How Much Does a 100k Funded Account Cost? | Future Prop Firm Guide

When venturing into the trading world, one of the most attractive opportunities for aspiring traders is securing a funded account from a future prop firm. A common starting point is a $100,000 funded account, which allows traders to leverage significant capital without risking personal funds. But how much does such an opportunity cost, and what factors should traders consider before jumping in?

This article explores the full scope of costs involved in obtaining a 100k funded account from a future prop firm, helping you determine if this exciting trading path aligns with your financial goals.

What is a Funded Account?

• A funded account is essentially capital provided by a proprietary trading firm—known commonly as a “prop firm”—allowing traders to execute trades using the firm’s money instead of their own. Traders manage this capital according to the prop firm’s rules and, in return, share a portion of their profits.
• Using a future prop firm can significantly accelerate your trading career, enabling you to access greater leverage and potential profits without the stress of risking personal capital.

Why Choose a Future Prop Firm?

Future prop firms offer traders numerous benefits, making them increasingly popular:

• Reduced Personal Risk: Traders leverage firm capital, limiting their personal financial exposure.
• Professional Development: Access to education, mentoring, and high-end trading tools enhances trader skills.
• Scalability: Traders have opportunities to scale accounts, sometimes to millions of dollars, based on consistent performance.
• Supportive Community: Firms often foster communities of traders who share strategies and insights, boosting collective success.

For instance, leading firms like Blue Guardian Futures offer funded accounts up to $450,000, tailored specifically for futures traders.

Costs of Obtaining a 100k Funded Account

Before you sign up with any future prop firm, it’s critical to understand all associated costs clearly. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Evaluation Fees (Initial Cost)

Most future prop firms require traders to pass an evaluation or trial to demonstrate their ability to trade responsibly. Evaluation costs typically range from $50 to $200, varying based on the firm and the specific challenge conditions.

Passing the evaluation doesn’t always guarantee immediate funding—there are often conditions regarding profit targets, drawdowns, and trading behavior.

Example: Blue Guardian Futures offers a clear evaluation path with transparent fees, providing traders certainty before starting their funded journey.

2. Monthly Subscription or Platform Fees

Some future prop firms impose monthly platform or membership fees. These fees maintain access to advanced trading platforms, real-time market data, and other premium features.

Typical costs range between $100 and $300 per month, depending on the sophistication and additional services offered by the firm.

However, not all firms charge monthly fees—some absorb these costs within their profit-sharing model.

3. Profit Splits

A crucial factor in determining the real cost (or benefit) of a funded account is the profit split. This is how much of the profits traders keep versus how much the firm retains.

Common profit splits in the industry range from 50% to 90% in favor of the trader. High-quality future prop firms often offer more generous profit splits, rewarding consistent performance and risk management.

Example: At Blue Guardian Futures, traders retain 100% of their first $15,000 earned profits and enjoy a highly competitive 90% profit split thereafter.

4. Risk Management Rules and Drawdown Limits

Though not a direct financial cost, risk management rules significantly impact your profitability. Violating these rules could mean losing access to your funded account. Typical restrictions include:

• Daily or weekly maximum drawdown limits.

• Maximum loss limits on individual trades.

• Mandatory stop-loss use or position-size limits.

Understanding these rules is critical—failure to comply may force you to restart the evaluation process, incurring further costs.

Additional Expenses to Consider

Beyond direct prop firm costs, traders should consider other potential expenses:

Trading Software and Tools

Many prop firms provide comprehensive trading platforms at no extra cost. However, if not included, advanced software packages like NinjaTrader or Sierra Chart can incur additional monthly charges ranging from $20 to several hundred dollars.

Make sure to clarify what’s included in your firm’s offering to avoid unexpected costs.

Education and Mentorship

Continuous learning and development are crucial to long-term success. Though many prop firms provide free resources, premium courses, private mentoring, or specialized educational platforms may require additional investment, ranging from $200 to thousands of dollars for elite mentorship programs.

Comparing Future Prop Firms

Choosing the right future prop firm involves evaluating multiple factors beyond cost alone, such as reputation, community support, payout efficiency, and flexibility in trading conditions. Firms such as FTMO, TopstepTrader, and Maverick Trading all offer distinct features, yet Blue Guardian Futures stands out specifically for futures traders with industry-leading benefits like flexible payouts, no activation fees, and realistic end-of-day drawdown policies.

Why Blue Guardian Futures Stands Out:

• Flexible Trading Conditions: Few restrictions, enabling traders to operate freely.
• Industry-Leading Profit Splits: Generous splits and retention of initial profits.
• Rapid Payouts: Traders request payouts as quickly as every seven days.
• No Time Limits: Unlimited timeframes to achieve your trading goals without rushing.

To learn more about the benefits, visit Blue Guardian Futures.

Making an Informed Decision

Before committing to any future prop firm, ask yourself:

• Can I comfortably afford the evaluation fees?
• Do the potential profits outweigh monthly or platform fees?
• Am I clear on all rules and conditions?
• Does the firm offer support and tools that match my trading style?

Doing your due diligence upfront will help avoid hidden costs and frustrations down the line.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a 100k funded account with a reputable future prop firm can provide substantial opportunities for aspiring traders. By carefully weighing evaluation costs, monthly fees, profit splits, and additional expenses, traders can position themselves for long-term profitability and professional growth.

Blue Guardian Futures exemplifies a future prop firm offering transparent costs, competitive terms, and robust trader support—making it an ideal starting point for traders seeking funded futures accounts.

Ready to start your journey? Explore Blue Guardian Futures funded accounts today.