The5ers 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 The5ers if you want the cheapest entry and a long-term scaling plan. Choose Funding Pips if you want faster payouts, a static drawdown and more platforms.
Side-by-side comparison
| The5ers | Funding Pips | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 | 2022 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | Dubai, UAE |
| Evaluation | High Stakes 2-step (10% / 5%), Growth 1-step (10%), Bootcamp 3-step | 1-Step, 2-Step (Standard, Pro, Flex), Zero instant |
| Daily loss | 5% (High Stakes); 3% (Growth) | Varies by program |
| Maximum loss | 10% (High Stakes); 6% stop-out (Growth) | Static on evaluations |
| Consistency rule | 3 profitable days per step (High Stakes) | On on-demand payouts and some funded accounts |
| Time limit | None | None |
| Cheapest entry | $19 ($2.5K) | about $29–$36 ($5K) |
| Profit split | 80% rising to 100% at $350K (High Stakes) | 60% weekly, 80% bi-weekly, 100% monthly |
| Payout frequency | Every 14 days | Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or on demand |
| Payout speed | 5–8 business days; 3.5% fee on cash methods | Processed Tuesdays; often within hours |
| Platforms | MT5 | MT5, cTrader, Match-Trader |
| EAs | Check current terms | Allowed (no MT4) |
| Our rating | 4.0 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
Evaluation rules and drawdown
The5ers offers High Stakes 2-step (10% / 5%), Growth 1-step (10%), Bootcamp 3-step, with a daily loss of 5% (High Stakes); 3% (Growth) and a maximum loss of 10% (High Stakes); 6% stop-out (Growth). 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.
Both firms use a static maximum loss that never moves up with profits on their main evaluations, so the bigger differences lie elsewhere. Read our guide to trailing vs static drawdown for worked examples.
Consistency rules. The5ers: 3 profitable days per step (High Stakes). Funding Pips: On on-demand payouts and some funded accounts.
Costs
The5ers starts at $19 for $2.5K, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The5ers | 80% rising to 100% at $350K (High Stakes) | Every 14 days | 5–8 business days; 3.5% fee on cash methods |
| 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) |
|---|---|---|
| The5ers | MT5 | Check current terms |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| The5ers | $19 | about R340 |
| 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 pays faster, has no withdrawal fee and offers three platforms. The5ers has the longer history and the better long-term scaling path, but slower, fee-charged payouts in 2026.
Visit The5ers Read our The5ers review
Visit Funding Pips Read our Funding Pips review
The5ers vs Funding Pips FAQ
Which is cheaper, The5ers or Funding Pips?
The5ers starts at $19 for $2.5K, while Funding Pips starts at about $29–$36 for $5K.
Which has the better profit split?
The5ers pays 80% rising to 100% at $350K (High Stakes). Funding Pips pays 60% weekly, 80% bi-weekly, 100% monthly.
Which has the easier drawdown rules?
Both use a static maximum loss that never moves up with profits.
Can South Africans use both The5ers and Funding Pips?
Yes. The5ers: Yes. Funding Pips: Yes (confirm at checkout).
Can South Africans use both The5ers and Funding Pips?
Yes. Both firms accept South African residents; confirm eligibility at checkout.
How much does it cost in rand?
At an illustrative R18 per US dollar, The5ers starts at about R340 and Funding Pips at about R520–R650.