In this article, I will cover firms that refund your starting costs when you pass the evaluation. Having a funded account can be expensive, and starting these firms use a profit-sharing model for funding your trading. Passing the evaluation becomes profitable as it attracts potential refund opportunists making trading no longer about luck and more accessible and rewarding for professionals.
Key Points
| Prop Firm | Refund Policy | Scaling Potential | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| FundedNext | Full refund after passing | Up to $4M | Instant funding options, strong trader community. |
| FTMO | Fee refunded with first payout | Up to $2M | Industry leader, strict but fair evaluation. |
| The Funded Trader | Refund after challenge pass | Up to $1.5M | Gamified challenges, diverse account types. |
| E8 Funding | Refund after successful evaluation | Up to $1.25M | Transparent rules, strong dashboard. |
| True Forex Funds | Refund after passing | Up to $1.5M | EU‑regulated, clear scaling milestones. |
| The 5%ers | Refund after first payout | Up to $4M | Long‑term growth model, institutional backing. |
| SurgeTrader | Refund after one‑phase pass | Up to $1M+ | Fast evaluation, crypto‑friendly payouts. |
| My Forex Funds | Refund after challenge pass | Up to $2M | Beginner‑friendly, strong scaling roadmap. |
| OspreyFX | Refund after funded account activation | Up to $2M | Crypto margin accounts, MT4/MT5 support. |
| Lux Trading Firm | Refund after passing evaluation | Up to $2.5M | Institutional approach, UK‑based credibility |
1. FundedNext
FundedNext, founded in 2022, has emerged as a global prop firm with a wide range of evaluation accounts. Accounts range from $15,000 to $200,000 with a profit split of up to 90% making this firm very appealing for skilled traders.
With its model, FundedNext aims for scalability and offers traders the ability to grow accounts all the way to $4,000,000 if consistent profitability is achieved. FundedNext offers evaluation account challenges that can be completed in one or two phases, giving a variety of options to traders with different levels of risk tolerance.
The firm also offers a refund of the evaluation account charges if the evaluation account challenge is completed, allowing traders to have confidence. FundedNext offers strong trading community support and has very clear performance criteria. They have made themselves very appealing to foreign exchange traders looking for long term growth.
FundedNext Features
- Launched in 2022
- Rapidly expanding global prop firm
- Account sizes: $15K – $200K
- Profit share up to 90%
- Scaling potential: $4M
- Refund evaluation fee upon passing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High scaling up to $4M | Newer firm, less established |
| Profit split up to 90% | Strict evaluation rules |
| Fast payouts | Higher fees compared to peers |
| Flexible funding models | Limited industry recognition |
| Refunds fees after passing | Short track record |
2. FTMO
FTMO was founded in 2015 in Prague and is one of the most well known prop firms. Like most, FTMO has accounts ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 with profit split potential of up to 90%. Midway through their firm structure, FTMO outlines their scaling plan, where traders achieve performance goals to grow accounts to $2,000,000.
FTMO has a 2-phase evaluation process, which is very strict to ensure the traders remain disciplined and are suited for the program. Like many firms, FTMO refunds the evaluation fee once the challenge is passed, thus making this an evaluative and low risk opportunity.
FTMO hasimpressive analytics and trading community support which has solidified their strong reputation along with their global recognition and proven history. FTMO is the benchmark industry standard for prop trading.
FTMO Features
- Established in 2015
- Headquarters in Prague
- Account sizes: $10K – $200K
- Profit share up to 90%
- Scaling potential: $2M
- Refunds challenge fee upon success
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Founded 2015, strong reputation | Tough challenge requirements |
| Profit split up to 90% | Strict drawdown rules |
| Scaling up to $2M | Higher entry fees |
| Reliable payouts | No instant funding option |
| Refunds fees after success | Slower scaling compared to rivals |
3. The Funded Trader
The Funded Trader was founded in 2021. First accounts start at $25,000, with the highest accounts scaling up to $600,000. The high profit split of up to 90% demonstrates a generous incentive for strong trading results. Around the midpoint of its trading programs, opportunities to scale accounts beyond $1.5 million become available, demonstrating a high degree of flexibility.
Traders have multiple challenge types with standard, rapid, and royal programs intended for varying trading preferences. Fees are returned upon the completion of the evaluation, offsetting the startup cost.
The presence of an active trading community with flexible options for growth makes The Funded Trader attractive to younger traders. Strong community presence, high payouts, low community fees, and flexible trading programs make The Funded Trader prop firm stand out.
