Best Cheapest Prop Firms (100K Challenges) Ranked & Reviewed
Looking for the cheapest prop firm? Compare the best low-cost 100K challenge accounts with high payouts, trader-friendly rules, and fast funding options.
A proprietary trading firm, or prop firm for short, is a company that gives traders access to its money. Traders don’t need to use their own cash — instead, they prove their skills by passing a trading challenge. If they succeed, the firm gives them a funded account to trade with and shares a part of the profits with them.
When we talk about the cheapest prop firms, we’re looking at how much it costs to take that challenge and get started. The main costs include:
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Entry Fees: How much you pay to join the trading challenge.
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Evaluation Costs: Some firms have a one-step or two-step test, and each step may have its own rules or hidden fees.
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Payout Rules: Things like how much of your profit you get to keep, how often you can withdraw money, and if there are any extra charges.
In this article, we compared prop firms based on their 100K two-step challenge accounts, which are one of the most popular types. We looked at both the upfront cost and the trading conditions to find firms that offer the best deal without sacrificing fairness or quality.
Top Criteria for Evaluating the Cheapest Prop Firms
When choosing the cheapest prop firm, it’s not just about picking the one with the lowest price. You want a mix of low fees and fair trading rules. Here are the main things to look at:
1. Upfront Challenge Fees
This is the amount you pay to start the trading challenge. Some firms charge as little as $39, while others go up to $550. Lower is better, but only if the firm is still reliable.
2. Profit Split
This tells you how much of your trading profit you get to keep. Most firms offer between 75% and 90%, while some go up to 100%. A higher split means more money in your pocket.
3. Daily and Maximum Loss Limits
Every firm sets a limit on how much you can lose in a day or overall. The max daily loss is usually around 4% to 5%, and the total max loss might be around 8% to 10%. These rules help you manage risk — but if they’re too strict, they can make it hard to pass.
4. Minimum Trading Days
Some firms let you finish a challenge in as little as 3 days, while others require you to trade for 5 or more days per step. Fewer days give you more flexibility and faster results.
5. Platform and Withdrawal Options
Check which platforms they support (like MT4, MT5, cTrader) and how you can get your profits (crypto, bank transfer, etc.). Also look for things like instant payouts or bi-weekly withdrawals.
6. Refund Policy
Some prop firms give your challenge fee back after your first payout. This is a big plus, especially if you’re looking to save money long-term.
By checking these factors, you can find a prop firm that’s both affordable and trader-friendly.
Comparison Table: Cheapest 100K Two‑Step Challenges (2025)
Here’s a side-by-side look at the cheapest entry fees for 100K two-step prop firm challenges, along with key trading conditions:
| Prop Firm | Upfront Fee | Step 1 Target | Step 2 Target | Max Daily Loss | Max Total Loss | Min Trading Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IC Funded | $499 | 10% (~$10,000) | 5% (~$5,000) | ~8%–10% | 3–5 days | |
| ThinkCapital | $499 | 8% (~$8,000) | 5% | ~4% | ~8% | 3 days |
| Blueberry Funded | $500 | 10% | 5% | ~5% | ~10% | 3 days |
| Seacrest Funded (MyFundedFX) | $500 | 8% | 5% | ~5% | ~8% | 3 days |
| Funded Trading Plus | $547 | 8% | 5% | ~4% | ~8% | 0 days |
Fee details based on publicly available information as of mid-2025, aligned with comparator sources. IC Funded and ThinkCapital share the lowest entry cost, while Blueberry and Seacrest follow closely.
Let’s break it down:
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IC Funded is tied for cheapest entry at $499 and offers a balanced risk setup with spread across 3–5 trading days.
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ThinkCapital also starts at $499 but has slightly looser daily drawdown rules, giving an edge to traders who like a bit more breathing room.
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Blueberry Funded and Seacrest Funded cost $500, with Blueberry leaning toward aggressive profit targets ideal for fast-paced traders, and Seacrest focusing on one-step simplicity.
