At a glance
- A challenge fee, post-pass activation fee and recurring subscription are three different charges.
- FTMO says 2-Step Challenge fees are refunded with the first reward; 1-Step and Instant fees are non-refundable under its published FAQ.
- FundedNext Futures describes a one-time challenge fee, no monthly subscription and a free transition without an activation fee.
- Refunds are conditional contractual terms, not guaranteed cash-back on every failed or cancelled account.
Build the complete cost
| Cost item | When it may apply | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Challenge / evaluation fee | Before starting | One-time or recurring; account size; taxes and payment fees |
| Activation fee | After passing | Whether a separate fee is required to activate the next account |
| Subscription | Monthly or periodic | Billing date, cancellation, failed-account renewal |
| Reset / retry | After a failed phase | Full price or discounted reset; reset eligibility |
| Add-ons | At checkout or later | Whether it changes payout split, drawdown, news rules or price |
| Payment and currency conversion | At purchase or refund | Card processor, bank, FX conversion and chargeback fees |
Refund terms differ by product
FTMO's official FAQ says the initial purchase fee for its 2-Step Challenge is refunded when the trader requests the first reward withdrawal. The same FAQ says fees for its 1-Step Challenge and FTMO Instant Account are non-refundable. Do not generalize the 2-Step refund to every FTMO product.
FundedNext Futures states that its challenge uses a one-time fee, has no monthly subscription and transitions to a FundedNext Account without an activation fee. This statement applies to the Futures programme described in its help centre, not automatically to all FundedNext CFD products.
How to compare price fairly
- Compare the same simulated account size, product type and evaluation stages.
- Calculate the fee per attempt, including likely reset or retry costs.
- Separate refundable fees from non-refundable fees and record the event that triggers a refund.
- Check whether add-ons are optional and whether they alter the rules.
- Convert the total into your payment currency using the rate and fees your provider actually applies.
- Never treat a discount code as proof that the underlying product is suitable or that its payout terms are favourable.
Discount-code transparency
PropCoupons lists offers and discount information as a convenience. A stored expiry date or verification label does not guarantee that a firm's checkout will accept a code at every moment. Check the checkout total before paying and report failed codes with the firm name, code and date.
Sponsored placement and affiliate commission are commercial disclosures; they are not evidence that a firm has better rules, stronger finances or more reliable payouts. Read the site's methodology and affiliate disclosure before relying on a ranking or offer label.
Frequently asked questions
Are prop firm challenge fees refundable?
Some are refundable only after a qualifying reward or payout; others are non-refundable. The answer depends on the exact product and the trigger described in its terms.
Is a no-activation-fee challenge free?
No. It means there is no separate post-pass activation charge. The initial challenge or product fee may still apply.
Should I choose the cheapest challenge?
Not on price alone. Compare drawdown mechanics, payout eligibility, rules, refund terms, platform access and the total cost of retries.
Official sources
Provider rules can change. Check the linked product terms and FAQs before purchasing; the official source takes precedence over this summary.
PropCoupons is an independent comparison and discount-listing website. This research is informational, not financial advice or a guarantee of payout. Product terms and availability may change.