The Funded Trader Features
- Founded: 2021
- Gamified brand
- Account sizes: $25K – $600K
- Profit share up to 90%
- Scaling potential: $1.5M
- Refunds evaluation fee upon passing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Profit split up to 90% | Payout delays reported |
| Scaling up to $1.5M+ | Strict rules |
| Multiple challenge types | Higher risk exposure |
| Weekly payouts | Mixed community reviews |
| Refunds fees after passing | Evaluation stress |
4. E8 Funding
E8 Funding started in 2021 and features trading accounts from $25,000 to $250,000. Traders are incentivized with a potential profit split of up to 80% and scaling potential reaching $1 million. Simplicity is what E8 Funding is designed around, as it offers a two-part trading evaluation with rapid and clear rules and a fast turnaround for payouts.
E8 Funding also refunds the trading evaluation fees for traders who pass, proving the firm is committed to building confidence from potential traders. E8 Funding also provides traders with advanced dashboards and performance tracking systems, enhancing strategy development.
A focus on fair fees and group support has catapulted E8 Funding’s position as a leading prop trading firm. With competitive payouts and an emphasis on controlled group growth, E8 Funding is a great choice for disciplined traders.
E8 Funding Features
- Launched: 2021
- US based
- Account sizes: $25K – $250K
- Profit share up to 80%
- Scaling potential: $1M
- Refunds evaluation fee upon success
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Profit split up to 80% | Smaller scaling cap ($1M) |
| Customizable accounts | Newer firm reputation |
| Fast payouts | Higher fees |
| Transparent rules | Strict evaluation |
| Refunds fees after success | Limited recognition |
5. True Forex Funds
True Forex Funds was founded in 2021 in Hungary. The first accounts start at $10,000, with the highest accounts scaling to $200,000.
The firm refunds fees to traders who pass both phases of the evaluation process, which means the upside with a $1.5M potential is capped at $30,000. Fast payouts, transparent rules, and an active trader community are the foundations of True Forex Fund’s strong professional community.
The firm’s clear growth plan, which incentivizes consistent traders, has attracted passive long-term investors. Quickly growing profits splits and a reputation for fairness make True Forex Funds the go-to prop trading firm.
True Forex Funds Features
- Established: 2021
- Hungary based
- Account sizes: $10K – $200K
- Profit share up to 80%
- Scaling potential: $1.5M
- Refunds evaluation fee upon passing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Profit split up to 80% | Shut down in 2024 |
| Scaling up to $1.5M | Insolvency issues |
| Transparent rules | Payout failures |
| Fast payouts | Trust concerns |
| Refunds fees after passing | No longer active |
6. The 5%ers
The 5%ers, founded in 2016, offers accounts from $24,000 to $4 million with a profit split as high as 80 percent. Long-term growth is The 5%ers’ priority in mid-program structure.
It offers a unique instant funding model, bypassing common challenges, and has a strong community and development with scaling plan that targets long-term growth and professional development of its traders. The 5%ers Scaling Plan is one of the most aggressive in the industry. The 5%ers offers traders the ability to grow their accounts quickly.
The 5%ers Features
- Launched: 2016
- Based in Israel
- Account sizes: $24K
- Profit share up to 80%
- Scaling potential: $4M
- Refunds fees upon evaluation success
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Founded 2016, long track record | Lower initial profit splits |
| Scaling up to $4M | Slower scaling process |
| Profit split up to 80% | Strict rules |
| Instant funding option | Higher entry fees |
| Refunds fees after success | Conservative approach |
7. SurgeTrader
SurgeTrader, founded in 2021 in the USA, offers accounts from $25,000 to $1 million. While it provides a profit split of 80 percent, it is a more attractive opportunity than most firms with a profit split as high as 90 percent.
Started in 2020, My Forex Funds’ programs range from $10,000 to $200,000, focusing on growth with a profit split up to 85%. Its rapid evaluation process makes it flexible enough for traders to suit their trading styles.
Traders like this firm’s potential to grow beyond $2,000,000. It can also sustain growth because of community and customer support, all with fast payouts. My Forex Funds is appealing to prospective traders with its rapid evaluation that rewards above industry standard profit splits.
SurgeTrader Features
- 2021 launch
- USA based
- Fund sizes from $25,000 to $1 million
- Up to 90% profit
- Capable of growing beyond $2M
- Reimbursement for evaluation fee after closing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple one‑phase audition | Shut down in 2024 |
| Profit split up to 90% | Licensing issues |
| Scaling up to $2M+ | Payout halts |
| Fast payouts | Trust concerns |
| Refunds fees after passing | Limited scaling potential |
8. My Forex Funds
My Forex Funds was established in 2020, and their accounts have ranges from $10,000 to $200,000. They reward traders for consistency with a performance based profit split of up to 85%.
During the mid stage of their program, My Forex Funds focuses on flexibility by offering rapid evaluations and accelerated programs designed for different trading styles. Fees are refunded upon completion of their program, eliminating most of the risk itself.
