1-Step vs 2-Step Challenge: Which Prop Firm Challenge Fits You

The 1-step vs 2-step challenge question comes up for almost every trader before buying a prop firm evaluation. Both lead to the same place, a funded account with the same profit split and payout rules. The difference is how you get there: one phase with a 10% target and tighter loss limits, or two phases (10%, then 5%) with more room to lose and a lower price.

This guide compares both challenges at Core Funded rule by rule, shows the price difference, walks through a $100,000 example and helps you decide which one suits your trading.

The short answer

Pick the 1-Step if you want one target and the shortest route to funding, and you trade with small, steady risk. Pick the 2-Step if you want more room for losing days and a lower entry price, and you don't mind passing a second, smaller target.

Neither has a time limit, so speed only depends on you. The real difference is the balance between how many targets you need to hit and how much drawdown you are allowed.

1-Step vs 2-Step at a glance

A qualifying trading day is a day with at least 0.5% net realized profit. The days don't have to be consecutive. The consistency rule is only checked when you request a payout: no single day may make up more than 30% of your total profit.

Profit targets: one step or two

On the 1-Step challenge you need 10% profit on your starting balance, and that is the only target. Once you reach it with at least 3 qualifying days and no rule broken, you move to the funded account.

On the 2-Step challenge you first reach 10% in Phase 1. Your account is then reset to the starting balance and you reach 5% in Phase 2, again measured from the original balance. Each phase needs 3 qualifying days.

In total, the 2-Step asks for 15% across two phases, while the 1-Step asks for 10% once. Only realized profit from closed trades counts toward a target. Profit above the target is not carried over, because each phase starts again from the original balance.

You keep the same account and login when you pass a phase. The balance is reset to the starting balance, and you continue on the same account.

Loss limits: where the 2-Step gives you room

This is where the two challenges differ most.

Max daily loss

The 1-Step allows a 3% daily loss, the 2-Step allows 5%. On both, the daily limit is calculated each day at 00:00 UTC: the higher of balance or equity, minus the fixed percentage of your original balance. It resets every day.

Max total loss

The 1-Step has a 6% max total loss, the 2-Step has 8%. On both, it is a static drawdown: set once from your starting balance, it never moves up with your profits. Open positions count. Fall below the floor and the account is stopped.

On a $100,000 account, that is a floor of $94,000 on the 1-Step and $92,000 on the 2-Step. The 2-Step gives you $2,000 more room in total and $2,000 more room per day.

Price comparison

Both are one-time fees. The 2-Step is cheaper at every size.

New traders can use the code WELCOME for 50% off the first account; the discount code page explains it. The fee is refunded with your fourth payout.

Worked example: $100,000 1-Step vs 2-Step

Let's put both on a $100,000 account.

1-Step (735€)

• Starting balance: $100,000
• Target: $110,000 (10%)
• Static floor: $94,000 (6%)
• Daily limit: $3,000 below the day's reference level
• After 3 qualifying days and the target: funded account

2-Step (495€)

• Phase 1: from $100,000 to $110,000 (10%)
• Phase 2: reset to $100,000, target $105,000 (5%)
• Static floor: $92,000 (8%) in both phases
• Daily limit: $5,000 below the day's reference level
• After both phases, each with 3 qualifying days: funded account

Now imagine a rough start. On day two you lose $3,500 in one session. On the 1-Step, that breaks the 3% daily limit, and the account is stopped. On the 2-Step, you are still $1,500 inside the 5% daily limit and $4,500 above the static floor, so you keep trading.

Turn it around: a trader who rarely loses more than 1% a day may pass the 1-Step faster, because there is only one target and no second phase.

A third option: 2-Step Flex

If daily limits are what worry you, look at the 2-Step Flex. It has the same targets as the 2-Step (10%, then 5%) but no daily loss limit at all, and a 12% static max total loss. It needs 5 qualifying days instead of 3 and comes in sizes from $5,000 to $100,000. A $100,000 Flex costs 745€.

A cheaper start: Pay After Pass

Pay After Pass is a one-step format where you pay 5€ to start. Step 1 has a 3% profit target and an 8% max total loss. You pay the rest of the fee only after you pass. If you don't pass, nothing else is due. The full price matches the regular 1-Step price for that size.

Which one should you choose

Choose the 1-Step if:

• You want one target and no second phase
• Your strategy rarely loses more than 1% to 2% in a day
• You want to be funded after as few qualifying days as possible

Choose the 2-Step if:

• You want more room per day (5%) and in total (8%)
• You prefer a lower entry price
• Your strategy has occasional larger losing days, such as swing trades held overnight or over the weekend

Whichever you pick, the funded account is the same: on-demand payouts in Match-Trader, paid within 24 hours by bank transfer or crypto, an 80% profit split upgradable to 95%, and the scaling plan up to $10,000,000. On the funded account, the minimum days and the 30% consistency rule still apply. The funded account page compares every account type, including instant funding if you would rather skip the challenge.