Which Prop Firm Has the Easiest Challenge Rules?

September 10, 2025

If you're looking for a prop firm with beginner-friendly challenge rules, For Traders is a strong contender. It offers a stress-free setup with no time limits, a 9% profit target, and a manageable 5% drawdown. This makes it ideal for traders who prefer flexibility and want to avoid the pressure of deadlines.

Other firms like The 5%ers, Hola Prime, FundedNext, and CQ Pro also provide unique challenge structures, but they cater to different trading styles. For instance, The 5%ers has multiple challenge types with varying profit targets and drawdown rules, while CQ Pro gives traders up to 90 days per phase for a phased evaluation process.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Firm Profit Target Time Limit Max Drawdown Entry Fee Range Profit Split Best For
For Traders 9% Unlimited 5% $46 - $413 15% Beginners seeking no deadlines
The 5%ers 6%-10% None 5% daily cap Varies Up to 80% Structured, flexible challenges
Hola Prime 8%-10% Varies Varies Varies Varies Intermediate traders
FundedNext Varies No overall limit Strict Varies Varies Risk-conscious traders
CQ Pro 10% (Phase 1), 5% (Phase 2) 90 days/phase 10% Varies Varies Swing and long-term traders

For Traders stands out for its simplicity and ease of access, particularly for beginners. If avoiding time pressure and starting with low fees is your priority, it's worth considering.

Why Take Profit Trader Is The Easiest Prop Firm To Pass

1. For Traders

For Traders

For Traders is designed with beginner-friendly rules tailored for U.S. traders. It features low entry requirements and allows participants the freedom of an unlimited timeline. Here’s an overview of the key challenge details:

Profit Target

The profit target is set at 9% across all challenge tiers. This consistent target keeps things straightforward and aligns with standard industry practices.

Maximum Drawdown

Traders must adhere to a 5% maximum drawdown, regardless of the account size. This rule applies uniformly from the $6,000 entry-level plan to the $100,000 tier.

Time Limit

One of the most appealing aspects of For Traders' challenge is the absence of a time limit. This means participants can aim for their profit target at a pace that suits them, without the stress of a ticking clock.

Fee Structure

For Traders offers a straightforward one-time evaluation fee structure:

  • $6,000 account: $46
  • $100,000 account: $413

This pricing is competitive and designed to accommodate a range of traders.

Profit Split

Once traders complete the challenge, they receive a 15% share of profits, with payouts processed every two weeks.

2. The 5%ers

The 5%ers

The 5%ers provides a range of challenge programs, each designed with unique profit targets to cater to different trading styles. These programs have distinct requirements, giving traders the flexibility to choose one that aligns with their preferred approach. Let’s break down the key metrics for The 5%ers, starting with profit targets.

Profit Target

The Bootcamp program challenges traders to achieve a 6% profit target across three phases. The Hyper Growth program simplifies things with a single-phase target of 10%. Meanwhile, the High Stakes program splits its challenge into two phases, requiring traders to hit 8% in the first phase and 5% in the second. This range of targets accommodates traders with varying risk appetites and strategies.

Maximum Drawdown

The 5%ers employs a dual drawdown system. It sets an absolute maximum loss limit based on the initial account balance, along with a daily drawdown cap of 5%. This daily limit is calculated using the higher value between the previous day’s closing equity and balance. By moving away from a trailing drawdown system, The 5%ers has made risk management simpler and positioned itself as a competitive option among firms with similar policies.

Time Limit

One standout feature of The 5%ers is that it doesn’t enforce a strict time limit for completing its challenges. This open-ended timeframe allows traders to execute their strategies at their own pace, free from the stress of meeting deadlines.

Fee Structure

The Hyper Growth program offers tiered evaluation fees based on account size. Traders can pay $260 for a $10,000 account, $450 for a $20,000 account, or $850 for a $40,000 account. This pricing structure makes the program accessible to traders with different budget levels, especially when combined with the flexible timeframes and variety of challenge options.

