The Allure of Prop Number One
Prop Number One markets itself as a gateway to professional trading success, offering what appears to be an attractive package: substantial funding up to $200,000, profit splits reaching 85%, and supposedly comprehensive trader support. However, beneath the polished marketing lies a concerning reality that prospective traders need to understand.
Their initial appeal stems from:
- Low entry requirements compared to traditional trading careers
- Promises of rapid account scaling
- Marketing testimonials from “successful” traders
- Emphasis on trader development
- Competitive profit-sharing arrangements
Yet, as this investigation reveals, these promises often mask a system designed to generate profits through trader failure rather than success.
The Evaluation Process: A System Designed for Failure
Cost Structure
Initial Expenses:
- Challenge Entry Fee: $379
- Platform Access: $85/month
- Market Data Fee: $49/month
- “Express” Verification: $119
- Reset Fee After Failure: $329
Hidden Charges:
- Account Maintenance: $39/month
- Trading Tool Access: $45/month
- Statement Processing: $29/request
- Withdrawal Processing: $39/transaction
Trading Requirements
Phase One Criteria:
- 12% profit target in 30 days
- Maximum daily drawdown of 4%
- Overall drawdown limit of 6%
- Minimum 15 trading days
- No weekend holdings
Phase Two Restrictions:
- 8% profit target in 30 days
- Stricter 3% daily drawdown
- 5% maximum overall drawdown
- Minimum 20 trading days
- Complex correlation rules
Success Rate Analysis
Based on collected data:
- Phase One Pass Rate: 3.9%
- Phase Two Pass Rate: 1.6%
- Overall Success Rate: 0.62%
- Average Attempts Before Quitting: 4.2
- Median Investment Lost: $1,895
The Profit Split Lie: Understanding the Reality
Payout Structure Issues
Advertised vs. Actual:
- Marketed: “Up to 85% profit split”
- Initial Split: 45%
- Complex scaling requirements
- Hidden performance metrics
- Additional qualification criteria
Withdrawal Obstacles
- Processing Delays:
- Minimum 40-day initial wait
- Multiple verification stages
- “Security review” delays
- Extended processing times
- Documentation Requirements:
- Extensive identity verification
- Trading journal submissions
- Strategy verification
- Performance reviews
Trading Rules: A Framework for Failure
Risk Management Restrictions
Daily Trading Limitations:
- Position size maximum 2% of account
- Maximum 3 correlated pairs
- No trading during news events
- Mandatory stop-loss placement
Time-Based Constraints:
- Limited trading hours
- Required breaks between trades
- No overnight positions
- Restricted holiday trading
Account Termination Patterns
Common Closure Reasons:
- Technical Violations:
- Minor position size breaches
- Momentary drawdown violations
- Strategy “inconsistencies”
- Platform connectivity issues
- Pattern Violations:
- “Suspicious” trading activity
- Undefined risk management issues
- Trading style “concerns”
- Performance inconsistencies
Customer Support: A Wall of Frustration
Response Time Analysis
Average Wait Times:
- General Queries: 72-96 hours
- Technical Issues: 5-7 business days
- Account Problems: 8-10 business days
- Withdrawal Requests: 15+ business days
Support Quality Issues
- Communication Problems:
- Generic automated responses
- Inconsistent information
- No escalation process
- Missing follow-up
- Resolution Statistics:
- Critical Issues Resolved: 22%
- Average Resolution Time: 19 days
- Customer Satisfaction: 2.1/10
- Successful Escalations: 14%
What Traders Are Really Saying
Online Review Analysis
Platform Ratings (Based on 600+ reviews):
- TrustPilot: 2.3/5 stars
- ForexPeaceArmy: 2.0/5 stars
- Trading Forums: 2.4/5 stars
- Social Media Sentiment: 29% positive
Common Complaints
- Financial Issues:
- Unexpected charges
- Withdrawal rejections
- Account terminations
- Hidden fees
- Operational Problems:
- Platform instability
- Rule inconsistencies
- Poor support
- Technical issues
Comparative Analysis
Industry Comparison:
| Category | Industry Average | Prop Number One | Top Competitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Fee | $299 | $379 | $250 |
| Reset Fee | $250 | $329 | $199 |
| Profit Target | 8% | 12% | 6% |
| Drawdown Limit | 10% | 6% | 8% |
| Support Response | 24hrs | 72hrs | 12hrs |
| Withdrawal Time | 7 days | 40+ days | 3-5 days |
Business Model Analysis
Revenue Generation
Primary Income Sources:
- Evaluation Fees: 55%
- Reset Fees: 25%
- Monthly Charges: 15%
- Other Fees: 5%
Cost Analysis for Traders
Typical Trader Journey:
- Initial Evaluation: $379
- Average Resets (3): $987
- Monthly Fees (4 months): $696
- Additional Charges: $350
- Total Investment: $2,412
Risk Factors and Warning Signs
Major Red Flags
- Operational Concerns:
- High failure rate by design
- Excessive fee structure
- Poor support infrastructure
- Withdrawal complications
- Trading Environment:
- Unrealistic restrictions
- Unclear rules
- Arbitrary enforcement
- Limited flexibility
Alternative Options
Better Choices Available
Reputable Firms Offer:
- Transparent Evaluation:
- Clear criteria
- Reasonable targets
- Fair drawdown limits
- Consistent enforcement
- Support Infrastructure:
- Responsive service
- Clear communication
- Problem resolution
- Trader assistance
Final Verdict: The Truth About Prop Number One
Comprehensive Assessment
Major Issues:
- Business Model:
- Profits primarily from failure
- Low success rate
- Minimal support
- Fee-focused operation
- Trader Experience:
- High costs with low success probability
- Poor support infrastructure
- Withdrawal difficulties
- Unclear rules and expectations
- Industry Standing:
- Below-average transparency
- Above-average fees
- Lower success rates
- Poor reputation
Recommendations
For Prospective Traders:
- Research alternatives with:
- Proven track records
- Transparent operations
- Fair trading conditions
- Responsive support
- If considering Prop Number One:
- Start with minimum investment
- Document everything
- Set strict loss limits
- Have a clear exit strategy
Conclusion
After thorough analysis, Prop Number One appears to operate primarily as a fee-generation mechanism rather than a legitimate prop trading opportunity. The combination of high fees, strict rules, poor support, and withdrawal difficulties suggests a business model designed to profit from trader failure rather than success.
Key Findings:
- Success rates well below industry average
- Excessive and hidden fees
- Unrealistic trading conditions
- Poor support infrastructure
- Problematic withdrawal processes
Final Recommendation: Not Recommended
- High risk of financial loss
- Minimal success probability
- Better alternatives available
- Poor value proposition
Disclaimer: This review is based on extensive research and documented trader experiences. Individual results may vary. Traders are advised to conduct thorough due diligence before choosing any prop trading firm.
The prop trading industry offers legitimate opportunities for skilled traders, but Prop Number One appears to prioritize short-term profit over trader development and success. Prospective traders would be well-advised to explore more established alternatives with proven track records of supporting trader growth and success.
