At a glance
- Compare costs over the same number of billing cycles.
- An activation fee changes the break-even calculation.
- A failed evaluation may continue billing unless the subscription terms say otherwise.
When does a one-time fee become cheaper?
For two otherwise identical hypothetical plans, divide the one-time evaluation fee by the monthly evaluation fee. That gives the number of monthly charges at which the basic evaluation spending is equal. A $300 one-time fee and a $100 monthly fee tie after three charges. A fourth monthly charge brings spending to $400.
This is a comparison of charges, not expected profitability. It does not tell you how long you will need, whether you will pass, or whether either program is suitable. Different rules or instruments can make two accounts incomparable even when the account labels match.
A three-route comparison with activation included
The following numbers are invented to demonstrate the calculation. They are not QATS or Topstep prices. Assume one attempt, no discounts, no resets, identical rules and no tax, platform or data charges.
| Route | 1 charge + activation | 2 charges + activation | 3 charges + activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 monthly, no activation | $100 | $200 | $300 |
| $70 monthly + $150 activation | $220 | $290 | $360 |
| $300 one-time, no activation | $300 | $300 | $300 |
The lower monthly entry fee is cheaper before activation. Once a successful account incurs the hypothetical $150 activation charge, the $70 route costs more than the $100 route for the first three charges shown. Keep evaluation-only spending and spending after passing in separate columns.
Write down the entire fee equation
Use monthly total = number of charges × monthly fee + activation + resets + other charges. For the alternative, use one-time total = evaluation fee + activation + resets + other charges. Include activation only in the scenario where the contractual trigger occurs.
With different activation fees, the equality is charges = (one-time fee + one-time activation − monthly activation) ÷ monthly fee, assuming all remaining charges match. Actual charges occur on billing dates, so inspect the whole-number charge counts on either side of that result. A reset that creates a new subscription requires a different model.
Check what actually stops the subscription
Topstep documents its Trading Combine as a recurring subscription and explains that a rule violation does not automatically cancel billing. This illustrates why losing evaluation eligibility and ending a subscription are separate events. Read the cancellation and passing cutoff for the exact product you purchase.1
- What is the next charge date and billing time zone?
- Does cancellation end access immediately or at the end of the cycle?
- Does passing cancel only this account or every subscription?
- Is a reset included, separately charged or tied to a renewal?
- Are activation, data and platform charges payable later?
Apply the comparison to a QATS shortlist
The QATS Crypto selector and TradFi selector display monthly and one-time reference alternatives at the selected nominal size. The lower-entry options add a $149 activation charge after passing. See the worked QATS $100K example for the total after one or two payments.
Use the cost calculator with a clearly stated horizon. Confirm the final price and agreement at QATS. PropFirmMatcher is affiliated with QATS.
Sources & dates
Primary pages accessed on . A source can change after publication. The examples above are not a claim about a program’s current price.
Promoted · QATSCompare QATS monthly and one-time options
Compare QATS monthly and one-time evaluation plans. Standard fees in our reference start at $69 per month.
- One-step evaluation
- 80% profit split
- Monthly or one-time fees
Put this guide to work
Keep monthly and one-time scenarios in the same currency and time horizon.
Model a cost scenario →Follow the compare costs and payouts reading path for the next guide and its context.
Continue your comparison
PropFirmMatcher is affiliated with QATS. This is not an independent rating or a recommendation to purchase an evaluation. Read our methodology.