FundingPips 1-Step vs 2-Step: Which Account is Easier to Pass?

The quick answer: the 2-Step Standard is easier to pass for most traders. Not because it has lower targets overall—it doesn't—but because the drawdown room is nearly double what you get on the 1-Step, and that extra cushion is what keeps you alive long enough to hit the target.

I've traded the 2-Step Standard multiple times on FundingPips. The 1-Step looks faster on paper, but the math tells a different story when you factor in how drawdown limits interact with real-world market volatility.

Tested firsthand: I've traded multiple FundingPips accounts—passed evaluations on 2-Step Standard and Pro, dealt with the funded-stage rule switches, and withdrawn real money through Tuesday Payday. What you're reading comes from live funded trading, not from reading their marketing page.

For the complete breakdown of every FundingPips account type—including how 2-Step Standard, Pro, 1-Step, and Zero differ in drawdown rules, profit splits, and pricing, plus which account size actually makes sense for your trading style—read my full FundingPips accounts overview. It covers all five sizes from $5K to $100K with real cost analysis. For the absolute latest, check FundingPips' website or their FAQ section.

Why 2-Step Standard Is Easier (Despite the Higher Total Target)

More Drawdown Room

The 1-Step gives you 6% max drawdown to hit a 10% target. That's a profit-to-drawdown ratio of 1.67:1. You need to produce $1.67 in profit for every $1 of risk room you have.

The 2-Step Standard gives you 10% max drawdown to hit 8% in Phase 1. That's a ratio of 0.8:1. You need to produce only $0.80 in profit for every $1 of drawdown room. Phase 2 is even easier: 5% target with the same 10% drawdown, giving you a 0.5:1 ratio.

In practical terms: on a $50K 1-Step, you have $3,000 in total drawdown to make $5,000 in profit. On a $50K 2-Step, you have $5,000 in drawdown to make $4,000 in Phase 1. The Standard gives you 67% more drawdown room to hit a target that's 20% lower.

Higher Leverage

The 2-Step Standard offers 1:100 leverage on forex, double the 1-Step's 1:50. Higher leverage means you can take meaningful positions with tighter stops, or maintain the same position size with less margin committed.

This matters practically: on 1:50 leverage, a 1-lot EUR/USD position requires approximately $1,000 in margin. On 1:100, the same position requires $500. On a $50K account, this difference means you can comfortably hold 3-5 positions simultaneously on the Standard but may be margin-constrained with the same setup on the 1-Step.

Lower Daily Loss Limit on 1-Step

The 1-Step's daily loss limit is 4% ($2,000 on a $50K account). The Standard's is 5% ($2,500). That extra $500 daily cushion on the Standard means one bad trade doesn't necessarily end your day. On the 1-Step, a single losing trade of $1,500 puts you at 75% of your daily limit—leaving virtually no room for a second attempt.

Psychological Advantage of Phased Targets

Hitting 8% feels achievable. Hitting 5% after that feels like a formality. Hitting 10% in one shot feels daunting, especially when you're already 6% into it and the drawdown floor starts feeling close.

The 2-Step Standard lets you build confidence through Phase 1 before facing the easier Phase 2. Many traders report that Phase 2 feels like a relaxed trading period because the target is lower and they've already proven they can trade the account.

When 1-Step Actually Makes Sense

Despite the math favoring the 2-Step, some traders genuinely benefit from the 1-Step:

You have a high win rate with large R-multiples. If your trading edge produces winners that are 3x+ your risk and you win 55%+ of trades, the 10% target is achievable before drawdown becomes a concern. Your strategy is aggressive enough to profit quickly and the 6% drawdown is just a formality.

You hate waiting. One phase means one set of targets, one evaluation period, and faster progression to a funded account. If you pass, you could be funded in 1-2 weeks instead of 2-4 weeks.

You've already passed 2-Step evaluations at other firms. If you know your strategy works in prop firm environments and you're confident in your risk management, the 1-Step is a time-saver.

You're running multiple accounts simultaneously. Some traders run a 2-Step and a 1-Step at the same time. If the 1-Step hits quickly, great—instant funded account. If not, the 2-Step is the safety net.

The 2-Step Pro Alternative

Worth mentioning: the 2-Step Pro sits between 1-Step and Standard in difficulty.

