Cheap Prop Firms 2026: Affordable Proprietary Trading Companies
Finding affordable prop firms with low evaluation fees is important for traders on a budget. This guide covers cheap prop firms offering budget-friendly evaluation challenges, low-cost funding options, and competitive profit splits. Discover which affordable prop firms offer the best value for your money.
Cheap Prop Firms 2026 - Quick Summary
Bottom Line: Cheap prop firms offer evaluation fees starting around $50-$100 for smaller accounts ($10K-$25K). Entry-level accounts at most prop firms cost $100-$200. Some firms offer discounts, promotions, or lower fees for smaller account sizes. However, cheapest doesn't always mean best value—consider profit splits, funding amounts, and reliability when choosing. Look for firms offering good value, not just the lowest price.
Understanding Prop Firm Evaluation Fees
Prop firm evaluation fees vary based on account size. Smaller accounts ($10K-$25K) typically cost $50-$200, while larger accounts ($100K-$400K) can cost $500-$1,000+. The fee structure is designed to cover the firm's costs while allowing traders to access capital.
When looking for cheap prop firms, consider:
- • Entry-level account fees ($10K-$25K typically $50-$200)
- • Discount codes and promotions (many firms offer 10-20% off)
- • Free retry policies (some firms offer free retries if you reach profit target)
- • One-phase vs two-phase evaluations (one-phase is often cheaper overall)
- • Value proposition (cheapest isn't always best—consider profit splits and reliability)
Remember: The evaluation fee is a one-time cost. If you pass, you get funded and can earn profits. The real value comes from the profit split, funding amount, and reliability of payouts—not just the initial fee.
Cheap Prop Firms by Account Size
| Account Size | Typical Fee Range | Cheapest Options | Best Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $50-$150 | Various firms offer $50-$100 | Check for discount codes |
| $25,000 | $100-$200 | Many firms around $100-$150 | Look for promotions |
| $50,000 | $200-$400 | Some firms offer $200-$300 | Compare profit splits |
| $100,000 | $400-$600 | Mid-range pricing | Balance fee vs funding |
| $200,000+ | $600-$1,000+ | Premium pricing | Focus on value, not just price |
Tips for Finding Cheap Prop Firms
Look for Discount Codes
Many prop firms offer discount codes through affiliates, YouTube channels, or promotional campaigns. Common discounts range from 10-20% off evaluation fees. Always search for current discount codes before purchasing.
Start with Smaller Accounts
Entry-level accounts ($10K-$25K) have the lowest fees, typically $50-$200. You can always scale up after passing. Starting small reduces risk and cost while you learn the evaluation process.
Consider One-Phase Evaluations
One-phase evaluations (like Apex Trader Funding) are often cheaper overall than two-phase evaluations. You pay one fee instead of two, and get funded faster if you pass.
Check for Free Retries
Some firms offer free retries if you reach the profit target but violate drawdown rules. This effectively reduces your cost if you need multiple attempts. FTMO offers free retries in certain situations.
Wait for Promotions
Many prop firms run seasonal promotions, Black Friday sales, or special discounts. Sign up for newsletters or follow firms on social media to catch these deals. Savings can be 20-30% off.
Compare Value, Not Just Price
The cheapest fee doesn't always mean best value. Consider profit splits (70% vs 90% makes a huge difference), funding amounts, reliability, and trading rules. A slightly higher fee with better terms may be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cheapest prop firms?
The cheapest prop firms offer evaluation fees starting around $50-$100 for smaller accounts ($10K-$25K). Entry-level accounts at most prop firms cost $100-$200. Some firms offer discounts, promotions, or lower fees for smaller account sizes. However, cheapest doesn't always mean best value—consider profit splits, funding amounts, and reliability when choosing. See our best funding prop firms guide for value-focused options.