Looking for the most affordable path to funded trading capital? The cheapest prop firms let you access $5,000 to $10,000 in trading capital for as little as $15 to $40. This guide breaks down the most budget-friendly prop firm evaluations in 2025, with real pricing, refundable fee policies, and critical trade-offs you need to know before choosing a low-cost provider.
Quick Answer: Top 3 Cheapest Prop Firms
- Maven Trading - $15 for $2K, $22 for $5K (use code MVN8 for $20.24)
- Goat Funded Trader - $17 entry fee for small accounts
- AquaFunded - $23 for $5K Two-Step Pro Model
All three offer refundable fees upon passing and first payout.
Top 6 Cheapest Prop Firms (2025 Pricing)
These firms offer the lowest entry costs while maintaining legitimate business models and actual payout histories. All prices listed are for standard 2-step evaluations unless noted otherwise.
1. Maven Trading $15-$22
Cheapest overall prop firm in 2025. Maven offers a $2,000 account for $15 (1-step) and a $5,000 account for $22 (2-step), both with refundable fees. Use discount code MVN8 to drop the $5K price to just $20.24.
Account Sizes Available: $2K, $5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K
Platforms: MetaTrader 5, Match-Trader
Refund Policy: Fee refunded after first profit withdrawal
Pros
- Lowest entry cost in the industry
- 3-step option starts at $13
- Fast payouts reported by users
- No time limits on evaluations
Cons
- Wider spreads than premium firms
- Limited transparency on some costs
- Ranked 17th in recent comparison tests
- Scaling caps at lower amounts
2. Goat Funded Trader $17
Ultra-low entry for micro accounts. Goat Funded Trader provides access to trading capital with entry fees starting at just $17, making it one of the most accessible options for traders with limited budgets.
Best For: Complete beginners testing prop firm waters
Refund Policy: Refundable after passing evaluation
Pros
- Second-lowest entry cost available
- Simple evaluation rules
- Good for risk-free testing
Cons
- Smaller initial account sizes
- Limited scaling opportunities
- Newer firm with less track record
3. AquaFunded $23
Best value for $5K accounts. The Two-Step Plan (Pro Model) starts at just $23 for a $5K funded account. The Standard Model for the same evaluation costs $34, giving you pricing flexibility.
Account Sizes: $5K, $10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $200K
Profit Split: 80% standard, 90% with add-on
Refund: Full fee refund on first payout
Pros
- Excellent cost-to-account-size ratio
- Two pricing tiers for flexibility
- Scales up to $200K
- Competitive trading conditions
Cons
- Pro Model has tighter rules
- Standard Model costs $11 more
- Mid-tier firm ranking overall
4. FundedNext (Stellar Lite) $32
Best cost-to-payout ratio. FundedNext's Stellar Lite option starts at $32 for a $5,000 account, offering one of the industry's best cost-to-capital ratios while maintaining quality trading conditions.
Proven Track Record: $147 million distributed to funded traders
Scale Potential: Up to $300K with performance scaling
Profit Split: 80-90% depending on add-ons
Pros
- Proven payout history ($147M+)
- Competitive spreads and commissions
- Multiple account models available
- Strong reputation in the industry
Cons
- Stellar Lite has stricter rules
- Higher reset fees than competitors
- Standard models cost $69+
5. IC Funded $37
Best trading conditions for the price. Use promo code PROPFIRMS25 to get challenge fees starting at just $37. IC Funded offers a $5,000 challenge for $30 with no time limit to pass the evaluation.
Key Advantage: Much tighter forex spreads than Maven Trading
Time Limits: None - take as long as you need
Refund: Full challenge fee refund upon first profit withdrawal
Pros
- Superior spreads despite low cost
- No time pressure on evaluations
- Transparent fee structure
- $499 for $100K accounts (cheapest)
Cons
- Requires promo code for best pricing
- Less aggressive scaling than others
- Smaller firm with limited reviews
6. ThinkCapital $39
Great entry point with high leverage. Challenges begin at $39 for a $5,000 funded account, combined with up to 1:100 leverage - the highest among budget firms.
