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Prop Firm Renewal Fees: What You Pay After Passing |
Quick Answer: Prop firm renewal fees hit after you pass the evaluation. Most firms charge a monthly or bi-monthly fee to keep your funded account active. In the US, FTMO, Apex, and Topstep have different structures. Some waive fees after a profit split. Others charge flat rates. You need to know the real costs before you commit.
Key Facts for US Traders (2026)
| Market | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| US indices | S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones | NYSE / NASDAQ |
| Regulator | CFTC (futures) / SEC (securities) | Official |
| Prop firm model | Funded evaluations with profit split 70-95% | Vendor terms |
| Verification | Re-checked manually daily at 09:00 UTC | PropFirmDiscountApp |
| Best deal today | Code DISCOUNTAPP — up to 90% off | Verified 09:00 UTC |
Why renewal fees exist and how they stack up
Renewal fees cover platform costs, data feeds, and support. But they also pad the firm's bottom line. FTMO charges a one-time setup fee for new accounts, then a monthly fee of 0-299 USD depending on your plan. Apex charges a flat 80 USD per month for all accounts, but you can get a refund after a profit split. Topstep charges 49 USD per month for its 50K account. That's 588 USD a year just to keep the account alive. For most traders, that's a significant drag on profits. You have to factor this into your breakeven. If you make 1,000 USD a month, you lose 5-8% to fees. That's not trivial. Some firms like The5ers charge no monthly fee, but they take a higher profit split. You pay either way. The question is which structure fits your trading style.
FTMO: the fee structure that makes sense for consistent traders
FTMO's renewal fee is actually a setup fee. You pay 0-299 USD when you pass the challenge, depending on the account size. After that, there's no monthly fee. But if you don't trade for 30 days, you lose the account. That's a hidden cost. If you take a break, you're out. I've seen traders lose funded accounts because they went on vacation. FTMO's model rewards active traders. If you trade daily, the fee is a one-time deal. If you're inconsistent, it's a trap. For a 100K account, the setup fee is 199 USD. That's a good deal compared to Apex's monthly 80 USD. But FTMO has a stricter profit target and a 10% max drawdown. You need to be solid to pass. Once you're in, the fee is minimal. I'd say FTMO is worth it for traders who can pass the challenge within two weeks.
Apex and Topstep: monthly fees that add up quickly
Apex charges 80 USD per month for any account size. That's 960 USD a year. If you have a 50K account and make 500 USD per month, you're giving up 16% of your profit. Topstep charges 49 USD per month for a 50K account. That's 588 USD a year. Both firms offer a refund if you hit a profit split. Apex gives you a refund of the monthly fee after you make your first withdrawal. Topstep does the same after two consecutive profitable months. That's a good incentive, but it only works if you're profitable. If you're not, you're bleeding money. I've seen traders pay 1,000 USD in fees before they made a single dollar. That's not sustainable. You need to have a proven edge before you pay monthly fees. Otherwise, you're just funding the firm.
FundedNext and True Forex Funds: lower fees but higher risk
FundedNext charges a 99 USD setup fee for a 100K account, then no monthly fee if you choose the 'Stellar' plan. But the profit split is only 80% instead of 90%. True Forex Funds charges a 99 USD setup fee and a 25 USD monthly fee for a 50K account. That's 300 USD a year. The catch is their drawdown rules are stricter. FundedNext has a 6% max daily drawdown, which is tight for volatile markets. True Forex Funds has a 10% max drawdown but a 15% profit target. These firms are newer and less established. I've seen payout delays and customer service issues. The5ers is the only one that charges no monthly fee at all, but they take a 25% profit split on the first 10K, then 50% after that. That's a high cost. For US traders, you need to check if these firms accept your state. Some don't take New York or Washington. Always verify before you pay.
How to choose the right fee structure for your trading style
If you trade full-time and make consistent profits, a one-time setup fee like FTMO is best. You pay once and keep the account. If you're part-time and trade a few times a week, Apex's monthly fee might be okay if you can get a refund. But you need to be profitable within the first month. If you're a scalper, Topstep's 49 USD monthly fee is manageable, but their trailing drawdown is brutal. For swing traders, The5ers is the cheapest option, but the profit split hurts. My advice: calculate your average monthly profit and subtract the fee. If the fee eats more than 10% of your profit, it's not worth it. Also, look at the refund policies. Some firms give you a fee refund after the first payout, but only if you meet certain trading volume. That's a hidden condition. Read the fine print. I've seen traders get burned by vague refund terms. Stick with firms that have clear, simple fee structures.
Quick Comparison
| Firm | Setup fee (100K) | Monthly fee | Profit split | Refund policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTMO | 199 USD | 0 | 80-90% | No monthly fee, but account inactive after 30 days |
| Apex | 0 | 80 USD | 90% | Refund after first profit split |
| Topstep | 0 | 49 USD | 80% | Refund after two consecutive profitable months |
| FundedNext | 99 USD | 0 | 80% | No refund, but lower profit split |
| True Forex Funds | 99 USD | 25 USD | 85% | No refund, but lower drawdown |
| The5ers | 0 | 0 | 50-75% | No monthly fee, but high profit split |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay renewal fees if I pass the prop firm challenge?
Yes, most firms charge a monthly or setup fee after you pass. FTMO charges a one-time setup fee, while Apex and Topstep charge monthly. The5ers charges no fee but takes a higher profit split.
Can I get a refund on prop firm renewal fees?
Apex and Topstep refund their monthly fees after you hit a profit split or two consecutive profitable months. FTMO doesn't charge a monthly fee, so there's nothing to refund.
Which prop firm has the lowest renewal fees for US traders?
The5ers has zero monthly fees, but they take up to 50% of your profits. FTMO has a one-time setup fee and no monthly fee, making it the best for long-term traders.
Are renewal fees worth it for a part-time trader?
If you trade a few times a week, a monthly fee like Apex's 80 USD can eat into your profits. Better to choose FTMO or The5ers with no monthly fee, but you need to trade regularly to keep the account active.
What happens if I don't pay the renewal fee?
You lose your funded account. Some firms give a grace period, but most deactivate it immediately. If you want to keep the account, you have to pay on time.
Conclusion
Renewal fees are a reality in prop trading. Don't ignore them. Pick a firm that matches your trading frequency and profit level. FTMO is the best for consistent traders. Apex works if you can get a refund. The5ers is cheap but costs you in profit split. Do the math before you pay. Check the fine print and start with a smaller account to test the waters. Your edge matters more than the fee. Now go pass that challenge.
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Risk warning: Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Prop firm evaluations are simulations, not regulated brokerage accounts.