One of the most common questions from new prop traders is "what's the minimum I need to put in to start?" The answer is smaller than most people expect — but "minimum deposit" is a slightly misleading phrase. Here's what you actually pay, what it's called, and how to start for as little as possible.
"Deposit" vs. "Fee" — Know the Difference
There's an important misconception here. With a prop firm, you are not depositing your own trading capital. You're paying an evaluation fee for the right to try to qualify for a funded account. You don't put in $100,000 to trade a $100,000 account — you pay a few hundred dollars for the evaluation.
That fee is usually refundable if you pass and take your first payout, which effectively makes your real cost zero if you succeed.
Typical Entry Fees by Account Size
| Account Size | Typical Entry Fee Range |
|---|---|
| $5K–$10K (small) | $39–$99 |
| $25K–$50K | $99–$250 |
| $100K (standard) | $500–$700 |
| $200K+ (large) | $900–$1,500+ |
These are typical ranges and vary by firm and by promotions. The key point: you're paying a fraction of the account size, not the account size itself.
The Cheapest Ways to Start
- Small-account challenges: a $5K–$10K evaluation is often under $100 — the lowest-risk way to test a firm.
- Free trials: several firms (and futures firms like TopStep) run free trials or heavily discounted first evaluations.
- Discount codes & promotions: most firms run frequent sales of 20–50% off. Never pay full price for a standard challenge.
- Refundable fees: remember the fee comes back if you pass, so a "more expensive" firm can be the cheaper choice if you're confident.
What the Fee Actually Covers
Your entry fee pays for:
- The evaluation platform and demo-trading infrastructure.
- The firm's risk review and payout processing.
- Essentially, the cost of filtering serious traders from tire-kickers.
It is not a deposit, and it doesn't become your trading capital. The firm provides the funded capital after you pass.
Watch Out for "Too Cheap" Firms
While a low entry fee is nice, an unrealistically cheap challenge can be a red flag. Some things to check:
- Does the firm have a real payout history and reviews?
- Are the rules published clearly, or buried?
- Is the profit split realistic, or is the "cheap" fee made back via hidden terms?
A $49 challenge from a firm that never pays is more expensive than a $500 challenge from a reliable one. Check legitimacy before optimizing for price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to deposit $100K to trade a $100K prop account?
No. You pay only the evaluation fee (typically a few hundred dollars). The firm provides the funded capital once you pass.
What's the cheapest prop firm challenge?
Small-account evaluations start around $39–$99, and free trials exist. Exact prices change constantly with promotions.
Is the challenge fee refundable?
At most firms, yes — the fee is refunded (often with your first payout) if you pass and get funded.
What's the minimum to start a prop firm account?
Realistically $39–$99 for the smallest evaluations. You don't fund the account balance yourself.
Bottom Line
The "minimum deposit" for a prop firm is really a one-time evaluation fee, starting around $39–$99 for small accounts and roughly $500–$700 for a standard $100K. You're never funding the full account yourself, and the fee is often refundable if you pass. Start small, use discount codes, and prioritize firm legitimacy over the lowest price.