why are prop firm evaluation fees still so high in 2026

maybe im just salty but i dont get how this model still exists

you pay like $200–$500 just to try to pass an evaluation, and if you fail (which most people do), thats it. money gone. no second chance, no partial refund, nothing

feels like the whole system is built to make money off failed traders rather than actually funding good ones

i recently saw a model where you only pay a tiny amount upfront and the rest after passing, which honestly makes way more sense

why isnt everyone doing this yet?