Looking for a faster way to access funded trading accounts? The One-Step Trading Challenge might be your answer. Compared to traditional multi-step challenges, one-step evaluations are simpler, quicker, and often more accessible. Here's why traders are opting for it:
- Straightforward Rules: Achieve a 9-10% profit target with a 5% maximum drawdown.
- Faster Funding: Skip the lengthy multi-phase evaluations and get funded in as little as 10 days.
- Flexible Trading: Overnight and weekend trading allowed; automated systems supported (except HFT, arbitrage, and Martingale).
- Profit-Sharing: Generous profit splits of 80-90%.
- Cost Options: Entry fees range from $50 (for $5,000 accounts) to $1,100 (for $200,000 accounts).
Quick Comparison: One-Step vs. Multi-Step Challenges
| Aspect | One-Step Challenge | Multi-Step Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Single phase | Multiple phases (2–3) |
| Profit Targets | 10–25% | Lower targets across phases |
| Risk Limits | Fixed drawdown limits | Tightens with each phase |
| Funding Speed | As fast as 10 days | Weeks to months |
| Capital Range | $5,000 – $300,000 | Similar, but slower access |
For traders who value speed, simplicity, and transparency, the One-Step Trading Challenge is a clear winner. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned trader, it offers a structured yet flexible path to funding.
Funded in 1 or 2 Step? Which is Better?
1. One-Step Challenge Structure
The One-Step Challenge is designed to simplify the process of becoming a funded trader. It focuses on three key elements: profit targets, risk management, and trading rules. These are clearly outlined with specific parameters to guide traders.
Participants need to hit a 10% profit target while staying within strict risk limits. These include a maximum drawdown of 5% and a daily drawdown cap of 4% to safeguard accounts. This structure rewards traders who demonstrate skill and discipline.
| Account Level | Initial Cost | Maximum Account Size |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | $50 | $5,000 |
| Advanced | $275 | $25,000 |
| Professional | $550 | $50,000 |
| Superior | $1,100 | $200,000 |
The challenge permits overnight and weekend trading, as well as the use of Expert Advisors (EAs) and automated systems. However, strategies like High-Frequency Trading (HFT), arbitrage, and Martingale are not allowed.
"With transparent rules, Funding Traders offers a straightforward process to pass a 1-step evaluation and get funded" – Funding Traders
Other firms bring their own variations to the challenge. For instance, ThinkCapital sets a 6% maximum drawdown and a 3% daily loss limit. Meanwhile, SpiceProp's "Chilli pepper" challenge offers funding in as few as three profitable trading days, requiring a 12% profit target with withdrawals available after just 14 days.
Traders must adhere to strict position sizing and maintain disciplined risk-to-reward ratios. Many firms also provide flexible or even unlimited evaluation periods, allowing traders to adjust to market conditions.
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2. Multi-Step Challenge Requirements
Multi-step challenges take the evaluation process beyond the simplicity of a one-step challenge by introducing stricter, phased criteria. These challenges involve multiple evaluation stages, each with specific performance metrics and risk limits. Initially, traders may work within more lenient parameters, such as a 10% overall drawdown and a 5% daily limit. However, as they advance through the phases, the requirements become increasingly stringent.
This extended process is particularly tough for scalpers and day traders, as it demands consistent performance over several weeks or even months. Multi-step challenges also enforce discipline through operational rules. Traders must stick to a set risk percentage for each trade and meet a minimum trade count to show consistent market activity. With each phase, these rules tighten, pushing traders to maintain high levels of discipline.
Additional safeguards are in place to control exposure during overnight and weekend positions. While tools like Expert Advisors and technical indicators are allowed, traders must tailor these tools to their own strategies. Copy trading is limited to accounts owned by the trader. Overnight and weekend positions must be managed within strict drawdown limits, typically between 3% and 5%, depending on the program. These added restrictions highlight just how much more complex this process is compared to the simpler one-step approach.
Direct Comparison: Key Differences
When looking at One-Step and Multi-Step trading challenges, several differences stand out, influencing how traders approach these options. These distinctions often shape decisions based on efficiency and success rates.
Here’s a closer look at how timeline and complexity set these two apart. One-step challenges provide a quicker route to funding, with some providers, like Funding Traders, offering no time limits.
Challenge Structures Compared
| Aspect | One-Step Challenge | Multi-Step Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Single evaluation phase | Multiple phases (usually 2–3) |
| Profit Targets | 10–25% (varies by provider) | Lower targets spread across phases |
| Risk Management | Higher initial limits | Restrictions tighten over time |
| Funding Speed | As fast as 10 days | Takes weeks to months |
| Capital Range | $5,000 – $300,000 | Similar ranges but with delayed access |
For example, PipFarm’s one-step program requires traders to hit a 12% profit target with a 6% static or 12% trailing drawdown. FundedNext offers two options: the "Stellar" program with a 10% target and the "Express" program with a more ambitious 25% target.
Risk and Trading Conditions
Risk management differs significantly between the two models. One-step challenges often allow for higher initial drawdowns and simpler profit-to-drawdown ratios. They also offer more flexible trading conditions. However, these features can lead traders to take bigger risks in their quest to meet profit targets quickly. This makes having a solid risk management plan essential.
Some providers strike a balance between speed and caution. For instance, OneUp Trader includes a minimum trading period of 10 days in its one-step program. This ensures traders show consistent performance instead of relying on luck, even in a fast-paced setup.
Accessibility to Funding
Funding accessibility is another major distinction. FTP’s "One-Phase Experienced Trader Program" is a good example of the one-step model. It has a 10% profit target, a 5% maximum daily drawdown, and a 10% overall drawdown limit. This straightforward approach highlights why many traders prefer one-step challenges for quicker and more efficient funding.
Conclusion
The One-Step Trading Challenge has become a popular option for traders looking for a quicker path to funded accounts. With clear performance goals, these challenges balance opportunity with risk management effectively.
Unlike traditional multi-step challenges that require extended time and effort, one-step programs allow skilled traders to showcase their abilities and secure funding faster without compromising the evaluation process. This efficiency gives experienced traders several advantages:
- Better profit-sharing terms that enhance earning potential
- Flexible schedules, allowing traders to make well-timed decisions
- Simplified benchmarks that suit different trading styles
While the initial cost of one-step challenges may be higher, the faster route to funding and increased earning opportunities make it a cost-efficient option. Providers like Funding Traders have designed their platforms with user-friendly rules, educational materials, and advanced tools to support traders in these evaluations.
With clear goals, adaptable conditions, and faster access to funding, the one-step model offers a straightforward way to succeed in the competitive prop trading world. It has become a top choice for traders aiming to advance their careers in today’s market.