DTF
⚔️ Honest Comparison

Day Trader Funding vs Elite Trader Funding

See why traders are switching.

A transparent, side-by-side breakdown of pricing, rules, drawdown, fees, and payouts. No fluff — just facts so you can make the right choice.

Last updated: February 2026 • Pricing verified against elitetraderfunding.com

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature🟢 Day Trader FundingElite Trader Funding
Pricing ModelOne-time feeMonthly subscription
50K Account Cost$249$125/mo (25–40% off sales → ~$84/mo)
100K Account Cost$419$205/mo (→ ~$137/mo on sale)
150K Account Cost$599$280/mo (→ ~$187/mo on sale)
Drawdown TypeEOD (Eval) → Two‑phase Funded (intraday → EOD)Trailing Drawdown (EOD on some plans, Intraday on others)
Daily Loss LimitNone ✅No
Min Trading Days3 days5 days
Data Fees$0 — includedIncluded
Reset Cost$79 / $129 / $169$75 per reset
Payout SpeedSame-day / next business dayBi-weekly payouts
Profit Split80%80/20 (scaling to 90/10)
Evaluation Steps1 step1-step or 2-step evaluation → Funded Account
News TradingAllowedAllowed
Time LimitNoneNone
⚠️

About Elite Trader Funding Pricing — What You'll Actually Pay

Elite Trader Funding runs periodic 25–40% off sales. A 50K account drops from $125/mo to around $84/mo during promotions.

We're showing you both prices because we believe in honesty. Every trader who's shopped around knows these sales exist. Pretending otherwise would be dishonest.

But here's the thing: Even at their typical sale price of ~$84/mo for a 50K account, you'd pay $504 over 6 months vs Day Trader Funding's one-time $249. That's still $255 more — and the gap keeps growing every month.

Where Elite Trader Funding Wins 👏

We believe in honesty. Here's where ETF has genuine advantages:

  • Affordable starting price at $80/mo for 25K account
  • Both 1-step and 2-step evaluation options
  • Some plans offer EOD trailing drawdown

Where Day Trader Funding Wins 🏆

Here's why thousands of traders are switching to DTF:

  • 💰
    One-Time Fee vs Monthly Subscription

    Pay once ($249$599) and trade forever. No recurring charges draining your account while you're still learning. Elite Trader Funding charges $125$280/mo — that adds up fast.

  • 📡
    $0 Data Fees — Forever

    Real-time CME, CBOT, NYMEX & COMEX data included at no charge. Other firms charge $55–$135/mo for the same feeds.

  • 📊
    Two‑Phase Drawdown (Intraday → EOD)

    Funded accounts start with intraday trailing while you clear the buffer, then switch to EOD trailing after it’s cleared — more room for intraday swings. Evaluation uses EOD trailing from the start. Elite Trader Funding offers both EOD and intraday trailing drawdown depending on the plan type. The EOD option typically costs more. Check their current offerings for specifics.

  • 3-Day Minimum — Pass in 3 Days

    No waiting around. Hit your profit target in one session and you're funded. Elite Trader Funding requires a minimum of 5 trading days.

  • 🚫
    No Daily Loss Limit

    One bad session won't end your account. You only need to stay above your trailing drawdown floor — no arbitrary daily caps.

  • 🔄
    Cheapest Resets in the Industry

    Reset your evaluation for just $79 (50K), $129 (100K), or $169 (150K). Most competitors charge more — or force you to re-subscribe for a full month.

  • 💸
    Day-1 payout Eligibility

    Request a payout from your very first day as a funded trader. Same-day or next business day processing. No waiting periods.

Cost Comparison Over 6 Months

Most traders take 2–6 months to pass an evaluation. Here's what each firm costs if you're still evaluating after 6 months — the reality for many traders.

50K Account

Day Trader Funding$249
ETF (list price)$750
ETF (typical sale)$504

You save with DTF (vs sale price)

$255

vs list price: save $501

100K Account

Day Trader Funding$419
ETF (list price)$1,230
ETF (typical sale)$822

You save with DTF (vs sale price)

$403

vs list price: save $811

150K Account

Day Trader Funding$599
ETF (list price)$1,680
ETF (typical sale)$1,122

You save with DTF (vs sale price)

$523

vs list price: save $1,081

* Elite Trader Funding list price = monthly fee × 6 months. Sale price reflects typical 25–40% off discount (periodic sales and promotional codes). Day Trader Funding is a one-time fee with no additional charges.

12-Month Cost Breakdown

Here's the real math: what you'll spend over a full year, including typical resets.

Elite Trader Funding (50K Account)

Monthly subscription × 12$84 × 12 = $1,008
Resets (typical: 2)~$150
Total 12-month cost$1,158

Day Trader Funding (50K Account)

One-time evaluation fee$249
Data fees$0 — included forever
Resets (2 × $79)$158
Total 12-month cost$407

Your 12-month savings with DTF

$751

That's $63/month back in your pocket

💬
Elite's 80/20 split at the start was frustrating. With DTF, I keep 80% from day one.
K

Kevin P.

Switched from ETF after 4 months ($500 spent)

The Bottom Line

Elite Trader Funding is a solid prop firm with affordable starting price at $80/mo for 25k account. If you value affordable starting price at $80/mo for 25k account, ETF could be a reasonable choice.

But here's the math that matters: Elite Trader Funding's monthly subscription means you're paying every month whether you're actively trading or taking a break. At list price ($125/mo), 6 months costs $750 for a 50K account. Even at their typical sale price (~$84/mo), that's still $504 — vs Day Trader Funding's one-time $249.

Add in DTF's two‑phase drawdown (intraday → EOD after buffer), $0 data fees, 3-day minimum, no daily loss limit, and day-1 payout eligibility — and the choice becomes clear.

If you're tired of paying monthly for the privilege of proving yourself, Day Trader Funding lets you pay once and focus on what matters: your trading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elite Trader Funding or DayTrader Funding cheaper?
Elite Trader Funding charges $80–$280/month. DayTrader Funding is $249–$599 one-time. By month 3–4, DTF saves you money on comparable accounts — and the gap grows every month.
Does Elite Trader Funding have EOD drawdown?
Some plans do, but not all. DayTrader Funding includes two‑phase drawdown on every single account (intraday while clearing buffer → EOD after) — no upgrades or special plans needed.
What is Elite Trader Funding's profit split?
Starts at 80/20 and scales to 90/10 with milestones. DayTrader Funding offers an 80/20 profit split — you keep 80% with no hidden fees eating your profits from the start.
Does Elite Trader Funding have a 1-step evaluation?
Yes — they offer both 1-step and 2-step evaluations. DayTrader Funding is always 1-step: hit the profit target, stay above drawdown, get funded.

Ready to Stop Paying Monthly?

Get your funded futures account with a one-time fee. $0 data fees. Two‑phase drawdown: intraday while clearing buffer → EOD after. 3-day minimum. Day-1 payouts.

50K, 100K & 150K accounts available • See full trading rules

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