3. Hola Prime

Hola Prime

Hola Prime provides traders with two challenge formats to choose from: one-step and two-step. The profit targets vary depending on which path you select.

Profit Target

For the One-step Prime Challenge, traders need to achieve a profit target of 10%. Similarly, the 1 Step Pro and Prime Challenge also set the profit target at 10%.

In the 2 Step Pro and Prime Challenge, the profit target is split between two phases: 8% in Phase 1 and 5% in Phase 2.

To give an example, if you’re working with a $25,000 1 Step Pro account, you’ll need to generate $2,500 in profit. For a larger $100,000 2 Step Prime account, the targets are $8,000 in Phase 1 and $5,000 in Phase 2.

This setup offers traders clear goals and the flexibility to choose a challenge that aligns with their trading style.

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4. FundedNext

FundedNext

FundedNext provides a range of challenge models tailored to different trading styles, making it a popular choice for traders looking for flexibility.

Time Limit

One of the standout features of FundedNext is that it doesn't impose an overall time limit for its Stellar 1-Step, Stellar Lite, Stellar 2-Step, and Futures Challenge programs. However, there are minimum trading day requirements: 2 days for the Stellar 1-Step Challenge and 5 days per phase for the Stellar Lite and Stellar 2-Step Challenges.

Important Note: The Evaluation Model was discontinued for new applicants as of March 18, 2025.

This level of flexibility in time constraints allows traders to focus on achieving their goals without unnecessary pressure. Speaking of goals, profit targets come next.

Profit Target

Profit targets vary depending on the challenge model you choose. For the Stellar 1-Step Challenge, traders need to hit a single profit target to transition directly to a funded account. On the other hand, the Stellar 2-Step and Stellar Lite challenges divide the profit requirements into two phases, adding an extra layer of progression.

Maximum Drawdown

To promote disciplined risk management, FundedNext enforces strict drawdown limits. These rules are designed to balance risk control with enough flexibility to accommodate different trading strategies, ensuring traders can operate within safe boundaries while pursuing their objectives.

5. CQ Pro

CQ Pro

CQ Pro stands out by offering a two-phase challenge designed to accommodate both swing traders and those who prefer a more deliberate trading style. Each phase spans 90 days, and traders are required to complete a minimum of just four trading days per phase. This structure provides plenty of breathing room, making it an appealing choice for those who value flexibility in their trading approach.

Time Limit

The challenge is divided into two phases, each lasting 90 days. While traders must complete at least four trading days per phase, the remaining time can be used as they see fit, allowing for a highly adaptable schedule.

Profit Target

The profit targets are straightforward: achieve a 10% profit in Phase 1 and 5% in Phase 2. CQ Pro also offers eight different account sizes, giving traders the freedom to select an option that matches their financial goals and risk appetite.

Maximum Drawdown

The maximum drawdown is capped at 10% across all phases, ensuring traders maintain disciplined risk management.

Phase Trading Period Profit Target Maximum Drawdown Daily Drawdown
Challenge Phase 1 90 Days 10% 10% 5%
Challenge Phase 2 90 Days 5% 10% 5%
Funded Account No Restrictions 0% 10% 5%

Another key feature is the ability to trade during news events, with no restrictions on holding positions over the weekend. CQ Pro emphasizes "Flexibility & Efficiency", enabling traders to act decisively and adapt their strategies to market conditions.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Prop firms offer a variety of benefits and challenges, each tailored to different trading styles and preferences. Here's a breakdown of the key features and considerations for some popular firms, based on their challenge rules and evaluation processes.

For Traders stands out for offering unlimited time to meet a 9% profit target, with entry fees ranging from $46 to $413. While the absence of time pressure is a major plus, the profit split is relatively modest at 15%, which may be less appealing for traders seeking higher earnings.

The 5%ers provides a profit split of up to 80% once funded, along with flexible challenge programs. However, traders must adhere to specific evaluation criteria and risk management rules, making this a suitable option for those who thrive in structured environments.