The firm’s scaling plan allows traders the ability to build accounts with the long term goal of up to $2 million. My Forex Funds became one of the most popular prop firms globally with their clear rules, excellent customer support, and fast payouts. Their competitive profit splits and diverse programs make them attractive to traders.
My Forex Funds Features
- 2020, global coverage
- Accounts range from $10 thousand to $200 thousand
- Profit split up to 85%
- Capable of growing up to $2M
- Reimbursement of fees after successful challenge
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Profit split up to 85% | Shut down in 2023 |
| Scaling up to $2M | Regulatory issues |
| Flexible programs | Payout halts |
| Large trader base | Trust concerns |
| Refunds fees after success | Uncertain future |
9. OspreyFX
OspreyFX opened in 2019 with accounts starting at $25,000 with the potential to scale as high as $500,000. Profit splits at OspreyFX are set at 70%, rewarding traders for good performance. Flexibility is noted midway through its program, offering both a demo account and funded live accounts. Fees are returned upon successful completion making OspreyFX an option with low risk.
The scale plan offered by the firm promotes steady growth of trader accounts, appealing to disciplined traders. OspreyFX has a strong community and competitive payouts and has earned a reputation as a reliable prop firm. Its focus on trader accessibility and its structured growth plan makes it one of the solid options available.
OspreyFX Features
- 2019, an accessible prop firm
- Accounts from $25 thousand to $500 thousand
- Profit split up to 70%
- Capable of growing with steady growth potential
- Reimbursement of evaluation fee after closing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low entry fees | Limited scaling |
| Profit split up to 70% | Mixed payout reviews |
| Crypto integration | Strict rules |
| Accessible funding | Smaller reputation |
| Refunds fees after passing | Higher risk exposure |
10. Lux Trading Firm
Lux Trading Firm began in London in 2020 and offers accounts from $25,000 and up to $2.5 million. Lux Trading Firm rewards traders for performance with a profit split up to 75%.
Once a trader is about halfway through the Lux Trading Firm program, they offer clients professional development and trading tools, making their program substantially lower risk than competitors. They refund all fees if traders are successful. Lux Trading Firm might have one of the more ambitious scaling plans, allowing traders to grow accounts with considerable magnitude.
In addition to all of this, transparent terms, strong community support and an emphasis on trader education, Lux Trading Firm has created a niche in the prop trading world. High potential for growth coupled with their attention to resources creates appealing features.
Lux Trading Firm Features
- 2020, London based
- Accounts range from $25 thousand to $2.5 million
- Profit split up to 75%
- Capable of growing with ambitious plans
- Reimbursement of fees after evaluation success
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Scaling up to $2.5M+ | Lower profit split (75%) |
| Career‑focused mentorship | Slower payouts |
| Transparent audited model | Strict rules |
| Real‑money execution | Higher entry fees |
| Refunds fees after success | Conservative growth model |
Conclusion
Picking the right prop firm is a combination of profit splits, account sizes, how quickly accounts scale, and refund policies. Some firms make the list because of their reputations and the payouts they provide, including FTMO and FundedNext. Newer firms like E8 Funding and The Funded Trader provide opportunities for rapid growth and flexibility. More established firms like The 5%ers and Lux Trading Firm focus more on sustained growth over time with an emphasis on professional development.
Other firms like SurgeTrader, True Forex Funds, and My Forex Funds include a reminder to assess the credibility of a firm, as no firm is completely without risk. Regulatory challenges could impact operations. OspreyFX has lower profit splits than their peers, but they are still accessible.
Fast growth and high increased profit shares will come with risks, but firms that offer refund policies increase flexibility. Ultimately, it depends on the firm trader’s prop trading career focus is. Will it be short term and rapid growth? Or long-term, sustained growth? The focus on scalability, reliability of payouts, firm stability and your career directly affects the choice of firm.
FAQ
What is a prop firm?
A prop firm (proprietary trading firm) funds traders with company capital instead of their own money. Traders keep a share of profits, usually between 70–90%, while the firm covers losses.
Do all prop firms refund evaluation fees?
No. Only select firms like FundedNext, FTMO, and The Funded Trader refund fees once you pass their challenge. This reduces upfront risk for traders.
Which prop firm offers the highest scaling potential?
The 5%ers stands out with scaling up to $4M. Others like FundedNext and Lux Trading Firm also provide ambitious scaling plans.
What profit splits can traders expect?
Most firms offer between 70–90%. For example, SurgeTrader and FTMO go up to 90%, while OspreyFX caps at 70%.
Are all these firms still active?
Not all. True Forex Funds and My Forex Funds faced shutdowns due to regulatory issues. Active firms like FundedNext, FTMO, and Lux Trading Firm remain reliable options.
