Evaluation vs ExpressPass vs FastTrack Accounts: What Traders Need to Know
Prop firms now offer multiple account types, and most beginners have no clue which one to pick. The names sound flashy—Evaluation, ExpressPass, FastTrack—but the differences actually come down to speed, cost, and how much risk the firm takes on you. Pick the wrong one and you either overpay or get stuck in a long grind.
The Three Account Types Explained
Here’s the blunt version:
- Evaluation — cheapest, but you must pass rules and profit targets
- ExpressPass — skip the test, pay more, get funded immediately
- FastTrack — hybrid option with a tiny evaluation or ultra-fast scaling
Each one fits a different trader personality. Don’t pick based on hype—pick based on how you actually trade.
Evaluation Accounts
These are the standard accounts that 90% of traders start with.
- Lowest cost
- You must pass a profit target
- You must obey all rules
- You must avoid violations like max size breaches
- You may need a minimum number of trading days
Best for:
Traders with discipline, patience, and consistency.
Worst for:
Impatient traders or those who tilt easily.
ExpressPass (Skip-the-Line Accounts)
ExpressPass is simple: you pay extra so you don’t have to pass an evaluation. Firms call them different names, but the idea is the same—you get immediate funded status.
Pros:
- No evaluation
- No profit target to pass
- Instant access to payouts
Cons:
- Much higher cost upfront
- Rules are often tighter
- Some firms reduce first payout amounts
Best for:
Experienced traders who already know they can survive drawdowns and avoid rule violations.
FastTrack Accounts
FastTrack accounts sit between Evaluation and ExpressPass. You still need to prove yourself, but the requirement is tiny—usually a small profit target or a few clean days.
- Very small evaluation goal
- Much faster payouts
- Often fewer days required compared to full evaluations
Some firms treat FastTrack as a hybrid paid performance account with fast scaling, like what you'd see in account scaling.
Best for:
Traders who don't want to grind but still want a quick verification stage.
Cost Comparison
| Account Type | Cost | Speed to Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluation | Cheapest | Slowest |
| FastTrack | Moderate | Fast |
| ExpressPass | Most Expensive | Instant |
The faster the account, the higher the cost. No exceptions.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Evaluation if:
- You want to spend the least money
- You don’t mind rules and patience
- You want long-term scaling potential
Choose FastTrack if:
- You want a short evaluation
- You want payouts sooner
- You can trade consistently without perfection
Choose ExpressPass if:
- You’re already profitable
- You value time over money
- You hate evaluations and drawdown games
Final Takeaway
The account type you choose should match your discipline level and experience—not your ego. Evaluations are cheapest, FastTrack is faster, and ExpressPass is immediate. Pick the option that gives you the best chance of staying consistent and avoiding violations.