Hola Prime caters to intermediate traders with a simple evaluation process. It offers multiple account sizes, giving traders flexibility. However, the fee structures and time limits vary, so careful cost evaluation is necessary to determine its value.

FundedNext offers a range of account options with clear profit targets and drawdown limits, emphasizing disciplined risk management. On the downside, its trading day requirements and evaluation criteria may not suit all trading strategies.

CQ Pro features a phased evaluation process that accommodates swing and longer-term traders. It also allows trading during market events and weekends. However, the extended evaluation period might deter those looking for quicker funding opportunities.

Firm Entry Fee Range Profit Target Time Limit Max Drawdown Profit Split Primary Benefit
For Traders $46 - $413 9% Unlimited 5% 15% No time pressure
The 5%ers See details above See details above See details above See details above 80% High profit split
Hola Prime See details above See details above See details above See details above See details above Multiple account sizes
FundedNext See details above See details above See details above See details above See details above Structured challenge
CQ Pro See details above See details above See details above See details above See details above Flexible evaluation process

This comparison provides a quick overview, helping traders identify which firm’s setup aligns best with their trading approach and goals.

Final Thoughts

When comparing the challenge rules across different prop firms, For Traders stands out as a great choice for beginners. Its unlimited time frame to hit a 9% profit target, paired with a manageable 5% maximum drawdown, creates a low-pressure environment that we’ve highlighted throughout this analysis.

This setup offers something for traders at all levels. Beginners can enjoy a stress-free entry with low fees and no rush to meet deadlines, plus access to a 12+ video trading course at no extra cost. For intermediate traders, the structure allows for a steady, calculated approach, complete with bi-weekly payouts once funded and the freedom to refine strategies without worrying about time limits.

Advanced traders might lean toward challenges with faster funding and higher profit shares, but For Traders provides a reliable option for those favoring consistent, low-risk trading that builds steady returns over time.

In short, if your main focus is passing a prop firm challenge without the added stress of tight deadlines, For Traders is one of the easiest and most flexible options out there. While the profit share may be lower, the reduced stress and freedom from time constraints make it a solid choice.

FAQs

Why is 'For Traders' a great choice for beginner traders?

'For Traders' is a great choice for beginners, thanks to its easy-to-follow challenge rules that are tailored to set new traders up for success. The platform includes lower profit targets, flexible time limits, and realistic drawdown limits. These features create a less stressful environment for meeting trading goals.

On top of that, the platform offers helpful resources like educational tools and demo accounts. These tools give beginners the chance to practice and improve their skills without taking on financial risks, allowing them to gain confidence and develop into capable traders at their own speed.

What are the benefits of no time limits in 'For Traders' challenges?

The lack of time limits in For Traders challenges provides a big advantage for participants. Without the pressure of deadlines, traders can concentrate on making well-thought-out decisions and fine-tuning their strategies without feeling rushed.

This open-ended approach allows traders to adjust to changing market conditions, patiently wait for the right opportunities, and steer clear of hasty or emotional trades. By easing the time-related stress, it builds confidence and encourages steady improvement in both trading skills and overall performance.

What should traders consider when choosing a prop firm challenge with a lower profit split like 'For Traders'?

When picking a prop firm challenge with a lower profit split, it’s important to weigh a few key factors to make sure it fits your trading goals. Start by looking into the profit split structure. Firms offering smaller splits often balance this with easier challenge rules or lower risk thresholds, which can be a good starting point for beginners.

Next, take a close look at the firm's challenge requirements - things like profit targets, time limits, and drawdown rules. Firms with more relaxed rules can offer greater flexibility, making it less stressful to meet their evaluation criteria. Finally, don't overlook the total cost of participation. This includes entry fees and any hidden costs that could eat into your earnings.

By carefully considering these aspects, traders can choose a challenge that aligns with their skills and strategy while boosting their chances of passing.

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