Feature2-Step Pro2-Step StandardPhase 1/2 targets6% / 6%8% / 5%Daily loss3%5%Max drawdown6%10%Leverage1:501:100Min trading days1 per phase3 per phaseFee ($50K)$199$289

The Pro has the same tight drawdown as the 1-Step (6%) but split across two phases. The 3% daily loss limit is the tightest of any FundingPips evaluation. The Pro is cheaper, but the risk parameters make it one of the hardest evaluations to pass. I don't recommend the Pro for most traders—the $90 you save over the Standard isn't worth the dramatically tighter drawdown and daily loss limits.

Pass Rate Reality

FundingPips doesn't publish official pass rates, and any numbers you see online are estimates. But based on industry benchmarks and community data, prop firm evaluation pass rates typically range from 5-15% depending on the model.

The 2-Step Standard likely has the highest pass rate among FundingPips models because the drawdown room is most forgiving. The 1-Step likely has a lower pass rate despite the single phase because the 1.67:1 profit-to-drawdown ratio is less forgiving.

The most common failure mode on the 1-Step: traders reach 5-7% profit, then give back 3-4% in a losing streak, then try to recover aggressively and breach the 6% drawdown. On the Standard, that same losing streak would still leave them well above the drawdown floor with time and room to recover.

Strategy Adjustments Between Models

If you choose the 1-Step, adjust your approach:

Reduce position size. With only 6% drawdown, your maximum risk per trade should be 0.5-0.75% of account value. On the Standard, you can afford 1-1.25%.

Take profits earlier. Don't hold for extended runners. The 1-Step requires efficient profit-taking to build the 10% quickly before drawdown erodes your buffer.

Be extremely selective. Only A+ setups. On the Standard, you can afford a few B-grade trades that don't work out. On the 1-Step, every losing trade matters more.

Set a daily loss limit well below the account maximum. On a $50K 1-Step, the 4% daily limit is $2,000. Set your personal limit at $1,000 (2%). This preserves drawdown room for multiple losing days without approaching the hard limit.

If you choose the 2-Step Standard:

Phase 1: Trade normally with 1-1.25% risk per trade. Target the 8% through consistent daily gains of 0.5-1%. You have ample drawdown room, so there's no need to force large positions.

Phase 2: Reduce risk to 0.75-1% per trade. The 5% target is achievable in 1-2 weeks of conservative trading. Don't get aggressive just because the target is lower—Phase 2 is where overconfidence kills accounts.

My Recommendation

For 80% of traders: 2-Step Standard. The drawdown room, leverage, and daily loss limit make it the most survivable evaluation.

For aggressive, proven traders: 1-Step if you want speed and have a documented edge that produces 10%+ monthly returns with controlled drawdowns.

For budget-conscious traders: 2-Step Standard, not Pro. The Pro's $90 savings isn't worth the 6% drawdown and 3% daily limit. The Standard's extra drawdown room is the best $90 you'll ever spend.

For everyone: Start with the 2-Step Standard. If you pass easily and feel the process was too slow, consider the 1-Step for your next account. You can always move to faster evaluations after proving your strategy works in the FundingPips environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the 2-Step has a higher combined target (13%), why is it easier?

Because you never face 13% at once. Phase 1 is 8% with 10% drawdown room. Phase 2 is 5% with a fresh drawdown calculation. Each phase is individually easier than the 1-Step's 10%-against-6%. The phased structure also gives you a psychological reset between stages.

Can I use the same strategy for both 1-Step and 2-Step?

Technically yes, but you should adjust position sizing. On the 1-Step, reduce your risk per trade to 0.5-0.75% to protect the tighter drawdown. On the Standard, you can afford 1-1.25% risk per trade. Same setup, different sizing.

What if I fail Phase 1 of the 2-Step? Do I start over completely?

Yes. If you breach drawdown or violate rules in Phase 1, the evaluation terminates. You need to purchase a new challenge. There's no option to "reset" just Phase 1—you start from scratch with a new account.

Is there a free retry if I fail close to the target?

FundingPips doesn't offer free retries on standard evaluations. You need to purchase a new challenge. Some promotions or loyalty programs may offer discounted retries—check current offers on the FundingPips website or Discord.

Can I have a 1-Step and 2-Step account running simultaneously?

Yes. You can run multiple evaluations simultaneously across different models, as long as your total capital stays under $300K. Some traders use this strategy—running a faster 1-Step alongside a safer 2-Step to maximize their chances of getting funded.

Do the funded-stage rules differ between 1-Step and 2-Step?

The funded (Master) account rules are largely similar across both models: same news restriction (5-minute window), same lot size limits, same inactivity policy. The main difference is in payout options—the 2-Step Standard offers more payout frequency choices. The consistency rule percentages may also vary by model and payout option.

‍