How to Reset a Prop Firm Evaluation: When It Makes Sense
Resetting a prop firm evaluation means paying a fee to restart your challenge from scratch after failing or getting close to violating a rule. It makes sense when you failed due to a single mistake rather than a flawed strategy, and the reset fee is significantly cheaper than buying a new evaluation.
How Resets Work
Most prop firms offer a reset option during the evaluation phase. When you reset, your account balance returns to the starting amount, your trading days counter goes back to zero, and all rule violations are cleared.
Reset fees vary by firm and account size. Expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $200, which is usually 30% to 60% of the original evaluation cost. Some firms include one free reset with their evaluation packages, and a few even offer unlimited resets for a fixed monthly fee.
You typically cannot reset a funded account, only evaluation or challenge phases.
When Resetting Makes Sense
Reset if you were profitable overall but broke a single rule, like exceeding the daily drawdown limit on one bad trade. Your strategy works; you just need tighter discipline.
Reset if you are close to the maximum loss limit with many trading days remaining. Rather than trading scared with a thin buffer, a fresh start gives you a clean slate.
Reset if the reset fee is less than half the cost of a new evaluation. Paying $50 to reset a $200 challenge is a no-brainer if you believe in your approach.
When You Should Not Reset
Do not reset if you failed because of consistent overtrading, revenge trading, or a strategy that does not work. A reset only changes your account balance. It does not change your habits.
Do not reset more than two or three times on the same evaluation. If you keep failing, the accumulated reset fees may exceed the cost of stepping back, practicing on a demo, and returning later.
Track your total spending. Many traders spend $500 to $1,000+ on resets before admitting they need more preparation. That money could fund months of practice on a paper trading account.
Check our prop firm directory to compare reset policies across firms.
Key Takeaways
- Resets restart your evaluation from scratch for a fraction of the original fee
- Only reset when you failed due to a correctable mistake, not a broken strategy
- Track cumulative reset spending to avoid the “sunk cost” trap
- More than two or three resets signals you need more practice, not another attempt
- Some firms offer free resets or unlimited reset subscriptions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reset a funded account? No. Resets are only available during evaluation or challenge phases. Once funded, violating rules typically results in account termination.
How many times can you reset a prop firm evaluation? Most firms allow unlimited resets as long as you pay the fee each time. Some cap resets or offer subscription plans for unlimited resets.
Is resetting better than buying a new evaluation? Usually yes, if the reset costs less. But if the firm is running a promotion where new evaluations are discounted, compare prices before deciding.
Risk Disclaimer: Trading involves substantial risk of loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. See our full risk disclaimer.