Prop Firm Discounts Explained: Fixed Fee vs Percentage Off
Not all prop firm discounts are created equal. While traders often focus on the headline number—whether it’s 40% off, 60% off, or more—the structure of the discount itself can affect how much you actually save. Two of the most common discount formats are fixed-fee offers and percentage-off deals. Both can reduce the cost of a trading evaluation, but they work differently and offer different benefits depending on the account type, trader preference, and firm policies.
This guide will break down the differences between fixed-fee and percentage-based discounts, show real-world examples, and help you decide which type of offer gives you the most value for your trading strategy.
Understanding Fixed-Fee Discounts
A fixed-fee discount locks the cost of your evaluation at a set dollar amount, regardless of the original price. For example, a firm may offer a 100K challenge for just $49, even if the standard price is $139 or more. These discounts are typically promoted as “Get This Account for Just $X” offers, and they usually require using a specific promo code or affiliate link.
- Simple to understand: You know exactly what you’ll pay, with no math required.
- Great for larger accounts: The higher the original price, the more you save.
- Often better than low % offers: A flat $50 price may beat a 40% or 50% discount.
Example: A $139 100K Trailing Drawdown account at Day Traders might drop to just $10 with a fixed-fee code like OAVLKOCS.
Understanding Percentage-Based Discounts
These are the most common type of prop firm promotions. A percentage-based discount reduces the total price by a set percentage—like 30%, 50%, or even 70%. Most firms provide these codes during sitewide sales, affiliate promotions, or limited-time seasonal offers. You enter the code at checkout, and the discount is calculated automatically.
- More flexible across account types: You can apply the same code to 25K, 50K, 100K, or 250K plans.
- Good during flash sales: Percentage offers often change weekly and can stack with other promotions.
- Transparent pricing breakdown: You can see the original price, discount, and final amount.
Example: Funded Futures Network regularly offers 50% off their evaluations. A 100K challenge that normally costs $125 drops to $62.50 with no code needed.
Comparing the Two: Which Offers More Value?
Whether fixed-fee or percentage-based discounts are better depends on a few variables:
- Original price: A percentage deal saves more if the base price is high.
- Account size: Fixed fees often offer bigger savings on large accounts.
- Reset and retry policies: Some fixed-fee accounts can’t be reset or refunded.
- Time sensitivity: Percentage deals are usually short-term and expire quickly.
| Firm | Account | Original Price | Discount Type | Final Price | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top One Futures | 100K Straight-to-Funded | $150 | 40% OFF (Code: PRIME) | $90 | $60 |
| Day Traders | 100K Trailing | $139 | Fixed: Just $10 | $10 | $129 |
Why Prop Firms Use Different Discount Structures
Firms often structure discounts to match their business goals:
- Fixed-fee promotions are ideal when a firm wants to increase volume fast or test a new product. They generate buzz and viral sharing.
- Percentage deals allow for more flexible marketing and can be offered through multiple affiliates without price control issues.
For example, Prop Shop Traders sometimes runs free challenge promotions (a kind of extreme fixed-fee discount) to boost exposure during short windows.
Hidden Considerations When Choosing a Discount Type
Traders often make purchase decisions based on price alone—but there are other factors to weigh:
- Refundability: Fixed-fee accounts are often final sale and non-refundable.
- Reset policies: Some firms won’t allow resets on fixed-price evaluations.
- Lifetime access: Percentage codes may apply to lifetime plans or recurring billing, while fixed-fee promos are usually one-time deals.
- Stacking: Most firms don’t allow stacking a fixed price and an additional discount code.
What Traders Prefer (Survey Insights)
In community feedback polls, traders showed a clear pattern:
- Newer traders prefer fixed-fee promos because they reduce upfront risk and make it easier to test an evaluation.
- Experienced traders lean toward percentage deals—especially when scaling across multiple accounts where the relative savings are significant.
- Swing and part-time traders preferred flexible discount codes that didn’t force them to start immediately (as fixed-fee promos often have a start deadline).
Examples of Each Type (Live Offers)
- Day Traders – 90%+ OFF (Fixed fee: $10 Challenge) – Code: OAVLKOCS
- Bright Funded – 65% OFF All Evaluations (Percentage-based)
- Alpine Funded – 70% OFF Trailing Evaluations (Percentage-based)
- The Legends Trading – 50% OFF, No Daily Drawdown (Fixed-fee options vary)
Best Strategy: Match the Discount Type to Your Trading Plan
- Choose Fixed-Fee If: You’re testing a new firm, want to minimize upfront risk, or see a limited-time deal with a deep cut.
- Choose Percentage-Off If: You’re scaling with multiple accounts, prefer flexibility, or want to choose from different plans with one code.
No matter which you choose, always read the fine print, check the reset policy, and confirm your strategy is ready. A good deal only helps if you’re prepared to execute under the rules.
Final Thoughts: Use Verified Links to Avoid Issues
Traders often get burned using expired, unofficial, or misleading discount codes. To protect yourself, always use verified links from trusted partners like Prop Firm Press. Our list of current discounts is updated regularly and vetted for accuracy.
For example, you can visit our Prop Firm Discount Hub anytime to find real-time updates on all active offers from firms like Blue Guardian, Instant Funding, and more.
Takeaway
Both fixed-fee and percentage-based prop firm discounts offer real savings—but the key is knowing which one fits your budget, strategy, and risk profile. Don’t chase the biggest number. Instead, look at the structure, restrictions, and how the deal aligns with your current trading readiness.
The right deal, at the right time, can set you up for long-term funding success. And when you’re ready, be sure to use trusted affiliate links from Prop Firm Press to secure the best offers without the guesswork.