The $100,000 account is the most popular size in prop trading: large enough for meaningful payouts, small enough that the fee is manageable. On a $100K account, a 10% target is $10,000 and a typical 5% daily loss limit is $5,000. Here’s how the main $100K options compare.
Our picks at a glance
FTMO, FundedNext, SabioTrade, Topstep. Each firm below accepts South African residents, and we’ve listed the rules that matter most for this use. Firm terms change often, so confirm details on the firm’s site before buying.
What to look for
Price per attempt. $100K challenges cost roughly $500–$600 at forex firms, while futures firms charge monthly.
Dollar loss limits. Translate percentages into dollars: 3% daily is $3,000; 10% maximum is $10,000.
Realistic payouts. A 2% month on $100K at an 80% split pays $1,600 before tax.
The best options in detail
1. FTMO
The $100K 2-Step is listed at €540 and often discounted. You need $10,000 then $5,000 without losing $5,000 in a day or $10,000 overall, with the fee refunded on your first reward.
| $100K price | €540 list |
|---|---|
| Evaluation | 2-Step (10% / 5%) or 1-Step (10%) |
| Maximum loss | 10% static (2-Step); 10% trailing (1-Step) |
| Profit split | 80%, up to 90% via scaling |
Visit FTMO Read our FTMO review
2. FundedNext
The $100K Stellar 2-Step costs $549.99 with an $8,000 first target and a $10,000 static maximum loss. Must be traded on MT4 or MT5 at this size.
| $100K price | $549.99 |
|---|---|
| Evaluation | Stellar 2-Step (8% / 5%), 1-Step (10%), Lite, Instant |
| Maximum loss | 10% static (2-Step); 6% static (1-Step) |
| Profit split | 80%; 90% via scaling; 95% add-on |
Visit FundedNext Read our FundedNext review
3. SabioTrade
SabioTrade’s $100K Advanced plan costs $549 and pays a 90% split. You need $10,000 in one step, but the maximum drawdown is a $6,000 trailing limit.
| $100K price | $549 |
|---|---|
| Evaluation | 1-Step (10%) |
| Maximum loss | 6% trailing from highest balance |
| Profit split | 80% ($20K–$50K) or 90% ($100K+) |
Visit SabioTrade Read our SabioTrade review
4. Topstep
For futures traders, Topstep’s $100K Combine costs $99 per month, with a 90% split once funded.
| $100K price | $99/month |
|---|---|
| Evaluation | Trading Combine (1 step) then Express Funded Account |
| Maximum loss | Trailing Maximum Loss Limit |
| Profit split | 90% |
Visit Topstep Read our Topstep review
What a $100K account can realistically pay
| Monthly return | Profit | Your share at 80% | Your share at 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1% | $1,000 | $800 | $900 |
| 2% | $2,000 | $1,600 | $1,800 |
| 4% | $4,000 | $3,200 | $3,600 |
Payouts are income for SARS; at an illustrative R18 per US dollar, a $1,600 payout is about R28,800 before tax. Use our profit split calculator to model your own numbers.
Trading from South Africa
Forex traders get the most liquidity during the London–New York overlap, roughly 14:00–18:00 SAST in the Northern summer and 15:00–19:00 in winter. US index futures are busiest after the New York cash open at 15:30 or 16:30 SAST. Payouts are income for SARS, usually declared through provisional tax: see prop firm tax in South Africa.
FAQ
How much does a $100K prop firm challenge cost?
Around $540–$550 at FTMO, FundedNext and SabioTrade. Futures firms charge monthly, such as $99 per month for Topstep’s $100K Combine.
How much can I make on a $100K funded account?
A 2% month earns $2,000, or $1,600 at an 80% split, before tax.
What is the daily loss limit on a $100K account?
Usually $5,000 (5%) on two-step challenges, or $3,000 (3%) on many one-step challenges.
Is $100K the best account size to start with?
It balances cost and payout potential, but a smaller account is cheaper for learning a firm’s rules.