For traders looking to get funded through a prop firm, cost is always a hot topic. You want to trade with as much capital as possible, but you don’t want to overpay to get there.

Here’s the truth: prop firms structure their pricing in different ways—some make it look cheap upfront but hit you with hidden fees later. Other prop firms offer discounts but have strict rules that could increase your overall cost if you fail an evaluation.

That’s why we created the True Cost to Funding—a realistic estimate of what it actually costs to pass an evaluation and get a funded account.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What the True Cost to Funding means

• How much it really costs to pass a prop firm evaluation

• Other hidden fees traders should consider

• Whether funded trading is actually worth it

What Is True Cost to Funding?

True Cost to Funding = The total amount you’ll pay to get a funded trading account.

When you see a prop firm advertising a $100 sign-up fee, that doesn’t tell the full story. Some traders pass their evaluations on the first try, while others need multiple resets or pay for multiple months before getting funded.

That’s why calculating the real cost means factoring in:

✔ Evaluation Fees – The upfront cost to take the test.
✔ Reset Fees – If you fail, you’ll need to pay again to restart.
✔ Monthly Fees – Some firms charge recurring costs during evaluations.
✔ Payout Rules & Withdrawal Fees – What percentage of your profits do you actually get?

At OnlyPropFirms, we track and compare these costs across different firms so you can make an informed decision before signing up.

How Much Does It Really Cost to Get Funded?

Below are two common cost scenarios:

Scenario 1: Passing in One Month (No Resets)

✔ You pay the initial evaluation fee
✔ You pass the test in one attempt
✔ You get a funded account

✅ Cheapest path to funding, but difficult to achieve

Scenario 2: Passing in Two Months (One Reset)

✔ You fail once and pay for a reset
✔ You need an extra month to pass
✔ You get funded on the second try

✅ More realistic for most traders

🚨 Remember: Many firms offer free resets when your monthly evaluation renews—so timing your retry correctly can save you money.

There are 2 tables. One representing the True Cost to Funding should you pass your evaluation with no resets in 1 months time. There is a second table that shows your True Cost to Funding should you pass with 1(paid*) reset in 2 months (the figures and numbers written in this article are from February 5th, 2024).

Is Funded Trading Worth It?

It depends. If you can trade profitably with minimal resets, getting funded can be a low-cost way to access capital.

However, if you:
❌ Struggle with discipline
❌ Keep failing evaluations
❌ Trade without a plan

Then you might end up spending more on resets than you ever make in payouts.

Funded trading is worth it if you:
✅ Can pass an evaluation in 1-2 months
✅ Have a proven trading strategy
✅ Follow risk management rules

What Happens If You Lose Money as a Funded Trader?

If you lose money, your prop firm absorbs the loss, but you risk getting your account revoked.

Each firm has drawdown limits—if you exceed them:

• Your funded account is closed

• You have to pass another evaluation

• You lose any profits you didn’t withdraw

This is why understanding your firm’s rules is just as important as knowing the cost.

What Are Typical Trading Fees?

Even after you’re funded, trading isn’t free. Here are some fees to watch for:

• 💰 Commission Fees – Every trade has a cost per contract.

• 📊 Data Fees – Some firms require you to pay for live market data.

• 💸 Withdrawal Fees – Some firms take a cut when you cash out.

The best prop firms are upfront about fees, but always read the fine print before signing up.

How Do Funded Traders Get Paid?

Once you’re funded, your payout structure depends on the prop firm. Common payout models:

1. Profit Splits

You keep 70-90% of profits, and the firm takes the rest.

2. Profit Thresholds

Some firms require you to reach a minimum before withdrawing.

3. Withdrawal Limits

Some firms cap how much you can take out in the first few months.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re trading well, compounding your profits instead of withdrawing early can help you build a larger account faster.

Is It Hard to Be a Funded Trader?

Yes. Most traders fail evaluations because they:

❌ Overleverage too early
❌ Take emotional trades
❌ Ignore drawdown limits

Funded trading is NOT an easy shortcut to making money. It requires skill, discipline, and patience.

Can I Become a Trader with No Money?

Prop firms are one of the only ways to trade without your own capital.

✅ If you pass an evaluation, you get access to thousands of dollars in trading capital.
✅ You can trade futures without risking your own savings.
✅ You don’t need $25,000+ like you would at a traditional brokerage.

If you have a winning strategy, getting funded is a smart way to scale your trading—but if you don’t, it’s just another way to burn money.

Final Thoughts: Know Your True Cost to Funding

Before you buy an evaluation, ask yourself:

• What’s the total cost if I fail once? Twice?

• Does this firm have hidden fees?

• How strict are the rules for payouts and drawdowns?

At OnlyPropFirms, we break down the real cost of every major futures prop firm so you can make the smartest decision.

🔎 Check out our in-depth prop firm cost comparisons.