SabioTrade and Funding Pips both accept South African traders, but they suit different people. This comparison covers the rules, costs, payouts and platforms that decide which firm is the better fit for you, based on each firm’s published terms as of September 2026.
Quick verdict
Choose SabioTrade if you want education, mentoring and weekly reward requests. Choose Funding Pips if you want a static drawdown, EAs and lower prices.
Side-by-side comparison
| SabioTrade | Funding Pips | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2022 | 2022 |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland | Dubai, UAE |
| Evaluation | 1-Step (10%) | 1-Step, 2-Step (Standard, Pro, Flex), Zero instant |
| Daily loss | 5% of previous day’s close (includes floating) | Varies by program |
| Maximum loss | 6% trailing from highest balance | Static on evaluations |
| Consistency rule | 55% per day and per trade | On on-demand payouts and some funded accounts |
| Time limit | None (one trade every 30 days) | None |
| Cheapest entry | $139 ($20K) | about $29–$36 ($5K) |
| Profit split | 80% ($20K–$50K) or 90% ($100K+) | 60% weekly, 80% bi-weekly, 100% monthly |
| Payout frequency | Every 7 days | Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or on demand |
| Payout speed | Bank transfer or crypto | Processed Tuesdays; often within hours |
| Platforms | Sabio Traderoom (Quadcode) | MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader |
| EAs | Banned (scalping and hedging too) | Allowed (no MT4) |
| Our rating | 4.0 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
Evaluation rules and drawdown
SabioTrade offers 1-Step (10%), with a daily loss of 5% of previous day’s close (includes floating) and a maximum loss of 6% trailing from highest balance. Funding Pips offers 1-Step, 2-Step (Standard, Pro, Flex), Zero instant, with a daily loss of Varies by program and a maximum loss of Static on evaluations.
The biggest practical difference is the drawdown. SabioTrade uses a trailing maximum drawdown that follows your highest balance, while Funding Pips uses a static maximum loss that never moves up with profits. After a winning run, the trailing limit leaves you much less room for a pullback. Read our guide to trailing vs static drawdown for worked examples.
Consistency rules. SabioTrade: 55% per day and per trade. Funding Pips: On on-demand payouts and some funded accounts.
Costs
SabioTrade starts at $139 for $20K, while Funding Pips starts at about $29–$36 for $5K. Fees are charged in USD or EUR, so South Africans should expect a card conversion fee on top. Check whether each firm refunds the fee with your first payout.
Profit split and payouts
| Firm | Profit split | Payout schedule | Speed and methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| SabioTrade | 80% ($20K–$50K) or 90% ($100K+) | Every 7 days | Bank transfer or crypto |
| Funding Pips | 60% weekly, 80% bi-weekly, 100% monthly | Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or on demand | Processed Tuesdays; often within hours |
Look beyond the headline split: payout frequency, withdrawal fees and consistency conditions decide how much you actually receive and when. Both firms pay in USD (or EUR), so South Africans should compare conversion costs across payout methods.
Platforms and strategies
| Firm | Platforms | Expert Advisors (EAs) |
|---|---|---|
| SabioTrade | Sabio Traderoom (Quadcode) | Banned (scalping and hedging too) |
| Funding Pips | MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader | Allowed (no MT4) |
If you already use MetaTrader or run automated strategies, check that your platform and EA are supported before paying for a challenge.
What it costs in rand
At an illustrative rate of R18 per US dollar (check today’s rate and your card’s foreign transaction fee):
| Firm | Cheapest entry | Approx. in rand |
|---|---|---|
| SabioTrade | $139 | about R2,500 |
| Funding Pips | about $29–$36 | about R520–R650 |
Card payments to offshore firms count toward your single discretionary allowance, and payouts arrive in foreign currency that you’ll convert to rand. See how to withdraw prop firm profits in South Africa.
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.
Which should you choose?
Funding Pips is easier to pass thanks to its static drawdown and fewer banned strategies. SabioTrade is the better learning environment.
Visit SabioTrade Read our SabioTrade review
Visit Funding Pips Read our Funding Pips review
SabioTrade vs Funding Pips FAQ
Which is cheaper, SabioTrade or Funding Pips?
SabioTrade starts at $139 for $20K, while Funding Pips starts at about $29–$36 for $5K.
Which has the better profit split?
SabioTrade pays 80% ($20K–$50K) or 90% ($100K+). Funding Pips pays 60% weekly, 80% bi-weekly, 100% monthly.
Which has the easier drawdown rules?
SabioTrade uses a trailing maximum drawdown that follows your highest balance; Funding Pips uses a static maximum loss that never moves up with profits. Static limits are generally easier to manage.
Can South Africans use both SabioTrade and Funding Pips?
Yes. SabioTrade: Yes, via international site. Funding Pips: Yes (confirm at checkout).
Can South Africans use both SabioTrade and Funding Pips?
Yes. Both firms accept South African residents; confirm eligibility at checkout.
How much does it cost in rand?
Entry prices are in foreign currency; at an illustrative R18 per US dollar, SabioTrade starts at about R2,500 and Funding Pips at about R520–R650.