Leverage: Up to 1:100 (most budget firms cap at 1:30-1:50)
Profit Split: 80% standard
Scaling: Available up to $200K
Pros
- Highest leverage in budget category
- $39 is very accessible entry
- Clear evaluation rules
- $499 for $100K accounts
Cons
- High leverage increases risk
- Newer to the market
- Limited user reviews available
Comparison Table: Cheapest Prop Firms at a Glance
| Prop Firm | $5K Cost | Refundable | Key Advantage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maven Trading | $20.24 (with MVN8) | ✅ Yes | Absolute lowest cost | Tight budgets |
| Goat Funded | $17 (smaller) | ✅ Yes | Micro account access | Complete beginners |
| AquaFunded | $23 | ✅ Yes | Best value ratio | Value seekers |
| FundedNext | $32 (Stellar Lite) | ✅ Yes | Proven payouts ($147M) | Track record priority |
| IC Funded | $37 (PROPFIRMS25) | ✅ Yes | Tight spreads | Active traders |
| ThinkCapital | $39 | ✅ Yes | 1:100 leverage | Aggressive strategies |
Understanding Refundable Fee Policies
A refundable fee policy means the firm returns your initial evaluation fee once you successfully pass the challenge and complete your first profit withdrawal. Here's how it works across different firms:
How Refunds Work
Step 1: You pay $22 for Maven Trading's $5K evaluation
Step 2: You pass the 2-step evaluation by hitting profit targets within risk limits
Step 3: You trade the funded account and request your first payout (minimum typically $50-$100)
Step 4: The firm includes your $22 evaluation fee with your first payout
Result: Your evaluation was effectively free
Important notes about refunds:
- One-time refund: Most firms refund the fee only once, typically with your first withdrawal
- Must pass evaluation: If you fail and reset, the reset fee is usually NOT refundable
- Minimum payout requirements: You must meet the firm's minimum withdrawal amount (usually $50-$100)
- Account must remain active: Some firms require ongoing activity or monthly fees to maintain funded status
Firms like TopStep automatically refund an amount equivalent to your most recent monthly subscription fee when you request your first profit payout, occurring only once per participant.
Reset Costs: What Happens If You Fail?
If you exceed the maximum loss limit during your evaluation, you'll breach the account. Most firms offer a reset option to give you another attempt without purchasing a completely new challenge.
Typical Reset Pricing
Standard Range: $60-$80 per reset
What You Get: Original simulated account balance reinstated, all losses reset to zero, fresh attempt at evaluation
Reset vs. New Purchase Decision Matrix:
- Choose Reset ($60-$80): If you were close to passing, if you've identified your mistakes, if it's cheaper than a new evaluation
- Buy New Evaluation: If reset costs more than entry fee (e.g., Maven at $22), if you want to try a different account size, if you're switching strategies
⚠️ Reset Cost Trap
For Maven Trading at $22 or AquaFunded at $23, the reset fee of $60-$80 is 3x more expensive than just buying a new evaluation. Always compare reset costs to new purchase prices before deciding. Some firms offer promotional reset discounts during special periods.
The Trade-Offs of Cheapest Prop Firms
While budget prop firms offer incredible accessibility, they typically come with stricter rules and limitations compared to premium providers. Understanding these trade-offs helps you set realistic expectations.
1. Tighter Drawdown Limits
Budget firms often enforce stricter risk controls:
- Daily Loss Limits: 3-5% (vs. 5-8% at premium firms)
- Total Drawdown: 4-8% (vs. 8-12% at premium firms)
- Impact: Less room for error, requires tighter stop-losses and smaller position sizes
Example: On a $5K Maven Trading account with 5% daily limit, you can only lose $250 in a single day before breaching. Compare this to FTMO's 5% on a $10K account ($500 daily loss allowed).
2. Lower Leverage Caps
Most cheap prop firms cap leverage at 1:30 to 1:50, while premium firms offer 1:100+. The exception is ThinkCapital at 1:100.
- Lower Leverage Impact: Requires more capital to open same-sized positions
- Who It Affects: Scalpers and day traders who rely on high leverage
- Benefit: Reduced risk of over-leveraging and margin calls
3. Limited Scaling Opportunities
Budget firms often max out scaling at $50K-$100K, compared to $400K+ at top-tier firms.
| Firm | Starting Account | Max Scaling |
|---|---|---|
| Maven Trading | $5K | ~$100K |
| AquaFunded | $5K | $200K |
| FundedNext | $5K | $300K |
| FTMO (Premium) | $10K | $400K |
4. Wider Spreads
Some budget firms (notably Maven Trading) have wider spreads that increase your effective trading costs:
- EUR/USD: 1.2-1.5 pips (vs. 0.6-0.8 at IC Funded or premium firms)
- Impact: Costs $12-$15 per lot instead of $6-$8
- Who It Hurts: High-frequency traders and scalpers
IC Funded stands out among budget options by offering tight spreads comparable to premium firms despite the low $37 entry cost.
