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Best Prop Firms for Small Accounts

Small accounts are the cheapest way to learn how a firm pays and enforces its rules. Pass one, collect a payout, then scale.

What to look for

  • Entry price
  • Whether the fee is refunded
  • Rules identical to larger sizes
  • A path to scale up

Our picks

1. The5ers

From $19 for $2,500, with scaling on every 10% gain.

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 $5,000 with a static drawdown.

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

From $39 for $5,000.

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

About $40 for $5,000.

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

Quick comparison

Firm Entry Maximum loss Split
The5ers $19 ($2.5K) 10% (High Stakes); 6% stop-out (Growth) 80% rising to 100% at $350K (High Stakes)
Funding Pips about $29–$36 ($5K) Static on evaluations 60% weekly, 80% bi-weekly, 100% monthly
FXIFY $39 ($5K) 6% trailing that locks (One Phase); static or trailing on Two Phase variants 80%; 90% add-on; 100% on some plans
E8 Markets about $40 ($5K) 4–14% real-time trailing (E8 One) 80%, or 90%/100% as a paid option

The real cost of getting funded

The entry price is only part of the cost. Most traders fail at least once, so the realistic cost is the fee multiplied by the number of attempts, minus any refund when you finally pass. A $39 challenge you pass on the fourth attempt costs more than a $100 challenge you pass on the first.

Use cheap accounts to learn a firm’s rules and payout process, then move up. Pay by credit card where possible, which can give you Section 75 or chargeback options if a firm fails to deliver, and watch for non-sterling transaction fees of around 3% on USD and EUR charges, unless your card waives them.

How to lower your cost per attempt

  • Start with the smallest size that lets you trade your normal risk.
  • Use free trials to test your strategy against the rules.
  • Choose firms that refund the fee with your first payout.

Estimate your numbers with our challenge ROI calculator.

All firms listed accept UK residents. Rules change often, so confirm the details on each firm’s site before you buy, and read our guide on how to choose a prop firm.

Prop firms we currently recommend

  1. 1

    FundedNext Best for MetaTrader users

    Max account
    $200,000 (up to $4M through scaling)
    Profit split
    80%, up to 95%
    Fee from
    $59.99 USD (confirm at checkout)
    Our rating
    4.4 out of 5
  2. 2

    SabioTrade Best for learning while you evaluate

    Max account
    $1,000,000
    Profit split
    80–90%
    Fee from
    $139 USD (confirm at checkout)
    Our rating
    4.0 out of 5

FAQ

What's the smallest prop firm account?

The5ers’ High Stakes starts at $2,500.

Are small prop accounts worth it?

Yes, for learning a firm’s rules and payout process cheaply.

Can I scale a small account?

At firms with scaling plans, such as The5ers, yes.