TL;DR
Pick based on how you trade, not how badly you want to “finish fast.” One-Phase is faster but less forgiving; Two-Phase is the classic smoother runway; Instant Funding is for people who want to skip the evaluation vibe (with different trade-offs).
How it works
- Two-Phase (Two-Step): you pass Phase 1, then Phase 2 (two checkpoints). Longer path to funded, but more drawdown headroom. Ideas if you trade news (more forgiving) or if you like to hold positions (don’t forget the news and weekend add-ons.)
- One-Phase (One-Step): one checkpoint—reach target while respecting limits. Tighter drawdowns, ideal for scalpers who know what they are doing.
- Instant Funding: straight to funded. For seasoned traders who are confident in their consistency and profitability (i.e. no classic two-step grind.)
Common gotchas
- The 40% consistency rule applies everywhere on One-Phase and Two Phase (Challenges + Funded): one monster day doesn’t “speedrun” you, it usually makes the road to rewards longer.
- Consistency rule on Instant Funding accounts is 20%. This means that you need to trade consistently for at least 5 days in order to be eligible for a performance reward.
- If you’re a swing trader, choose the program that matches your holding constraints (news/weekend rules, inactivity, drawdown headroom etc.).
- “Faster program” often means “tighter margins for error” (especially around drawdown and daily limits).
Example
- You trade 1–2 setups/day, steady risk: Two-Phase is usually the calmer fit.
- You’re consistent, risk less than 1% and want one checkpoint: One-Phase.
- You want immediate “funded account-style” access: Instant Funding.