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Funded Trading Plus has a modest uptick to $547, but rewards traders with no minimum trading days, adding flexibility.
Most Affordable Prop Firms Reviewed
This section gives you a closer look at the top cheap prop firms. We break down their benefits, limits, and what kind of trader each one suits best.
IC Funded – Best Overall for Low Fees
Why It’s Great:
IC Funded offers one of the lowest entry fees at $499. It’s backed by a well-known broker (IC Markets), which gives it strong credibility.
Pros:
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Starts at $49 for smaller accounts
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Up to 80% profit split
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No time limit to complete challenges
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Challenge fee refunded after your first payout
Cons:
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Max profit split is capped at 80%
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Scaling only up to $500K
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Doesn’t support crypto or instant funding
Best For:
Forex traders who want tight spreads, low fees, and time flexibility.
ThinkCapital – High Leverage, Low Price
Why It’s Great:
Also priced at $499, ThinkCapital allows high leverage and supports multiple platforms, including TradingView.
Pros:
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Profit split up to 90%
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Weekly and bi-weekly payouts
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Commission-free options available
Cons:
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Crypto-only payouts
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EAs require extra cost
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No stock trading
Best For:
Traders looking for leverage and quick payouts.
Blueberry Funded – Best Two-Step Deal
Why It’s Great:
Blueberry starts at just $500 and offers a wide range of trading platforms.
Pros:
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Profit split up to 90%
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Tight spreads from 0.1 pips
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Multiple challenge types including stocks
Cons:
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$100 minimum to withdraw profits
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News trading is restricted
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Some forex pairs have high spreads
Best For:
Traders who want options — from forex to stocks — and low starting fees.
Seacrest Funded – Simplest One-Step Challenge
Why It’s Great:
Previously called MyFundedFX, Seacrest gives you a clean one-step challenge option for just $500.
Pros:
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Profit split up to 90%
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No time limit to pass challenge
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Fast bi-weekly payouts
Cons:
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No refund on fees
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Higher commissions
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EAs not allowed on MT5
Best For:
Traders who want fewer rules and faster evaluation.
Funded Trading Plus – No Minimum Trading Days
Why It’s Great:
Though slightly more expensive ($547), it offers instant funding and no minimum days requirement.
Pros:
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Profit split up to 100%
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Instant funding and fast scaling
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Compatible with most platforms
Cons:
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Higher cost for instant funding
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Extra fees for some platforms
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Less transparent spreads
Best For:
Traders who want speed, flexibility, and high payout potential.
Honorable Mentions: Competitive But Slightly Higher Fees
These prop firms charge a little more than our cheapest picks, but they still offer strong value with unique features that might be worth the extra cost.
DNA Funded – Best for Trust and Stability
Why It’s Worth Mentioning:
DNA Funded has one of the highest trust scores in the industry and is backed by DNA Markets, a known broker.
Details:
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Challenge fees from $549
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Profit splits up to 90%
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Broker-backed = stable trading conditions
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Trusted score: 97/100
Good For:
Traders who want long-term reliability and clean execution, even if it costs a bit more upfront.
BrightFunded – Up to 100% Profit Split
Why It’s Worth Mentioning:
BrightFunded gives you a chance to earn a full 100% profit split and comes with loyalty perks.
Details:
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Fee: $535
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Unlimited scaling potential
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Loyalty reward system: Trade2Earn
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Supports only cTrader and DXTrade
Good For:
Experienced traders aiming for full profit control and firm-funded growth.
The 5%ers – Scales Up to $4 Million
Why It’s Worth Mentioning:
This firm has one of the most generous scaling plans — up to $4 million — and supports various challenge types.
Details:
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Fee: $545
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Profit split up to 100%
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Offers stock trading and scaling plans
Good For:
Traders looking to grow into big capital accounts with time and proven results.