5. Less Transparency
Some cheaper firms have been noted for limited transparency around pricing structures, hidden fees, or commission schedules. This isn't universal, but it's more common in the budget category.
💡 Pro Tip: Start Cheap, Scale to Premium
Many successful traders start with a $23-$39 budget firm to prove their strategy works, then upgrade to premium firms like FTMO, Apex, or TopStep for better scaling and trading conditions. This minimizes upfront risk while you validate your approach.
What to Look for Beyond Just Price
The cheapest option isn't always the best value. When comparing budget prop firms, prioritize these factors:
1. High Profit Splits (80%+)
All six firms listed offer 80-90% profit splits. Never accept less than 70% regardless of entry cost.
2. No Activation Fees
Avoid firms that charge "activation fees" of $50-$200 after you pass the evaluation. These aren't common among the budget leaders listed here, but they exist in the market.
3. Transparent Commission Structure
Look for clear disclosure of:
- Per-lot commission rates
- Spread ranges for your primary instruments
- Any monthly platform fees
- Reset and addon costs
4. Payout Proof and Track Record
Check for:
- Trustpilot reviews: 4.0+ rating with 1,000+ reviews
- Verified payout certificates: Screenshots/testimonials from real traders
- Company age: Firms operating 2+ years have better track records
FundedNext leads here with $147 million in verified payouts and 51,000+ funded traders.
5. Scaling Opportunities
Even at the $5K level, confirm the firm offers a path to $25K, $50K, or $100K+ accounts based on consistent profitability.
Is a $5K Prop Firm Account Worth It for Beginners?
Yes. $5K accounts are ideal for beginners because they offer the perfect balance of low risk and real skill development.
Why $5K Accounts Work for New Traders
- Lower Entry Cost: $22-$39 is accessible to most budgets
- Reduced Pressure: Smaller account = less psychological stress
- Manageable Risk: Profit targets of $250-$400 are achievable without aggressive trading
- Scale Path: Prove yourself at $5K, then move to $10K → $25K → $50K
- Lower Opportunity Cost: If you fail, you're only out $22-$39 (and it's refundable if you pass)
Real-World Example:
A trader pays $23 for AquaFunded's $5K account. Phase 1 target is $400 profit (8%) with a $200 daily limit (4%). They achieve this in 12 trading days using a conservative day trading strategy. Phase 2 target is $200 (4%) - they hit it in 8 days. Now funded, they make $150 in their first week and request a payout. AquaFunded pays them $150 + $23 refund = $173 total. Their evaluation was free, and they've proven their strategy works before scaling to $10K.
Cheapest Prop Firms for Larger Accounts ($100K+)
If you're ready for larger capital allocations, these firms offer the best pricing at the $100K level:
- IC Funded: $499 for $100K (cheapest overall)
- FXIFY: $499 for $100K
- ThinkCapital: $499 for $100K
- Blueberry Funded: $500 for $100K
- Seacrest Funded: $500 for $100K
Compare this to premium firms like FTMO at $1,080 for $100K or Apex at $377/month (recurring). The budget options save you $300-$600 upfront.
⚠️ Important: $100K Account Considerations
$100K accounts have significantly higher profit targets (typically $8,000-$10,000 for phase 1) and require consistent performance. Only pursue these if you've successfully traded $25K-$50K accounts first. Jumping straight to $100K dramatically increases pressure and breach risk.
Discount Codes and Promotions
Maximize your savings with these verified discount codes:
| Prop Firm | Code | Discount | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maven Trading | MVN8 | 8% off | Ongoing |
| IC Funded | PROPFIRMS25 | 25% off | Limited time |
| AquaFunded | Check website | Varies | Seasonal |
Pro Tip: Many firms run 20-30% promotions during Black Friday, New Year, and major holidays. If you're not in a rush, waiting for these sales can save you $10-$30 on entry fees.
Final Recommendation: Which Cheap Prop Firm Should You Choose?
