Three smaller targets. Three chances to prove yourself. Less pressure per phase, more room to learn and build consistency — the most beginner-friendly and risk-averse evaluation model in prop trading.
Three-step programs break the evaluation into three consecutive phases, each with smaller profit targets (typically 6–8%). You must complete all three phases successfully to receive a funded account.
The structure gives firms more data points to evaluate consistency and risk management — and gives you more chances to learn between checkpoints instead of chasing one aggressive target.
Instead of one high-pressure 10% target, you prove yourself gradually. This reduces the chance of blowing up due to one bad stretch and gives you time to adjust your strategy between phases.
Some three-step programs make later phases slightly easier, rewarding consistency and helping traders build momentum and confidence as they progress.
| Firm | Phase targets | Daily DD | Total DD | Min days | Time limit | Entry fee | Profit split | Trustpilot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The5ers Bootcamp Standout premium | 6% / 6% / 6% | 4% | 6% | None | 60 days total | $95+ | Up to 100% | 4.8 | Premium standard. Scale to $4M. |
Maven 3-Step Cheapest | 6% / 6% / 6% | 5% | 10% | 3 / phase | Unlimited | from $17 | Up to 90% | 4.4 | One of the cheapest entries available. |
FXIFY Three Phase | 6% / 6% / 6% | 5% | 10% | None | Unlimited | $59+ | Up to 90% | 4.6 | Flexible add-ons and discount codes regularly available. |
RebelsFunding (4-phase variant) Most accessible | 5% × 4 | 4% | 8% | None | Unlimited | from $29 | Up to 90% | 4.3 | Four mini-phases — extra gradual variant of the three-step idea. |
Pricing approximate as of June 2026. Many firms offer rotating discount codes — always verify on the firm's website before purchasing.
With 9+ years of operation, The5ers Bootcamp is the most established three-step program — designed to identify traders who can generate consistent, moderate returns, exactly the skill set that leads to long-term profitability in funded accounts.
"Reward the trader who can be consistently good — not occasionally brilliant."
| Model | Est. pass rate | Time to funding | Pressure level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Step | ~8–12% | 1–4 weeks | High | Experienced traders |
| Two-Step | ~14–16% | 2–4 months | Moderate | Most traders |
| Three-Step | ~12–18% | 2–3 months | Low per phase | Beginners & risk-averse |
Less than 2 years of experience. Smaller targets give room to learn without blowing the evaluation.
Swing traders, position traders, and anyone using 0.5% or less risk per trade.
Three phases = three feedback loops. Adjust and improve between each checkpoint.
If you reliably make 1–2% per week but struggle with big single targets, this is built for you.
Options like Maven ($17) and RebelsFunding make this the most accessible model financially.
Each phase acts as a checkpoint where you can review performance and refine your approach.
Lower pressure per phase reduces emotional trading and encourages better risk habits.
Many three-step firms provide educational resources, mentoring, or community support.
The structure rewards discipline and consistency over aggressive, high-variance trading.
The most successful funded traders aren't the ones who passed fastest. They're the ones who built habits that survived for years. Three-step evaluations exist to select for exactly that.
Three steps. Lower pressure. More room to grow. The most thoughtful path to funded trading.
9+ years of pedigree, lowest per-phase targets, and $4M scaling.
View detailsFour mini-phases at 5%. Ultra-gradual for first-time challenge takers.
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