Activation fee: when the no-fee plan is really cheaper
An activation fee is what some firms charge when you pass, to turn on the funded account. 177 of 226 evaluations we track have at least one option with no activation fee.
Why the headline price misleads
A $50 evaluation with a $130 activation fee costs $180 to get funded at the first try; a $150 evaluation with no fee costs $150. On a single try the no-fee plan wins. But most traders need more than one try — and the activation fee is paid once, only when you pass.
The fair comparison
Take a 35% chance to pass: on average about 3 tries.
- Plan with fee: 3 × $50 + $130 = about $273.
- Plan without fee: 3 × $150 = about $429.
The more tries you're likely to need, the better the cheap evaluation with a fee becomes. If you expect to pass at the first try, the no-fee plan is usually cheaper.
Every card shows both numbers: Total to get funded (one try) and Average cost to get funded (counting the tries a trader with no edge needs). Accounts with a free option are in no activation fee.
Monthly activation fees
A few firms charge the activation as a monthly fee for as long as the funded account is open, or let you choose between a one-time and a monthly fee. A monthly fee lowers the cost of getting funded but eats into every payout; we count it in the Funded score.
FAQ
Is the activation fee refundable?
Almost never. Treat it as part of the price of getting funded.
Do I pay the activation fee if I fail?
No. It's charged only when you pass and activate the funded account.
General information, not financial or tax advice. Figures about accounts come from our data and update with it.