Evaluation vs Funded Account
Last updated: October 2026
The evaluation is a paid test to prove you can trade profitably within the firm's rules. The funded account is what you earn by passing — a real account where you keep most of the profits.
How It Works
Evaluation phase: you pay a fee, receive a simulated account with real market data, and must hit a profit target without breaching drawdown or violating rules. Most evaluations last until you hit the target or fail. Funded phase: profit targets are usually removed, some rules relax (TradeDay drops consistency), and you receive real payouts based on your profit split.
Example
Key difference: some firms ADD rules when funded. E8 Markets adds the 35% Best Day Rule only after funding. Always check both evaluation AND funded rules before purchasing, as they can differ significantly. The evaluation proves your skill; the funded account is where you get paid.
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