While these firms cost a little more, they bring something extra to the table: trust, perks, or profit potential. They may be the smarter choice depending on your long-term goals.
Key Differences Among the Cheapest Prop Firms
Even though many cheap prop firms look similar at first glance, there are important differences that can affect your experience as a trader. Here’s what to watch for:
1. Trading Platforms
Not all firms support the same platforms. Some only offer MT4 or MT5, while others include cTrader, DXTrade, or even TradingView.
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MT4/MT5 – Good for forex and widely used
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cTrader/DXTrade – More modern, better for advanced tools
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TradingView – Great for those who love chart-based strategies
2. Payout Frequency
How often can you get your profits?
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Weekly or Bi-weekly – Faster payouts (e.g., ThinkCapital, Seacrest)
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Instant Withdrawals – Some firms allow this after your first profit (e.g., FXIFY)
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Monthly Only – Slower but more traditional
3. Refund Policy
Some firms give your challenge fee back once you make your first withdrawal. This reduces long-term cost.
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Refund Available – IC Funded, Blueberry Funded
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No Refunds – Seacrest Funded
4. Scaling Plans
If you do well, can you trade with more capital?
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Up to $500K – IC Funded
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Up to $4M – The 5%ers, FundedNext
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Unlimited Scaling – BrightFunded
5. Market Access
Check what you can trade:
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Forex Only – Common in cheap firms
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Forex + Crypto – Adds more options
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Stocks, Indices, Commodities – Best if you want variety
6. Challenge Style
Some firms offer one-step, two-step, or even instant funding options:
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One-Step – Easier and faster (Seacrest)
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Two-Step – Most common (IC Funded, Blueberry)
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Instant Funding – Pay more, but skip the test (Funded Trading Plus)
These small details make a big difference. Depending on your trading style, one of these features could be the key to your success.
FAQs on Cheapest Prop Trading Firms
Which prop firm has the cheapest challenge fee?
The cheapest challenge fees start at $499 for a 100K two-step account. IC Funded and ThinkCapital are tied for the lowest upfront cost among top-rated firms.
What is the best low-cost prop firm for forex traders?
IC Funded is great for forex because of its tight spreads, low fees, and support from IC Markets. Blueberry Funded is another good choice, especially for multi-platform trading.
Do cheap prop firms offer good support and payouts?
Yes, some do — but not all. We recommend picking firms with high trust scores and solid payout history like DNA Funded, BrightFunded, or Blueberry Funded. Always check for payout reviews.
Is it risky to choose a low-cost prop firm?
It can be if the firm isn’t well-known or lacks transparency. Stick with firms that score at least 80/100 in trader reviews and offer clear rules and fast payouts. Avoid firms with hidden fees or poor customer service.
Should I go for one-step or two-step challenges?
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One-step is faster and easier (e.g., Seacrest Funded).
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Two-step often has looser risk limits and more flexibility (e.g., IC Funded, Blueberry).
If you’re confident and want quick results, try one-step. For safer rules, go with two-step.
Can I get my fee back after passing the challenge?
Yes, many firms refund your challenge fee once you earn your first payout. This includes IC Funded, Blueberry Funded, and BrightFunded.
Conclusion: Balancing Cost and Trading Conditions
Finding the cheapest prop firm isn’t just about picking the one with the lowest price tag. What really matters is getting a good balance between affordability, fair rules, and solid support.
If you’re starting out and want low entry costs, IC Funded, ThinkCapital, and Blueberry Funded are all strong picks. They offer low fees, good trading conditions, and fair profit splits.
If you’re looking for more advanced features — like instant funding, unlimited scaling, or high trust scores — then Funded Trading Plus, BrightFunded, or DNA Funded might be worth the slightly higher price.
In the end, the best prop firm for you depends on how you trade, how fast you want to get funded, and how much flexibility you need. Use this guide to compare your options and choose a firm that helps you trade with confidence, without breaking the bank.
