How to Get a Prop Firm Account for Free in 2026

Introduction

Prop firm challenge fees typically range from $50 to $500+. That's a real barrier for many traders.

But there are legitimate ways to get started without paying. Here are five methods that actually work.

1. Free Trial Accounts

Several prop firms offer free trials to let you test their platform and rules before committing money.

FundedNext Free Trial

FundedNext provides a free trial account with:

$15,000 simulated capital
Real market conditions
Full platform access
No credit card required

Traders Yard Free Trial

Traders Yard offers a free trial to test their trading conditions with demo capital and the same rules as paid challenges.

2. Competitions and Giveaways

Many firms run regular competitions where winners receive free funded accounts:

Trading Tournaments: Compete on demo accounts for funded account prizes
Social Media Giveaways: Follow prop firms on Twitter, Instagram, and Discord
Referral Contests: Win free accounts by referring other traders

3. Affiliate and Referral Programs

Most prop firms offer referral bonuses. Accumulate enough credits and you can earn a free challenge:

Sign up for a firm's affiliate program
Share your referral link
Earn commission when people sign up
Use credits toward your own challenge

4. Promotional Discounts

While not completely free, promotions can reduce costs significantly:

Seasonal Sales: Black Friday, New Year bring 50%+ off
First-time buyer discounts: 20-30% off for new users
Stacked discounts: Combine multiple codes for maximum savings

5. Fee Refund Programs

Several firms refund your challenge fee after your first profitable payout:

FundedNext: 120% refund on first withdrawal
FTMO: 100% refund when funded
Traders Yard: Check current refund policies

This effectively makes the challenge free if you pass.

The Best Strategy

Start with free trials to practice
Wait for promotional discounts
Choose a firm with fee refunds
Pass the challenge and get refunded

Your net cost can be zero or even positive if you succeed.

Warning: Avoid Scams

Watch out for:

"Instantly funded" accounts with hidden fees
Free accounts requiring financial info
Social media DMs offering free funding

Legitimate opportunities come from official firm channels only.

Conclusion

Getting a free prop firm account is possible through trials, competitions, referrals, discounts, and fee refunds. The smartest approach combines multiple methods to minimize or eliminate your costs.

Ready to start your prop trading journey?

Try TradersYard's Challenge Today