Your best choice depends on your priorities:
Choose Maven Trading ($20-22) if:
- You have an extremely tight budget (under $30)
- You're testing multiple firms simultaneously
- You prioritize lowest possible entry cost above all else
- You trade lower-frequency strategies (swing trading) where spreads matter less
Choose AquaFunded ($23) if:
- You want the best balance of price and account size
- You're serious about scaling to $200K
- You like having flexibility between Pro and Standard models
- You value a good cost-to-payout ratio
Choose FundedNext ($32) if:
- Track record and proven payouts are important to you
- You want competitive trading conditions at a low price
- You're willing to pay $10 more for a more established firm
- You value strong community and educational resources
Choose IC Funded ($37) if:
- You're a scalper or high-frequency trader who needs tight spreads
- You value unlimited time to pass evaluations
- Trading costs (spreads/commissions) are more important than entry fee
- You plan to eventually upgrade to a $100K account ($499)
Getting Started with a Budget Prop Firm
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of passing a cheap prop firm evaluation:
- Start with your proven strategy: Don't try new approaches during evaluations
- Demo trade first: Practice the exact profit targets and risk limits on a demo for 2-4 weeks
- Calculate position sizes: Use 0.5-1% risk per trade to stay well under daily limits
- Set daily profit goals: For a $5K account targeting $400 Phase 1 profit, aim for $30-40 per day over 10-12 days
- Track every metric: Daily P&L, drawdown percentage, number of trades, win rate
- Stop trading after hitting limits: Hit 80% of your daily limit? Done for the day.
- Plan your first payout: Know the minimum withdrawal amount and timing before you start
With the right preparation, a $23-$37 investment can unlock access to $5K-$10K in trading capital and scale to six-figure accounts over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest prop firm in 2025?
Maven Trading is the cheapest prop firm in 2025, with evaluations starting at just $15 for a $2K account and $22 for a $5K account (both refundable). Using discount code MVN8 drops the $5K price to $20.24. Other budget options include Goat Funded Trader at $17 and AquaFunded at $23. All three firms refund your fee after you pass the challenge and complete your first payout, effectively making the evaluation free if you succeed.
Are cheap prop firm fees refundable?
Yes, most legitimate prop firms refund your evaluation fee once you pass the challenge and complete your first profit withdrawal. Maven Trading, IC Funded, FundedNext, AquaFunded, and ThinkCapital all offer refundable fees. The refund typically appears with your first payout, effectively making the evaluation free if you succeed. For example, if you pay $23 for AquaFunded's $5K account, pass the evaluation, and request your first $100 payout, you'll receive $123 total ($100 profit + $23 refund). Important note: Reset fees are usually NOT refundable if you fail and need to retry.
What are the drawbacks of the cheapest prop firms?
Budget prop firms often have tighter restrictions including: (1) Stricter drawdown limits - 4-8% total drawdown and 3-5% daily loss limits vs. 8-12% total and 5-8% daily at premium firms; (2) Lower leverage - capped at 1:30 to 1:50 (ThinkCapital offers 1:100); (3) Limited scaling - often maxing at $50K-$100K vs. $400K+ at top-tier firms; (4) Wider spreads - Maven Trading averages 1.2-1.5 pips on EUR/USD vs. 0.6-0.8 at IC Funded or premium firms; (5) Less transparency - some budget firms have unclear fee structures. However, firms like IC Funded and FundedNext balance low costs with competitive trading conditions.
How much does it cost to reset a failed prop firm evaluation?
Reset fees typically range from $60 to $80 across most prop firms. A reset reinstates your original simulated account balance and resets accrued losses, giving you another attempt at the evaluation without purchasing a completely new challenge. Important consideration: For ultra-cheap firms like Maven Trading ($22) or AquaFunded ($23), the reset fee of $60-80 is actually 3x more expensive than just buying a new evaluation. Always compare reset costs to new purchase prices before deciding. Some firms offer discounted resets during promotional periods.
Is a $5K prop firm account worth it for beginners?
Yes, $5K accounts are ideal for beginners because they offer: (1) Lower entry costs - $22-$39 is accessible to most budgets; (2) Reduced pressure - smaller accounts create less psychological stress; (3) Manageable risk - profit targets of $250-$400 are achievable without aggressive trading; (4) Clear scaling path - prove yourself at $5K, then move to $10K → $25K → $50K; (5) Lower opportunity cost - if you fail, you're only out $22-$39, and it's refundable if you pass. Starting small lets you validate your strategy and risk management before scaling to larger accounts. Many successful prop traders began with $5K accounts.
Ready to Start Trading with Real Capital?
Choose a budget-friendly prop firm and begin your funded trading journey for less than $40.
Disclaimer: Trading involves substantial risk of loss. Prop firm evaluations have strict rules and most traders do not pass on their first attempt. Only trade with capital you can afford to lose. This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.