Prop Firm Evaluation Fee: The Cost of the Attempt

Evaluation Fee: What the Attempt Costs

By PropTrader1 2 min read Published October 28, 2026

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The evaluation fee is the one-off cost to enter a prop firm challenge - the only money most traders ever pay a firm. Typical ranges: $50-$160 for small accounts, $300-$600 for $100K, approaching $1,100 at $200K on two-phase products (FTMO's euro list runs €89-€1,080 on the 2-Step, checked 25 October 2026).

What the fee buys: the attempt - not the pass. Fail and the fee is gone unless the terms refund it on success (FTMO's 2-Step) or offer resets (priced separately, usually near the original fee). Futures firms restructure the same money as a monthly subscription until you pass, so a slow candidate pays more than the sticker suggests - Topstep's 50K Combine is $49 a month plus a $149 activation (checked 28 October 2026).

Budget rule: price the firm at two attempts, and compare fee models at equal pass-time. The total-cost comparisons: what prop firms cost; the return side: refundable fee and reset fee.

Plain-language material on leveraged-trading risk is maintained by the ESMA investor corner.

Part of the payouts cluster and the full prop firm glossary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a 50% drawdown harder to recover than a 10% one?

A 50% drawdown requires a 100% gain to recover, while a 10% drawdown only needs 11.1%. Recovery math is exponential. At 30% drawdown you need 42.9% to break even. This is why prop firms cap drawdown at 10-12% rather than higher percentages.

What is the 3-5-7 rule in forex?

The 3-5-7 rule suggests risking 1-3% per trade, keeping total open risk at 5% or less, and limiting single market exposure to 7%. It is a general risk guideline, not a prop firm rule, but following it naturally keeps you within most max drawdown limits.

What is a good maximum drawdown?

For prop firm trading, keeping your actual drawdown under 5% is excellent. Most firms allow 10-12%, but staying well below the limit demonstrates strong risk management and gives you a buffer for unexpected market events.

Is maximum drawdown calculated on balance or equity?

It depends on the firm and drawdown type. Static drawdown is typically calculated on starting balance. Trailing drawdown follows your highest equity. Some firms include floating losses in their calculation, making equity the relevant measure.

What happens when you breach maximum drawdown?

Breaching maximum drawdown results in immediate and permanent account closure. All positions are closed automatically, the challenge is terminated, and there is no refund or appeal. It is the final rule with no second chances.

What is the difference between daily drawdown and maximum drawdown?

Daily drawdown resets every day and limits your loss within a single session. Maximum drawdown is cumulative across the entire challenge or funded period. You can breach max drawdown through many small daily losses that accumulate over time.