Prop Firm Refund Policies: When You Actually Get Your Evaluation Fee Back
Prop firm refund policies aren’t complicated — traders just misunderstand them. Some firms refund after your first payout, some refund after passing the evaluation, and some never refund a cent. This page lays out exactly how refunds really work so you aren’t guessing.
The Three Types of Refund Policies
Most prop firms follow one of three refund structures. Once you know which one your firm uses, you’ll know whether you’re getting your money back or not.
1. Refund After First Payout
This is the most common model. You only get your evaluation fee refunded after you generate a real-money payout from a funded account.
- You must pass the evaluation.
- You must get funded.
- You must withdraw profit at least once.
If you pass but blow the funded account before payout, you get nothing.
2. Refund After Passing the Evaluation
Less common, but some firms refund immediately once you pass the challenge. You do not need to hit a payout. This model is usually used by firms trying to attract beginners by lowering perceived risk.
- No payout required.
- Refund comes early.
- Usually tied to slower scaling and stricter rules.
3. No Refunds Ever
Some firms skip the refund marketing entirely. You pay for the evaluation, and that’s the end of the story. These firms usually advertise cheaper accounts or lower monthly fees to compensate.
Why Refund Policies Matter
Refunds change the real cost of trading. A $150 evaluation becomes effectively free if you hit a payout and get refunded. If you fail repeatedly, the fees stack fast.
To understand how fees connect to resets, read daily loss and reset rules so you know what actually triggers another evaluation purchase.
When Refunds Are Typically Denied
Prop firms don’t refund blindly. Refunds get denied for reasons traders ignore until it’s too late.
| Reason | Why Refund Is Denied |
|---|---|
| Rule violation | You never reached the refund-trigger condition |
| Copy trading flagged | Firms won’t refund accounts under investigation |
| Failed verification stage | Passing phase 1 isn’t enough |
| Payout rejected | Refund tied to first successful payout |
If you want to see how firms detect copy-trading patterns, check out the article on trade copier rules.
How Long Refunds Usually Take
Refund timing varies but falls into predictable ranges:
- Instant or same day: rare, usually marketing-driven firms.
- 1–3 business days: most payout-tied refunds.
- 7–14 business days: firms doing manual review or heavy KYC checks.
The Bottom Line
Refunds aren’t a gift — they’re a milestone. You don’t get your fee back unless you perform, follow the rules, and reach the exact point the firm sets as the trigger. Know the refund structure before buying an evaluation so you don’t expect money that isn’t coming.