What every trader should know first.
Plain-English guides to the things that decide whether you actually get paid — drawdown models, hidden rules, real profit splits and true costs. No affiliate spin; every claim ties back to a firm's official terms. See our methodology →
What a "funded account" really is
Most prop-firm challenges fund a simulated account, not a personal brokerage account with real money. Here's how the model actually works — and why that matters for your payout.
Read guide → RiskDrawdown models explained (trailing vs EOD vs static)
The drawdown model is the single rule most likely to blow your account. Trailing, end-of-day, and static limits behave very differently — here's how each one works, with the math.
Read guide → RulesHidden rules that void payouts
Most payout denials don't come from losing money — they come from breaking a rule you didn't notice. Consistency rules, minimum days, prohibited strategies and more.
Read guide → PayoutsProfit splits: the real story behind "up to 100%"
A headline split is a ceiling, not a promise. Here's how base splits, scaling milestones, and paid add-ons actually determine what lands in your account.
Read guide → CostsThe true cost of an evaluation
The challenge fee on the landing page is rarely the full price. Resets, activation fees, data fees and add-ons add up — here's how to estimate what passing really costs.
Read guide → BasicsHow to vet a prop firm
A practical checklist for judging whether a prop firm is worth your money — payout track record, terms stability, transparency, and the red flags that should make you walk away.
Read guide → BasicsProp firm glossary
Plain-English definitions of the prop-trading terms that actually affect your money — drawdown, consistency rules, profit split, scaling, resets and more.
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