenge.
This gives you 15 days to demo trade a $5,000 account. If you satisfy the evaluation criteria you will be awarded a live account with up to $5,000 to continue trading.
When you start earning profits in your funded account, FTP takes a 30% cut.
The level of funding
If you pass the $5,000 demo challenge, Funded Trading Plus will give you a live account funded with up to $5,000.
They also offer higher funding tiers up to $25,000 for traders that demonstrate solid performance.
Challenge review
Funded Trading Plus provides a short 15-day challenge to earn funded account access:
The rules focus on limiting losses while steadily growing profits. By mastering risk management for consistent gains, traders set themselves up for long-term success.
Many reviews highlight FTP as one of the best prop firms for beginner and intermediate traders. They have a high funding success rate.
True Trading Group: $49, $25,000 virtual account
Overview
True Trading Group (TTG) stands out by offering an extremely low-cost challenge to access a sizable amount of trading capital.
For just a $49 entry fee, TTG provides traders a 14-day challenge to prove they deserve a funded account with up to $25,000.
Key facts:
Fee
It costs only $49 to attempt TTG's combine challenge. This gives you 2 weeks to demo trade a simulated $25,000 account.
By hitting the profit target and following risk guidelines during the 14-day evaluation, you can get a $25,000 funded account to keep trading.
TTG collects anywhere from 10-40% in profit sharing fees from funded traders based on performance.
The level of funding
If you complete the TTG combine challenge, you can be awarded a live account funded with up to $25,000 in trading capital.
As you find consistent success with your funded account, TTG will let you scale up towards accounts with six figure funding potential.
Challenge review
TTG offers a straight-forward path to earning a sizable funded account:
By focusing on steady gains while tightly managing risk, traders can prove they deserve TTG’s funding backing.
Many positive TTG reviews confirm that their evaluation process gives developing traders a fair shot at getting funded.
Earn2Trade Mini Combine: $99, $25,000 virtual account
Overview
Earn2Trade runs an affordable "Mini Combine" that gives you a chance to earn up to $25,000 in a funded trading account.
To enter the challenge, you simply pay a one-time fee of $99. Then demo trade a simulated $25,000 account for 30 days.
Key facts:
Fee
Earn2Trade allows you to attempt their Mini Combine challenge for only $99.
This grants you access to virtually trade with $25,000 for 30 days. If you satisfy the profit target and risk guidelines, you'll be awarded a live $25,000 funded account.
Once trading with Earn2Trade’s funding, you pay anywhere from 15% to 40% in profit sharing fees based on monthly performance.
The level of funding
Successfully complete the $99 Mini Combine challenge, and Earn2Trade will give you up to $25,000 in a funded trading account.
As you demonstrate consistent returns in your account, E2T offers the potential to scale up to 6 and even 7 figure funding allocations.
Challenge review
Earn2Trade outlines clear Mini Combine rules and profit goals:
With straightforward guidelines focused on positive returns and risk control, they give aspiring funded traders an excellent starting point.
Many E2T reviews highlight their funded at higher percentages than most prop firms. They work with traders to help them eventually achieve funding success.
The Prop Trading Group - Newer entrant with a $50k account for $299
The Prop Trading Group (TPTG), founded in 2021, is a relative newcomer providing a potentially lucrative opportunity - access to a $50,000 account for only $299.
Some key facts on TPTG's prop program:
Fee
As highlighted above, TPTG has a very reasonable $299 evaluation fee. It grants traders access to simulate trading a $50,000 account for the duration of their selected combine.
Their 7-day combine is $299. They also have 14-day and 30-day options for $399 each.
Considering the high account balance for simulation, their fees to get started are quite affordable.
The level of funding
Upon passing TPTG's combine, the initial funding allocation is $50,000. This represents a meaningful dollar amount for aspiring prop traders while keeping the upfront cost low at $299.
Subsequent funding depends on trading consistency and performance. TPTG mentions traders who do well could receive over $300k in buying power.
Challenge review
The TPTG combine evaluation focuses mainly on risk management metrics as scoring criteria. There are guidelines around max loss per day, max loss per month, max number of stop outs, and maintaining minimum margin cushion.
The profit target is 10% for their 7-day and 14-day combines. Their 30-day combine has a 5% profit target.
In summary, TPTG offers a potentially lucrative prop trading opportunity at just under $300 access cost. Their lack of an established record is the main drawback. But for traders focusing solely on combine cost vs account balance, it presents an attractive risk/reward dynamic.
Blue Sky Prop - Cheapest way to access $25k at $249 evaluation fee
Blue Sky Prop represents another relatively new industry entrant, launching in 2021. They aim to provide meaningful prop firm access at reasonable cost.
Their Blue Sky Prop Challenge costs only $249 and offers a $25,000 account upon completion.
Overview
Here are some key things to know on Blue Sky Prop:
Fee
As outlined already, Blue Sky Prop caught attention for offering access to $25,000 in buying power for only a $249 evaluation fee. This may represent one of the best account balance to cost ratios in the current prop space.
They have kept access simple with one challenge level focused on trading US stocks and ETFs. Pass their combine and get $25k to keep growing the account.
The level of funding
Blue Sky Prop traders start with $25,000 in buying power, focused specifically on US stock and ETF trading.
Subsequent funding up to $500k is available based on meeting certain metrics like number of consecutive profitable months. The most consistent traders can receive over 90% of net profits.
Challenge review
The Blue Prop Challenge has guidelines primarily around risk metrics like max loss per day and per month.
The profit target is 10%+ over any of the three combine lengths - 5, 14, 30 days.
As a young prop firm, Blue Sky will need to continue building trust and improving their trader resources. But with such low initial challenge cost they warrant consideration. The focus on less volatile US stocks could also appeal to certain retail traders transitioning to prop trading.
Conclusion
Getting started trading with a prop firm’s backing no longer requires massive upfront payments. As we have seen, traders can access legitimate challenges that offer thousands in funding potential for less than $300.
By mastering core skills like risk management, loss prevention, and steady profits through these low-cost combine evaluations, aspiring traders can earn life-changing levels of trading capital.
The firms above all cater well to new and growing traders. They provide transparent rules, ample learning resources, and responsive support.
Overall, affordable prop firm challenges remove barriers so more traders can access the capital they need to properly execute their strategies. This allows talents that otherwise may have gone undeveloped to now thrive.
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