Prop Firms vs Broker Accounts: Costs and Expectations
How evaluations, payouts, and rules differ from trading your own capital at a broker.
14 min read
Introduction
Proprietary trading firms offer funded capital after passing evaluations; retail brokers give direct market access with your own deposit. Neither is ‘easier’ — rules and fee structures differ sharply.
Evaluations and consistency rules
Prop programs often enforce daily loss limits, consistency rules, and minimum trading days. Read the fine print before paying evaluation fees.
When a broker account fits
If you want full control of size, withdrawal timing, and instrument choice, a regulated broker account may be simpler — with your capital at risk from day one.
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