WHAT ‘FUNDED’ TECHNICALLY MEANS
Simulated vs. Live Funded Accounts
A retail prop funded account often remains simulated. Real cash payouts can be based on simulated results, while live market capital may appear only later or not at all.
Read the agreement for the exact account stage. ‘Funded’ describes a commercial program status and does not by itself prove that orders reach a live market.
IN 60 SECONDS
What you will learn.
- 01Simulation and real rewards are separate
A provider can pay real performance rewards from its own resources even when executions take place in simulation. The contract, reward policy and program economics matter; simulation alone neither proves nor disproves payout reliability.
- 02FTMO: simulated capital
FTMO describes evaluation and FTMO Account trading using fictitious or simulated capital. A qualifying share of simulated performance can be paid as a reward. This does not give the trader ownership of the displayed capital.
- 03Topstep: a possible transition
Trading Combine and Express Funded Accounts are simulated. A possible Live Funded Account uses firm capital, with transition subject to the provider assessment. Do not treat a marketing milestone as a guaranteed live allocation.
- 04Ask about every stage
Funded is a program status rather than a sufficient technical description.
Simulation and real rewards are separate
A provider can pay real performance rewards from its own resources even when executions take place in simulation. The contract, reward policy and program economics matter; simulation alone neither proves nor disproves payout reliability.
FTMO: simulated capital
FTMO describes evaluation and FTMO Account trading using fictitious or simulated capital. A qualifying share of simulated performance can be paid as a reward. This does not give the trader ownership of the displayed capital.
Topstep: a possible transition
Trading Combine and Express Funded Accounts are simulated. A possible Live Funded Account uses firm capital, with transition subject to the provider assessment. Do not treat a marketing milestone as a guaranteed live allocation.
Ask about every stage
Funded is a program status rather than a sufficient technical description.
- Is evaluation simulated?
- Is the first funded stage simulated?
- Which entity pays rewards?
- Who decides on a live transition?
- Which other accounts close at transition?
- Which countries are eligible for live trading?
RELATED PROVIDER REVIEWS
Check the exact program.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Evidence behind this guide.
Official provider and help-center pages are linked below. Rules can change after review; reopen the exact program before purchase.