All-In Cost Per $100K
True cost is fee plus resets, activation, data, and add-ons minus refunds — not the sticker price.
Sticker fees mislead because most traders need one to two resets before passing. Futures adds exchange data fees monthly; FX adds activation or add-on costs. Refundable fees return only on the first payout, which most accounts never reach. Industry funnel data suggests single-digit payout rates, so expected cost is fee times expected attempts. On $100K, a $499 fee with one $350 reset and $50 data totals $899 before any payout. Budget three attempts or pick a cheaper tier.
Applies to 3 firms • Commercial & Legal • PURCHASE
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Why this rule exists
Sticker fees mislead because most traders need one to two resets before passing. Futures adds exchange data fees monthly; FX adds activation or add-on costs. Refundable fees return only on the first payout, which most accounts never reach. Industry funnel data suggests single-digit payout rates, so expected cost is fee times expected attempts. On $100K, a $499 fee with one $350 reset and $50 data totals $899 before any payout. Budget three attempts or pick a cheaper tier.
How traders get caught
This rule is often buried in FAQ or enforced only at payout review — not on the pricing page. Check the exact firm wording before assuming the headline covers your case.
How to stay safe
Verify the firm terms excerpt, keep evidence logs of your setup, and test edge cases in the simulator before sizing up.
The Formula
How it is calculated
Real Dollar Example
On a $100K challenge at $499 with one reset at $349, $50 activation, and $30 data for one month, total paid is $928. With a first-payout refund of $499, net cost after payout is $429 — but without payout the full $928 is sunk.
Common Traps & Mistakes
Budgeting one fee and quitting after two fails with no reserve.
Buying add-ons that cost more than the expected payout bump.
Ignoring monthly data fees that exceed the challenge discount.
Firms using this rule
Related guides
Keep learning this cluster
Refunds & Chargeback Policy
Fees refund only on narrow paths — first payout or early window — and chargebacks burn the account.
Profit Split Progression
Headline 80–90% splits apply only after conditions — early cycles and add-ons change the math.
Scaling & Max Allocation
Grow 10% cleanly to double size — but total capital across all accounts caps near $300K–$600K.
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