Comparative guide
1-Step vs 2-Step Funding Accounts: Which to Choose?
The big dilemma between speed and security. Discover which evaluation type adapts better to your trading style and maximizes your success chances.
Updated April 13, 2026 | By Agustin Bianciotti - Trader with more than 4 years in the market
📋 Guide Content
Everything you need to know about funding evaluations
📑 Quick Index
⚡ What is a 1-Step Account?
The most direct and fastest model to access trading capital
One-step funding accounts represent the most direct and fastest model to access trading capital. In this format, the trader must overcome a single profit target (generally between 8-12% of initial capital) to immediately qualify for a funded account.
🎯 Single Target
Overcome a single profit target (8-12%) and immediately access funded capital. No intermediate phases or additional waits.
⏱️ Extreme Speed
You can go from evaluation to funded capital in a matter of days or even hours if you achieve the target quickly.
🚀 Immediate Access
Once the evaluation is passed, you can start generating real income immediately without additional waiting periods.
🛡️ What is a 2-Step Account?
The traditional and conservative funding model
Two-phase evaluations represent the traditional and most conservative funding model. In this system, the trader must overcome two consecutive profit targets, generally with the first target being smaller (8-10%) and the second target similar or slightly higher (5-8%) of initial capital.
📈 Progressive Targets
Overcome two consecutive targets (8-10% + 5-8%). Each phase is more manageable and less intimidating than a single large target.
🛡️ Greater Security
Greater margin of error and more generous drawdown. Allows more flexibility in your trading and reduces psychological pressure.
📚 Gradual Learning
The first phase allows you to familiarize yourself with the rules and platform before risking real capital in the second phase.
📊 Detailed Technical Comparison
In-depth analysis of key differences
🎯 Total Profit Target
1 Step: 8-12% in one phase
2 Steps: 8-10% + 5-8% in two phases
🛡️ Maximum Drawdown
1 Step: 6-10% (stricter)
2 Steps: 10-14% (more generous)
⏱️ Minimum trading time
1 Step: 5-10 days
2 Steps: 5-10 days per phase
💰 Average cost ($100K account)
1 Step: $500-700
2 Steps: $350-500
🚀 Time until funded capital
1 Step: Immediate
2 Steps: 2-4 weeks after phase 2
📈 Relative vs Static Drawdown
The most important technical factor in your decision
📊 Drawdown Formula
Static Drawdown (EOD): Daily limit that resets each day. More predictable and safe.
Relative Drawdown (Trailing): Follows your gains upward. More risky but flexible.
Practical example - $100,000 account:
- Static EOD: You lose $2,000 today, tomorrow you have $2,000 margin again
- Relative trailing: If you reach $102,000, your new maximum is $102,000
Advantages of Static Drawdown
- Total risk predictability
- Daily loss recovery
- Ideal for conservative traders
- Less psychological stress
Advantages of Relative Drawdown
- Greater flexibility with gains
- Accompanies your growth
- Potentially more profitable
- Popular in 2-step accounts
🎯 Which to Choose Based on Your Profile?
Find the perfect model for your trading style
🔥 Aggressive Scalper → 1 Step
If you're a trader who operates multiple times a day, looks for quick moves and has a high win rate, one-step funding accounts are ideal for you. Your trading style allows you to reach targets quickly.
🌊 Conservative Swing Trader → 2 Steps
If you prefer to operate with longer timeframes, holding positions for days or weeks, and value consistency over speed, two-phase evaluations are your best option. The greater margin of error will give you flexibility.
📊 Position Trader → 2 Steps
For traders who maintain positions for weeks or even months, two-phase evaluations are practically mandatory. Your style requires time for trades to develop.
🏆 PropScope Recommendation
Our expert selection for each type of trader
🌱 For Beginners
- Bluenox: Fixed drawdown, 1 step, very economical
- Alpha Futures: No trailing, fast payout, good support
- FXIFY Futures: Fixed drawdown, stable platform
🚀 For Intermediates
- Earn2Trade: Education included, 2 steps but solid
- TopOneFutures: 1 step, fast payouts
- Aqua Futures: Fixed drawdown, good reputation
💎 For Advanced
- Phidias: High limits, for consistent traders
- E8 Markets: Multiple options, flexible
- Firms with trailing: If you master risk management
🏆 PropScope Recommendation
If you're looking for 1 step, Alpha Futures is the leading option with end-of-day fixed drawdown.
Next lesson of the free course
Drawdown Types: Static vs Trailing vs EOD →