Prop firms now sell evaluations in two ways: a one-time fee per attempt, or a monthly subscription that renews until you pass. Some add an activation fee when you get funded. The right choice depends on how many attempts and months you expect to need.
One-time fee
You pay once per attempt. If you breach, you buy a reset (often discounted) or a new challenge. Best if you expect to pass in one or two attempts and want a fixed cost.
Monthly subscription
You pay each month while the evaluation is active. Many subscriptions include a reset each month, which makes repeated attempts cheaper. Best if you are still refining your process.
Activation fees
Some firms charge a lower evaluation price plus a one-time activation fee when you pass. You pay more only if you succeed — useful if you are confident but want a cheaper entry.
QATS pricing options
QATS Crypto evaluations cost $69 a month for the $10K account with free funded activation, or $49 a month with a one-time $149 activation fee charged only after you pass. Prefer to pay once? The same account is $95 one time.
| Account | Monthly | Monthly + $149 activation | One time | One time + $149 activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10K | $69 | $49 | $95 | $69 |
| $25K | $139 | $99 | $229 | $159 |
| $50K | $195 | $139 | $369 | $249 |
| $100K | $329 | $239 | $629 | $419 |
Resets: the hidden variable
Most traders need more than one attempt. That makes the reset price — and whether resets are included — the biggest driver of total cost. A monthly plan that includes a reset credit every renewal turns a breach into a restart rather than a new purchase.
On QATS monthly plans, every paid renewal adds one free reset. One-time plans can be reset for a discounted price; a $10K Crypto reset on the one-time plan is $75.
Cost example
Suppose you need two months and one reset on a $10K account. Monthly with free activation: 2 × $69 = $138, reset included. One time: $95 plus a reset. Run the same calculation for your own expected attempts before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
01Are prop firm fees refundable?
Some firms refund the evaluation fee with the first payout; others do not. Read the funded-account terms of the specific plan.
02What happens if I stop paying a monthly challenge?
On QATS, if a month is not paid, open positions are closed and trading pauses until you renew; an account left unpaid for 30 days is closed.
Educational content, not investment advice. QATS evaluations and initial funded accounts are simulated; payouts depend on eligibility, verification and the applicable agreement.