The cheapest challenge isn’t always the cheapest route to a payout. A low fee with strict rules can cost more in resets than a pricier challenge you pass first time. Still, if you’re learning or testing a strategy, a low entry price keeps your risk small. Here are the cheapest ways into the firms we review.
Our picks at a glance
The5ers, Funding Pips, FXIFY, E8 Markets. Each firm below accepts UK residents, and we’ve listed the rules that matter most for this use. Firm terms change often, so confirm details on the firm’s site before buying.
What to look for
Cost per $10,000. Divide the fee by the account size to compare fairly across sizes.
Refunds. Many firms refund the fee with your first payout, which changes the real cost if you pass.
Hidden costs. Watch for activation fees, monthly subscriptions, platform fees and withdrawal commissions.
Currency. Fees are in USD or EUR, so your card’s conversion fee adds to the cost in GBP.
The best options in detail
1. The5ers
The cheapest entry we’ve found: $19 for a $2,500 High Stakes account, with the fee refunded on your first payout. Good for learning the process, though payouts carry a 3.5% fee.
| Entry price | $19 ($2.5K) |
|---|---|
| Maximum loss | 10% (High Stakes); 6% stop-out (Growth) |
| Profit split | 80% rising to 100% at $350K (High Stakes) |
Visit The5ers Read our The5ers review
2. Funding Pips
About $29–$36 for a $5,000 account with a static drawdown, and among the lowest prices at larger sizes too.
| Entry price | about $29–$36 ($5K) |
|---|---|
| Maximum loss | Static on evaluations |
| Profit split | 60% weekly, 80% bi-weekly, 100% monthly |
Visit Funding Pips Read our Funding Pips review
3. FXIFY
Standard evaluations from $39 for $5,000, refunded with your first payout. Frequent discount codes lower the price further.
| Entry price | $39 ($5K) |
|---|---|
| Maximum loss | 6% trailing that locks (One Phase); static or trailing on Two Phase variants |
| Profit split | 80%; 90% add-on; 100% on some plans |
Visit FXIFY Read our FXIFY review
4. E8 Markets
E8 One starts around $40 for $5,000 with the default settings; adding more drawdown or a higher split raises the price.
| Entry price | about $40 ($5K) |
|---|---|
| Maximum loss | 4–14% real-time trailing (E8 One) |
| Profit split | 80%, or 90%/100% as a paid option |
Visit E8 Markets Read our E8 Markets review
Entry prices at other firms
FundedNext starts at $59.99 for its smallest Stellar 2-Step, FTMO at €89, and SabioTrade at $139 for $20,000. Topstep’s $50K futures Combine costs $49 per month plus an activation fee on the standard path. Use our challenge ROI calculator to compare the real cost of getting funded.
Trading from the UK
Forex traders get the most liquidity during the London–New York overlap, roughly 13:00–17:00 UK time. US index futures are busiest after the New York cash open at 14:30 UK time (13:30 for a few weeks in spring and autumn when the clocks change on different dates). Payouts are generally taxable income for HMRC: see prop firm tax in the UK.
FAQ
What is the cheapest prop firm challenge?
The5ers’ $2,500 High Stakes account costs $19. Funding Pips, FXIFY and E8 Markets start around $29–$40 for $5,000.
Are cheap prop firms worth it?
They’re useful for learning and testing strategies, but check the rules and payout record: a cheap fee is worthless if the firm doesn’t pay.
Do prop firms refund the challenge fee?
Many do, usually with your first payout. FTMO, The5ers and FXIFY’s standard evaluations refund fees this way.
Why are some prop firms so cheap?
Low fees attract more traders. Firms make up the difference through volume, resets and add-ons, so compare the full cost.